One for the ages

Daniel provided the entertainment by the glow of a roaring fire pit

Camping and caravanning have been a part of my life since childhood, and it’s great to see my own kids embracing this wonderful pastime. But while researching future holidays, I came up with the idea of a break involving three generations – it would be the perfect opportunity to strengthen family bonds and reconnect with nature.

There were some hurdles to clear first. My mother, now in her 80s, remains quite active, but a caravan can pose some challenges for her (it can often feel a bit cramped when we’re all together, too). Meanwhile, tearing my teenage son, Daniel, away from his computer games is a challenge – although I know he does enjoy getting away in the caravan, sometimes I feel the need to remind him there is life outside of his bedroom!

Accommodation options

The glamping pod was warm and cosy

In the end I booked a holiday for my husband, mother, son and myself at Moreton-in-Marsh Club Campsite in the Cotswolds. Rather than everyone staying in the caravan, my mother enjoyed the comfort of a glamping pod booked via the Club’s Experience Freedom offering.

Experience Freedom provides a range of accommodation options on selected Club campsites, including glamping pods, accessible pods, camping pods, safari tents, yurts and glamping cabins (safari tents and yurts are available during the warmer months). For more details, visit experiencefreedom.co.uk.

Once we had pitched up, we settled grandma into her luxurious accommodation. Glamping pods offer a modern and stylish way to enjoy a campsite holiday, providing all the creature comforts you need.

Cleverly designed to maximise space, they comfortably accommodate two adults and two children. Featuring wide, double-glazed doors, they stay cool and airy during the day and cosy and warm at night.

Facilities include an ensuite shower room, kitchenette with utensils, television with incorporated DVD player, decked area with outdoor seating and barbecue station.

As a family, striking a balance between sharing quality time and respecting personal space is key. Mornings were spent enjoying breakfast together in our caravan, while the glamping pod offered grandma a cosy spot to retreat to when we had been out for most of the day. By night, the pods could offer a great opportunity for grandchildren to have sleepovers, complete with movies and board games. Caravanning is a fantastic way to connect all generations with the great outdoors, and one of my highlights was an evening spent at the on-site communal fire pit, for which logs, kindling and the all-important marshmallows were available from reception.

On the chilly weekend of our visit, the fire pit was the perfect spot to keep warm while stargazing and sipping hot chocolate. A special moment for grandma was when Daniel entertained her on his guitar – it brought back fond memories of my father playing for me when I was a child.

Younger children will love the fantastic on-site playground, while the information room is packed with ideas for family-friendly activities in the area, and there is a Tourer Explorer Trail to enjoy during your stay.

Group excursions

Bourton-on-the-Water is often called the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’

One of the joys of multi-generational touring is discovering activities that everyone can enjoy. Whether you're looking for an adventurous outing for a teenager, a cultural excursion for grandma, or a relaxing day in nature for the whole family, the area around Moreton-in-Marsh has something for everyone.

My mother has a keen interest in gardens, so a visit to Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre was the perfect choice for her. Conveniently located just under two miles from the Club site, it is open year-round and offers unique displays with every season. Despite visiting in the heart of winter, we were amazed by the vibrant bursts of colour that brightened the landscape.

Right next to Batsford is Cotswold Falconry Centre, which captured my son’s attention. Home to more than 50 different birds of prey, daily flying demonstrations are a real treat. (Club members receive a 10% discount on entry to Batsford Arboretum and two-for-one on entry to the Cotswold Falconry Centre via the Great Savings Guide – see camc.com/greatsavingsguide for more details.)

The Cotswolds is renowned for its bucolic landscapes and charming, quintessentially English settlements. The iconic hills offer stunning walks, the villages are dotted with distinctive buildings made from honey-coloured stone and the historic market towns are full of cosy pubs, quirky antique shops and quaint tea rooms.

Visiting the village of Bibury on a misty day gave us a whole new perspective on the area’s charm. The younger generation (including myself!) thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Bibury Trout Farm. Grandma was a keen observer, and was delighted by the flurry of fish leaping out of the water to catch their feed.

Driving back to the site we stopped off at Bourton-on-the-Water for a late lunch in one of its many tea rooms. Bourton – aka the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ – is one of the most beautiful and popular villages in the region. Nestled beside the River Windrush, its charm lies in its low stone bridges that span the gently flowing water. Our journey brought us back to Moreton-in-Marsh, the popular market town which is within walking distance of the Club campsite (remember to pack a torch if you’re out in the evening).

The town is renowned for its lovely 17th- and 18th-century buildings, including the iconic Curfew Tower and the spectacular Grade II-listed Redesdale Hall. It’s said that the town’s Bell Inn served as inspiration for The Prancing Pony in JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. We opted for a delicious family meal at The White Hart Royal – a fitting end to our multi-generational trip.

Memories made

Grandma loved family breakfasts planning the day’s adventures

Touring with family offers the opportunity to reconnect, share stories and create memories. Things such as watching the kids laugh with their grandparents around a campfire or starting the day together over breakfast are truly special. Caravanning offers a rare chance to unplug from the hustle of everyday life and focus on what truly matters. And thanks to the many options offered by Experience Freedom, it is easy to plan a holiday that suits every member of the family.

A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the wonderful site staff at Moreton-in-Marsh for taking such great care of us in very cold conditions!

• New for this year: Club members can now save 20% on glamping breaks – to find out more and to book please see camc.com/experiencefreedom.

Where to stay

Moreton-in-Marsh Club Campsite

This attractive site is within walking distance of the market town of the same name. Nearby attractions include Batsford Arboretum, Bourton House Garden and Sezincote House and Gardens.

The Club offers glamping accommodation at eight sites in the UK, with more to follow this year. Moreton-in-Marsh, Brighton in Sussex and Abbey Wood in London are open all year. Coniston Park Coppice and Troutbeck Head in the Lake District, Cayton Village on the North Yorkshire Coast, Southland on the Isle of Wight and Daleacres in Kent are open from March.