I was in two minds whether to write a review of Denfurlong Farm campsite or not. Partly because it’s a simple set up so there’s not really much to say about it. And partly because it’s our new favourite campsite which I’m not sure I want anyone else to discover!
Location
Denfurlong Farm campsite is on the outskirts of Chedworth village in Gloucestershire. It’s the perfect location for discovering the local Cotswold villages and countryside. Cirencester is a 15 minute drive south of the campsite whilst the tourist destinations of Northleach and Bibury can be reached in the same time.
We stayed over a gorgeous sunny weekend in June. There were only about 10 other people on the site, I couldn’t believe how quiet it was given the location.
Facilities
This is not the place to visit if you expect extensive facilities. There’s a field, one portable toilet and basic shower, a water tap and waste disposal. There are a small number of electric hook ups for caravans but it’s not your typical caravan site.
New toilet and shower facilities are underway; we had a peek and it looks like they’ll be a big improvement when they’re finished. Although I’m a little worried the campsite will become too popular when the facilities open!
*Update August 2015* – the new toilet block is now open!
The campsite has loads of space for children and dogs to play. Our kids enjoyed playing on the rope swing and exploring the area up behind the tents. There’s a communal campfire pit in the middle of the field which we didn’t get a chance to use but would be perfect for toasting marshmallows. If you do plan to cook you can hire cool boxes and barbecues from the farm shop.
There are a couple of bell tents to hire too. They look quite roomy inside and can be hired with or without equipment. I always enjoy staying in my own tent but these would be handy if you don’t want the hassle of putting up a tent.
Chedworth Farm shop
Aside from the location, the main reason I chose this site was because of the farm shop cafe which is only a couple of minutes walk away.
The cafe is open on weekend mornings for bottomless fried breakfasts (£7), unlimited coffee (£2) and plenty of other breakfast choices. The kids had a smaller fried breakfast for £4.50 each but it was still pretty big!
The farm makes its own ice cream so we felt obliged to test this too. The lemon meringue flavour was the favourite from our choices although all were good. I didn’t get around to eating any cakes but they also looked tempting.
The only downside was that the cafe had a ‘fried smell’ about it. It wasn’t really obvious once you were sitting inside but was a little off-putting when you first walk into the farm shop area.
Things to do nearby
Corinium Museum in nearby Cirencester is a great place to learn about the Roman history of the area. The museum contains locally found mosaics and wall paintings, along with plenty of Roman artefacts and information.
The ruins of Chedworth Roman Villa are around 3 miles away from the campsite. It’s one of the largest Romano-British villas in the country and well worth a visit. Keep an eye out for large snails around the site; their ancestors were brought over by the Romans to be fattened on milk and eaten as a delicacy.
We’ve been to the villa before so didn’t visit this time. Instead we went for a walk in Chedworth Woods and Nature Reserve and then made use of the National Trust cafe and toilets at the villa.
Summary
We loved this Cotswold campsite and are already planning our return. We are back to basics campers so don’t mind the lack of facilities but it won’t suit everyone. For us though it is the perfect place to spend a night or two in the Cotswolds.
More info:
- We paid £10 for our grass pitch, this included 2 adults and 2 children. Prices increase slightly during July and August but are still a bargain for the area. Further details and booking information can be found on the Denfurlong Farm campsite website.
- Corinium Museum in Cirencester is open from 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 2pm-5pm on Sundays in the summer months. Different opening times apply out of season. An adult ticket costs £4.95, children age 5-16 cost £2.45.
- Chedworth Roman Villa is open 10am-5pm during the summer months. Entry is free to National Trust members, alternatively a family ticket costs £22.50. Check the website before visiting out of season.
I love this kind of site. Much easier now the children are older. We haven’t been for a while, but I have plans this year to visit some of our favourites. #CountryKids
We always used to stay in basic campsites but over the years have become a little bit more used to facilities. It was good to stay on a basic campsite again.
