England campervan hire
The Cotswolds Circuit
An area of outstanding natural beauty, the Cotswolds is a lovely place to explore in your campervan. You'll see cities like Bath, famous for its tourist spots and a long, rich history that has been very well preserved. You'll also see smaller, lesser known but no less fun places like Burford and Chipping Campden. The weather tends to be a little kinder than here up North, and if you travel at the right time you might return home with a tan (or sunburn, if you aren't careful...)
This guide takes you on a whistle-stop tour around the Cotswolds. All recommended campsites are dog friendly and remain open throughout the winter months. We have provided campsites for every stop, but by its nature, a lot of the campsites are fairly close to one another. If you don't mind a slightly longer drive for your days out its possible to only stay at a couple of campsites on your trip.
1st Stop - Chipping Campden
Bowbrook Caravan and Camping 89.0 miles, 1 hr 36 mins
To kick off your road trip you'll be headed to Chipping Campden. It's relatively small, but this town is a Cotswolds tourist hotspot with tons to see and do. The town has a long history, with a high street dating all the way back to the 14th century. Wander round the many independent shops and perhaps pick up a couple souvenirs to take back with you!
Hidcote Manor Garden is a gorgeous place with lots of backstory. It's owned and managed by the National Trust now, but was created by American Lawrence Johnston in the 1920s.
Chipping Campden is probably best known for the Cotswold Olympicks, home of the World Shinkicking Championship. In 2022 they celebrate their 410th anniversary!
The nearby town of Broadway is worth paying a visit too, with Ashmolean Museum and Snowshill Manor both great days out. There's a lovely walk in Cotswold Way, too. And if you want to visit a nuclear bunker (and let's be honest, who doesn't) get yourself down to Broadway Tower!
Recommended camp site
Site name and details
Bowbrook Caravan and Camping
Worcester Road
Pershore
Worcestershire
England
WR10 2DX
N/A
01905 783192
Description
Located next to a stream, Bowbrook is a peaceful, 30 acre campsite surrounded by green fields and plenty of sheep. There's a variety of supermarkets only a ten minutes' drive away, or you can go to a nearby Georgian pub if you don't fancy cooking. The shower and toilet block even has underfloor heating, so you won't get cold feet in winter!
Close by is Croome Park, a National Trust mansion with fasciniating history. Dogs are welcome, so bring them along to the exhibitions to find out exactly what happened in this house! The parkland also has a circular walk you can take around the grounds, where you can appreaciate the beautiful plants and flowers.
There's no shortage of places to walk the dog, either - the campsite's rural location allows you to go exploring far and wide. And if you want to wander further, Winchcombe has several dedicated trails, like Wychavon Way and St Kenelm's Trail.
Amenities
Dog-friendly
Washing up area
Toilet & shower block with underfloor heating
Disabled access
Free wifi
2nd Stop - Cheltenham
The Hunter's Inn 14.5 miles, 29 min
Cheltenham claims to be the most complete Regency town, but there's far more to this place than that. For starters there's many festivals held here, including ones for cricket, food and drink, science, literature - even jazz! The Neptune Fountain is a sight to see whether there's water flowing in it or not, with a stone statue depicting the Greek Goddess Neptune.
The racecourse is well known, and hosts events year round, so check to see what's on while you're travelling.
There's plenty of art and history to see. The Wilson is Gloucestershire's premier art gallery, and offers year-round workshops. Also open 365 days a year are the Imperial Gardens, which have over 25,000 bedding plants throughout!
A steam train journey is the perfect activity for a family day out, so head down to the Heritage Railway for some fun (and some great photos!)
Recommended camp site
Site name and details
The Hunter's Inn
Buckbury
Longdon
Tewkesbury
Gloucestershire
England
GL20 6AR
thehuntersinn2007@gmail.com
01684 833388
Description
Located on the outskirts on Longdon village, The Hunter's Inn is a family run pub and campsite just four miles from Tewkesbury. It's close to the Malvern Hills, which are prime places to walk or cycle. The campsite itself has an on site butchers, so you're prepared for any impromptu BBQs!
Five miles south of Kiddlemeister you'll find the historic Hartlebury Castle, surrounded by beautiful grounds and once the home of the Duke of Worcester. Events are held year round here, so check the website to find out what's on during your visit!
Almost 2000 highly-rated reviews adorn Tewkesbury Abbey's TripAdvisor page, and for good reason! Once you're done gazing in awe and taking countless photos of the beautiful architecture, head down to the gift shop and tea room to buy a souvenir and eat some cake.
You also have plenty of trails to take the dog on in the morning before starting the day proper.
Amenities
Dog-friendly
Disabled facilities
Toilet and shower block
Washing up area
Chemical disposal
3rd stop - Gloucester
West End Farm Campsite 25.5 miles, 45 min
Founded by the Romans, Gloucester is home to a famous catherdral. Gloucester Cathedral was used to film several scenes from the Harry Potter films, and has events year round, so definitely worth a visit even if just to take photos of the stunning architecture. The city is also known for being a port, with the Gloucester Docks being a particular attraction.
