Tudor Caravan Park

Nestled between the River Severn and the Cotswolds, the Tudor Caravan Park has a great location alongside the Gloucester-Shipness ship canal. Despite being in an attractive setting, the campsite is only a ten-minute drive from junction 13 of the M5.

The campsite itself is easy to access and offers 75 pitches set over two main touring fields: the Meadows, which is designed for families; and the Old Orchard, a more secluded area for adults only. Both areas are open all year. Hardstandings are available and the electric hook-ups usefully run at 16amps. This campsite has gained the AA 4 pennant rating and has again won the David Bellamy Conservation Gold award. The site was also winner of Cotswolds Holiday Park of the Year 2014.

Campsite facilities include a toilet and shower block – with free hot showers – and shaver points / hairdryer sockets. There’s also a dish-washing area, a communal freezer and a battery recharging area. The reception area also offers Calor and Camping Gaz sales. Recently completed is a new toilet, shower and laundry block with underfloor heating, privacy cubicles, family cubicles, full disabled facilities and baby changing area.

Dogs are allowed on the campsite, so long as they’re on leads and exercised off site.

The campsite is also next door to the Tudor Arms pub, which is a quiet country pub and restaurant that won CAMRA’s Gloucestershire Pub of the Year in both 2007 and 2008 (tel: 01453 890306 www.thetudorarms.co.uk). Bar meals are offered all day, while the restaurant serves food at lunchtime and in the evenings from 6pm to 9pm.

There’s lots to do within walking distance of the campsite, making it ideal for those who prefer to pitch up and not have to drive anywhere. The nearby town of Shepherds Patch itself is a pleasant little hamlet and, as well as the pub, offers a boatyard. This has a small shop and a café – which is an ideal place to head for your morning fry-up (a boatman’s breakfast). It also serves lunches and evening meals.

Glevum Boat Hire offers canal boat hire and there’s 16 miles of canal to explore and you can also hire bicycles here too. The canal itself offers coarse and match fishing and makes for a very pleasant walk. If you head in the direction of Frampton-on-Severn you’ll be rewarded for your efforts at the Bell Inn (a family-friendly pub that also serves food).

Also within walking distance is the Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust a nature reserve that is home to many thousands of migratory birds and a massive collection of resident ducks and swans.

The River Severn itself is also home to the Severn Bore (one of only eight in the UK) that sees a tidal swell wash up the river, raising its level by up to 15 metres in the estuary. This Bore occurs at set dates throughout the year and various tables are available to check when it occurs if you’re keen to experience it.