Riverside caravan parks in North Wessex Downs AONB

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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.

91% (206) 447 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in North Wessex Downs AONB

Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

1. Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

87%
(43)
Trowbridge, England · 51 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

2. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

95%
(153)
Warwickshire, England · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
The Pig Place Campsite

3. The Pig Place Campsite

92%
(93)
Adderbury, England · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Haywards Bridge Farm

4. Haywards Bridge Farm

77%
(13)
Shillingstone,, England · 99 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We are a Riverside Wild Camp site. Eight acre small until recently 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!
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
The Old Airfield

5. The Old Airfield

85%
(143)
Burley, England · 114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Baldwins Brook Glamping

6. Baldwins Brook Glamping

100%
(8)
England · 5 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Small dog-friendly site on the banks of the river Severn Adjacent to the Severn Way and half an hour’s walk from the canal Wildlife haven within walking distance of pubs and Frampton on Severn Craving a peaceful time filled with wildlife watching, long walks and relaxing by the water? On the banks of the River Severn, Baldwin’s Brook Glamping in Gloucestershire fits the bill. This small site is a wildlife haven adjacent to the Severn Way, a long-distance trail which traces the river downstream. Birdwatching prospects are excellent here, and there’s plenty of peace if you’d rather sit and relax by a firepit or check out the stunning views and sunsets. The site is part of a working family farm with lots of livestock. From the farm, it’s a 45-minute walk to Frampton on Severn, which is home to the longest village green in England and the lively Frampton Country Fair (think funfair… and 400 stalls full of good stuff). Baldwin’s Brook Glamping is also half an hour’s walk away from the Cotswold Canal Trust Visitor Centre by The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal if you’d like to grab a spot on a boat trip or sip a coffee by the canal. When you'd rather have a chilled beer, two pubs are within half a mile of the site (only 10 minutes’ walk away). Strike up a conversation with a local about the next Severn Bore, the huge tidal wave which races for 25 miles from Awre to Gloucester down the estuary just a handful of times per year.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite

7. Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite

96%
(13)
Blakeney, England · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
An exclusive-hire nearly-wild woodland campsite for up to 20 people
Pets
Campfires
Showers

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North Wessex Downs AONB camping guide

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.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top regions near North Wessex Downs AONB