Camping in Braydon

Braydon's setting on the edge of the old royal Forest of Braydon makes it an appealing, if low-key, spot for a camping trip in north Wiltshire, though it is worth being clear from the outset that wild camping without the landowner's permission is illegal in England, unlike in parts of Scotland, so a proper campsite or a farmer's explicit go-ahead is essential. The terrain here is gentle lowland countryside rather than dramatic hills: flat to gently rolling pasture and former forest, interspersed with the lakes and wetlands of reserves like Lower Moor Farm, and criss-crossed by quiet lanes and footpaths that make for easy walking and cycling rather than rugged hiking. Nearby, the Cotswold Water Park has become the area's main hub for camping and glamping, with numerous lakeside sites offering everything from simple grass pitches for tents and touring caravans to fully equipped glamping pods, safari tents and static lodges, many with direct access to swimming, fishing or watersports on the flooded former gravel pits. Smaller, more traditional campsites can also be found around Cricklade, Purton and towards Malmesbury, generally quieter and better suited to those who want proximity to the wildlife reserves rather than water sports. The best time to camp here runs from late spring through to early autumn: April brings the added draw of the snake's-head fritillary displays at Cricklade North Meadow and Clattinger Farm, May to August offers the longest daylight hours and driest ground underfoot, and September still tends to be mild while the summer crowds thin out. Winter camping is possible at sites with all-weather pitches, but the clay-heavy Wiltshire soil around the old forest can turn heavy and waterlogged after rain, so it is best left to well-equipped campers. For those who prefer a roof over their heads without giving up the outdoor feel, glamping options in the Cotswold Water Park and around the Braydon Forest area provide a comfortable middle ground, with wood-burning stoves, proper beds and, in many cases, lake or meadow views that capture the quiet character of this once-great forest landscape.