MOLE, Badger and Toad have leapt from the pages of a much-loved children’s book top-rated Herefordshire holiday park.
Five-star Townsend Touring Park near Leominster is now providing fantasy breaks in three luxury lodge-style dwellings which have all literally gone to earth.
Each is concealed under a grass-covered hillock, and has been designed as a pampering paradise where guests can properly close the door on the outside world.
Named after three famous animal characters in The Wind in the Willows, the lodges make extensive use of locally harvested timber to create their uniquely cosy atmosphere.
But while the romantic ambience might belong in the past, the facilities are very much present-day.
Sleeping between two and nine people, they provide fully-equipped kitchens with up-to-the-minute appliances, shower rooms, heating, and beds all made-up on arrival.
Set amid the tranquil rolling countryside of NW Herefordshire, Townsend Touring Park was opened by Geoff and Su Smith as a camping and touring park in 2002.
Its idyllic location and reputation for friendliness and hospitality soon won the park a loyal following, and have helped win the couple a raft of local and national awards.
They include torhome magazines.
At the heart of the 12-acre landscaped grounds is a peaceful fishing lake which helps draw a wide range of bird species and other wildlife to Townsend.
There is also a cycle trail laid out in the park’s woodland, plus a farm shop featuring local produce including meat from the farm which has been run by Geoff’s family for around 80 years.
Townsend provides fully services pitches for to stay in its subterranean lodges:
“They certainly capture people’s imagination, and appeal especially total escape without sacrificing any creature comforts,” he said.
“We’ve had bookings both from couples looking for a truly memorable get-away, and families whose children see them as a totally unforgettable adventure living underground!
“Just as important to their natural charm,” added Geoff.
There is more information about Townsend Touring Park, which is also a member of the Best of British consortium of townsend-farm.co.uk.
