Thames Head Inn

The actual spring runs modestly depending on rainfall, but the symbolic importance of being at the river's official starting point remains genuine. The site functions as a practical base for exploring the Cotswolds rather than a luxury retreat, offering straightforward facilities and a pub that serves both locals and visitors.

The main appeal is the location itself. You can walk from your tent to Thames Head, where the river begins its 215-mile journey to the North Sea. The surrounding countryside rolls gently with relatively few people around, threaded with walking routes that reward exploration. The Foss Way, one of the major Roman roads, runs close by if you're interested in that period of history. The village of Coates is tiny but contains the 13th-century St Matthew's Church for those keen on local heritage.

Cirencester, a proper market town with restaurants, shops and museums, lies just 3 miles away, so you're not entirely cut off from amenities. Kemble railway station provides the nearest transport link. This works best if you want a straightforward, unpretentious base for walking and exploring the area without expecting luxury, and if you appreciate the appeal of camping at the Thames's starting point.