Have a guess what type of glamping is available at Just One Bell Tent and we think you’ll have it nailed. There is indeed just one bell tent at The Hoppickers Retreat in rural Worcestershire, and while you’ll be the only under-canvas glampers if you book the place, you won’t find yourself completely alone. Firstly, there’s Chubby and Shanty the horses whose paddock your tent looks over. Then there’s the wildlife — muntjac deer, hedgehogs, badgers and pheasants — whose habitat surrounds. Finally, there are the other guests at Hoppickers Retreat: the residents of the handful of holiday cottages and cabins which have already earned the site and its owners glowing reviews and a Visit England 4-star Gold Award.
With that in mind, it’s fair to say that the family behind this place know what they are doing when it comes to hospitality. Their attention to detail makes a real difference here. It’s more than likely that it’ll be the owners’ daughter, Rebecca, who you’ll see on site. The beautifully-made up bell tent was all her idea. She’s found a spot in a field on this former hop and cherry farm that offers plenty of privacy and space from other guests. Here, she’s pitched a five-metre bell tent and kitted it out in style.
This place is just for grown ups and there’s a grown-up feel about it with a proper king-sized bed made up with stylish linen and sheepskins on the floor. There’s a log burner inside, a fire pit and barbecue outside along with a cute horsebox kitchen which offers sheltered campsite cooking on a gas powered camping stove. There’s a handy porta-potty nearby for night-time dashes to the loo but a proper shower room, flushing toilet and equipped kitchenette are available under a solid roof in a nearby former stable that also houses a warm and well-equipped games room.
The location in the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is perfect for anyone whose idea of a holiday involves fresh air and long walks to local pubs serving good food. The site has negotiated discounts for guests at two country inns, both a three-mile walk away. For a longer trip head for the hills and as you hike the six miles it takes to get you there you’ll cross just a single road. This is really rural Worcestershire and that’s the special thing about it — perfect for a peaceful retreat in countryside that’s equidistant from Malvern and Worcester.
This is luxurious Glamping with a fully furnished 5m bell tent set apart in a private area. Heated Outdoor Pool, Tennis Court and Quirky Games Room. A log burning stove to keep you warm on chilly summer nights. A converted horse box kitchen for all your cooking needs. Gas BBQ and fire pit patio. A short walk to an indoor heated toilet and shower with a kitchenette. A convenient flushing chemical loo in its own separate tent to use at night. Views across a horse paddock with 2 horses grazing. A perfect base to explore the rural Worcestershire countryside.On site there's plenty of wildlife to look out for and farm animals, including horses and free-range chickens to meet. Walking from the doorstep is easy with green lanes and miles of footpaths accessible from site. Experienced walkers might want to get out the map and navigate cross-country all the way to the Malvern Hills (about six miles away). The site is about seven miles from the town of Malvern where you can go on the Morgan Motors Factory Tour (01684 573104). It's a similar distance to the riverside city of Worcester where you can enjoy riverside strolls and, perhaps, a visit to Worcester Cathedral.
