98% (438) • 101 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Gloucestershire
The T Barn
1. The T Barn
99%
(90)
17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£29
/ night
Abbey Home Farm
2. Abbey Home Farm
94%
(218)
21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£9
/ night
Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.
3. Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.
99%
(85)
4 units · Glamping · Gloucestershire, South West England
Magical, secluded glamping in the Wye Valley, yards from the Offas Dyke trail
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£137
/ night
Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds
4. Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds
100%
(47)
9 units · Tents · Gloucestershire, South West England
Secluded almost wild camping spots in an ancient woodland in the Cotswolds
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£300
/ night
Oxwick Farm
5. Oxwick Farm
100%
(79)
14 units · Tents, Glamping · Gloucestershire, South West England
Camping and glamping on an eco-friendly re-wilded farm on the southern side of the Cotswolds.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£30
/ night
Wild Camping in the Cotswolds
6. Wild Camping in the Cotswolds
100%
(57)
2 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Aldsworth, England
Nearly wild camping with acres of space hired on an exclusive basis
Pets
Campfires
from
£40
/ night
Berrends Farm
7. Berrends Farm
96%
(38)
6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Ledbury, Herefordshire, West Midlands
We are in the 3 counties area, a short distance from the Malvern Hills. We have pitches for tents and caravans, and also a Shepherds Hut and an Annex.
We are a small working farm. We welcome our guests to enjoy our home. There are lots of local pubs and towns to visit and local attractions located nearby.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£32
/ night
Camp Hillcrest
8. Camp Hillcrest
92%
(13)
1 unit · Glamping · Lydney, Gloucestershire, South West England
A horsebox hideaway on a super cool site with its own skatepark
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£100
/ night
Elmwicke Camping
9. Elmwicke Camping
96%
(64)
50 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, South West England
Family camping on a Severn Valley farm, with campfires to enjoy, animals to meet and tractor-and-trailer rides
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£27
/ night
Noxon Farm
10. Noxon Farm
100%
(14)
5 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Lydney, England
Surrounded by the lush, ancient woodlands in the Forest of Dean forest, this serene and spacious 2 acre field offers the perfect backdrop for your next camping adventure. The field is part of an old dairy farm with beautiful fishing lake.
Our camping facilities are eco friendly and we have 2 compost toilets along with wash basins and washing up sinks. Two hot showers as well. Solar lighting is at the facilities and there is a fire pit available.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Baldwins Brook Glamping
11. Baldwins Brook Glamping
100%
(7)
6 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · England
Small dog-friendly site on the banks of the river Severn
Adjacent to the Severn Way and half an hour’s walk from the canal
Wildlife haven within walking distance of pubs and Frampton on Severn
Craving a peaceful time filled with wildlife watching, long walks and relaxing by the water? On the banks of the River Severn, Baldwin’s Brook Glamping in Gloucestershire fits the bill.
This small site is a wildlife haven adjacent to the Severn Way, a long-distance trail which traces the river downstream. Birdwatching prospects are excellent here, and there’s plenty of peace if you’d rather sit and relax by a firepit or check out the stunning views and sunsets. The site is part of a working family farm with lots of livestock.
From the farm, it’s a 45-minute walk to Frampton on Severn, which is home to the longest village green in England and the lively Frampton Country Fair (think funfair… and 400 stalls full of good stuff). Baldwin’s Brook Glamping is also half an hour’s walk away from the Cotswold Canal Trust Visitor Centre by The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal if you’d like to grab a spot on a boat trip or sip a coffee by the canal.
When you'd rather have a chilled beer, two pubs are within half a mile of the site (only 10 minutes’ walk away). Strike up a conversation with a local about the next Severn Bore, the huge tidal wave which races for 25 miles from Awre to Gloucester down the estuary just a handful of times per year.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£30
/ night
Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite
12. Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite
96%
(13)
1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · Blakeney, England
An exclusive-hire nearly-wild woodland campsite for up to 20 people
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£112
/ night
Shirehill Farm
13. Shirehill Farm
100%
(5)
2 units · Glamping · Chippenham, England
Newly installed Shepherds huts in the Cotswolds. Outside kitchen with woodburning stove /oven, gas rings, Firepit, indoor and outdoor seating.
