Escaping to Worcestershire for luxury, peace and the great outdoors
Jessica Roe finds much to cherish around Rowley Farm
After a relentless, busy few months, my partner and I realised we desperately needed a change of pace. We packed our bags and headed to the heart of the Midlands for a long weekend in Worcestershire.
From the moment we arrived at our destination, we could feel our shoulders drop from around our ears. In an instant, the frantic energy of daily life melted away, replaced by an enveloping sense of luxury, peace, and the warm embrace of the great outdoors.
Our base for this idyllic escape was Rowley Farm in Holt Heath, a stunning rural retreat nestled just outside the sweet, picture-perfect little village of Ombersley.
The ultimate country sanctuary: The Hayloft
While Rowley Farm offers several beautiful properties to rent, including a charming, secluded shepherd’s hut, we stayed in the breathtaking Hayloft cottage. Lovingly and tastefully renovated by the landlady, Clare, who went entirely out of her way to look after us, the property balances rustic authenticity with high-end luxury.
To call The Hayloft "spacious" is an understatement; it is an expansive sanctuary for two people. On the ground floor, cool marble and flagstone floors run underfoot, leading to a dining area with a rustic farmhouse dining table and open plan, fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar. There are two gorgeous double ensuite bedrooms with deeply comfortable beds, plush feather duvets, and crisp white sheets also on the ground floor. The property boasts three beautifully appointed bathrooms, meaning zero squabbling while getting ready.
Upstairs is where the true scale of the cottage reveals itself. A massive, open-plan lounge features exposed original wooden beams, rich leather sofas, velvet cushions, and luxurious sheepskins. French doors swing open to a Juliette balcony, framing sweeping views over the rolling green fields.
The undisputed highlight of our stay, however, lay just outside in the private garden: a wood-fired hot tub. We spent hours soaking in the steaming water, watching the local swallows gracefully swoop through the sky heading to bed, only to be replaced as dusk fell by bats darting silently overhead. It was pure, unadulterated relaxation.
Bespoke experiences and extra indulgence
If you want to take the relaxation up a notch, Rowley Farm offers a menu of luxury add-ons that can be tailored to your stay. For the ultimate indulgence, we booked an in-cottage couples massage. The therapists set up right upstairs in the vast lounge, allowing us to unwind completely in the comfort of our own space for £140.
For those looking for a bit more action or a special occasion, you can also book archery, clay pigeon shooting, or even arrange for a private chef to come down and cook a bespoke menu for you right in the farmhouse kitchen. Full details for booking these are available online and detailed inside the handy cottage guide, which is packed with brilliant local hints and tips for scenic walks and restaurant recommendations.
A paradise for pooches (even if you don't have one)
Rowley Farm stands out for its exceptional dog-friendly amenities. The farm features a fully equipped dog spa and cottages have plenty of dog friendly accommodations. Crucially, even for non-pet owners, the cottage was meticulously clean - completely pristine, with absolutely no traces of "doggy" odours or wear.
Village charm and foodie feasts
Ombersley itself is a quintessential English gem, famed for its striking black-and-white timbered houses. We timed our arrival perfectly, stumbling right into the village fete. Wandering through the stalls, we were struck by the vibrant, lovely community spirit that defines the area.
We were thoroughly spoiled for choice when it came to dining out in the area. In the heart of the village, we had an excellent three-course dinner at two AA Rosette The Venture In. Housed in a striking 15th-century timbered building, it offered a fantastic evening menu for around £66 per person.
We also made the short drive out to The Crown at Martley, a fantastic destination pub that holds a double AA Rosette. The food here was spectacular - we absolutely loved the fresh oysters served with a fiery, refreshing jalapeño, tequila, and lime granita. Plus, they shake up a mean cocktail to kick off the evening!
For our quieter days back at the cottage, we supplied ourselves with delicious luxury food from Broomfields Farm Shop. Located in Holt Heath, a mere three-minute drive from Rowley Farm.
Exploring Worcester’s culture and Cathedral splendour
When we managed to tear ourselves away from our rural cocoon, a short drive brought us into the historic city of Worcester for a day of urban exploration.
Shopping: We began with a leisurely morning navigating Worcester’s vibrant high street and independent boutique lanes.
The Cathedral: Next, we visited the magnificent Worcester Cathedral. Standing proudly above the River Severn, its soaring architecture, medieval cloisters, and royal tombs provide an incredibly peaceful atmosphere.
Museum and Arts Centre: We finished our city excursion by soaking in some local culture at the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, which hosts fantastic contemporary artwork alongside fascinating regional history.
Into the Wild: Wyre Forest and dramatic ruins
No trip to this part of the world is complete without exploring its dramatic landscapes and historic architecture.
A short drive north took us to the Wyre Forest, one of the largest ancient woodlands in the UK. The beauty of this forest is its versatility; it features intense routes for trail runners, designated tracks for mountain bikes, a thrilling Go Ape tree-top ropes course, and beautifully quiet paths for a gentle stroll - which was exactly our speed.
We also made sure to visit the dramatic ruins of Witley Court and Gardens. This spectacular palatial nineteenth-century stately home was tragically ruined by a devastating fire in 1937.
Don't Miss: The crowning jewel of Witley Court is the monumental Perseus and Andromeda fountain. When it fires, on the hour every hour, it shoots cascades of water high into the air with a roar that echoes across the formal gardens.
Right next door sits the Great Witley Church, featuring a jaw-dropping, gilded Baroque interior.
Reflections by the river
Before heading home, we spent our final afternoon walking along the banks of the beautiful local rivers. The River Severn and River Stour snake elegantly through the county, and local operators offer peaceful, scenic boat trips if you fancy taking to the water to see the countryside from a completely different perspective.
If you are looking for a weekend break that perfectly balances high-end cottage luxury with rich local heritage and deep, quiet relaxation, this little pocket of Worcestershire is tough to beat. Clare has created something truly special at Rowley Farm, and we left with our minds clear, our spirits refreshed, and our shoulders safely back down where they belong.
Rowley Farm Factbox
Rowley Farm Holidays in Worcestershire features four super dog-friendly properties, each with its own hot tub. There is a secure off-lead paddock on site, and each property comes with a fully enclosed garden and a host of helpful extras and treats from bowls to muddy paw towels. Plus, there is a dedicated outdoor dog wash with hot and cold thermostatic water, dog shampoo and a lick mat with peanut butter to ensure your four-legged friend stays happy.
A week’s stay in the The Hayloft (sleeps 4) a two-bedroom barn starts from £1,800 this year and a three-night weekend stay starts from £957. For more information and to book visit www.rowleyfarmholidays.co.uk