The best campsites to visit in the UK

Enjoy a camping trip in the best of the great British outdoors.

Campsite UK

by Eleanor Weaver |
Updated on

The UK is spoilt for choice when it comes to camping destinations. There are scenic beaches, castle grounds, cliff-top views and illustrious forests. Whether you're looking to go off-grid or you're taking the family on a little adventure, our pick of the best campsites to visit in the UK has something to suit your every need.

These campsites offer scenic views of some of the most breathtaking spots in the UK countryside. So, why not escape from home tech, get back to nature and breathe in a welcome breath of fresh air? These well deserved breaks allow you to reconnect and create memories with the people that matter most.

And if you're not a fan of living on the wild side? Not to worry. We’ve snuck in a couple of glamping options so you can indulge in home comforts, even when you're out in the wilderness. Especially if you're in need of some amenities that feel a little closer to home for your staycation.

Best campsites to visit in the UK

From England, to Wales, to Scotland - here are the best campsites to visit in the UK this year. With campsites that offer glamping pods, lodges hidden away in the forests and wild camping retreats where you lay under the stars.

England

Our favourite
best-campsites-to-visit-in-the-UK-2022Cornish Tipi Holidays

Description

Cornish Tipi Holidays are our favourite campsite pick in the UK with truly something for everyone. You can choose to give your camping gear an airing with pitches for tents and campervans, choose a larger pitch for extra privacy and a picnic table, a snug pitch in the woodland or high above the lake, or upgrade your experience to stay in one of the spacious tipis. Situated in a woodland valley folded around a clear, spring-fed lake created from the old Tregildrans Quarry, wander the paths, and enjoy a proper Swallows and Amazons experience with swimming, boating, and fishing for free on the glorious lake.

Pets allowed: No
Caravans allowed: Yes, but meadow pitches only
Facilities: Hot and cold showers, flushing or composting loos, on-site cafe, and campfires allowed.
Nearby: 5 minutes from Port Gaverne beach and 15 minutes from Polzeath, one of the best surf spots in Cornwall. The Cornwall Coastal Footpath is right on your doorstep and you can visit pretty villages nearby including Padstow, where our writer had the best Cornish Pasty of her life!
Prices: Tipis are priced depending on size, location and number of people. Tipis start anything from £186 for two people. Wild camping starts from £20 per person, children start from £10.

Best campsite for walkers
best-campsites-to-visit-in-the-UK-2022National Trust

Description

Surrounded by the towering Langdale Pikes, this campsite is an ideal spot for walkers to set up camp to explore the Lake District. This relaxed and natural site is packed with 120 grassy tent pitches across the meadows, offering staggering views of the valley. There are 8 campervan and motorhome spots with electric hook up (and a few extra without), and options for glamping too. You can stay in a cute, cosy wooden pod to enjoy a few simple indoor comforts, or stay in a luxurious tipi or fully furnished yurt for an even more comfortable stay.

Pets allowed: Yes, two dogs per pitch
Caravans allowed: Yes, on specific hardstanding pitches
Facilities: Two newly upgraded toilet and shower blocks, washing-up areas, a laundry and drying room. Other features include a play area, shop, and barbecue.
Nearby: Chapel Stile is the nearest village where there's a great pub, café, and a Co-Op. Ambleside, Grasmere, and Coniston are close by too and the two nearest lakes to Langdale are Windermere and Coniston Water where you can cruise on the elegant Steam Yacht Gondola. There are closer tarns and waters such as Elterwater, Rydal Water, and Loughrigg Tarn, all offering spectacular walks.
Prices: Prices will vary depending on the time of year, site, length of stay, pitch type and the number of people in your party. Pods can be anywhere from £100 for a two-night stay for two adults. Camping can be anywhere from £40 for a two-night stay for two adults.

Best campsite for families
best-campsites-to-visit-in-the-UK-2022The Camping and Caravanning Club

Description

**"It has to be one of the best weeks we’ve ever had. We’ve enjoyed forest bathing, climbing trees, meeting first-time campers, playing rounders and having a go at archery." - Julia Bradbury reveals her favourite trips with the family, as part of her work as President of The Camping and Caravanning Club.
**
If you're looking for the perfect campsite to keep the grandkids entertained, why not stop at this campsite which sits within the ground of the Drayton Manor theme park? There are 90 pitches on the slightly sloping campsite with a large facilities block, washing up area, well-run shop, and children’s play area. You're in a great location to head to Cadbury World, which is a must for any choc-mad family members.