Children and grown-ups alike will enjoy a wander round Beatrix Potter's House, which has been turned into a museum to celebrate her life and her influential work. There's even a little veggie garden!
And speaking of gardens, the Rococo Garden, a gorgeous feat or horticulture. The garden features an outdoor theatre and art exhibits, and it's the UK's only fully surviving rococo garden!
Recommended camp site
Site name and details
West End Farm Campsite
Church Road
Arlingham
Gloucester
Gloucestershire
England
GL2 7JL
N/A
01452 740419
07578 259924
Description
This campsite is situated in a pear orchard on a cattle farm, with the River Severn close by. There's quick access to the lovely Severn Way walk, and a pub is within walking distance, if you fancy a pint or two!
Westbury Court Garden is a rare Dutch water garden with clipped hedges, canals and 17th century vegetable gardens that thrive throughout the year. Some of the oldest trees in the country are cared for here, nestled beside the largest collection of black poplar trees in the National Trust! After you’ve worn yourselves out exploring, take the family over the bridge to the dedicated picnic area, where you can enjoy a picturesque lunch and dodge any opportunistic ducks trying to get some sandwiches crusts!
The beautifully secluded woodland valley of Woodchester Park is the perfect place for a quiet family afternoon out. From the main car park you can take three specialised walks of varying lengths to explore the park – including the popular 3 mile Boathouse Walk. There’s also an abundance of wildlife, from countless species of birds to bats!
The Gloucester Waterways Museum takes you on a journey through 200 years of fascinating history. With interactive exhibits, a museum shop and a café to grab a bite to eat from, there’s hours of fun to be had here with all the family!
Amenities
Dog-friendly
Electric hook up
Toilet and shower block
Chemical disposal
Dish washing area
4th stop - Cirencester
Cherry Tree Glamping 16.6 miles, 35 min
You're nearly halfway through your journey! Located along the River Churn, Cirencester is home to the oldest agricultural college in the English-speaking world. It's often referred to as the Capital of the Cotswolds!
The town itself has been around since Roman times at the very least. You can discover more about Cirencester's long history at the Corinium Museum.
Enjoyers of vintage items will have a blast at the Cirencester Antiques and Collectibles Market, which is chock full of treasures and trinkets. If you haven't had your shopping fill after that, the High Street has a great mix of indepedent and chain shops for you to browse through.
Cerney House Gardens and Rodmarton Manor are both beautiful old estates full of wonder and romance. They're perfect for a morning out and a lunchtime picnic!
Recommended camp site
Site name and details
Cherry Tree Glamping
The Camp
Stroud
Gloucestershire
GL6 7EU
info@cherrytreeglamping.co.uk
07717 721 213
Description
In a rural, secluded location with Stroud close by, Cherry Tree Glamping is open all year round. The on- site cafe serves tea, coffee and cake for you to enjoy beneath the woodland canopy.
The campsite also has a variety of beautiful lodges available to book if you'd like to stay in one!
Stroud was named the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times, and it's clear why. The town is surrounded by an area of outstanding natural beauty, and hosts a weekly farmers' market that dates back to 1999.
In summer, the town has a fringe festival with over 400 musicians from all around the country travelling to perform here for the weekend.
Amenities
Dog-friendly
Electric hook up
Toilet & shower block
On-site cafe
5th stop - Bath
Blackland Lakes 41.8 miles, 1hr 4 min
The largest city in Somerset, Bath is one of the most history filled places in England. It is a tourist hub, with over a million people choosing to visit every year.
Most famously there are the Roman Baths, which the city was named after. The Romans would bathe here in the naturally heated springs to worship the Goddess Sulis Minerva - you'll know her from the famous bronze statue of her head.
Book lovers will want to visit the Jane Austen Centre, a museum dedicated to her and the influence her writing has had on literature as we know it. Just down the road is The Circus, a feat of architecture and a well preserved example of Georgian architecture. Close by is Pulteney Bridge, which has a fantastic view and shops on both sides of the bridge!
You may like to stop by Bath Abbey, doubly so if you're travelling in December as their holiday celebrations are spectacular.
Recommended camp site
Site name and details
Blackland Lakes
Calne
Wiltshire
SN11 0NQ
enquiries@blacklandlakes.co.uk
01249 810943
Description
A short drive away from the city of Bath, Blackland Lakes is a quiet, scenic campsite with tons to offer. Keen anglers can make use of the two beautiful fishing lakes. A large BBQ and events area can ater to around 100 people, but if you perfer more private dining just buy the ingredients from the nearby shop and cook in the van!
Bath Abbey is a beautiful building, with well preserved history and an awe inspiring interior. If you are religious, you might like to check the website and see if there's any services on that you would like to attend.
Over the picturesque River Avon you'll find the equally stunning Pulteney Bridge, with its unique design and classic Georgian architecture. Both sides of the bridge have shops in them, so see what you can find in them over the water!
