We can’t all be to the manor born, but camping in the grounds of Stowford Manor – a delightfully relaxed campsite on the verdant Wiltshire/ Somerset border – gets you close. A stunning 13th-century farmhouse, with accompanying mill and assorted workshops, provide the backdrop to two camping fields bisected by a stream, itself a great little spot for boating and paddling. If this seems like too much effort, afternoons at Stowford Manor can instead be whiled away in the garden, where sumptuous cream teas are served. From here you can watch hens peck around the millpond as the gurgling River Frome flows by. Bliss...
The facilities are good without being anything to write home about, but they are obviously well cared for. The site has a remarkable feel, being overlooked by the assembled old buildings of Stowford Manor Farm, which positively ooze authentic antiquity. This perfect vision of a bygone England has escaped any tasteless tarting up and simply stands there, radiating its dignity and elegance into the camping field.
Camping here isn’t about being completely indolent, though.The local River Swimming Club is a half-mile downstream; many wild-swimmers stay here, and campers are allowed to use the club for £1 a day. Alternatively, you can cycle along the canal to Bath, less than an hour away. A little further afield lies the more intimate delights of Bradford-on-Avon. Southern icons such as Stonehenge and Longleat are easily accessible from here, yet so is the west coast at genteel little Clevedon, where the famous pier provides a nostalgic look at seaside pleasures.
Knowing what makes their campers tick, the Bryants have also printed a map of three pubs within walking distance, all of which have views and serve good ales and terrific food. What more could you want? Another cream tea? Oh, go on then...