Newly installed compost toilets and shower cubicle. Electric sockets and lighting in the huts. Both have double beds. A tipi allows flexible sleeping for families and larger groups.
The farm is a wildlife lover’s paradise with woodland walks and bird spotting opportunities.
Fancy a cooked breakfast? Buy farm-fresh eggs for a morning fry-up, and add seasonal vegetables to your evening barbecue from the farm or by picking up supplies in Marshfield (five minutes’ drive) – although you’re also spoilt for choice of welcoming pubs serving good food within a 5 minute drive.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£81
/ night
Willow Farm
14. Willow Farm
100%
(1)
31 units · Tents · Kempsford, Gloucestershire, South West England
Campsite in fields adjacent to the scenic grounds of a beautiful 16th century thatched cottage.
Meals are offered during the week of the major airshow at Fairford RIAT. Please contact us for more details.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£55
/ night
Oakdean Cottage Yurt
15. Oakdean Cottage Yurt
100%
(4)
1 unit · Glamping · Lydney, Gloucestershire, South West England
A single yurt on a smallholding on the edge of the Forest of Dean
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£80
/ night
Cadora Woods Glamping
16. Cadora Woods Glamping
100%
(4)
5 units · Glamping · St Briavels, England
Hand-crafted shepherd's huts and yurts overlooking the Wye Valley.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£95
/ night
Romantic Off-Grid Cabin
17. Romantic Off-Grid Cabin
1 unit · Glamping · England
Disconnect in comfort. Reconnect with nature
What makes it special:
- Stunning sunrise views from the bed
- Total peace – no traffic, no noise, just nature
- Dog-friendly space surrounded by hills and trees
- 10 mins to Cheltenham** and Cotswold Way trails
- 5 mins to Dunkertons Organic Cider (farm shop + live music!)
Inside the cabin:
- King-size bed, wood-burning stove and warm wood interiors
- Ensuite hot shower with fluffy towels
- Kitchen with gas hob, compact fridge, stove-top coffee maker & cafetière
- Light-filled dining bar with long view of the fields
Outside space:
- Firepit for BBQs and night skies
- Relaxing outside for slow outdoor meals on the picnic bench
- Surrounded by open sky, clean air and birdsong
Local gems:
- Dunkertons Cider taproom + boulangerie (5 mins)
- Cotswold Way walks from the cabin door
- Pub lunches and market towns nearby
- Cheltenham (10 mins by car) – indie shops, galleries, food spots
What guests say:
> “The views were amazing, the sunrises unreal. Just peaceful.”
> “We lay in bed, watched the hills change colour, and did absolutely nothing. Bliss.”
Come and reset. Breathe deeply. Watch the sunrise.
We’d love to welcome you.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£107
/ night
Campden Yurts, Glamping, Cotswolds
18. Campden Yurts, Glamping, Cotswolds
100%
(12)
2 units · Glamping · Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, South West England
Campfires, countryside and comfortable glamping yurts, all on the outskirts of the Cotswolds' prettiest town
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£124
/ night
Fossewold Cotswold Camping
19. Fossewold Cotswold Camping
18 units · Glamping · England
Cotswold Camping an off-grid escape surrounded by stunning countryside views. Choose from our spacious 4m with a king-size mattress and 7m bell tents, with a super king-size mattress for a great night’s sleep.
We’re perfectly located to explore the Cotswolds — Chipping Campden is just 3 miles away, with Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold all close by. On-site, you’ll find plenty of space to relax, watch the sunset, and enjoy the quiet charm of nature.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£80
/ night
Toghill House Farm
20. Toghill House Farm
100%
(7)
1 unit · Glamping · Bristol , England
A pair of exclusive-hire bell tents on the edge of the Cotswolds, near Bath
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£126
/ night
98% (438) • 101 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Gloucestershire
The T Barn
1. The T Barn
99%
(90)
17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£29
/ night
Abbey Home Farm
2. Abbey Home Farm
94%
(218)
21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£9
/ night
Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.
3. Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.
99%
(85)
4 units · Glamping · Gloucestershire, South West England
Magical, secluded glamping in the Wye Valley, yards from the Offas Dyke trail
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£137
/ night
Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds
4. Oak & Ash & Thorn in the Cotswolds
100%
(47)
9 units · Tents · Gloucestershire, South West England
Secluded almost wild camping spots in an ancient woodland in the Cotswolds
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£300
/ night
Oxwick Farm
5. Oxwick Farm
100%
(79)
14 units · Tents, Glamping · Gloucestershire, South West England
Camping and glamping on an eco-friendly re-wilded farm on the southern side of the Cotswolds.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£30
/ night
Wild Camping in the Cotswolds
6. Wild Camping in the Cotswolds
100%
(57)
2 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Aldsworth, England
Nearly wild camping with acres of space hired on an exclusive basis
Pets
Campfires
from
£40
/ night
Berrends Farm
7. Berrends Farm
96%
(38)
6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Ledbury, Herefordshire, West Midlands
We are in the 3 counties area, a short distance from the Malvern Hills. We have pitches for tents and caravans, and also a Shepherds Hut and an Annex.
We are a small working farm. We welcome our guests to enjoy our home. There are lots of local pubs and towns to visit and local attractions located nearby.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£32
/ night
Camp Hillcrest
8. Camp Hillcrest
92%
(13)
1 unit · Glamping · Lydney, Gloucestershire, South West England
A horsebox hideaway on a super cool site with its own skatepark
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£100
/ night
Elmwicke Camping
9. Elmwicke Camping
96%
(64)
50 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, South West England
Family camping on a Severn Valley farm, with campfires to enjoy, animals to meet and tractor-and-trailer rides
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£27
/ night
Noxon Farm
10. Noxon Farm
100%
(14)
5 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Lydney, England
Surrounded by the lush, ancient woodlands in the Forest of Dean forest, this serene and spacious 2 acre field offers the perfect backdrop for your next camping adventure. The field is part of an old dairy farm with beautiful fishing lake.
Our camping facilities are eco friendly and we have 2 compost toilets along with wash basins and washing up sinks. Two hot showers as well. Solar lighting is at the facilities and there is a fire pit available.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£27
/ night
Baldwins Brook Glamping
11. Baldwins Brook Glamping
100%
(7)
6 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · England
Small dog-friendly site on the banks of the river Severn
Adjacent to the Severn Way and half an hour’s walk from the canal
Wildlife haven within walking distance of pubs and Frampton on Severn
Craving a peaceful time filled with wildlife watching, long walks and relaxing by the water? On the banks of the River Severn, Baldwin’s Brook Glamping in Gloucestershire fits the bill.
This small site is a wildlife haven adjacent to the Severn Way, a long-distance trail which traces the river downstream. Birdwatching prospects are excellent here, and there’s plenty of peace if you’d rather sit and relax by a firepit or check out the stunning views and sunsets. The site is part of a working family farm with lots of livestock.
From the farm, it’s a 45-minute walk to Frampton on Severn, which is home to the longest village green in England and the lively Frampton Country Fair (think funfair… and 400 stalls full of good stuff). Baldwin’s Brook Glamping is also half an hour’s walk away from the Cotswold Canal Trust Visitor Centre by The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal if you’d like to grab a spot on a boat trip or sip a coffee by the canal.
When you'd rather have a chilled beer, two pubs are within half a mile of the site (only 10 minutes’ walk away). Strike up a conversation with a local about the next Severn Bore, the huge tidal wave which races for 25 miles from Awre to Gloucester down the estuary just a handful of times per year.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£30
/ night
Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite
12. Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite
96%
(13)
1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · Blakeney, England
An exclusive-hire nearly-wild woodland campsite for up to 20 people
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£112
/ night
Shirehill Farm
13. Shirehill Farm
100%
(5)
2 units · Glamping · Chippenham, England
Newly installed Shepherds huts in the Cotswolds. Outside kitchen with woodburning stove /oven, gas rings, Firepit, indoor and outdoor seating.
