Riverside camping in North Wessex Downs AONB

Hillside hikes, canal cruises, and ancient monuments are among the highlights of this AONB.

95% (249 reviews)

United Kingdom
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England
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North Wessex Downs AONB

95% (249 reviews)

Popular camping styles for North Wessex Downs AONB

Star Hosts in North Wessex Downs AONB

97%

(120)

12 top river, stream, or creek campsites in North Wessex Downs AONB

89%

(240)

Radcot Leisure on Thames

46 units · Glamping, Tents1 acre · Oxfordshire, South East England

A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge

The Barn KT9

21 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents3 acres · Greater London, South East England

A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6

93%

(64)

Otters Camping at Beale Park

50 units · Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Berkshire, England

A simple campsite in a field on the banks of the River Thames

Booked 9 times

Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

51 units · Glamping, Motorhomes25 acres · Trowbridge, England

We are a family run farm situated in the beautiful Frome valley. The farm has a range of interests from the traditional Jersey milking cows to a community of workshops used by local craftsmen. The cafe serves cream teas from Easter to the end of September and pizzas are sold in evenings during the summer months. Ours is a small family run camp site with the River Frome on one side, next to the medieval buildings of Stowford Farm. The river is suitable for fishing, boating, swimming and paddling. Historic Bradford-on-Avon is only a 5 minute drive and the City of Bath 15 minutes. For those who enjoy more rural pleasures, 200 metres from the campsite Farleigh Hungerford boasts the only river swimming club in the country, and you can become an instant member for a very small fee.

The Slips

39 units · Motorhomes, Tents4 acres · Henfield, England

A relaxed, back-to-basics campsite in the West Sussex countryside

Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

11 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents5 acres · Warwickshire, England

Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.

85%

(94)

The Old Airfield

114 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents30 acres · Hampshire, South East England

A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast

100%

(4)

Panpwnton Campsite

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Knighton, England

A riverside campsite on Offa’s Dyke Path near Knighton

100%

(1)

Camping By The River

2 units · Glamping3 acres · Abingdon, England

Join us in our luxury, fully kitted-out bell tents on our secluded off grid campsite. With just two bell tents (each tent sleeping 6), you can enjoy unrestricted views of the river Thames or perhaps explore the adjacent woodland. If you book both tents you have over 3 acres to stay in with exclusive use for your group.

Booked 6 times

Bredy Farm

31 units · Motorhomes, Tents30 acres · Bridport, England

Back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm with a party vibe at weekends

100%

(1)

Haywards Bridge Farm

99 units · Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Shillingstone,, England

We are an Eight and a half acre small holding growing sustainable vegetables and wild flowers, hosting camping and events, nestled beneath Hambledon Hillfort on the bank of the Stour. We have access to the North Dorset trailway at our entrance, our neighbours are the North Dorset Railway, a museum, cafe and soon to be working line, all under preservation and within 50 yards walk, the mighty Hambledon hill is a great trek with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, for those looking to relax Bournemouth and Weymouth beaches are less than 30 miles, for shoppers Salisbury to the East or Bath just over an hour to the North, there really is something for everyone!

88%

(8)

Camping at Brandiers Farm

2 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents30 acres · Wiltshire, South West England

Bucolic rural glamping in a beautiful natural beauty spot on the borders of Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

Riverside camping in North Wessex Downs AONB guide

Overview

Miles of rolling countryside await in the North Wessex Downs, but this AONB also has plenty of surprises up its sleeve. White chalk horses gaze down from the hillsides, ancient stone circles lie in the valleys, and lively market towns pepper the riverside. Explore the natural landscapes on foot, by bike, or on horseback; cruise the canals by boat or kayak; or escape to a tranquil campsite by the waterfront or in the forest. May through September is the most pleasant time for camping, but the weather can be temperamental even in summer, so pack for all-seasons.

Where to go

Wiltshire

Most of the North Wessex Downs lie within Wiltshire, where you can hike, cycle, or horseback ride across open chalklands. Visit the UNESCO-listed Avebury stone circle, explore the Great West Way heritage trail, or marvel at the Wiltshire White Horses, giant chalk drawings etched onto the hillsides. To the south, the world-famous Stonehenge is an easy detour, and there are more hiking opportunities in the surrounding Salisbury Plains.

Hampshire

Downton Abbey fans won’t want to miss a visit to Highclere Castle—the real-life Downton Abbey—in the southeast corner of North Wessex Downs. Explore the surrounding farmlands by bike, stop off at pretty Hampshire villages, or stay at quiet country campgrounds. To the south, the cathedral city of Winchester and the New Forest National Park are less than an hour’s drive.

Berkshire

Newbury and Reading are the gateways to the eastern downlands, where the hillside towns are dotted with thatched-roof cottages and traditional pubs. Take a leisurely boat cruise along the Kent & Avon Canal, stop to browse the markets in Hungerford, or hike the 20-mile Lambourn Valley Way.

Oxfordshire

The northern borders of the North Wessex Downs spill over into Oxfordshire, where highlights include the market town of Wantage and the Uffington White Horse. Continue north to visit the university city of Oxford or take a road trip along the winding country lanes of the Cotswolds, another AONB.