What’s the vineyard like? The two huts are nestled within our peaceful 5 acre vineyard. Little development has taken place to ensure the natural beauty of our hedgerows, woodland and vineyard. This means that there are no paved paths to the huts. During times of persistent rainfall, the paths may become muddy, and wellies will be needed. Please also note that there is limited lighting during the evenings to protect wildlife. The vineyard is a car-free zone.
When you stay in our huts we will avoid any noisy and smelly work that is part of managing our vines. However, very occasionally using our tractors will be unavoidable at weekends. We will always inform you if that has to happen. And at harvest time [between September and mid November] we may have to pick grapes with the help of our lovely volunteers at short notice - we'll let you know and you will be welcome to join in!
Whats included in the hire charge? Obviously you have your hut with towels and bed linen and all utilities. There will be a bottle of wine waiting for you in the fridge. During our Summer season [Easter to mid October] you can join our award winning public vineyard tour and tasting that takes places on Saturdays at 3 pm. Out of season you can have your own tour with the occupants of the other hut. If you choose not to join a tour, we will provide two bottles of wine instead
Can I bring my dog? Unfortunately, we do not allow dogs [or any other kind of pet] to stay in our huts.
Is there room for a travel cot? Our huts are intended for use by two adults only. Children are not allowed.
What is accessibility like for those with mobilty issues? We are a working farm and the vineyard is on the otherside of our wooded valley, and all paths are uneven and not paved in places, making it unsuitable for people with limited mobility or requiring wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The huts have 3 large steps upto the door, without any hand rails.
How long can I stay? Our huts are available to rent for 2 or 3 nights between Friday and Monday only. This is to allow us to do essential vineyard work during the week.
Is there Wi-Fi and a good mobile signal in the hut? There is no Wi-fi access in our shepherd huts, but we do have free access in our Tasting Room just 5 minutes away. There is some mobile signal in the vineyard but its quality depends on your provider. There is no TV.
What are the bathroom facilities like? Each hut has its own fully fitted bathroom with walk-in shower, sink, heated towel rail and a composting toilet. Guests do not need to do anything ‘special’ to use the toilet – all we ask is that you do not dispose of anything other than the provided eco toilet paper. Any other ‘items’ should be placed in the provided bin.
What cooking facilities are provided? Each hut has a two-plate electric hob with two saucepans and frying pan. Salt & pepper, plus cooking oil are provided. There is also a toaster and kettle. In the outdoor seating area there is a fire pit and a charcoal BBQ for visitors' use.
Where are the nearest…? The nearest pub is the Hampstall Inn which is a 10 minute walk down the hill next to the River Severn. There are other pubs just a short drive away – see our Explore page for details. The nearest convenience store & post office is the Co-op in Areley Kings [6 minutes’ drive]. We also recommend Broomfields Farm Shop [10 minutes’ drive]. The nearest petrol station and large supermarket is in Stourport-on-Severn [10 mins drive]. Worcester is 20 minutes away.
How do I get to you? If you’re planning to drive, we are less than 20 minutes from either J5 or J6 of the M5. We have an accurate Location Pin on Google Maps. We have our own large and secure car park next to our Tasting Room, just 5 minutes’ walk from the huts. If you plan to travel by train, there are several stations within 20 minutes’ drive - Kidderminster, Droitwich and Worcester. Taxis can be booked to pick you up from any of these stations. Sadly, we wouldn’t recommend using the local bus service due to unreliability.
Do we have to clean when we leave? We ask that the huts be left clean and tidy, as you found them. Washing up is done, and the bins are emptied into the relevant waste or recycling bin. The sink and fridge are to be left clean and empty.
What extras should we bring?
- Food: If you do not intend to do a food run as soon as you arrive, it might be a good idea to bring your first meal or book at table at a local pub. We do provide salt & pepper and a bottle of olive oil
- We provide bed linen, towels, tea towels, kitchen roll & cloth, and washing up liquid in the kitchen.
- Toiletries: We provide hand soap made by Pelegrim, but you might have a favourite shampoo and conditioner you want to bring along. We provide a hairdryer in each hut.
- Clothes: Even during the summer the evenings can get chilly, so bring along some warm clothes that can be layered if needed. Socks, warm nightclothes, waterproofs and a pair of walking boots or wellies are always useful (or sandals if it is warm). A backpack to hold essentials such as water bottles might also be useful .
- Health & Safety: Remember to bring any prescribed medication, and suntan lotion if good weather is forecast. We provide a torch if you plan to go out in the evenings as the site has limited lighting to protect the wildlife.
Can we pitch up a tent up for additional guests? We regret that we do not allow other tents on site.
Do you have personnel onsite? The family home is on the estate so if you need emergency assistance, we can be reached by phone.
What if it's raining? There's so much to do in our little bit of Worcestershire - explore the beautiful city of Worcester with it's glorious cathedral, historic buildings and independent shops and cafes; go for a ride on a steam train from nearby Bewdley to Bridgnorth. Or snuggle down in your hut, read, relax and drink wine! Rain doesn't stop country folk!
