50 units · Motorhomes, Tents6 acres · Chipping Norton, EnglandWhether you’re heading to the Cotswolds for early August’s Wilderness Festival at Cornbury Park, the almost-endless walking options or simply a peaceful weekend escape, Cornbury Rise Camping, edging the pretty market town of Charlbury, covers all bases. There’s no fuss – just back-to-basics camping in the middle of lots of Cotswolds action, with the welcome addition of easy parking and rail access too.
Bear in mind that this is off-grid camping with simple facilities: grass pitches, portable loos, fresh water and cold-water showers. Starry skies on clear nights and open space to unwind are added bonuses, but please note there is no electricity. Pitch up in the meadow set on a gentle rise, surrounded by ancient hedgerows and farmland, and you’ll wake up to birdsong, the sound of church bells in the distance and views over the rooftops of one of the Cotswolds’ most attractive market towns.
From your pitch, wander into Charlbury (10 minutes’ walk) for supplies or a pint at one of the village pubs, discover re-wilding woodland on strolls through Wychwood Forest, or take the short drive to Chipping Norton (15 minutes’ drive) and a certain very well-known farm shop.
As well as attending gigs at the Wilderness Festival from your pitch (half an hour’s walk), a stay at Cornbury Rise Camping puts you in pole position for exploring the Cotswolds National Landscape. Historic Burford (20 minutes’ drive), with its combination of mellow-stone cottages and half-timbered houses, is popular for its antiques shops, while Stow-on-the-Wold (half an hour) centres on a vast market square surrounded by a labyrinth of lanes packed with indie boutiques and eateries.
See how the other half once lived with a look around the Palladian mansion at Ditchley Park (10 minutes, guided tours by appointment only). Alternatively, spend the day discovering manicured gardens, strolling vast tracts of woodland and touring numerous historical displays at humongous and lavish Blenheim Palace (15 minutes), the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
Those of you with a taste for the finer things in life have your pick of Michelin-starred Cotswold restaurants, gourmet pubs and a store filled with organic produce at Daylesford. And let’s not forget the (almost) obligatory visit to Diddly Squat.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires