Our part of the Cotswolds is a haven for wildlife thanks to the abundance of lakes created out of former gravel pits and Whelford Pools is one of the most tranquil spots, a short walk away.
Things To Do
The Cotswolds are a great location for a holiday and a wealth of wonderful attractions are within walking, cycling or driving distance of Great Farm.
From culture to nature, and everything in between, we have something for everyone, whatever your age or interests. We are very lucky to be situated within the Cotswold Water Park, which offers amazing opportunities to enjoy our beautiful local lakes and rivers. You can enjoy action packed fun such as wakeboarding or waterskiing, tranquil canoeing or kayaking, or simply to enjoy observing nature along the banks of the rivers and lakes. Wonderful walks stretch out in all directions from our camps and cottages, many of them ending in a delicious meal or snack at a local pub or café.
Our glamping places are situated on the River Coln, which rises in the Cotswold Hills near to Cheltenham and joins the River Thames just east of our farm. Its cool, clear waters are home to a huge variety of wildlife, from otters to water voles and kingfishers to egrets. It is also a fantastic spot for a little wild swimming!
The Cotswolds, stretching over almost 800 square miles, is a very special area, characterised by honey coloured stone and rolling hills. Some of our most quintessentially English towns and villages are within a short distance of Great Farm, including Bibury, said to be the most photographed village in England (Arlington Row, pictured above) and Lechlade, Britain’s most inland port.
The Cotswolds are a great location for a holiday, and at Great Farm a wealth of wonderful attractions are within walking, cycling or driving distance. From culture to nature, and everything in between, we have something for everyone, whatever your age or interests.
We are very lucky to be situated within the Cotswold Water Park, which offers amazing opportunities to enjoy our beautiful local lakes and rivers. You can enjoy action packed fun such as wakeboarding or waterskiing, tranquil canoeing or kayaking, or simply to enjoy observing nature along the banks of the rivers and lakes. Wonderful walks stretch out in all directions from our camps and cottages, many of them ending in a delicious meal or snack at a local pub or café.
A favourite of ours, the Magic Beans cafe is a great spot for delicious food and barista coffee just on the edge of Whelford. A prefect pitstop on your way to adventures further afield.
A proper farmshop in our village selling all the essentials like milk (and alternatives), tinned foods, groceries, fruit and veg. You can find also stock up on logs as well as local gifts and crafts.
Our nearest town is the wool town of Fairford, famous for its beautiful church, the stained glass windows date back to medieval times. Fairford has a lovely variety of shops, pubs and coffee shops. Either drive or enjoy a picturesque walk along lakes and the river from Great Farm.
The Thames Path links Lechlade to London in one direction and to Cricklade in the other. Discover postcard pretty villages including Inglesham, which has a 13th century church that was restored by William Morris, Buscot, with its weir and tea room and Kelmscott, with a fantastic pub and William Morris’ home, Kelmscott Manor. All within a good days’ walk from the camps.
The National Trust looks after Buscot Park, with its beautiful Italinate house and stunning gardens. There are many lovely walks to be had around the wider estate, with nearby Badbury Clump famous for its display of Bluebells each spring. Open April-October.
No trip to the Cotwolds is complete without a trip to Bibury, with visitors coming from all around the world to see its famous cottages – Arlington Row, said to be the most photographed terrace in England. There are two great pubs in the village and the trout farm is worth a visit – particularly if you have children in tow – feeding the fish is a treat not to be missed!
A favourite outing in our family, Cotswold Wildlife Park has something for everyone. A huge variety of animals can be seen in enclosures which are as close to their natural environment as possible. There is also a lovely playground, a petting zoo and amazing gardens.
Great Farm is situated in the eastern corner of the Water Park, most of which is devoted to wildlife. Whelford Pools Nature Reserve is just next door and is unmissable in spring, when nightingales can be heard every evening. To the west there is the opportunity to enjoy almost any watersport, from swimming to waterskiing, stand-up paddle boarding and everything in between.