Newly installed compost toilets and shower cubicle. Electric sockets and lighting in the huts. Both have double beds. A tipi allows flexible sleeping for families and larger groups.
The farm is a wildlife lover’s paradise with woodland walks and bird spotting opportunities.
Fancy a cooked breakfast? Buy farm-fresh eggs for a morning fry-up, and add seasonal vegetables to your evening barbecue from the farm or by picking up supplies in Marshfield (five minutes’ drive) – although you’re also spoilt for choice of welcoming pubs serving good food within a 5 minute drive.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£81
/ night
Willow Farm
14. Willow Farm
100%
(1)
31 units · Tents · Kempsford, Gloucestershire, South West England
Campsite in fields adjacent to the scenic grounds of a beautiful 16th century thatched cottage.
Meals are offered during the week of the major airshow at Fairford RIAT. Please contact us for more details.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£55
/ night
Oakdean Cottage Yurt
15. Oakdean Cottage Yurt
100%
(4)
1 unit · Glamping · Lydney, Gloucestershire, South West England
A single yurt on a smallholding on the edge of the Forest of Dean
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£80
/ night
Cadora Woods Glamping
16. Cadora Woods Glamping
100%
(4)
5 units · Glamping · St Briavels, England
Hand-crafted shepherd's huts and yurts overlooking the Wye Valley.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£95
/ night
Romantic Off-Grid Cabin
17. Romantic Off-Grid Cabin
1 unit · Glamping · England
Disconnect in comfort. Reconnect with nature
What makes it special:
- Stunning sunrise views from the bed
- Total peace – no traffic, no noise, just nature
- Dog-friendly space surrounded by hills and trees
- 10 mins to Cheltenham** and Cotswold Way trails
- 5 mins to Dunkertons Organic Cider (farm shop + live music!)
Inside the cabin:
- King-size bed, wood-burning stove and warm wood interiors
- Ensuite hot shower with fluffy towels
- Kitchen with gas hob, compact fridge, stove-top coffee maker & cafetière
- Light-filled dining bar with long view of the fields
Outside space:
- Firepit for BBQs and night skies
- Relaxing outside for slow outdoor meals on the picnic bench
- Surrounded by open sky, clean air and birdsong
Local gems:
- Dunkertons Cider taproom + boulangerie (5 mins)
- Cotswold Way walks from the cabin door
- Pub lunches and market towns nearby
- Cheltenham (10 mins by car) – indie shops, galleries, food spots
What guests say:
> “The views were amazing, the sunrises unreal. Just peaceful.”
> “We lay in bed, watched the hills change colour, and did absolutely nothing. Bliss.”
Come and reset. Breathe deeply. Watch the sunrise.
We’d love to welcome you.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£107
/ night
Campden Yurts, Glamping, Cotswolds
18. Campden Yurts, Glamping, Cotswolds
100%
(12)
2 units · Glamping · Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, South West England
Campfires, countryside and comfortable glamping yurts, all on the outskirts of the Cotswolds' prettiest town
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£124
/ night
Fossewold Cotswold Camping
19. Fossewold Cotswold Camping
18 units · Glamping · England
Cotswold Camping an off-grid escape surrounded by stunning countryside views. Choose from our spacious 4m with a king-size mattress and 7m bell tents, with a super king-size mattress for a great night’s sleep.
We’re perfectly located to explore the Cotswolds — Chipping Campden is just 3 miles away, with Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold all close by. On-site, you’ll find plenty of space to relax, watch the sunset, and enjoy the quiet charm of nature.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£80
/ night
Toghill House Farm
20. Toghill House Farm
100%
(7)
1 unit · Glamping · Bristol , England
A pair of exclusive-hire bell tents on the edge of the Cotswolds, near Bath
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£126
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
C
Claire
December 2025
With kids
Staying in the Horsebox was just fabulous, so much to do, we enjoyed darts, ping pong, table football, tree net and the fabulous skate park. Our hosts were so friendly and we booked wood fired pizza for our evening meal which was delicious. Perfect for an adventurous stay for our boys 14th birthday weekend.
