Lucy Caille | Sun, Dec 29th, 2019
How lucky I was to drive through the Cotswolds recently on a wonderfully sunny, frosty morning for a meeting at Daylesford Farm. What an absolutely glorious region it is and simply perfect for a mini GlamperRV winter escape being within easy reach of both our Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire bases and packed with delightful treats to explore.
The area I know best is the triangle marked by Oxford, Broadway and Cheltenham which is teaming with picture postcard villages, frequently used in film sets, rolling hills perfect for a meander (or more!) and market towns crammed with delightful shopping experiences and even more delightful cream teas!
In addition to Daylesford which offers a complete culinary experience, there are many favourite eating spots including the recently re-opened Upton Firehouse close to Burford, the Swan at Swinbrook and the the Lygon Bar & Grill in Broadway.
Leaving from our Buckinghamshire base, having skirted around Oxford I would propose heading to Blenheim Palace for a morning stroll. The grounds are beautiful year round and the palace an impressive sight from all aspects. Carrying on your journey I would save yourself for a late lunch at Daylesford – the Legbar is my favourite for casual dining and this organic farm produces some of the best fresh salads I have ever tasted. By the time you have explored the farm, the stunning florist and stocked up for your trip, you may wish to make the short journey to one of the many overnight parking spots available in Bourton on the Water. We parked at the Royal British Legion which offered a large, blissfully quiet overnight spot in the centre of town but there is also a motorhome stopover at the Coach & Horses public house or a small campsite at the Bourton Rovers Social Club, both within easy reach of town.
After a morning exploring what is affectionally known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, you will be happy to have just a short drive to your next overnight spot in the equally delightful town of Broadway, renowned for its honey coloured houses, picturesque streets and historic architecture. Overnight parking is available right in the centre in the long stay car park or slightly further out of town at one of the local campsites. Broadway is crammed with inspiring art galleries (I spent a good hour admiring the work of local artist Jeremy Houghton at Trinity House Fine Art), cafes and posh trinket shops – just what you need for a few hours of window shopping.
Depending on the length of your trip you may wish to visit the Regency town of Cheltenham if you fancy some more traditional retail therapy or carry on towards Burford if you prefer the smaller, Cotswold villages and open countryside. There is a public car park in the town centre that permits overight stays or a small, friendly campsite just outside Burford by the golf club, the Wysdom Touring Park, which has plenty of hard standing and so ideal for winter trips. Both are just a short drive to the Upton Firehouse, where they use their own smoked meats and cook them over their feature GIANT BBQ – this really has to be seen!
I hope this inspires you – perhaps an idea for a sneaky Valentines treat?
