Pretty Perfect
We stayed at Orchard Meadows for 8 nights during a 'changeable' weather period in early May. The site is very well situated for walks and not far from Cirencester. Pitches are all allocated on your arrival, with your name and pitch number displayed in the noticeboard just inside the gate. Lovely wide access and easy route in via M40/A40. Peter came across just after we arrived and gave us very detailed and insightful information on the local walks and attractions (along with maps) which we found really useful. The site is slightly sloped and a little uneven in places so it took us a little while to get level. (There had been a LOT of rain) The views are lovely, and the road alongside mostly quiet. There is an information hut with lots of up to date local information and many leaflets.
Bibury is a 15 minute walk via the road or you can go with Peters marked out circular walks (which include some nice stops)
We walked both the 3 mile loop and the 6 mile loop on our first 2 days. The longer walk takes you to Coln St Aldwyn which DOES have an open Pub (a bit pricey but nice) and a fabulous Shop/Post Office/Cafe (guess which one we went to) which serves lovely fresh coffee and pastries plus lunch. Definitely do the walk from the site along the bridleways first to Coln St Aldwyn then you walk back to Bibury along the river, very pleasant indeed...
Cirencester is definitely worth a visit. We visited Diddly Squat, Jeremy Clarksons place, but go early and get there just after it opens to avoid the queues...and Bourton on the Water. (Very busy, many asian tourists)
I would NOT recommend the Model Village as it looks as though it has seen better days. Also, there seems to be a tendency to add a service charge to every cup of coffee that you buy in the Cotswolds...
The Catherine Wheel in Bibury is within easy walking/tottering distance. The 'Twig' in Bibury does very nice coffees and sourdough toasties...
If you do go to Cirencester, try to visit 'Jacks' for coffee and cake, £6. Very nice and reasonable prices.
In short, the site is perfect and spacious all the facilities are clean and well maintained, the owners are very friendly and the fact that each pitch has their own water supply is fab. The area is generally more expensive, but what do you expect...its the Cotswolds!!!
