Overview

Located in a peaceful setting at the end of a no through road in rural Worcestershire. Superb facilities include an outdoor swimming pool (mid may to mid Sep), a characterful retro Games room, tennis court and woodland walk. The Barn, Cabin and Shepherd’s Hut all have private jacuzzi style hot tubs and the bell tent is set in a fenced enclosure at the top of the field within the 9 acre small holding. Just 10 minutes from J7 of the M5 within easy access of Birmingham, Manchester and London. Plenty to do within the unspoilt counties of Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

Activities

The Cowshed, known as the Games Room, offers an excellent retreat for those English rainy days. It boasts a selection of activities including table tennis, darts, Scalextric, retro pinball, and bar billiards. A recent addition is a cosy relaxation corner, outfitted with a leather sofa, smart TV, Wii, and a variety of board games. This area is made even more inviting with a large wood burner and a supply of logs to ensure warmth and comfort. Furthermore, the inclusion of a kitchenette and WC has transformed this space into an ideal spot for movie nights or engaging games evenings.

Adjacent to the Cowshed, guests can enjoy the heated outdoor swimming pool, operational from the end of May to early September. The pool is maintained at a pleasant 82 degrees, and the pool house is stocked with sun loungers and chairs. Guests are reminded to bring their own swimming towels and are encouraged to check for available time slots or arrange a fair usage agreement with other guests.

The property also features a tennis court, perfect for recreational tennis, particularly during the summer months and around Wimbledon. Guests who may have forgotten their racquets and tennis balls are welcome to borrow some.

For nature enthusiasts, there’s a woodland walk that meanders through the trees leading up to a wildlife hide and the old oast ponds. The path is lined with cherry, hazelnut, walnut, and apple trees, from which guests are invited to pick their own fruits. The wildlife hide offers a view of the pond and an active badger sett, providing an opportunity to spot the resident badgers at dusk. Additionally, a spacious paddock with a goalie’s net is available upon request, offering ample space for exploration and enjoying the local wildlife.

For those interested in foraging, the property is home to various fruit trees, herbs, horseradish, blackberries, and damsons. Guests are encouraged to ask Louise for the best places and times to pick these natural delights.

Food

Guests receive a welcome basket with local bread, farm-fresh eggs, milk, apple juice, chocolate brownies, and marmalade. A new takeaway food service is provided in partnership with The Fox and Hounds at Lulsley, allowing guests to enjoy a freshly prepared pub meal delivered right to their door. The takeaway menu and wine list are included in the welcome pack. Guests can place their order over the phone, with a small delivery charge and minimum spend. A cosy night in with a tasty takeaway and smart TV awaits, perfect after exploring Worcestershire’s beautiful countryside.

Accommodation

Hop Pickers Barn is a charming self-catering accommodation that sleeps up to five people and is pet-friendly. It has won awards and boasts many original features. The living area is spacious and open-plan, complete with a well-equipped kitchen and extendable dining table.

Hop Pickers Cabin is an award-winning log cabin for four people and dogs. It has a hot tub on the balcony and sits in a peaceful corner of our 9-acre rural smallholding. The cabin has two bedrooms, a family shower room, and a spacious open-plan living area with a Charles Rennie Mackintosh kitchen. Enjoy the solid wood dining table, leather sofas, and the Scandinavian log burner.

Just One Bell Tent provides a tranquil environment for guests, featuring a canvas bell tent on a wooden deck. The tent has a king-size bed, wooden storage chests, Lloyd loom chairs, and a wood burner. A converted Rice Trailer is available for cooking, and an outdoor BBQ is provided. Guests can use “The Cowshed” games room for shared kitchenette and shower facilities. A flushing porta potty is provided for nighttime use. The Bell Tent Season runs from May through September. For those travelling with a young child, an extra camp bed and linen can be provided for an additional fee of £25.

Nearby

Worcester Cathedral offers a splendid free activity option where visitors can either explore the cathedral on their own or opt for a tour led by an experienced guide. The Tower Tour is particularly recommended from March to October, offering breathtaking views across Worcester, towards Powick, and the historic site of Cromwell’s Battle.

For those with a keen interest in organic and eco-friendly pursuits, The Fold in Bransford presents an array of engaging workshops, monthly farmers’ markets, a delightful café, unique shops, and several festivals throughout the year.

The region is also home to numerous National Trust and English Heritage sites within easy reach of Hop Pickers, such as Brockhampton Court, Croome, and Great Witley. Notably, Leigh Court Barn, situated less than 2 miles away, stands as the largest cruck barn in Europe, showcasing just a few of the many accessible properties.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, with highlights including go-karting, the Severn Valley Railway, golf (ranging from serious play to pitch and putt), West Midlands Safari Park, and, naturally, cricket and rugby matches in Worcester.

Summary

Hop Pickers is a peaceful retreat located at the end of a tranquil road. It’s an ideal base for exploring the unspoiled beauty of Worcestershire and Herefordshire. Previously a cherry and hop farm, it’s close to the river Teme between The Malvern Hills and Worcester. Enjoy the breathtaking countryside, tranquillity, wildlife, walkable pubs, and local history.