There’s something truly special about winter caravanning. While many people are tucking their vans away for the "off-season," we find that late January and early February are some of the best times to hit the road. The air is crisp, the crowds have vanished, and there is nothing quite like retreating into the warmth of our Coachman Acadia 565 after a day of exploring frosty Cotswold villages.
For our latest winter getaway, we headed to the heart of the Gloucestershire countryside for a four-night stay at the Moreton-in-Marsh Club Campsite. If you’re looking for a base that combines rural beauty with easy access to one of the most charming market towns in England, this is it.
The Perfect Winter Base: Moreton-in-Marsh Club Campsite
One of the biggest concerns for winter touring is the pitch quality. Nobody wants to be bogged down in a muddy field in February! This is where the Moreton-in-Marsh Club Campsite really shines. With 171 hardstanding pitches, you don’t have to worry about the weather. We backed the Acadia onto a spacious gravel pitch, hooked up the 16-amp electrics, and within twenty minutes, we were cozy and warm.
The facilities here are top-notch. The toilet blocks are modern and, most importantly for a winter stay, brilliantly heated. There’s also a small on-site shop for essentials, though you’re so close to town that you’ll likely find everything you need just a short walk away. The site has a lovely woodland feel, and even in the depths of winter, the grounds are impeccably maintained.
One of the best features of this site is the location. You can leave the car (or the Land Rover Discovery, in our case) hitched up and simply walk into the center of Moreton-in-Marsh. It’s about a 10-to-15-minute stroll, making it perfect for evening meals or a quick morning coffee run.
A Taste of Perfection: Rixy’s Cotswold Tearoom
If you do nothing else during your stay in Moreton-in-Marsh, you must visit Rixy’s Cotswold Tearoom. We had heard whispers about their afternoon tea being legendary, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
Located at 4 High Street, Rixy’s is the quintessential English tearoom. It’s cozy, welcoming, and dog-friendly, which is always a bonus for us. We booked ahead (which is highly recommended as it’s a popular spot) and settled in for what turned out to be one of the best afternoon teas we’ve ever had.
For £21.50 per person, the value is incredible. The sandwiches were freshly made and generously filled: no skimpy fillings here! But the stars of the show were the scones. They were warm, light, and served with a mountain of clotted cream and jam. Everything is homemade, and you can really taste the quality. It was the perfect way to spend a chilly afternoon, watching the world go by through the window while sipping on a steaming pot of tea.
Exploring the Cotswolds in Winter
Staying at Moreton-in-Marsh puts you right in the center of the North Cotswolds. While these villages are famously busy in the summer, visiting in late January gives you a completely different experience. You can actually see the architecture without a sea of selfie sticks in the way!
Stow-on-the-Wold
Just a short drive (or a slightly longer bus ride) from the campsite is Stow-on-the-Wold. This is the highest of the Cotswold towns and is packed with history. We spent a few hours wandering through the narrow "tures" (alleys) and browsing the many antique shops.
The must-see spot here is St Edward’s Church. Even if you aren’t religious, the north door of the church is magical. Flanked by two ancient yew trees that have grown into the stonework, it looks like something straight out of a J.R.R. Tolkien novel. In the winter light, with a bit of frost on the trees, it felt truly otherworldly.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Often called the "Venice of the Cotswolds," Bourton-on-the-Water can be overwhelming in August. But in February? It’s serene. The River Windrush flows gently under the low stone bridges, and the honey-colored limestone buildings look beautiful against a pale winter sky.
We took a slow walk along the river, stopping to admire the Model Village and visiting Birdland (which is surprisingly great even in winter). There are plenty of cozy pubs with roaring log fires where you can grab a pint and a bowl of soup to warm your bones before heading back to the caravan.
Broadway
Another lovely spot to visit from Moreton-in-Marsh is Broadway. In winter, its honey-coloured stone buildings look especially picturesque, and the high street has a much calmer feel than it does in peak season. It’s the sort of place where you can take your time, wander in and out of independent shops, and just enjoy the atmosphere without feeling rushed.
We really liked strolling along the wide main street, taking in the character of the old buildings and the tidy village feel. On a crisp winter day, Broadway has that classic Cotswold look people come for, but with a quieter, more relaxed side that makes it even better for a day out.
Cozy Nights in the Coachman Acadia 565
One of the reasons we love our Coachman Acadia 565 so much is how well-insulated it is. Even when the temperature outside dropped toward freezing, the Alde heating kept us toasty all night.
During this trip, we decided to keep the setup simple. We didn't bother with the full awning for just four nights in the winter, though we did use our small porch awning to keep the wet boots and coats out of the main living area. It made the caravan feel like a little sanctuary. There is nothing quite like sitting in the lounge with the dimmable LED lights low, a glass of wine in hand, and the sound of the wind whistling outside while you're perfectly warm inside.
Why February is the Best Time to Visit
A lot of people ask us if it’s "worth it" to go caravanning in the winter. Our answer is always a resounding yes. Moreton-in-Marsh in the winter offers a sense of peace that you just don't get during the peak months. You can get a table at the best restaurants, the shopkeepers have more time to chat, and the landscapes have a stark, dramatic beauty that is perfect for photography.
Whether you're looking for a romantic escape or just a quiet break to recharge the batteries, a 4-night stay at the Moreton-in-Marsh Club Campsite is hard to beat. Just make sure you pack your woolly hat, some sturdy boots, and: most importantly: make that reservation at Rixy’s!
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