Most people think you need to trek miles or chase after wild spots to get a proper camping fix in Worcestershire. Truth is, Hanley Swan gives you countryside, classic walks, and a real village welcome – all without the faff. If you’ve ever woken up drenched in a soggy field, cursing the British weather, you’ll appreciate a place that gets the balance right.
I’m not new to camping in Hanley Swan. I’ve survived all sorts here – sideways rain, heatwaves, a minor duck invasion, and the usual “where did I pack the pegs?” panic at 7pm. In this guide, I’ll help you avoid my mistakes, get the most out of the campsites, and make Hanley Swan your new favourite Worcestershire spot – whatever the forecast.
Why Camp in Hanley Swan?
Hanley Swan is what most people imagine when they picture “Worcestershire countryside.” It sits in rolling green, dotted with old oaks, and gives you views of the Malvern Hills practically from the tent. The village itself is proper friendly; nobody stares if you show up with boots caked in mud.
It’s close to nature, yet you get essentials like a solid pub, a village shop, and a monthly market. As someone who’s been caught wild camping with only Super Noodles two nights running, trust me: easy access to food matters.
Campsites in Hanley Swan
Most campers in Hanley Swan end up at the Blackmore campsite. Don’t get me wrong. There are other options (more on those soon), but Blackmore is where you get a real mix – big groups, families, and old hands like me.
Blackmore is not some endless field with a single tap. It’s organised without feeling clinical. You’ve got options: group fields, smaller pitches, and even little woods for secluded evenings. I once waited out a storm in The Barn while the main field turned to a puddle – worth every penny.
Other local sites cater to quieter tastes. Adults-only patches, or places run by folks who live on the land. These are ideal if you’d rather listen to birds than the Sunday rush of kids on scooters.
Blackmore Camp Site: The Nitty Gritty
Blackmore Camp Site (Hanley Swan WR8 0EE) is the main player. It’s not just tents and caravans – you’ve got The Mills Holiday House if you want four walls, The Barn, and the Rambler for something cosier. Four camp fields mean you rarely feel cramped, even in August.
The facilities matter: separate loos, showers (hot water, tick), outdoor sinks for the post-bacon-washup. There’s a Campfire Circle, perfect for big cookups or late-night stories when the kids have finally crashed. If you ever forgot firewood, like I did one October, the nearby village shop usually stocks logs, but get in early.
Onsite activities are a step up from basic – you can book archery, go climbing, or grab sports gear from the Mills house. If you rock up and the weather’s gone grim (Worcestershire drizzle never really leaves), the barn is a lifesaver. Archery’s best pre-booked, and sports gear can go fast in peak season.
If you’re booking as a group, Blackmore’s flexible. They’re set up for gangs of guides, scouts, or just a family that outnumbers a rugby club. I’ve camped solo and with twenty – both worked without drama.
Other Camping Options Around Hanley Swan
Blackmore’s big, but not the only show in town. If you want peace, there are small, private sites around the edges. You’ll find adults-only fields with gravel hardstanding and basic but spotless bathrooms – good for small vans or those who want quiet after dark.
Some pitches back onto water, which is perfect for early morning fishing, or just for staring out with a coffee. Book direct with the owners – most have websites or answer the phone, and it’s more laid back.
A pro tip: these sites can lack shops or pubs within walking distance, so sort your supplies first. I once had to manage Sunday lunch with only instant mash and ketchup after the shop closed early.
Village Life: Food, Pub, and That Classic Welcome
Hanley Swan might be small, but it doesn’t hide. The Swan Inn is your main stop for a pint and plate of “proper food.” They keep their ales well – I’ve lost a few rainy afternoons to Butty Bach by the fire. It’s worth waiting for food, even if it’s busy (which it usually is at weekends).
The village shop is small, honest, and stocks essentials you forgot – milk, local eggs, and snacks. Don’t expect a full supermarket, though. There’s a cracking duck pond at the heart of the village, and life ticks along at a slow, steady pace.
Catch the monthly Hanley Swan market if you can. Expect local cheese, homemade cake, crafts, and plenty of chat from stallholders who know every field. If you miss it, try Upton-on-Severn for more markets and local events – it’s a short drive, and usually livelier.
Nature Walks and Outdoor Attractions
The Malvern Hills are your playground here. Don’t believe anyone who says you need Alpine legs – there are routes for all, from pushchair level to “make your quads ache by tea” hikes. My recommendation? Hanley Swan Circular. Even on a grotty Sunday, it’s worth it for the meadows, country lanes, and the way the hills shift in the light.
You’ll spot buzzards overhead and, if you’re lucky, the odd deer at dawn. There are public footpaths directly from Hanley Swan, so you don’t need to jump in the car just to stretch your legs.
Boat trips run from the River Severn (Upton is closest), and they’re a good bet for kids or lazy afternoons. There are golf courses and a marina if you want a change of pace.
Activities and Onsite Facilities
Expect more than “just a field.” Blackmore and a few private sites offer archery, climbing, and fields for a proper game of rounders. There are basketball and volleyball courts, and sometimes organised activities if you’re in a big group. I’m all for spontaneous cricket after a couple of pints, but structured games keep the peace with larger crowds.
Campfires are allowed in firepits and the Campfire Circle – just be sure to bring your own kit or hire in advance. Group bookings can usually ask for extra gear. Join in, don’t sit out. Some of my best camping friendships started when I joined a game I’d never played before or shared firewood with a neighbour.
If the weather turns – and it will, this is Worcestershire – the barns and covered areas save you from soggy socks and bored children.
Food, Drink, and Local Markets
Pubs still rule here. Don’t miss The Swan Inn for a pint of proper ale and a Sunday roast. If it’s busy, try crisps and a drink while you wait, or nip back once the rush has died down. I always leave space for pudding – local ice cream is top notch.
The shop has basics, but for a serious feed, time your visit for market day. Local cheese, fresh bread, and cakes will lift your spirits after a damp morning in the field.
If self-catering, pack what you need. There’s nothing worse than discovering you’re one gas canister short once the shops have shut. The closest supermarkets are in Malvern or Upton – both about a 10-minute drive.
Booking Campsites and Practical Stuff
Book early – especially mid-summer or if you want a group slot. Blackmore is coiled for big bookings but gets snapped up, especially by guides, scouts, and family groups. Fill out booking forms on their website, or ring direct if you want to chat through your plans.
For small, private sites, phone or email direct. The personal touch makes a difference. Double-check about fires, dogs, and arrival times – every site’s got its quirks.
Bring waterproofs. I’ve lost count of evenings spent playing cards in a damp tent, waiting out showers. If you forget pegs or poles, the Malvern camping shops can usually bail you out, but it’ll cost you.
Day visitors and non-residential friends are usually welcome, but let the site know first. Facilities like bathrooms and water points can get busy, so keep your footprint light.
Why Hanley Swan? Final Thoughts
Hanley Swan isn’t flashy. It’s real Worcestershire countryside, with proper walks, friendly villagers, and everything you actually need from a camping spot. Blackmore gives you top facilities and campfire nights that still feel wild. If you’re after peace, try a private pitch and watch the mist rise off the water at sunrise.
Forget giant tents and expensive gear. Here, it’s all about pitching up, listening to owls in the oaks, and swapping muddy stories with whoever’s on the next pitch. Whether you’re solo, with family, or herding a thousand scouts, Hanley Swan makes camping easy, welcoming, and a cut above most UK spots.
Pack your waterproofs, bring extra pegs, and don’t expect your phone to save you if you forget the tin opener. Take it from someone who’s camped here in every season: Hanley Swan is one spot you’ll come back to, whatever the weather throws at you.
