The Brasenose Arms
Food and live music, a short stroll into the village.
Camping and Caravanning Club Certificated Site
A quiet riverside meadow in Cropredy
Fifteen pitches on an unspoilt hay meadow, tucked between the River Cherwell and the Oxford Canal in North Oxfordshire. No hook-ups, no fuss. Just space, birdsong and the village on your doorstep.
5 + 10caravan & tent pitches
£10per unit, per night, cash
Apr - Oct1 April to 31 October, ground permitting
4 milesnorth of Banbury, off M40 J11
Welcome to Bridge Meadow
Simple camping, done beautifully
Bridge Meadow is a small, level grass site on the edge of the historic village of Cropredy. The river runs along one side of the field and the canal sits just over the hedge on the other, so every pitch is a few steps from the water.
It is a site for self-sufficient campers who want peace rather than facilities. You will find mains water, a cassette emptying point and bins, then a village with two pubs, a new cafe and bar across the road and miles of towpath on your doorstep.
Our season (opening and closing dates subject to ground conditions)Book ahead for August
OpenFestival monthClosed
There is nothing there, just a field with an elsan point, no toilets or electric but it's so peaceful. The field has the river running along the left, and over the hedge to the right, there is the canal.
Andrea Alcock, Google review
Good to know
What's here, and what isn't
Honest details so you can arrive prepared.
Between the River Cherwell and the Oxford Canal
On site
- Mains water
- Cassette (Elsan) emptying point
- Waste and recycling bins
- Level grass pitches
Not on site
- Electric hook-ups
- Toilets or showers
Ideal for fully self-contained units.
Fishing
Fish the Cherwell straight from the meadow, subject to season and a valid rod licence.
Dogs welcome
Dogs are welcome with considerate owners who pick up after them and keep them under control across the 6-acre site.
Who can stay
5 pitches for caravans and motorhomes and 10 pitches for tents, all beside the river.
Across the road
Just opened opposite the gate: The Old Coal Wharf bar and craft shops, and The Mulberry Café. The village shop is currently closed while it looks for new owners, so stock up before you arrive. The nearest supermarket is Tesco on Southam Road, Banbury.
A wildlife haven
Keep the binoculars handy
Left to grow for hay and occasional grazing, the meadow and its riverbank are alive with birds. Guests regularly spot:
KingfishersAlong the Cherwell
WoodpeckersIn the riverside trees
HeronsFishing the shallows
FalconsHunting the meadow
TreecreepersOn the old oaks
NuthatchesIn the hedgerows
GoldcrestsBritain's smallest bird
Otters & water volesPlus the odd weasel
Through the seasons
Buttercups in spring, hay bales in summer
On your doorstep
Pubs, walks and the towpath
Leave the car on the pitch. Everything below is within walking distance.
The Red Lion Inn
Thatched ironstone village pub serving food with regular live music.
The Oxford Canal
Join the towpath over the hedge and walk or cycle for miles in either direction. Some stretches are rough underfoot.
Cropredy Circular Walk
A countryside loop across fields, river crossings and canal towpath.
Cropredy Village Trail
An easy wander around the village and down to the historic bridge.
The Old Coal Wharf & The Mulberry Café
A new bar with craft shops, and a cafe, right across the road. For groceries, Tesco is on Southam Road in Banbury, 4 miles south.
★ Every August since 1976
Fairport's Cropredy Convention
Camp a short stroll from the festival
Fairport's Cropredy Convention is a much-loved folk and rock festival held on the edge of the village every August, drawing up to 20,000 people. Expect a single stage in a sloping arena field, morris dancing in the streets and live music in both pubs.
Only the village sports field sits between Bridge Meadow and the festival site, so you can stroll to the arena and back to a quiet riverside pitch at the end of the night.
Pitches are very limited for festival weekend. Contact us early.
Ask about festival pitches
Camp on a Civil War battlefield
29 June 1644
The Battle of Cropredy Bridge
Bridge Meadow sits right beside Cropredy Bridge, where Sir William Waller's Parliamentarians launched a surprise strike on a Royalist army strung out on the march. The fighting spread for several miles and across several river crossings, reaching Hay's Bridge on the Northamptonshire border.
The battle itself was indecisive, but it proved a major setback for Parliament. Much of the landscape is still open farmland, and a Battlefields Trust panel now stands at the rebuilt bridge, just a few steps from your pitch.
Guest reviews
"A jewel in the Oxfordshire countryside"
Rated 5 out of 5 by Camping and Caravanning Club members, and Excellent on Google.
"Been coming here for the last four or five years. What a jewel in the Oxfordshire countryside Bridge Meadow is. Always a pleasure to stay here and enjoy the fishing and the two pubs in the village... nothing is too much trouble."
"What a wonderful site this is... the canal is literally next door with wonderful walks. All in all we had a fantastic week and we were well looked after. Don't want to go home yet which is a first for me."
"Love this campsite... it's so peaceful. We went there for the first time in July 2023 and can't believe it took us so long. Already booked to return."
"Anyone that stays there loves the space, the closeness of the village and canal, and its other amenities."
Before you arrive
Questions we're often asked
Does Bridge Meadow have electric hook-ups or toilets?
No. Bridge Meadow is a simple meadow site for self-sufficient campers. There is mains water, a cassette (Elsan) emptying point and waste and recycling bins, but no electric hook-ups, toilets or showers.
How do I book a pitch?
Advance booking is essential. Book by phoning or texting 07890 450153, or by emailing Timmy at t20yes@hotmail.com. Bookings cannot be made through the Club website. Payment is in cash on arrival, via the trust box.
How close is the site to Fairport's Cropredy Convention?
Very close. Only the village sports field sits between Bridge Meadow and the Fairport's Cropredy Convention site, so the festival is a short walk away. Pitches are limited, so book early for festival weekend in August.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes. Dogs are welcome with considerate owners who pick up after their dogs and keep them under control across the 6-acre site.
What is the best route in when towing a caravan?
Leave the M40 at junction 11 and follow the A361 towards Daventry for about 3 miles, turn left to Cropredy and continue for about 1 mile. The gate is on the left immediately before the canal bridge, opposite The Old Coal Wharf. Please do not approach over the canal bridge when towing.
Can I fish on site?
Yes. Guests are welcome to fish the River Cherwell from the meadow, subject to the fishing season and holding a valid rod licence.
Ready for a few quiet nights by the river?
Call or text 07890 450153, or email Timmy at t20yes@hotmail.com. Pay in cash on arrival via the trust box.
Getting here
Find Bridge Meadow
- Bridge Meadow, Cropredy, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX17 1PQ
Get directions - 07890 450153
- t20yes@hotmail.com
- Bridge Meadow on Facebook
Directions
From junction 11 of the M40, follow the A361 towards Daventry for approximately 3 miles, then take the left turn to Cropredy. Follow the road for about 1 mile. The gate is on the left immediately before the canal bridge, opposite The Old Coal Wharf and The Mulberry Café.
Towing a caravan? Please follow the route above. Turning into the site from the canal bridge side is not recommended.