Peruvian folk meets a traditional shepherd’s hut in the Cotswolds! Dappled woods and country walks, no llamas but lots of wildlife...

The traditional shepherd's hut is given a Peruvian feel in Lima, one of two homely spaces at The Bluebell Wood. The huge rug, fresh flowers and a bottle of wine all go together to provide the warmest of welcomes. The rambling woodland, carpeted with bluebells in the spring and swathes of ferns in the summer, make the whole place a wonderful and relaxing escape.
Near the hut is the canvas kitchen shelter, with a two ring gas hob and picnic table seating. There’s also a fire pit with a tripod cooking pot for the more adventurous outdoor chef but a couple of good local pubs if it all goes wrong. Lima and its smaller sibling, Posey, share a composting loo and an impressively hot outdoor shower a minute away through the woods, and a fridge in a lean-to by the old barn up at the house.
The countryside all around you, the heart of the Cotswolds, is for great walking, but even in the woodland itself there's a large badger set with a hide to watch from just a short walk away. Further afield you can find the famous cultural events at Cheltenham throughout the year and the historic Stratford upon Avon.

• Esentials
• Getting there
• Eating & Drinking
• Things to do
• Booking terms
• Meet your hosts

The essentials

The important stuff

• Check in time is from 4pm
• Check out time is 11am
• Smoking is not permitted anywhere on site
• Parking is near the owners house and signs will take you to The Oaks wood. Please stick to the paths.

Sleeping arrangements

Sleeps 2 adults, 2 children: one 4'6" wide double, one 3' wide sofa/day bed. Extra camping possible alongside the hut for children only at £10 per night per head.

Kids & Pets

Kids are welcome either on the day bed or camping alongside (£10 a head per night). Pets cannot be accommodated

Cooking

• Double gas ring in outdoor tent area
• Camp-fire with tripod cooking pot
• BBQ
• The two huts share a fridge and freezer in the lean-to by the barn
• All crockery and kitchen utensils are provided

Washing

• Composting loo and showers are nearby, shared with Posey, the other hut.
• For clothing over longer stays, there is a local launderette in Bourton.

Heating, lighting & bedding

• There is a wood burner for heating and storm lanterns and candles in glass covers for lighting
• All linen including towels will be provided

Entertainment

• Books
• Cards
• Board games

Getting there

The Oaks, Heath barn, Donnington, Gloucestershire GL56 OXU

By train & bus

The nearest station is Moreton-in-Marsh, an hour and three quarters direct from London Paddington. Buses can get you to three miles away.

By car

From Stow on the Wold take the A429 towards Moreton in Marsh. After approx 2 miles there is a crossroads to Donnington left and Broadwell right. Take the next right hand turning into a driveway with white posts on the verge, and a brick wall with balls on the top. Follow the tarmac driveway until it becomes a farm track, and please proceed slowly. Heath Barn is at the end of the track.

Park in the area provided and see the signs to The Oaks. Shepherd's huts will be marked up clearly. It is possible to drive up to the edge of the woods to unload on arrival, but please leave your car in the parking area during your stay

Eating & drinking

At the Shepherd's huts

There are a whole host of ways to cook for yourself at The Bluebell Wood but to get you started, your hosts Georgie & Francis have made sure they got their priorities right - a bottle of wine will be waiting for you on arrival, along with other more prosaic essential such as tea, coffee and milk.

Pubs & restaurants

There are loads of good local pubs and places to eat, plus great music venues. There will be plenty of local information in the huts or you can check out whats on in Cheltenham here.

Things to do

At The Bluebell Wood

There are deer, badgers, all kinds of wildlife and of course the eponymous bluebells in April and May. Francis, the owner can show you it all in a photographic tour of the Cotswolds taking in some stunning, special views and getting you some great pictures.

Places to visit

Blenheim Palace - The home if His Grace the Duke of Marlborough, this magnificent palace is open to the public and features gardens laid out by Capability Brown. There is also the Game Fair, running this year from Friday 22nd July to the 24th.

Hidcote Manor - The finest gardens in the country (according to some!). A National Trust property just four miles outside Chipping Campden.

Cotswold Wildlife Park - A large variety of wildlife including a reptile house, an aquarium, aviaries and an adventure playground, miniature railway, picnic areas and restaurants.

Bourton on the Water - a beautiful Cotswold village with its own bird sanctuary, miniature model village, trout farm and perfumery.

Stratford upon Avon - World famous for its Shakespearean connections and great for tours, the theatre of course, and....teddy bears.

Outdoorsy stuff

There are a wealth of options for horse riding, sailing, mountain biking and all kinds of sports, as well as great walking through some lovely countryside. Further information can be found in the huts.

Camel rides! - A truly unique riding experience in Warwickshire, bumpy but fun!

Festivals & events

The Mop - A street fair in Stratford held for two nights in October followed by the Runaway Mop two weeks later.

Cheltenham hosts a Jazz festival, a Literary festival and of course the Gold Cup.

Meet your hosts

Georgie & Francis have lived at Heath Barn for 20 years. In their creation of their shepherd's hut camps, they have combined their love of the local area and its outstanding natural beauty with the experience from many years of travelling. They invite guests to get outdoors and experience their wonderful home.