Cotswolds Camping

Liked Nothing.

Disliked Our group booked a weekend at Cotswolds Camping through Pitchup, the booking platform advertised by the campsite. What should have been a relaxing break became one of the most stressful weekends we’ve ever experienced, entirely because of the behaviour of the warden.

The problems began when our friends extended their stay through Pitchup. On arrival, there were no staff at reception, so they phoned the campsite. Instead of a welcome, the warden immediately complained their booking was causing him “a nightmare” because Pitchup had allocated multiple pitches. This was clearly an issue between the campsite and its booking system, yet he blamed paying customers who had simply used the advertised booking platform. He then confirmed they could remain on one pitch, so they spent hours setting up their caravan and awning.

When my partner and I arrived the following day, the warden was on a personal phone call on loudspeaker and seemed annoyed to be interrupted. His first comment after checking us in was, “You’ve got the worst pitch on the site.” Hardly the welcome you expect.

When we mentioned our friends were already staying, he sighed and replied, “Oh, her. She’s been causing me a headache all day.” He then walked us to their pitch where he told my friend she’d booked her stay in “the stupidest way possible” and demanded she move her fully erected caravan because of the Pitchup error, despite having told her the previous evening she could stay where she was.

The following day, while the rest of us were out, the warden approached my friend’s partner, who was alone with two dogs in temperatures exceeding 35°C. Without introducing himself, he pointed at him and ordered, “You’re moving!” My friend’s partner calmly explained he couldn’t safely dismantle the caravan alone in that heat. When told another camper couldn’t access electricity, he immediately offered a solution using his own electrical splitter, which successfully restored power to the neighbouring pitch. The neighbouring campers were delighted, yet the warden dismissed the solution and later returned shouting that because my friends had “refused” to move, he was calling the police.

He repeatedly threatened that it “wouldn’t just be the police” attending and implied others would forcibly remove my friends, their dogs and caravan. He marched around the campsite making loudspeaker calls while everyone watched, later claiming police would breathalyse our group and force “the least drunk” person to tow a seven-ton caravan. He even made completely false allegations about cannabis use before attempting to interfere with my friends’ caravan hookup.

Police eventually attended. After hearing both sides and speaking to neighbouring campers, they confirmed the Pitchup booking system had caused the original issue, not my friends. They also made it clear the warden’s behaviour was unacceptable, that nobody could legally tow a caravan after drinking, and that neither he nor anyone else could forcibly remove anyone from the campsite. Independent campers fully supported our version of events and several also described the warden as rude during their own stay.

Only after police instructed him to leave my friends alone did the harassment stop.

The campsite itself has potential, but no holiday should involve intimidation, public shouting, threats, police attendance or being blamed for faults in the campsite’s own booking system. Management urgently needs to address both the Pitchup issues and the conduct of the current warden.

We certainly won’t be returning, nor will the friends and family we regularly camp with.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked Nothing

Disliked We had a pitch right next to the road and park which was fine till the Friday came when everyone started to arrive then he'll broke loose. Kids running up and down annoying us and the dog the noise was horrendous. Come on who puts an elderly couple with a dog next to the park. The facilities were poor not enough showers or toilets that were cleaned regularly. There is absolutely nothing to do on this site the pub that they advertise that they have the price of a can of thatchers a fiver shocking really the pub is a shed of sorts and so small. No draught lager only bottles which is sol budwieser etc nothing normal like a carling or carlsberg. It's a big fat no from us we won't be returning in fact we left early and couldn't wait to get home.

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Liked Very good host and facilities

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Liked Central and easy to reach, quiet spot, nice for touring the Cotswolds

The campsite has a somewhat alternative atmosphere, which may not appeal to everyone. Our first impression was a little unusual, as the first thing you see when entering the lane is a car garage.

We arrived on a Monday, but the campsite cafe and shop is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can call the warden if you need something from the shop.

We were told by other campers that the campsite had been very busy over the weekend, which was reflected in the overflowing rubbish bins that had not yet been emptied.

The warden was available by phone and responded promptly on arrival, which worked well, although it lacked the personal touch of being welcomed in person.

The campsite itself has spacious, pleasant pitches with plenty of water points. The electricity supply seemed a little unreliable setup wise.

There is an excellent playground with equipment suitable for children of different ages, making it a great place for families.

Disliked bit messy overall and we did not like the cleanliness (lack off) of the toilets/showers

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Liked The accommodation, Meadow Barn Shepherds Hut, was clean and comfortable. It was very quiet at night. The main toilets were clean and sufficient for the few units on site, but with a three year old and a Granny who gets up at night to use the toilet it was a pity the toilets closer to the unit were locked as were the showers. Washing up facilities were most helpful as were the fridges and freezer, due to the very hot weather. The three year old was very happy to use the play area in the woods. It had enough to keep her entertained and was in keeping with the site. We were lucky it was not the school holidays and there were no older children to compete with.

Disliked Limited access to Toilets and showers even though we were given a code in the email I received the day before our arrival.
( TOILET CODE - C1357)

Quite a distance to go if your toddler needs the loo in a hurry.

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Liked Close to Charlbury and Charlbury station which is 20min train to Oxford.

Disliked A campsite with real potential, though it could use a bit of maintenance. The showers left a bit to be desired (definitely worked up a sweat again pretty quickly after!). Dog walking options nearby were a little limited. A few of the toilets, showers and the cafe were closed during our stay - understandable if things were quiet, but worth knowing before you go. There was a noticeable drain smell near the washing-up area.

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From the manager: It states on our website and the cafe website that it is closed monday-wednesday. During your stay we had 28 people on site, the main shower and toilet block was open which provides 6 showers and 8 toilets. your welcome to check the government guidelines on how many showers and toilets need to be available, you will see we far exceed the bare minimum many times over.

Liked Easy to check in. Site clean and spacious. No problems

Disliked Only small quibble was lack of hot water at outside kitchen sinks. But not really a hardship

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Liked Spacious pitches, well maintained facilities and a great place for families.

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Liked Friendly gentleman helped me pitch my tent! Kind man nice place

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From the manager: shhhhhh dont tell everyone that. haha, i know you had to cut your holiday short , if you check your email iver sent you a credit note you can use for the future.

Liked Everything was lovely and clean, perfect for our weekend trip to Clarkson farm shop and pub!

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