We stayed in the Cotswolds last weekend but I have to be honest and say that we opted for a caravan, rather than a tent. Although I do like the look of the Bell Tents here, I think putting it up and down really puts me off.
I didn’t realise that Roman Villa was so close to where we were staying, I might need to book another trip!
Found you through #countrykids
We had a look inside the bell tents and they were roomy. You can hire them fully equipped relatively cheaply, although the toilet facilities are still the same as for the rest of the campsite.
That does look like a good spot, although I’ve got to be honest and admit that I need electric hook up and decent toilet facilities I’m afraid! A great location for further exploring too.
The location is perfect. There seem to be very few campsites in the Cotswolds (that we’ve found anyway) which is surprising given how many tourists visit the area.
This looks like a great campsite. I can understand you not wanting it to get too popular! Love the farm shop cafe too. x
The cafe was a godsend really. It made camping easy as we didn’t have to worry about cooking, washing up etc.
What beautiful weather you had – that always helps with camping! Sounds like a great weekend away with so much to do though the showers and toilets do look quite basic but for the price you paid that is fair enough. We love camping so will add this site to our list (perhaps for when the new block is build :))! xx
Yes I think the new toilet block will make such a difference. I hope the campsite doesn’t lose its simple appeal though!
this really is staying a way from home on the cheap and really reminds me of my childhood holidays in Cornwall. Sometimes you don’t need all the facilities just imagination and a tree rope! Looks like plenty to do in the area and a great chance to spend what you have saved on overnight accommodation! Thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids.
Thanks Fiona. There aren’t many places you can stay for £10 for 4 people nowadays! Although we made up for it by eating out in a good pub the night before and of course eating a large breakfast.
This sounds exactly like our type of campsite. We’re not worried about toilet blocks and enjoy places with lots of space and great places to visit nearby. Great weather helps too and it certainly looks like you had that from your photos #Countrykids
The weather was gorgeous and really helped. I don’t think I’d want to visit in the pouring rain….
Always on the lookout for campsites where you can have a fire. I’ve never visited the Cotswolds, it really is time I added it to my must visit list!
This sounds a great campsite and not too expensive. We need to use our tent again and being not too far from home this may just be perfect (we have only managed to camp once).
It looks like a lovely campsite, though basic facilities. Lots to explore around it though for fun. It makes me want to go camping again
Lovely to see you were not far away from where I live – it is such a beautiful part of the world. I have never really fancied doing much camping after an awful experience on school camp, but it would be such an adventure for my girls and would provide some nice, cheap weekends away that maybe I just need to woman-up and actually have a go! #CountryKids
Such a beautiful part of the UK, gorgeous views. We haven’t camped as a family yet so might have to add to the list for next year!!
Wowww Christine, I’m impressed with the price! 10 Pounds? That’s awesome! This weekend I will be in Austria for the Formula 1 Grand Prix and I payed over 200 Euros for a pitch near the circuit for the weekend… OMG 🙁
Great post!! Happy to have you again on #MondayEscapes this week.
I’ve not been camping in about 5 years after an incident with a cat and a mouse and a separate incident with gale force winds, but I am taking my toddler twins camping for the first time in about ten days time!
I had no idea there was a campsite in Chedworth – that’s not far from where I live. Do you visit the Cotswolds often? Glad you had a lovely time.
Denfurlong Farm campsite looks such a fab place to stay and so much for kids to do – running around in the fresh air. The breakfast in the farm shop has my mouth watering! I’m not a big camping fan, I will admit. I can rough it, but I just don’t sleep very well on the ground and I get ever so hot and cold! Thanks so much for linking up with #MondayEscapes
We are not a camping family but now the twins are a bit older (5) I think it’s something we should definitely try out. I’d like to, and at prices like this we can’t afford not to!! Never really thought of it like that before but with 4 kids holidays aren’t cheap and at least with this way you can get to see the country! Thank you 🙂 #countrykids