Finding and accessing Orchard Meadow is straightforward; swing open the entrance gate and there is plenty of room to manoeuvre even the largest rig onto the spacious meadow. A notice just inside the entry informs you which pitch you have been allocated. It is a level, grass site with plenty of space between pitches. Each pitch has its own water and electricity. Julie reminded us that we could orientate our caravan as we liked - front, back or side on to the meadow.
The grass was in excellent condition; Julie uses a grass catcher when mowing so we were not traipsing grass cuttings into the van. We were fortunate to enjoy some very hot sunny days. We found the edging trees, which are maturing nicely, provided very convenient shade.
On arrival, Julie gave us some useful handouts one of which included local walks. We are not great walkers but I completed the 3 mile circuit via Ablington and thoroughly enjoyed paddling in the stream beside the picturesque bridge over the River Coln.
On Sunday, we went to a delightful pub in Maisey Hampton for roast dinners. I do not think I have ever had a more tasty roast except from my wife, of course. The pork was so tender, it almost melted in my mouth. The quantity was such that we were glad we had skipped starters and we could not manage a dessert. And all at a very reasonable price.
Bibury is only a 20 minute walk away and is, for good reason, popular with tourists. Other obvious Cotswold honeypots such as Bourton on the Water, Stow on the Wold, Westonbirt Aboretum are all within a 30 minute drive.
For our essentials, we generally used the large Waitrose or Tesco Extra about 7 miles away in Cirencester.
This was our second stay at Orchard Meadow. It will not be our last.
