Hollings Hill farm, Cradley, Malvern, Herefordshire.

The farm and surroundings

Hollings Hill farm is a working dairy farm of about 300 acres. Set at the foot of the Malvern Hills situated east of Hereford, west of Malvern and north of the historic town of Ledbury, the Hollings Hill farmhouse is of a late 17th century Georgian style. It is believed to have been built for a Reverend Hollings.

From the farm you have a magnificent view of the Malvern Hills. These hills are a range of ancient rocks made up of a complex assemblage of crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks (granite) of pre-Cambrian age (at least 650 million years old). Muchof the drama and beauty of the MalvernHills is due to the way they dramatically rise out of this landscape. Another featureof the Hills are the many (c. 88) springs and fountains which flow from outletsall around them. Of particular note are St. Ann's Well and Holy Well. The entire length of the Hills are open to the public and arecriss-crossed with about 160 km (100 miles) of bridleways and footpaths.

Hollings Hill farm is part of the Duchy estate

Hollings Hill farm in Cradley is part of the Duchy estate. This estate was created in 1337 by Edward III. The Duchy of Cornwall is a well managed private estate which funds the public, charitable and private activities of The Prince of Wales and his family. The Duchy consists of around 54,850 hectares of land in 20 counties, mostly in the South West of England. Conservation is particularly important and the Duchy encourages its farming tenants to pursue practical conservation measures along side commercial farming. The estate invests considerably in environmental projects.

The farming at Hollings Hill farm

Hollings Hill farm is a dairy farm that keeps 250 dairy cows and 100 calves, mainly British Friesians on 300 acres. We run a year round breeding programme so there are always several new born calves on the farm. We also grow maize, potatoes, wheat and have an apple orchard.
Around the farm there are walnut trees (producing the biggest walnuts you’ve ever seen!) and pear trees. It’s a fantastic site for mushrooms in autumn.

Pets allowed

Pets are welcome on Hollings Hill farm, but please keep them under close control near livestock.

Your horse or pony is welcome

You can bring your horse or pony with you to Hollings Hill farm. There is good accommodation to stable them available for £ 12.00 per night. Please indicate at the time of booking.

The location of the Feather Down tents

The tents are beautifully sited near the old farm orchard, with unlimited views over rolling countryside and the Malvern Hills. Perfectly placed to enjoy a locally produced ‘scrumpy’ cider and perry.

The Hollings Hill farm family

The Knowles family, Austin & Fay and our children Grace (4), Alice (3) and George (15 months), started farming on Hollings Hill 9 years ago. Previously, Austin lived and worked on his parents' farm near Bath. Members of the extended Knowles-family are; collie sheepdog ‘Pogo’ and 2 traditional working Labradors ‘Fig and Nutty’, who differ from normal labradors as their noses are longer.

Special on Hollings Hill farm

On the farm is an ancient ‘Oast house’ – used for drying hops many years ago. Hops are used in beer making. This area is one of two in the UK where hops have been traditionally grown – the other area is Kent. You can buy dried hop ‘bines’ locally.

Great for covering exterior pipes or when dried, an ornamental decoration for the kitchen.
EXTRA IN 2010

• Slow food - Farmers Soup/Stew Pot
Farmers Soup or Stew from the Open Fire - £27.50 (soup) / £32.50 (stew)

Not only is it delicious but it’s also a great stress buster... Slooow Food at Feather Down is the real thing with real ingredients, great taste and unexpected flavours that you just couldn’t capture at home. You will receive all the ingredients, including fire wood, the recipe and cooking utensils to prepare a delicious Farmers Soup or Stew at your tent enough for four people.

• Smoke Barrel hire arrangement - £39.50

You will receive all the ingredients, including fire wood, the recipe, instructions and a smoke barrel, to smoke your own fish or chicken at your tent for four people.

• Private Chicken Coops

a great opportunity for the kids (and you) to feed and take care of the chickens, which is both educational and fun. In return the chickens (if they are willing!) will leave some eggs for you. You can rent a private Chicken Coop for £10 per weekend/midweek break and £15 per full week. The Private Chicken Coop needs to be booked at time of reservation.

• Feather Down Wellness Spa/Bath facility

A unique experience in Wellness; a pure and revitalising way of bringing you down from your ‘always on’ urban life-style. Do-it-yourself invigorating goodness in the middle of a field breathing in the fresh British air, listening to the twitter of the birds. A once in a life-time treat.

The Feather Down Field Spa experience consists of hot and cold showers, a sauna and a huge warm water field tub and costs £ 97.50 (for a maximum of six persons) per part day (morning/afternoon or afternoon/evening). Extra persons; £ 10 each, per part day.

This Field Spa arrangement is best booked at reservation as availablity is limited.

• Pony rides (can be arranged locally)

• Camp fire facilities (wood provided)
Gather your friends and family together for an evening beside the camp fire telling stories and toasting marshmallows! Available on most farms.

• Group bookings a speciality
Why not rent all of the tents on a farm and have the whole place to yourself for a private getaway.

• Private walk/exclusive care of goat during stay
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to look after your own goat. Well why not try it for a day at Hollingshill Hill Farm.

>Click here to make a reservation at Hollings Hill farm.

Trips in the area of Hollings Hill farm:

>Click here to make a reservation at Hollings Hill farm.