See more
H
Hugh
November 2025
5 m Class B
Had a lovely stay at Peter and Celia’s farm. Despite the weather not being on my side the views were beautiful over rolling hills and woods.
Both Celia and Peter were very welcoming and helpful. I’d definitely stay again if I’m in the area
See more
Abbie
October 2025
5 m car
With pets
What an amazing place! Thanks so much for having us. Cant tell you how relaxing it was having space for our dog to run about off lead, she LOVED it. Views are incredible too!
See more
s
sherrie
October 2025
7 m Class B
This was my third visit this year and we pitched up in a different location to before. The choice of where you want to pitch up is endless and every area of the pitch gives you complete privacy with stunning views. If you have a dog then this pitch is perfect for them to enjoy open space. Peter and Celia are amazing hosts with great communication. The pitch is really easy to access and find, we were fine with our 7m camper. I highly recommend this Hipcamp.
See more
G
Gillian
September 2025
With kids
A very warm welcome from Nigel at the site, with explanation of the site.
We loved staying in one of the pre-pitched bell tents, so cosy and warm with very comfy beds! Warm shower and clean composting loo. Helpful little things like the - rechargeable lanterns for use and bottle lanterns when it got dark. A plus too, lots of kitchen ware and crockery.
See more
C
Carmen
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Berrends Farm
Just a wonderful place to stay!!! Stayed all over England and Scotland and this was my very favourite!!
See more
T
Thomas
September 2025
Tent
With kids
We had 42 acres to ourselves with a sunset and fire, what more could you want
See more
A
Alec
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Wonderful spot! Incredibly friendly and welcoming staff. Warm showers were an unexpected bonus!
See moreH
Helen
September 2025
Tent
Peace, perfect peace! 🥰
Despite torrential rain, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and loved not seeing another human being for 3 whole days! Plenty of wildlife for company though, and we loved having the big skies and amazing views all around us!
Lovely hosts directed us to where to pitch and then left us to it and we can't wait to stay again! Highly recommend if you like to camp slightly wild!! ❤️
See moreJ
Jason
September 2025
5 m car
A fantastic stripped back Wild camping experience that was just perfect for what I needed. Very organised in the communication and lots of choice on where to best pitch up. I have a roof tent so managed to find a nice flat spot that felt very remote with wonderful views.
Look forward to coming back soon.
See more
J
Julian
September 2025
With pets
This was a super last-minute booking, despite knowing that it was going to be pretty wet all weekend. Despite the rain, this was a magical place and my son and I had a special time together. The rain maybe made it even more special.
Anna is lovely and very helpful and their dog spent quite a lot of time with us because he realised we would continue to throw a stick for it until we went to sleep. Which was bliss!
See more
S
Sabih
August 2025
Tent
Lovely campsite with everything you could possibly need! Nigel was extremely welcoming and helpful.
See more
A
Annie
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Shirehill Farm
We had a really lovely stay in the Shepherds Hut, the location is so beautiful and peaceful. Lots of stunning walks nearby. Kitchen had all the cooking facilities you need and outdoor shower and toilets were very well maintained. Alison was very welcoming and extremely helpful. Thanks!
See more
D
Dave
August 2025
With kids
Lovely shepherd huts in a beautiful location. Plenty to explore or relax and take in nature. They were great hosts with a great farm shop
See more
S
Steve
August 2025
5 m Class B
With pets
Fantastic facilities, quiet site, idyllic, everyone very friendly
See more
O
Owen
August 2025
Tent
With kids
We had a really lovely stay at the T-Barn! The site is in a peaceful, beautiful location with a thoughtful layout that offers a real sense of privacy. The facilities were clean, well-maintained, and perfectly in keeping with the relaxed, off-grid feel of the place. We really appreciated the light-touch hosting style – it made the experience feel calm and connected to nature.
