With a decent spell of good weather predicted and itchy feet it felt like time for a change of scenery. I considered a cheap ferry to France for a few days but in the end to instead visit the Cotswolds. There are a number of campsites in the area but if you like larger club sites with all the facilities like electric hookups and shower blocks then Chipping Norton Camping and Caravanning Club Site is one likely to be on your shortlist.
I’d planned to see a number of the beautiful Cotswold villages and my route to Chipping Norton Camping and Caravanning Club Site took me via Burford, often referred to as the gateway to the Cotswolds. Most of the famous villages are in Gloucestershire whereas Burford is just a couple of miles outside in West Oxfordshire. Situated on the River Windrush it’s a beautiful place and certainly worth a visit.
Chipping Norton Camping and Caravanning Club Site – Initial thoughts
I finally arrived at Chipping Norton Camping and Caravanning Club Site after 4pm and was shown to my pitch. Pitches here are grass which could be an issue in bad weather but the ground was dry and firm when I visited. The site just over 100 pitches, a shower and toilet block, laundry, dish washing facilities and chemical disposal point. I was told that there was an area to dump grey water but did not use this and I don’t think it’s the type you can drive over. Electricity was fine with no power cuts and internet signal was also good enough to stay in touch with admin.
The shower block looked more dated than some club sites but it was kept very clean. I actually liked the fact that the shower temperature could be changed which is unusual for club sites. One strange thing I noticed was that the fixed shower head was a little low and tall people like me will have to bend and duck to get under them.
The wardens were very friendly and welcoming as were the other campers. I had a chat to a couple from near Leeds who were trying out their Mazda Bongo camper for the first time in anger.
Chipping Norton Campsite Reception
Chipping Norton Camping and Caravanning Club Site – The local area
Chipping Norton itself is close by and worth a visit. The places I came to see were Stow-on-the-Wold (where I saw Geoff Hurst), Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway and Lower Slaughter. The Cotswolds are very popular with retired people who come on coach tours and very popular with the Japanese, to the extent that you will see signs in Japanese in many of the more famous villages. The area does make a great destination for the motorhome owner and Chipping Norton Camping and Caravanning Club Site would make a good base for such a trip. To see some photographs from this trip visit the Gallery. I also created a short video of my trip which you can see below.
