Camping in the Cotswolds: great-value stays in classic countryside
Some folk probably think that there’s no such thing as a campsite in the Cotswolds: this is, after all, a part of the world favoured by the smart set nipping off for a weekend in the country characterised by gastropubs and shabby-chic stays in cute little cottages…
Well, it’s not all like that of course: there’s plenty of space to go around in this gorgeous area (around 800 square miles, in fact), and that makes Cotswolds camping just as fine a pick as a stay in one of those chi-chi little cottages. (Arguably even better, we’d suggest, given that campsite stays allow you to take in those lovely views for all your waking hours should you wish…)
And if you do want to have a little taste of the high life? It’ll likely not surprise you to hear that we have some mighty fine options for glamping in the Cotswolds too. And along with the basic tent pitches and full-on fancy options are plenty of other places including holiday parks, motorhome pitches, camping pods and a whole lot more.
All sounding like a rather fine idea? Read on for our guide to sorting a cracking stay at a Cotswolds campsite.
Stylish or simple: all the options for Cotswolds camping breaks
If you’re in search of a comfy break in classic English countryside, it has to be said that glamping in the Cotswolds is a mighty fine choice - pick something from our fab collection of tipis, wigwams, bell tents and yurts for a canvas-covered break that’s got lots of the trappings of a smart country pad plus the ability to take in fresh air and fine views from sunrise through to starry nights.
All this plus the added security of a solid roof over your head? Yep, we can do that too: check out such things as cute little shepherd’s huts or smart lodges for extra cosiness. Keen to keep costs down? Try out the somewhat more basic camping pods (you can always bring your own fairy lights if you like…) or seek out a static caravan site. Any and all of these lodges in the Cotswolds are particularly good picks for off-season stays – some are even open all year for your winter wanderings.
For budget breaks, however, you can’t really beat a traditional tent-based stay. Tent campsites in the Cotswolds are set up all over the place: by rivers, on farms, in the grounds of pubs, with direct access to walking trails or woodland areas… any and all of which are enticing prospects for fresh air and fine views.
And of course we haven’t forgotten about you, folk roaming in rolling homes: you can book into all manner of motorhome pitches and caravan sites in the Cotswolds, picking from fully serviced hardstanding areas with stacks of facilities or fuss-free grass pitches tucked away on farms and the like.
Whichever of these options tickles your fancy, use the features boxes to pick all the amenities and facilities you need, or select a theme (something like peaceful or walkers’ paradise would seem appropriate around here, perhaps…)
Facilities at camping sites in the Cotswolds: what’s your style?
Every one of us is different, and therefore it stands to reason that we’ll have some differing demands on our holiday wishlists. Handily, our cracking range of campsites and holiday parks in the Cotswolds has pretty much all bases covered, whether you’re in search of a simple, secluded space or a rather more swish abode.
Yep, there are lots of places to pick from… and the key to narrowing it all down lies in those nifty tick boxes. Over there you can decide whether you need such things as a play area (for happy kids) and a bar (for equally happy grownups), find somewhere you can go fishing, or bring a touch of bubbly luxury to proceedings with a hot tub.
It’s often been noted by motorhome travellers and other types that the Cotswolds is a handy place to break a long journey north or south – and with those sorts of outings in mind, it’s also handy to be able to truffle out places that have handy amenities (such as a launderette and chemical disposal).
And if all your heart desires is a simple open field with tons of fresh air? We’ve got that sorted too: you can’t actually go wild camping in the Cotswolds, but we’ve got plenty of places that have a wild camping vibe or that allow campfires to give you a taste of such things.
Where to go while camping in the Cotswolds
Again, this very much depends on your style. If you’re going glamping in the Cotswolds with your beloved or taking a grownup break, you may like to think about strolling around a vineyard, wandering around Westonbirt Arboretum, checking out some even fancier pads at the area’s National Trust estates or even taking a ramble through the royal gardens at Highgrove.
On the other hand, if you’ve brought the tribe along, perhaps it’s time to turn to such things as the Cotswold Wildlife Park, the daredevil escapades of the Cotswold Water Park and the Cotswold Farm Park (or perhaps steam-driven rides on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, which tend to be popular with all ages…).
Walks and/or bike rides should certainly be on the agenda too, whatever style of stay you’ve opted for. Hardcore hikers may like to tackle the 102 miles of the Cotswold Way or head out for lengthy all-day hikes; those in the mood for something more leisurely can pick from shorter jaunts or aim for ambles in some of the prettiest villages around (Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford are some top picks but there’s plenty more to choose from).
And of course, as this is proper countryside, maybe an amble to a country pub might be in order?
If that’s given you a taste for trotting around cute villages, how about a northern jaunt for your next trip? A stay at one of our campsites and holiday parks in Cumbria is a good bet for pretty scenes around the Lake District.
