Camping in Castlemorton

Castlemorton's biggest draw for outdoor-minded visitors is its setting: a huge expanse of common land right at the foot of the Malvern Hills, with grazing animals, open skies and direct access to some of the best walking country in the West Midlands. It is worth being clear from the outset that wild camping is not legally permitted in England without the landowner's explicit permission, and Castlemorton Common, despite its wide-open feel, is common land with grazing rights attached rather than a free-for-all - so pitching a tent without permission is not allowed, whatever its history with festival-goers back in 1992. The good news is that proper camping options are close at hand. The Robin Hood pub in the village offers camping and caravanning pitches in its grounds, putting you right in the heart of Castlemorton with a pub on your doorstep, while a handful of small campsites and glamping retreats are dotted around the surrounding parish and the wider Malvern Hills area, including safari-tent and eco-glamping options that make the most of the AONB setting without anyone needing their own tent. The terrain here ranges from flat, grassy common land to the much steeper slopes of the Malvern Hills themselves, so campers who fancy a serious hike should come prepared with proper boots and layers, even in summer, as the exposed ridge can be considerably windier and cooler than the village below. Late spring through early autumn is the most comfortable stretch for camping, with long daylight hours for evening walks up onto the hills and a good chance of clear views across the Severn Vale, though the area's popularity with walkers means weekends can get busy in peak season. For a slightly softer introduction to sleeping outdoors, the glamping sites in and around Castlemorton offer safari tents and similar fixed accommodation with proper beds and cooking facilities, a good compromise for families or anyone who wants the setting without the full camping kit. Whichever option you choose, Castlemorton's combination of common land and hills right on the doorstep makes it one of the more distinctive small camping bases in Worcestershire.