Sometimes with camping, you have to make your own fun. Not so at Far Peak. Set in 25 stunning acres just off the Fosse Way, this is a true outdoor adventurist's retreat thanks to its onsite climbing and activities centre. As if the multitude of stunning walks provided by the surrounding Cotswolds wasn't enough, Far Peak offers a whole host of high-up activities including a range of indoor and outdoor climbs for all ages and abilities, all centred around the 15-metre woodland tower (the view from the top really hammers home why this region is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). There is a playground and low rope courses for little ones (five years and up), and if you don't have a head for heights, archery, bushcraft, nature trails and orienteering can all be enjoyed strictly on the old terra firma.
With such a wealth of onsite fun, you could be forgiven for thinking the camping at Far Peak was an afterthought. Wrong. Over 100 un-regimented grass camping pitches are spread across two vast fields, with ample space for family-sized tents and plenty of room for games. Flat ground and a scattering of electric hook-ups mean its campervan-friendly and, because the site sits atop a chalky wold, drainage is excellent. An car-free adjacent field, known as The Glade, is ideal for families – wheelbarrows are kindly provided so you can trundle your gear to camp from the car park. It's this tranquil, refreshingly understated spot that also hosts the trio of luxury glamping domes. Each geo-dome comes complete with king-sized bed, wood-fired stove, outdoor dining set and BBQ on a spacious sundeck.
Facilities-wise, the twin amenities blocks in either field offer more than adequate ablutions with hot showers provided, while the domes have their own private en-suite eco washrooms. Best of all, the onsite Hayloft Café opens daily, providing campers not just with a varied menu of hearty homecooked grub and sweet treats (including the most gloriously glutinous milkshakes this side of Graceland), but also a welcoming setting to chill and rest those weary fingers after a day's clambering.
The best of the Cotswolds is eminently reachable from this prime location just outside the quiet market town of Northleach. Bike hire is provided on site so just pick a direction and get pedalling – there's innumerable lovely trails to enjoy. Quintessential chocolate box towns like Cirencester ('the capital of the Cotswolds') and Bourton on the Water ('the Venice of the Cotswolds') are all within reach, not to mention that most important of ingredients, a cracking pub within walking distance. All in all, as much of a bonus as the activities are at Far Peak, it really doesn't matter if you don't partake in anything more strenuous than a trip to that pub. Simply put, this is a stunning destination in itself, slap bang in the heart of the Cotswolds.