Cirencester Camping: Best Campsites Near Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Often called the “Capital of the Cotswolds,” Cirencester is the largest town in the Cotswold District of Gloucestershire. Trace the market town’s rich Roman history through its Roman artefacts at Corinium Museum. Or head outside into Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on walking trails amidst wildlife. Campsites, caravan parks, glamping pods, and holiday home rentals throughout the area give easy access to the AONB as well as other natural attractions nearby. Southwest of Cirencester, Mendip Hills AONB draws hikers and spelunkers to its deep caves, limestone hills, and historic sites reaching close to the Bristol Channel shoreline and Weston Super Mare Beach. Southeast through North Wessex AONB, New Forest National Park blends towering trees and wildlife sanctuaries boasting a biodiverse playground ripe with adventure.

Where to go

Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Wander England’s walking capital at Cotswolds AONB. Featuring 160-kilometres of Cotswold Way National Trail, campers can lookout for wildlife including hares, otters, and water voles. A well-kept secret of Cotswolds is the numerous off-road cycling trails along byways and bridleways that are inaccessible to cars. Family-friendly camping, caravanning, glamping, and holiday home rentals are available throughout the area, providing campers with electric hookups, heated pools, and restrooms. Find pet-friendly farm stays or book a bell tent with a BBQ for a more unique option.

Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Meander through Mendip Hills AONB to see caves and gorges on numerous hiking trails. Tent pitches, glamping pods, holiday parks, and dog-friendly motorhome sites line the area, with full hookups, showers, and swimming pools, as well. Over 440 km of Public Rights of Way provide a range of trails from easy-going to challenging woodland treks by a gorge. Mendip is also home to the famous Cheddar Gorge, where limestone cliffs, caves, and cliff-top walks provide a striking view of the region. The gorge is also a centre for caving and rock climbing.

New Forest National Park

Take a scenic drive south through North Wessex AONB to the majestic New Forest National Park, where iconic viewpoints and wildlife sanctuaries await. Tower above the trees at 140 metres when visiting Piper’s Wait viewpoint, or stop by Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary to spot fallow deer in an open meadow. Keep an eye out for free roaming New Forest ponies while trekking along ancient oak covered trails. Camping in the Forest manages numerous on-site campsites and holiday parks with tent and caravan pitches, electricity, showers, and toilets.

When to go

Campers enjoy staying near Cirencester year-round. While winter camping is possible, the season is long and windy with temperatures below freezing overnight. Summers are shorter and warmer, reaching average highs around 20°C. To ensure comfortable weather and access to activities, most campers make reservations for pitches and glamping pods near Cirencester between late June to late August.