Amber's Bell Tent Camping at Bells …

When Bells Farm Shop first opened in the 1950s they were seen as pioneers of this new fangled 'pick your own' thing. Nowadays it may seem old hat but, with some 40 acres of fruit and vegetables and over 200 different varieties, they remain perhaps the most diversely stocked farm shop in the country. Polytunnels packed with strawberries, manicured orchards, rows of potatoes and runner beans lined out like vineyards; it’s quite the agricultural scene. On a small hill amongst it all a small collection of bell tents have also taken root. You can also take your pick from these.

Set in a six-acre meadow, with westerly views across the Severn Valley that makes for divine sunsets, there are just six bell tents in total, with a picnic table and campfire pit beside each and masses of space beyond to roam free range. They form one of multiple glamping sites across the country, set up by Amber Wykes at a range of farms and country estates. All have similarly plush-style bell tents, with interiors that feature a real double bed, wood-burning stove and a box of cookwares that help you whip up a storm with your freshly picked vegetables. You can also pre-order food hampers from the farm shop ready for your arrival.

When it comes to scrubbing up, brand new, purpose-built bathrooms have been built in a wooden building on the field, with a washing up station outside. There’s an honesty shop and wood store, so you can keep you marshmallows toasting whatever the time of the day, while, in the tents, you’ll also find educational packs for farm enthusiasts who want to know a bit more about what is grown nearby and the nature that supports it (tours are also available on request).

Down by the shop, there are pedal go karts and miniature tractors for the kids but for something more realistic (and with better scenery) it’s a 15 minute drive to the village of Bewdley where steam trains puff their way along the Severn Valley line to Kidderminster or Bridgnorth. First opened in 1862, the line is a relic of the region’s great industrial heritage and makes just one of many historical sights in the area: The ruined Italianate mansion of Witely Court, National Trust-owned Hanbury Hall and moated Harvington Hall are all within a 20-minute drive, while it’s less than half an hour into the centre of Worcester. Vast Wyre Forest, meanwhile, is a mere 15 minutes by car, with endless family trails on which to stretch little legs.

Return to camp via the award-winning butcher’s in the farm shop and rekindle the campfire. Each pit has a grill you can use to turn your campfire into a proper flame-grilling barbecue and there’s plenty of free range produce you can use to build the ultimate outdoor feast. With a Worcester Oldfields cider in hand (and Bells’ own apple juice for the kids), you’ll feel like a true local.