Acres of ancient parkland are waiting for you to explore it at Dyrham Park! You can take a guided tour of the place or go on a self-led adventure. The 17th century Dyrham House has a secondhand bookshop in its basement, exhibitions to look round, and conservation studio tours.
Amenities
Dog-friendly
Chemical disposal available
Toilets and shower block
BBQs and campfires allowed
Dish washing facilities
6th stop - Malmesbury
The Holford Arms 21.1 miles, 43 min
Malmesbury is England's oldest borough, with a spectacular abbey dating all the way back to the 12th century.
If you're looking for some scenic dog walks then look no further than the River Avon, which runs through the town. There's also countryside walks left and right, taking you down tiny country lanes and through lush green fields.
As you'll come to expect from towns in the Cotswolds, Malmesbury is framed by greenery left and right. Most beautiful of all are the Abbey House Gardens, with a trail leading down to the River Avon. Provided they're well behaved, your do is more than welcome here.
Malmesbury Market Cross dates back to 1490. There's also year round events held at the museum capturing every aspect of what life was like centuries ago, from textiles to the workplace to architecture!
Recommended camp site
Site name and details
The Holford Arms
Knockdown
Sherston
Tetbury
GL8 8QY
info@theholfordarms.co.uk
01454 238 669
Description
Amongst an orchard The Holford Arms is an award winning pub and campsite. There's hot showers with brightly coloured doors, and seven acres of beautiful garden campsite to explore.
If you'd like to, there's lodges and bell tents to stay in, but please be aware that dogs aren't allowed in the glamping facilities.
You'll need to book tickets in advance, but its well worth it to visit Westonbirt Arboretum. Walk the dog through a tree garden filled with wonder - but mostly filled with trees from all over the world.
For more than 40 years, Highgrove, as you're most likely already aware, has been the private house of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. Obviously the house isn't open to the public, but you can go and see the perfectly maintained, sustainable and organic gardens!
Amenities
Dog-friendly (not in glamping areas!)
Electric hook up
Toilet & shower block
7th stop - Burford
Hardwick Parks 49.3 miles, 1 hr 8 min
Situated along the River Windrush, Burford is a town in West Oxfordshire. It's location led to the nickname 'Gateway to the Cotswolds'.
If you're an animal lover, visit the safari park or the crocodile zoo where you'll have a blast learning about the different exotic animals!
Burford has a variety of nature walks that you can take the whole family (and the dog!) out on. The town also has two National Trust estates: Lodge Park and (technically in Bibury) the historic Arlington Row.
Witney is only a few minutes' drive from here. As you're probably coming to expect with the Cotswolds, the architecture is beautiful and there's a lot of history to the place. Every other weekend there's the Witney Market, where you can pick up souvenirs from small, independent businesses.
Recommended camp site
Site name and details
Hardwick Parks
Downs Road
Standlake
Witney
Oxfordshire
OX29 7PZ
info@hardwickparks.co.uk
01865 300 501
Description
Get your water skis on and head down to Hardwick Parks, where there's no end to fun or watersports! The park is made up of 180 acres of land, and has two (!) lakes to enjoy. Swimming in the lake is permitted but obviously make sure you're safe and sensible about it!
Well behaved dogs are welcome, but please keep them on leads outside of the dog exercise areas.
Amenities
Dog-friendly
Electric hook up
Toilet & shower block including disabled access
Free wifi
Laundrette
8th stop - Chipping Norton
Cotswold Hills Caravan Park 20.6 miles, 36 min
As Chipping Norton is only 18 miles from Oxford, we recommend you go sightseeing around the city. There's a whole host of beautiful buildings, nature walks, and attractions. You might even like to get a sightseeing bus for a full tour!
The village has a theatre, started in 1975 by none other than 4th Doctor Tom Baker. Events are held here all year round, from shows to workshops.
Chipping Norton hosts two annual festivals, one for music and one for literature. If you're here while they're on drop them a visit!
This is the final stop before you journey back up to Cheshire, so make the most of it!
Recommended camp site
Site name and details
Cotswold Hills Caravan Park
Hook Norton Road
Chipping Norton
Oxfordshire
OX7 5TE
info@cotswoldhillscountrypark.co.uk
01608 644 860
Description
This beautiful Cotswolds campsite has all the amenities to make your stay one to remember. Surrounding the site is miles upon miles of unspoilt English countryside, fauna and flora alike running wild and free.
You're only a 40 minute drive away from the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's famous birthplace. The town centre has Tudor-style black and white buildings, and the town itself dates back to medieval times!
For some quieter activities to wind down the trip, Stow-on-the-Wold has several tourist attractions you may enjoy. St Edward's Church is like something out of a fantasy novel, with a famous front door between two trees and stained glass windows throughout. Centuries of history has shaped the church into an attraction that can't be missed. There's also Sezincote House, with Indian-style achitecture that'll make you feel like you're in the Taj Mahal!
Amenities
Dog-friendly
Electric hook up
Toilet and shower block
Chemical disposal
Dish washing & laundry area