Hanworth Country Park has come a long way since Steve Plumb’s family bought the place back in the 1930s. Today the old farmland is a myriad of lakes of different sizes, with the pond the farm’s horses used to drink from now a conservation area. The space beyond, meanwhile, is home to glamping pods, static caravans, touring pitches and a modern bar-café with free WiFi.
For die-hard tent campers it may all sound far too tamed but it’s a tale of two campsites: Behind the conservation lake, in a string of native trees, wild tent camping pitches are being introduced for 2021, which enjoy a quieter part of the park and a much more back-to-basics feel (but still have access to the modern toilets and showers the place affords). Another main camping meadow, meanwhile, sits in its own separate space, opposite the touring park and a little closer to the railway line that runs along the eastern perimeter of the site (the last trains usually stop just after 10pm).
Unsurprisingly, Hanworth is popular with wildlife as well as campers. Fish (and the trees) attract ample birdlife, and squirrels love the woodland areas, where they seem unperturbed by kids and dogs – both of which are welcome at the campsite.
A footpath runs down either side of the park, so it’s easy to look for wildlife beyond the confines of camp. Follow it far enough and you can even walk all the way to Lincoln, where the castle, cathedral and Medieval Bishops' Palace await. It’s a good two hour’s walk, though, so the 10-minute drive or hopping on the bus in Potterhanworth are more popular options.