The Cotswolds is one of the most gorgeous regions in central England and no doubt a certified glamping destination. Boasting traditional villages and sprawling woodlands, the place is a perfect combination of classic holiday and wild camping. The region spans over five counties where you can pick and live out your campsite dreams without leaving the comforts of home. For every enthusiastic glamper, you’ll find all that you need and more within the valleys of Cotswold!
Best Glamping Pods & Shepherd’s Huts With Hot Tubs in Dorset
Glamping in the Cotswolds is made easier by these luxurious properties. A mix of comfort and nature, each lodge is built with private spaces where you can enjoy the countryside and lakeside views. All properties are also equipped to handle the daily essentials while giving you extra amenities. From renovated barns to modern glamping pods, these holiday dwellings are packed with character to help you feel right at home. So don’t hesitate to camp in style with these beautiful Cotswolds lodges!
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Oak Lodge At Bridge Lake Farm
Chacombe, Oxfordshire
Sleeps 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1
Studio lodge featuring gorgeous wood panels. Roomy deck with patio furniture and BBQ. Front-row lakeside view.
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The Happy Valley Pod
Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
Sleeps 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1
Open-plan glamping home fit for two. Offers gravelled path with picnic bench for sunny breakfasts. Far-reaching countryside scenery.
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Ailsa Craig
Hillhampton, Great Witley, Worcestershire
Sleeps 6 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1
Detached holiday lodge for small families or groups. Walking access to nearby freshwater lake. Extremely welcoming to pets.
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The Shepherds Hut at Bridge Lake
Chacombe, Oxfordshire
Sleeps 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1
Secluded hut for romantic getaways. Great stargazing spot on deck overlooking idyllic pond. Located in quaint village of Chacombe.
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Gander Pod
Clifton Upon Teme, Worcestershire
Sleeps 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1
Glamping pod for couples on rural retreats. Property located on working farm and surrounded by rolling hills. Well-behaved pets are allowed.
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Springfield Lodge
Bretforton near Honeybourne, Worcestershire
Sleeps 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1
Cosy holiday home built on private property. Enclosed veranda facing Worcestershire country. Within short distance of Honeybourne Village.
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Halmore Pod
Halmore near Berkeley, Gloucestershire
Sleeps 4 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1
Remote location within village of Berkeley. Modern glamping pod set against sprawling country surroundings. Close access to Cotswold Way.
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Lakeview Yurt
Beckford near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Sleeps 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1
20-foot yurt for glampers on weekend breaks. Situated on edge of fishing lake with spacious deck. Extras include two-person sauna.
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The Alpaca Retreat
Bicester (4mls SE), Buckinghamshire
Sleeps 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1
Charming shepherd’s hut with wildlife glimpses. Wide deck includes luxury BBQ equipment. Dogs are welcome.
Things To Do Whilst Glamping In The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a destination teeming with adventures. From exploring neighbouring towns to simply relaxing in your glamping base, you’ll have countless activities to fill out the rest of your holiday agenda. But how and where do you even start? If you’re visiting the region for the first time, it’s easy to feel lost. Luckily, you’ll have this list as your guide, making your glamping trip even more memorable:
Enjoy strolling through a neighbouring town.
Spanning hundreds of miles, The Cotswolds has its share of pretty villages and historical towns. For instance, the village of Blockley offers a wonderful glimpse into medieval times with its historical townhouses and open pastures. There’s also Bourton-on-the-Water, otherwise known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” with its flowing canals, outdoor parks, and dedicated Birdland. And if you’re a first-time visitor, don’t forget about Burford. Decorated with century-old houses, this small town is said to be the gateway to the Cotswolds. Savour the scenery of the countryside and spend an afternoon checking out the local attractions!
Press flowers in your travel journal.
Glamping is all about getting in touch with nature and yourself. With this comes the strong recommendation of keeping a travel journal. After spending several days travelling the region, take some time alone in your glamping pod to document your journey. As your holiday comes to a close, the journal will also serve as a nice memento of your trip. Here’s an extra tip: when you visit other locations, try looking for wildflowers or buying local flowers, and then press them in between the pages of your journal. These flower pressings will last for years and you’ll have another collection to look back on!
Go on a hike on the many public nature trails.
If you want to see more of the counties on foot, it’s highly recommended to take the Cotswold Way. Similar to the South West Coast Path, the Cotswold Way is another national trail stretching at least a hundred miles. Starting from the town of Chipping Campden, you’ll hike past Neolithic burial spots, estate parks, and heritage sites. As you travel, you’ll also be treated to the exquisite Cotswold landscape which is a designated Area of Outstanding Beauty. At the end of the trail, there is the historic city of Bath. The city on its own is worth a visit, but it’s also a great spot to rest and wander!
Share scary stories around the bonfire.
Just because you’re glamping doesn’t mean you have to let go of classic campsite activities. One tradition that stands the test of time is the camp bonfire. If your lodge has an open fire pit, don’t hesitate to take advantage of it! Cook up some snacks, wait for the moon to come out, gather around the blazing fire, and swap stories. Remember that it doesn’t have to be spooky tales. In fact, you can use the Cotswold backdrop for inspiration. Look into the myth of the Rollright Stones and how a witch challenged a powerful king!
Observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Surrounding the Cotswolds are nature reserves and wildlife parks, which are excellent locations for observing animals in natural and manmade habitats. The Cotswold Wildlife Park is a favourite choice among adventurers for its spacious parklands and incredible collection of endangered species. Twitchers are in for a treat at Birdland which is a sanctuary for over 500 species of birds. Visitors are also welcome to explore the acres of preserved land including the Chimney Meadows, Foxholes, and Greystones Farms.
Spend a night of board games.
Playing board games is a fun way of spending the night at your glamping pod. The best part is you can do this with your better half, family, or friends. If it’s an all-adult party, you can even crack open a bottle of wine and raise the stakes higher! Aside from board games, there are plenty of group activities that everyone can enjoy. Plan ahead and launch a murder-mystery party or bring a life-sized Jenga and set it on the patio. And if you don’t have any props – no worries! You can always pass time with a simple game of charades!
Admire the beautiful night sky.
With acres of woodlands and farmlands, it’s easy to get a stunning night sky view from the Cotswolds. This is especially true if you’re booked in a remote location. As the sun sets, you can spend your time on the patio, maybe with a cup of hot chocolate, and wait for the stars. You can also bring a telescope to get the best out of the views. At this point, you’ll only have the sounds of crickets and the blowing breeze to accompany you on your stargaze!
Get some rest and relaxation.
As you spend your holiday in the Cotswolds, make sure to save some time for yourself. While travelling and visiting amazing attractions can be fun, it can be pretty exhausting too. So always schedule some downtime where you sit back in your lodge and relax. You can also read a book, catch up on your journal, or even meditate. Doing absolutely nothing is also a choice! This allocated time is important because not only does it help your body recharge, but you also get a mental break from planning and moving around!