A wild garden on the Ridgeway with bell tents, firepits, a wood-fired sauna and cold plunges under the stars.
Our verdict
The wildest luxury in the Vale: firepits, a wood-fired sauna and whisky-barrel cold plunges on the shoulder of the Ridgeway.
| Distance from SN7 | 7 miles |
|---|---|
| County | Oxfordshire |
| Price band | ££ what the bands mean |
| Open | Spring to autumn |
| Tents | Yes |
| Campervans & motorhomes | Yes |
| Electric hook-up | No |
| Campfires | Yes |
| Swimming pool | No |
Evelyn's Garden is a wild space tucked onto the Ridgeway escarpment in the North Wessex Downs, and it does things differently: a handful of bell and emperor tents, a handcrafted horsebox conversion, two wild pitches for tents or campers, and every unit with its own camp kitchen, woodburner and firepit BBQ.
The showpieces are pure storybook: a wood-fired sauna in the trees, whisky-barrel cold plunges, a roundhouse and a big communal firepit where evenings gather themselves. Walk out of the gate and you are on the oldest road in Britain, with the Uffington White Horse along the chalk to the west. Deep, dark, starry nights guaranteed.
Why children love it
- Every pitch and tent gets its own firepit, plus a communal fire for stories
- A wood-fired sauna and cold plunge that older children find hilarious and unforgettable
- The Ridgeway on the doorstep for chalk-track adventures
Days out nearby
- The Ridgeway National Trail (from the gate)
- Uffington White Horse and Dragon Hill (15 minutes)
- Wayland's Smithy long barrow
Know before you go
- Book the sauna early in your stay, you will want it twice.
- Wild pitches are few, reserve months ahead for summer weekends.
- It is exposed downland, pack warm layers even in July.
The honest bit
This is small-scale glamping-forward camping with only a couple of wild pitches, so book well ahead and do not arrive expecting a big-site shop and games room.
Camping weather this week
Live 7-day forecast for Near Uffington, straight from Open-Meteo.
Quick answers
Are campfires allowed at Evelyn's Garden?
Yes. Campfires or fire pits are part of the experience at Evelyn's Garden. Follow the site's current fire rules, keep fires off the grass where asked, and check ahead in very dry spells.
Does Evelyn's Garden have a swimming pool?
No. The nearest pool site in this guide is Lincoln Farm Park, about 14 miles away. Evelyn's Garden makes up for it outdoors.
How far is Evelyn's Garden from Faringdon and Oxford?
Evelyn's Garden is about 7 miles from Faringdon (SN7) and roughly 19 miles from Oxford city centre. Distances are approximate road miles.
When is Evelyn's Garden open?
Evelyn's Garden is typically open Spring to autumn. Dates shift a little year to year, so confirm with the site before travelling.
Peg & Lantern is an independent guide and takes no commission. Details last checked July 2026; facilities and opening dates change season to season, so always confirm directly with the campsite before travelling. Photography is illustrative, not of the campsite itself.
