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Why we love glamping in the Cotswolds

The classic image of glamping in the Cotswolds is looking down from a swathe of green hillside on a village of honey-coloured stone where smoke curls up from the chimneys far below. While this might well be enough to have you heading there, you'll also find vibrant market towns, some great days out and a wealth of places to eat and drink in style. Here are just a few of the reasons that glamping in the Cotswolds is the perfect blend of nature and indulgence.

Picturesque villages and towns

If you spend any amount of time glamping in the Cotswolds, you'll be hard pressed to avoid passing through a beautiful village or two, but here are some that you might want to make a special stop for. Postcard-worthy Broadway is overlooked by the imposing Broadway Tower, offering beautiful views across the wolds, and you can lose hours pottering around the pretty streets, or exploring galleries and institutions like the Gordon Russell design museum, which celebrates the work of the pioneering local craftsman.

Tetbury’s bustling bi-weekly markets are as packed with shoppers now as they would have been in ancient times, and the town continues a slightly odder tradition as well, holding The Woolsack Races, every Spring Bank Holiday. We won't explain, you'll just have to go and see it. If you're coming up from the south for your glamping in the Cotswolds, historic Burford is a more convenient but no less interesting stop, with its famous high street crammed with a mishmash of slanting half-timbered houses, rustic stone cottages and refined Georgian townhouses. A fierce independent spirit means no stores and brilliant range of antique shops, galleries, and independent boutiques.

Walks

The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile footpath that winds its way through the Cotswold hills, extending from Chipping Camden to the historic Roman city of Bath, and taking in rolling pastures, beech woodland, and villages built entirely from honey-coloured Cotswold stone. From the same starting point, the Rollright Stones walk is an 8.5Km loop that leads to a group of three stone circles dating back to the Bronze Age, with spectacular views across open countryside. The site is much loved by astronomers glamping in the Cotswolds, having been given the Dark Sky Discovery Award in recognition of its views of the Milky Way.

The Cleeve Hill and Common circular route, one of the most popular Cotswolds walks, leads you over open hilltops, across streams, and through woodlands, immersing you in limestone grasslands teeming with wildflowers and butterflies. At just 6 miles, it's ideal for beginners and the perfect way to get a simple bit of walking into your time glamping in the Cotswolds. Finally, The Windrush Way, connecting the Cotswold Way with the Oxfordshire Way, begins at the town of Winchcombe and winds for over 21Km to Bourton on the Water. You’ll pass over fine examples of the undulating hills and magical villages of the Cotswolds, with more than few options for refreshment stops in the local pubs.

Food & drink

Family run restaurant Wild Thyme in Chipping Norton is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike, with a dining club that allows you to spend an intimate evening enjoying some of chef Nick’s home cooking. The set menu offers fresh, delicious dishes that change with the seasons. If you don’t fancy a sit down meal, why not try the restaurant’s ‘Take Me Home’ dinner service, for fine dining however off-grid glamping in the Cotswolds has taken you.

The region's local beers deserve a little sampling and The Cotswold Brewing Company, at Bourton-on-the-Water, is a great place to begin. Try high-quality British lager brewed on site, and take a tour with friendly owners Richard and Emma Keene. The Chequers pub is another good call for a pint and also serves superb steaks cooked to perfection in Josper ovens. If booze isn’t your thing, get yourself over to one of Guilt Trip Coffee’s locations across the region, where friendly service, specialty coffee and fresh donuts (or an espresso glaze donut to combine the two) will have you ready for whatever a day of glamping in the Cotswolds can throw at you.

Days out

Rousham House & Gardens are a hidden gem, completely unspoiled and uncommercialised. There's no gift shop or tea room, so pack a flask and picnic, plus your comfy shoes, as you’ll easily lose a full day exploring one of England’s most important landscape gardens. Sudeley Castle has something for everyone, whether you want to discover its rich history, or simply relax in the beauty of its exteriors, gardens, and striking ruins. Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there’s a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year, from puppet shows to costume exhibitions, that make it one of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds for families.

Glamping in the Cotswolds wouldn't be complete without a visit to the iconic Blenheim Palace at Woodstock, location for many a period drama. This World Heritage Site is the seat of the Duke of Marlborough, with simply stunning baroque architecture, and both wild and manicured gardens to wander. For something a bit livelier, head for the largest inland paddling beach in the UK at The Cotswold Water Park, for paddling and open water swimming, beside a sandy beach that’s perfect for picnics and epic deckchair naps.

Glamping in the Cotswolds with Canopy & Stars

What is glamping?

Glamping in the Cotswolds allows you to immerse yourself in some of the most idyllic scenery in the UK, from an amazing and comfortable space. You'll find everything you need waiting for you when you arrive, along with wonderful touches like outdoor hot tubs to horseshoe shaped baths, outdoor swings, fire pits, and al fresco dining areas. Whether you choose a bell tent lost in the woods, an artfully converted horsebox in the wetlands, or a luxurious treetop retreat, complete with hot tub, our glamping holidays in the Cotswolds can also be combined with a choice of memorable experiences to make your break truly special, from foraging workshops to private yoga sessions. Escape the grind of daily life and reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and the natural world, all without pitching a tent in the driving rain, or travelling with much more than a day bag.

How do we choose our places?

At Canopy & Stars we look for character, creativity and the magic of the outdoors, as well as quality basics.

Our spaces have been created by independent owners who have poured their passion into their yurt, cosy shepherd’s hut or other space. We look for little touches like locally sourced gift hampers, artfully lit outdoor dining areas and even trampoline swings - that you’ll be reminiscing about for years to come. To quality check our glamping accommodations, we personally vet each and every one with an overnight stay. This personal experience allows us to ensure that all of our spaces meet our high standards, and your expectations.

About Canopy & Stars

Canopy & Stars is a small, independent travel company where people come before profits. We live by our values of sustainability and fair treatment for all, sharing our profits both with our employees who all own a stake in the business, and with the charitable trust we’ve established to support organisations fighting climate change. Check out our about us page to find out more.

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