The T Barn

Don’t expect a big sign directing you to the T Barn shepherd’s huts or campsite. This is the Cotswolds where everything, including the area’s latest camping and glamping site, is tasteful and subtle so as not to intrude on the charm of England’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Instead, you receive detailed instructions from your host, Eloise, which help you navigate from the honey-stoned pub in the village down hedgerowed country lanes to the right field on the right farm.

Shepherd’s hut guests go one way, campers and bell tenters another. There’s a meadow for each at opposite ends of the 850-acre dairy farm the site calls home. The idea to keep them separate is a good one; preserving both seclusion for the adults-only shepherd’s huts and the sociable feel of the family-friendly campsite. Let’s head there first. It’s a simple site and you see yourself in. There are three bell tents, a handful of pitches and facilities which are set up for the season. The bell tents are the easy option here; comfortably furnished for four, with bedding included too. It’s all off grid but the basics are covered and campfires are allowed with a stone-circled fire pit per pitch.

Over at the shepherd’s hut site, there’s no sharing of facilities – each hut is en suite, self-contained and, best of all, has its own wood-fired hot tub. They are luxurious but, like the campsite, off grid, which encourages couples who stay here to relax, reconnect and immerse themselves in nature. In this location, that’s not hard. There are no buildings or roads in view; just the field and the trees of a neighbouring woodland. Look out for mistle thrushes and the resident barn owl who’s often spotted swooping by.

The farm surrounds the tiny village of Barnsley and it’s a 10–15 minute walk from both meadows to The Village Pub (that’s it’s name – honest). It’s got a nice garden for summer, roaring fires for winter and a great menu whenever you visit. And, of course, this is the Cotswolds so there are longer walks, other lovely pubs and plenty of swoon-worthy villages starting at neighbouring Bibury. It’s said to be one of the most photographed spots in the Cotswolds and claimed by William Morris to be “the most beautiful village in England”. If you’re coming with kids, they may not be quite as beguiled but, don’t worry, there’s horse riding and cycling, too, and South Cerney Lake where you can sail, kayak or paddleboard until it’s time for your next campfire.