Best campsites for the Cotswolds AONB
Here is our pick of the Alan Rogers Assessors, expert-recommended campsites for the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is synonymous with the classic English pastoral scene of bucolic landscape, picturesque, honey-coloured villages and verdant rolling hills linking sleepy settlements and peaceful pastures. It was awarded AONB status in 1966, and not surprisingly, it’s the largest of all AONBs, 787 square miles in all, ranging from near Stratford upon Avon to Bath and spread across several English counties.
Much of this area has its roots in the lucrative wool trade of the 17th century, and many handsome buildings still exist, built from the famous rich yellow Cotswold stone which bestows so much character to the area. There’s much to see and never enough time, but highlights include Chipping Camden, Broadway and Stow on the Wold, as well as Sudeley Castle, Tetbury Market House and Malmesbury Abbey. The region is popular with walkers and cyclists who can follow a variety of trails of various lengths aimed at all levels.
Top Cotswolds AONB Camping Options
Moreton-in-Marsh Caravan and Motorhome club site is an excellent busy but rural site attractively located within mature woodland in the heart of the Cotswolds and offers what one would hope for from a camping holiday. Within easy walking distance of the attractive market town of Moreton-in-Marsh, there is ample choice for food and pubs. The town’s main street is part of the Roman Fosse Way. Moreton-in-Marsh is famous for its Tuesday street market and is always a busy town, its main street being part of the Fosse Way. It is only a few miles from the honey-coloured stone communities of Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold, two of the many delightful Cotswold villages worthy of a visit in this lovely area of England. Tents are not accepted.
Bourton-on-the-Water Caravan and Motorhome Club site is set high up in the Cotswolds and graded as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bourton on the Water Club Site is a magical little location surrounded by peaceful open countryside, and only 5 miles from the delightful small Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water with all the conveniences you could wish for. Within easy reach of the site you can visit numerous places of interest, such as the local perfumery, the famous miniature village, and the motor museum housed in a nostalgic 18th century water mill. The site does not have a toilet block so you will need to use the facilities of your own caravan or motorhome. There are 69 grass/hardstanding pitches all with electricity 16amp.
Mayfield Touring Park is a family-run touring and residential park nestled in the hills on the outskirts of the famous market town of Cirencester, the 'Capital of the Cotswolds'. Spread across twelve acres; the wide-open fields boast views across the Churn Valley, with buzzards and kites circling overhead and a spectacular sunset come nightfall. There is always a friendly face to welcome you and lend a helping hand throughout your stay.
The owners of this park, Robert and Ali Simmons, tend it with pride. One field provides a flat grassy area surrounded by hedges, with open views across farmland on the outskirts of historic Malmesbury. A smaller field slopes down to the river.
Recently acquired by British Waterways Marina, this park is conveniently located alongside the Bath to Bristol cycle path. Though it may require a little TLC in some areas, Bath Marina and Caravan Park is within walking distance of the city and is close to a convenient park-and-ride service. There are 88 pitches of varying size, interspersed with grass, mature trees and bushes. Each pitch has a concrete hardstanding with a 16A electrical connection, and seven pitches are fully serviced. There is a small shop which sells essential camping equipment and houses a gas exchange. Visitors can also order newspapers, milk, and bread at reception to be delivered to directly to their pitch the following morning. Meals are available at The Boathouse Inn, just a short and pleasant walk along the river path.
Piccadilly Caravan Park is set in open countryside close to several attractions, notably Longleat, Bath, Salisbury Plain, Stourhead, and the picturesque village of Lacock itself. You will receive a warm welcome from the owner at this small, quiet family-owned park that has been beautifully landscaped and tended for over 30 years.
Burford Caravan and Motorhome Club site is an attractive and spacious destination, with beautifully landscaped pitching areas, children's play area suitable for all ages and pleasant dog walk. It is conveniently set opposite the beautiful Cotswold Wildlife Park, a popular family attraction in the area with rhinos, zebras and leopards - your children will be enchanted. The Brass Rubbing Centre, superb gardens and narrow-gauge railway - all are must see attractions making for a fantastic day out. Burford Golf Club is about a 5-minute drive from the site and offers a good challenge whatever your handicap. The Rose and Crown at Shilton just over the crossroads has excellent cask beer and serves top quality food. The site has 120 grass and hardstanding pitches including 11 serviced pitches. All with electricity 16amp.
You’ll have to go a long way before finding anything remotely like this site! Burford School owns the land, and the site was created to raise money for the school. It is like stepping into their own private garden. This adults-only park is screened from the main school grounds by trees and provides 25 pitches (six seasonal), separated by hedges, all with 16A electricity.
Cheltenham Race Course Caravan and Motorhome Club site is situated around one of the main stands. It offers 80 sloping pitches (some seasonal); 20 of these pitches are on grass at the top of the site and are fairly level, 49 are on the sloping area used by racegoers and a further 11 on the tarmac area have no electricity. The site is open from early April until mid October and is open on race days although restrictions apply to both entry times and dogs so check with site staff before you arrive. Most of the pitches have magnificent views across the racecourse and onwards to the Cotswolds. A good site whilst travelling on the M5 and if you’re a keen racegoer or indeed if you want to visit the town or the adjoining steam railway. Watch for the rising bollards near the security check point. Levelling blocks required!
The gateway to the Cotswolds, Broadway Caravan and Motorhome Club site is conveniently located for all the major historic towns. The site on the outskirts of the village is an excellent base for exploring the Northern Cotswolds, the Cotswold Way and other attractive walks.
This campsite is now permanently closed.
Chipping Norton Camping & Caravanning Club site is perfect for exploring the pretty Cotswolds towns and their attractions. Amid the honey-coloured villages of the Cotswolds is where you will find this charming site. Tucked away off the beaten track, this site offers a mix of level and sloping pitches, surrounded by trees and dry-stone walls. Explore the beautiful surrounding area by car or catch the bus right outside the site. Discover the charms of Chipping Norton, Chadlington, Charbury and Witney. The site has 90 grass or hardstanding pitches (some seasonal) most of which have electric hook-up. There are also 5 safari tents.