West Stow glamping site which offers chance to stay in the world's only habitable Hobbit hole wins regional title

A hidden woodland glamping site which offers visitors a unique chance to live like a Hobbit has scored another accolade.

The family-run West Stow Pods has been named best glamping site in the east of England by campsites.co.uk

The award is the latest feather in the cap for the site, which is four miles from Bury St Edmunds, as it already boasts hundreds of top-rating reviews on Trip Advisor and was named in the Guardian's top 10 glamping sites in 2016.

The latest awards were given to sites which had 'stood out for all the right reasons, going the extra mile and offering something special', according to campsites.co.uk

"This is a lovely location with unusual, quirky units which are very popular, surrounded by some fantastic walks. Then we have our very unique Hobbit hole," said Jan Lengyel, who founded West Stow Pods in 2013.

Jan and his family have lived at the site for more than 20 years.

"I have always been into trees and environment and, really, the woodland here lends itself to this. I have always wanted to share it with other people," said Jan.

"When I read about the pods I thought 'that's it – that is the answer'."

The site started with two self-contained Mega Pods.

"Ever since then, we haven't looked back," said Jan.

"We make it very affordable to stay here. Even now, you can stay for as little as £65 a night. Glamping has become very popular and we were part of that, if you like," said Jan.

Very soon after opening the family realised if the site had more pods, they could fill them.

However, having expanded to seven accommodation units – four Mega Pods, two lodges and the Hobbit hole – there are no plans to expand further.

Pod Hollow, the sub-terranean Hobbit hole which opened two years ago, is 'proving to be very popular'.

"We have people from literally all over the world come to stay in the world's only real, habitable, true-to-the-book and film Hobbit hole," said Jan.

"Meanwhile, we have a couple staying now in a lodge who are from Bury. It is not the first time they have stayed – they say it feels like they could be 200 miles away. Once you are here, you could be anywhere."

And on the latest award, Jan said: "It is very flattering. We are just ordinary people and it is nice to get national recognition."

For more information, go to www.weststowpods.co.uk or call 01284 728136.