Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, and Bourton-on-the-Hill
are classic Cotswold villages worth a morning each. Burford in particular has an excellent range of independent shops and a beautiful church.
Adults-only touring in the Cotswolds
If you’re planning an adults-only touring holiday in the Cotswolds, you’re in good company. The Cotswolds attracts more visitors than almost anywhere else in England, and it’s easy to see why: honey-coloured stone villages, rolling hills, antique shops and farmers’ markets, Michelin-starred restaurants tucked into country pubs, and some of the most photographed scenery in Britain. The challenge isn’t finding things to do. It’s finding a peaceful base that matches the quality of what’s around it.
For adults-only touring caravan sites in the Cotswolds and the surrounding area, Briarfields Motel and Touring Park in Cheltenham is the standout option. It’s the only Tranquil Parks member site in the region, and its location, facilities, and transport connections make it one of the most practical bases for exploring the area without moving your van.
Briarfields Motel and Touring Park, Cheltenham
Briarfields is a beautifully landscaped, family-run park in the heart of Regency Cheltenham, one mile from the M5. The park itself has mature hedges, shrubs, and well-kept lawns that attract plenty of wildlife, giving it a genuinely green and open feel despite its convenient location. Park owner Jo and her team are known for a warm, personal welcome, and the park has a loyal following of regular guests.
The touring pitches are spacious and well-maintained, with electric hook-up, and the park also offers glamping pods and motel rooms for friends or family travelling without a van. Dogs are welcome.
What makes Briarfields particularly good for Cotswolds touring is the transport. Buses run every 15 to 30 minutes directly from outside the park gate into Cheltenham and Gloucester, around the clock. From Cheltenham you can reach pretty Cotswold villages, Cirencester, and Tewkesbury. From Gloucester you have access to the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. There’s also a daily service to Oxford from Cheltenham town centre. The park-and-ride into Cheltenham is a five-minute stroll away, and a dedicated flat cycle path runs the two to three miles into town. In short, you can leave your van on pitch for an entire week and still see a huge amount of the region.
A new bar and eatery is currently under construction on site, due to open later in 2026, which will add another reason to stay on the park in the evenings.
What to do in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds covers 800 square miles across five counties, so there’s no shortage of days out from Briarfields. Here are some of the highlights within easy reach:
Cheltenham itself
is often underestimated. The Regency architecture along the Promenade, Pittville Park and its restored pump room, the Everyman Theatre, and a programme of year-round festivals covering literature, jazz, music, and science make it one of the most enjoyable towns in the region for a couple of days.
Gloucester Cathedral and Docks
are thirty minutes away by bus and well worth a visit. The cathedral's cloisters were used as filming locations for the Harry Potter series, and the restored Victorian docks have good waterside restaurants.
The Cotswold Way
a 102-mile national trail running from Chipping Campden to Bath, passes through some of the most beautiful sections of the Cotswolds. Day walks along stretches of the route are accessible from various points within easy driving distance of Cheltenham.
Sudeley Castle
near Winchcombe, is one of the finest castle and garden combinations in England. Winchcombe itself is a lovely small town worth exploring before or after a visit.
Stratford-upon-Avon
is about forty-five minutes from Cheltenham by road and makes for an excellent day trip, particularly if you can catch a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
When to go
The Cotswolds is genuinely good at any time of year, but the shoulder seasons suit adults-only tourers particularly well. Late April and May bring the countryside to life before the summer crowds arrive. September and October offer golden light, quieter villages, and the apple orchards of the Vale of Evesham coming into season. The Cheltenham Literature Festival in October is one of the best in the country and a good reason in itself to plan a September or October break.
Winter touring is also possible from Briarfields, which stays open for most of the year. The Cotswolds in winter, with frost on the fields and log fires in the village pubs, is a different experience entirely from the summer version and one many regulars prefer.
Frequently asked questions about adults-only touring caravan sites in the Cotswolds
Is there an adults-only caravan park in the Cotswolds?
Briarfields Motel and Touring Park in Cheltenham is the Tranquil Parks member site closest to the Cotswolds. It sits on the edge of the area with excellent transport links into the villages and towns of the wider Cotswolds region, making it a practical and comfortable base for adults-only touring in the Cotswolds.
Do I need a car to explore the Cotswolds from Briarfields?
Not necessarily. Buses run from outside the park gate every 15 to 30 minutes into Cheltenham and Gloucester around the clock, with onward connections to Cotswold villages, Cirencester, Tewkesbury, and the Wye Valley. There’s also a flat cycle path into Cheltenham and a Park and Ride a short walk away. Many guests leave their vehicle on pitch for the entire stay.
Is Briarfields suitable for large motorhomes?
Yes. Briarfields has spacious touring pitches and is set up to accommodate motorhomes. Its location one mile from the M5 also makes it easy to access without negotiating narrow country lanes.
When is the best time to tour the Cotswolds?
Late spring and autumn are particularly good for adults-only touring. May and September offer the best combination of good weather, lower visitor numbers, and the countryside at its most attractive. The Cheltenham Literature Festival in October is worth planning around if you enjoy that kind of thing.
Can I visit the Cotswolds without staying in a village?
Absolutely. Staying at Briarfields in Cheltenham and making day trips into the Cotswolds is a very practical approach. You get the convenience of town facilities and transport on your doorstep while the villages remain easy to reach by bus, bike, or car.