Mill Farm campsite lies in the land that time forgot. You approach through a time warp of unkempt country lanes, and the farmyard and surrounding buildings are delightfully rustic. It's just a large, no-frills field in quiet scenery, and you can pitch where you want, when you want, and light a campfire where you want, when you want. Dogs, kids, and ball games are all embraced as part of the place's genuinely relaxed vibe. The family owners are welcoming and happy to help with anything you need, including photocopies of the local — very beautiful and unspoilt - dragonfly nature trail, named so for its shape. A 10-minute wander along the lane into Long Compton is a pleasant way to pass some time; pick up a paper, pop into the pub, or purchase some produce from a pavement stall.

If it's windy, pitching by the hedge gives good shelter. And lighting a fire adds to the warmth and ambience; settle near your own fire pit, or join someone else's - it's that kind of place. People come back year after year; one camper told us that it hasn't changed in the 30 years he's been visiting. And for that, we can all be very grateful.




COOL FACTOR A huge, relaxed field with campfires.

WHO'S IN? Every man and his dog are welcome.

ON SITE Campfires allowed in fire pits dotted around the field. 'Officially' 11 spacious pitches. No hook-ups. Clean loos with basins and plenty of free hot water, but no showers. Basic and clean washing-up area. Plenty of space to play ball games; lovely donkeys to stroke and chickens to watch. Friendly owners happy to freeze ice blocks.

OFF SITE The historic towns of Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Norton are both within 6 miles and offer a variety of historical architecture and tea, antique, and interiors shops.

FOOD AND DRINK When available you can buy fresh free-range eggs at the farm door. Honesty-box local produce is a mile away in Barton and ½ mile away in Long Compton. Moreton-in-Marsh has a choice of restaurants and a weekly market on Tuesdays, selling everything from fresh fish, veg, and bread to all kinds of home hardware.

GETTING THERE From the A3400 at Long Compton (the church on your left), take the next left into Barton Road. Mill Farm is ½ mile up the road, on the right.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT Train to Moreton-in-Marsh, then taxi.

OPEN March-October.

THE DAMAGE £7-£8 per pitch, per night.