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As Victoria and Albert's nine children grew up and ...Cotswolds Camping is run by two hard-working friends (with some help from their husbands). No one lives on site, but a lot of work goes on in the background to ensure that it's a well organised but relaxed experience for everyone who stays.
The campsite is on the edge of the beautiful market town of Charlbury, with stunning views across the EvenlodeValley. It offers a couple of grass fields flanked by pine trees, with walks across open countryside accessible through a gate at the back. There's a compact and bijou summerhouse for those seeking indoor space in inclement weather; the washing facilities are all housed in the yard next to the field; and there's even a small modern kitchen. So all in all it's a very civilised affair. And everything's so clean that you could eat your free-range eggs (from the resident hens) off it. Caravans aren't banned, but the simplicity of this site appeals far more to dedicated tenters. It's a perfect place to kick back, treat your lungs to fresh air, read the paper, and listen to the surrounding cows, sheep, and chickens. Oh, and waking up to the sounds of resident wood pigeons is priceless.
As well as being a great springboard for visiting the lovely local villages of honey-coloured stone buildings, Cotswolds Camping is surrounded by yumminess of the food variety. Wander into Charlbury for its many pubs, or to the little village of Chadlington for a community-managed shop at its best, complemented by a cafe that sprawls out on to the pavement a few doors down.You're not in the middle of nowhere here, but it feels like it.
COOL FACTOR Simple Cotswolds site.
WHO'S IN? Tents, campervans, caravans,groups, well-behaved dogs - yes.
ON SITE Ten pitches, 3 with hook-ups. The facilities are new and immaculate, including separate toilet blocks with free showers and shaver points. Kitchen with free use of a fridge, toaster, kettle, and washing-up sink. Field for outdoor games, and basketball hoop. A couple of old ponies in the adjoining field enjoy company. There's a little wood for hide-and-seek, as well as access to miles of footpaths through the campsite gate. No campfires, but BBQs allowed.
OFF SITE Chadlington village (2 miles away) has an excellent wooden adventure playground. The stately home of Blenheim Palace (www.blenheimpalace.com) in Woodstock is only 6 miles away. The picture-postcard town of Burford is 9 miles away, and boasts the Cotswold Wildlife Park (01993 823006; www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk), home to rhinos, wolves, and leopards.
FOOD AND DRINK You can buy (even collect) fresh eggs on site. Nearby Charlbury offers many food shops, the CAMRA-award-winning Rose & Crown pub (01608 810103), and the Bull Inn (01608 810689) for excellent food. If you really want to live the high life, cruise on over to Daylesford Organic (01608 731700) near Kingham for upmarket cream teas and the most beautifully packaged pint of milk in the UK.
GETTING THERE From Charlbury (off the A44) go north on the B4026 towards Spelsbury. After about a mile, the site entrance is on a bend on the right.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Train to Charlbury then bus no. X9, towards Chipping Norton, will drop you off at the gate.
OPEN April-October.
THE DAMAGE Tent plus 2 adults £12.
The campsite is on the edge of the beautiful market town of Charlbury, with stunning views across the EvenlodeValley. It offers a couple of grass fields flanked by pine trees, with walks across open countryside accessible through a gate at the back. There's a compact and bijou summerhouse for those seeking indoor space in inclement weather; the washing facilities are all housed in the yard next to the field; and there's even a small modern kitchen. So all in all it's a very civilised affair. And everything's so clean that you could eat your free-range eggs (from the resident hens) off it. Caravans aren't banned, but the simplicity of this site appeals far more to dedicated tenters. It's a perfect place to kick back, treat your lungs to fresh air, read the paper, and listen to the surrounding cows, sheep, and chickens. Oh, and waking up to the sounds of resident wood pigeons is priceless.
As well as being a great springboard for visiting the lovely local villages of honey-coloured stone buildings, Cotswolds Camping is surrounded by yumminess of the food variety. Wander into Charlbury for its many pubs, or to the little village of Chadlington for a community-managed shop at its best, complemented by a cafe that sprawls out on to the pavement a few doors down.You're not in the middle of nowhere here, but it feels like it.
COOL FACTOR Simple Cotswolds site.
WHO'S IN? Tents, campervans, caravans,groups, well-behaved dogs - yes.
ON SITE Ten pitches, 3 with hook-ups. The facilities are new and immaculate, including separate toilet blocks with free showers and shaver points. Kitchen with free use of a fridge, toaster, kettle, and washing-up sink. Field for outdoor games, and basketball hoop. A couple of old ponies in the adjoining field enjoy company. There's a little wood for hide-and-seek, as well as access to miles of footpaths through the campsite gate. No campfires, but BBQs allowed.
OFF SITE Chadlington village (2 miles away) has an excellent wooden adventure playground. The stately home of Blenheim Palace (www.blenheimpalace.com) in Woodstock is only 6 miles away. The picture-postcard town of Burford is 9 miles away, and boasts the Cotswold Wildlife Park (01993 823006; www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk), home to rhinos, wolves, and leopards.
FOOD AND DRINK You can buy (even collect) fresh eggs on site. Nearby Charlbury offers many food shops, the CAMRA-award-winning Rose & Crown pub (01608 810103), and the Bull Inn (01608 810689) for excellent food. If you really want to live the high life, cruise on over to Daylesford Organic (01608 731700) near Kingham for upmarket cream teas and the most beautifully packaged pint of milk in the UK.
GETTING THERE From Charlbury (off the A44) go north on the B4026 towards Spelsbury. After about a mile, the site entrance is on a bend on the right.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Train to Charlbury then bus no. X9, towards Chipping Norton, will drop you off at the gate.
OPEN April-October.
THE DAMAGE Tent plus 2 adults £12.