A real highlight for our kids was watching the cows wander past each day – such a treat and a unique part of the stay.
One thing to note: the listing currently says “no pets,” which was one of the main reasons we chose it (as a family with small children, we specifically look for dog-free sites). However, there were several dogs on site during our visit, and one in particular was quite disruptive. It didn’t change how much we enjoyed our time overall, but it felt important to mention for others who might be relying on that detail.
All in all, T-Barn is a beautiful, welcoming place, and we’d happily recommend it – and hope to return again ourselves.
See more
Carree
August 2025
5 m Class B
With kids
Great campsite, brilliant facilities and location 😊👍
See more
L
Lucy
August 2025
With kids
The glamping tents are cosy and spacious, the beds were incredibly comfortable and clean. The tents are well spaced out so there is privacy and peace. We had a BBQ and a firepit provided. Facilities were fabulous with a well-stocked kitchen and lovely hot shower. Excellent, friendly hosts. My teenage nieces and nephew loved it and well hopefully be back.
See more
L
Lewis
August 2025
Tent
With pets
We tent camped here for the night with our 6 year old son and puppy. It was a lovely place and staff there were so friendly.
Will definitely return in the future.
See more
M
Michele
August 2025
With kids
We had the best time in the Shepherd's Huts - it's such a magical place to stay, with beautiful views over the fields and even it's own little woodland walk. We spent two nights just us and our son, then my cousins pitched a tent on the third night. It was so peaceful to be surrounded by nature and have the place to ourselves. The huts were beautiful and cosy and the beds were comfy too. There was everything we needed to have a camping experience that felt both wild yet easy and with all that we needed. Thanks Abbey Home Farm!
See more
Campsites in Gloucestershire guide
Where to go
Northern Cotswolds
The honey-stone, thatch-roof villages of the northern Cotswolds are some of England’s most beautiful, from historical Stow-on-the-Wold to creative, antiques-filled Broadway and Chipping Campden. Hike along the Cotswold Way, surrounded by green countryside, with stops at wool-trade churches, ancient almshouses, dramatic lookouts (such as 18th-century Broadway Tower) and former coaching inns (many now converted into lively pubs and restaurants). There’s plenty of other outdoor fun, too—especially horse riding and cycling. Camping, glamping and caravan sites are scattered around, and there are wonderful farmers’ markets and local delis for stocking up on fresh produce.
Southern Cotswolds
Meandering footpaths, thatched cottages, and distinctive Gothic churches set the scene in the less-touristy southern half of Gloucestershire’s Cotswolds. Here campers can wander between golden-stone villages such as Painswick (don’t miss the Rococo Garden), Northleach (an underappreciated highlight), and Bibury (one of the Cotswolds’ dreamiest), and dive into local history in Cirencester, Uley, Stroud, and beyond. Outdoors, it’s all about walks through the southwestern Cotswolds AONB and Westonbirt Arboretum, along with cycling, horse riding, birdwatching, and wild swimming. Places to set up camp range from farm meadows to lakeside huts.
Forest of Dean
Bordering Wales in far-west Gloucestershire (and parts of Herefordshire), between the Severn and Wye rivers, the mysterious Forest of Dean is a 42-square-mile natural wonderland packed with adventure. Find quiet trails through England’s oldest oak forests (whose secluded beauty inspired JK Rowling and JRR Tolkien); kayaking, paddle-boarding, and birdwatching from the riverside village of Symonds Yat; plus caving, rock-climbing, abseiling, and rafting. The best of the many caravanning, camping, and glamping sites overlook the rushing Wye.
Cheltenham, Gloucester & Around
Elegant Cheltenham, Gloucestershire’s main town, was once an important 18th-century spa destination and still flaunts its Regency architecture and landscaped gardens, while the county capital Gloucester is home to an unmissable Perpendicular Gothic cathedral (where scenes from Harry Potter were filmed). The surrounding countryside is dotted with ideal stops for campers, from holiday parks to fruit farms to rural pubs.