Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe and Local Food Spots

James
Jun 11
5 min read

Updated: Jul 24

Quick Summary Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

Holycombe is an adults-only campsite in Whichford, Cotswolds, set on the site of a Norman castle with a historic moat, unallocated wild pitches, real fire pits and no dogs allowed. Close to The Norman Knight pub, The Straw Kitchen and Herd at Todenham Farm.

Campsite Scorecard

Location: ⛺⛺⛺⛺

Setting & Views: ⛺⛺⛺⛺⛺

Facilities: ⛺⛺⛺

Value for Money: ⛺⛺⛺⛺⛺

Food & Drink Nearby: ⛺⛺⛺⛺

Peace & Quiet: ⛺⛺⛺

Price per night: 14 per night, 7 per night over Twelves only.

Hook up: Yes

Dogs welcome: No

Campfires: Yes

Nearest town: Chipping Norton, 2.15 hours walk

Best for: Campervan / Tent / Motorbike / Solo / Couples / Groups

Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe and Local Food Spots.

Camping in the Cotswolds is just a short 1 hour and 20 minute escape from my home in Birmingham. When the weather gets hot and a nice day rolls around, I love nothing more than throwing my lightweight gear onto my Royal Enfield motorbike. Everything fits nicely on the bike, allowing me to just hit the road and get some head space .

Other times, when I want to take a bit more gear, I’ll head down in my small Fiat camper van. I’ve completely fitted it out myself with solar panels, a fridge-freezer, and all the bits you actually need for a proper weekend break.

Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

Tucked away in the village of Whichford is my absolute favorite campsite, Holycombe camping, run by Antonia and her family.

This isn't your average commercial plot. Cotswolds camping atHolycombe is actually situated on the physical site of an old Norman castle, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. There is still a historic, water filled moat running right around it that’s home to ducks, and moorhens.

Although they used to have a classic Gypsy wagon, they’ve still got plenty of cool, heated glamping options like yurts and that retro 1960s Airstream. Still, my favorite way to stay is to pitch up in their apple orchard. It’s the best place to just chill out and take in the view.

What makes this spot truly special is its commitment to staying small and rustic. By excluding caravans and large motor homes, the site retains an authentic, laid back vibe that’s hard to find these days. It’s the perfect place to disconnect and soak in that quiet, hippy inspired tranquility.

Info:

The Wild Pitches: It's unallocated, meaning you can camp where you like whether you want a spot right by the water, a view of the valley, or a secluded space in the trees.
The Fire Pits: They provide real fire pits on-site and have firewood available to buy for a proper evening fire.
The Campsite Café: On weekends during the main summer months (May to September), they have an on-site café serving up breakfast, dinner, and proper coffee.
Whichford Wood: You have great walks right on your doorstep leading straight into the nearby woods. If you're lucky, you'll spot grazing deer, and in early May, the entire woods turn into a massive sea of bluebells. Is also a great place to forage wild mushrooms and herbs.
The Amenities: They have clean, normal flushing toilets alongside eco friendly compost loos, hot showers, and a Scandinavian style cabin kitchen with a communal fridge, freezer, and microwave.
The Stargazing: Because it's a designated quiet site away from light pollution, the night skies here are unbelievable. There's even a stone circle on site said to emit massive amounts of natural energy.
Adults Only (12+): To keep the atmosphere completely peaceful and quiet, Holycombe is an adults only site. They do not allow children under the age of 12. As someone without kids, I really appreciate that policy.
Strictly No Dogs: To protect the local wildlife and maintain the tranquil vibe, pets are not permitted on the campsite.

Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe and Local Food Spots.

Holycombe camping the quite cafe review
My campervan at holycombe camping review

You wont go hungry around here.The local area Whichford is packed with incredible independent food and drinks spots.

The Norman Knight pub

Located right in the village is the Norman knight pub (just a 5 minute walk from the campsite), this excellent pub has just reopened. It's an award winning spot that serves up incredible food, a fantastic selection of craft beers one from Majorca and ciders , and they even host great live music nights. It’s the perfect spot to wander down to from the campsite, you can also get a take out, i ordered a venison burger with chips to take back to the campsite, happy days.

norman Knight Pub cotswolds review
Norman Knight pub garden review

The Straw kitchen at Whichford pottery

This is easily one of my favourite cafés in the area, located right at Whichford Pottery. The building itself is amazing the owners hand built it using actual straw bales and natural materials.

It features an ever-changing weekly menu of local, seasonal food in a beautifully chilled out setting. They have excellent, healthy food options; the Super Brunch is superb. They also make a brilliant homemade chilli sauce that you have to try. I always over do it !

It's open Wednesday to Saturday. There's limited indoor seating, but plenty of space on their covered terrace or out on the grass to lounge. Make sure you get there early at the weekends when the weather is good as it gets packed out.

We have been around ten times and its always been a good 8.5 out of 10.

Another full review coming soon.

The Straw Kitchen Cotswolds review
The Straw Kitchen Tacos

Herd at Todenham Farm

Just up the main road, tucked away on a massive 900 acre working farm, is Herd at Todenham Farm. This place is a proper field-to-fork setup.

They do a legendary full English breakfast with their own home-butchered bacon and sausages, plus organic eggs straight from the farm. The lunch, dinner, and Sunday roast menus are great too, all served inside a cozy tent looking out over the rolling hills.

If you're around over the summer, they fire up a live BBQ grill right out front. They’ve also got an excellent farm shop and a proper butchery counter open 7 days a week, perfect for grabbing some steaks, burgers, or pork belly to take back and cook over your campsite BBQ.

Todenham Manor Farm

The Herd Full English Breakfast

Hook Norton Brewery

Just down the road is the historic Hook Norton Brewery. It’s a stunning, traditional Victorian "tower" brewery. It is a really good place to visit to see the old steam engines, and they even offer free samples of their cask ales.

Hook Norton Brewery

The Road Ahead:

There is something truly special about escaping the Birmingham rush for the quiet, rolling hills of the Cotswold's. Whether you’re looking to fly fish, explore historic castle grounds, or just enjoy a craft beer by a fire pit, these spots are guaranteed to help you hit the reset button. I hope this guide helps you find your next great weekend adventure.

Gear That's Very Useful When Exploring

🔦 Energizer Vision HD+ 260 Lumen Head Torch, Super Bright LED, for the 3am toilet run when the curry's kicking in

☕ AeroPress Original Coffee Press – 3 in 1 Brew Method , travel coffee kit, lives in the van

💨 FLEXTAILGEAR Portable Air Pump, quick top-up for the airbed, saves lugging a foot pump around

🔥 200 Firelighters – Ecoblaze Natural Firelighters , for the BBQ and fire-pit

Planning your next weekend escape?

Holycombe camping is an absolute gem for chilling out by the historic moat. See how it compares to our other top site recommendations in our master guide to the best places to camp in the Cotswolds.