Pets allowed: Yes
Caravans allowed: Yes
Facilities: Flushing toilets, dishwashing facilities, showers, washbasins and washing machines, Club Site Wi-Fi, dedicated accessible facilities and designated dog walks.
Nearby: As well as enjoying the theme park and zoo at Drayton Manor, you can visit the nearby Tamworth to explore the market town and visit the ancient grounds of Tamworth Castle. Visit Lichfield Cathedral to soak in the fascinating history and visit the birthplace of Samuel Johnson who wrote the first Dictionary.
Prices: Prices will vary depending on the time of year, site, length of stay, pitch type, membership status, and the number of people in your party. Prices start from £8.60 per night for members.

Best farm stay campsite

Description

Owned by Countryfile’s Adam Henson, Cotswold Farm Park is a countryside haven where you can immerse yourself in the wonderful Cotswold hills. There are lots to do for all ages and the Farm Park is a real highlight - you can meet the animals and feed rare breeds, take a two-mile wildlife walk, or head to the muddy kitchen to make some mud pies. There's also plenty of outdoor play equipment, a Wildlife Walk, and a spacious recreation field so you can really take advantage of the fresh air. You can choose to stay on grassy pitches, in luxurious lodges, in glamping tents or private pods with heating and lighting included.

Pets allowed: Yes, two dogs per pitch
Caravans allowed: Yes, premium pitches perfect for caravans and motorhomes
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry room, gas-fired barbecue, picnic area, and heated shower block plus a café selling local produce and gifts. Farm park tickets are included with every stay.
Nearby: Visit the quaint and beautiful nearby towns and villages for the rich history and splendid walks including Bourton on the Water, the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’. There are model railways, great pubs and eateries, amazing architecture, and tranquil tree-lined avenues, parks, and gardens.
Prices: Prices will vary depending on the time of year, site, length of stay, pitch type and the number of people in your party. Some of these options will have a minimum two-night stay. Camping pitches from £50 up to £65, camping pods from £80, glamping from £175 and lodges from £500.

Best campsite for the adults

Description

This peaceful and spacious one-acre campsite is set right next to a vineyard - the perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying a glass of wine in the evenings! There are ten grass pitches suitable for tents and small campervans, or you may choose to go glamping with three bell tents available that overlook the vineyard and Dartmoor. Cool off in the local woodlands complete with hammocks, bask in the sun or enjoy a fun, fully-guided tour of the vineyard with wine-tasting included. Yes, please!

Pets allowed: Yes, but must be kept on a lead on the campsite
Caravans allowed: Yes, small VW size campervans only
Facilities: Shower on-site and two compost loos, off-ground fires allowed and fire pit, electrical sockets and freezer available, and The Devon Wine Shack onsite shop for camping essentials and wine gifts.
Nearby: Go walking in Eggesford Forest or Dartmoor National Park with rich history, deep river valleys, and rare wildlife. Visit gorgeous gardens including RHS Rosemoor and the magical Marwood Hill Gardens and be in easy reach of some of the best beaches in the UK. There are a number of National Trust destinations nearby and plenty of sightseeing opportunities, including Exeter Cathedral and the Valley of the Rocks.
Prices: £9 a night for adults and £4.50 a night for children (5 years -16 years). Under 5's and dogs are free. Friday and Saturday arrivals have a two-night minimum stay. You can also buy a camping weekend voucher for £60 for two adults to have a two-night weekend stay (provided they bring their own tent) and a guided vineyard tour.

Best for forest glamping
best-campsites-to-visit-in-the-UK-2022Canopy & Stars

Description

These cute and quirky Igluhuts are perfect for a little getaway with your partner into nature, while still keeping some home luxuries within its curved wooden walls. With six Igluhuts and six lovely lakeside cabins for groups of four available too, you'll be able to roam the peaceful woodland, find one or two saunas, hike the local trails and see all sorts of wildlife including owls, geese, moorhens and maybe even the resident otter. It's the perfect place for some pure rest and relaxation, tucked away in the Suffolk countryside.

Pets allowed: No
Caravans allowed: No
Facilities: King-sized bed, fully-equipped kitchen, en-suite shower room, toilet, and toiletries provided, heating, lighting, and sockets and saunas and shop on site.
Nearby: You can visit the nearby market town of Framlingham and Orford for lovely fresh produce, picnic spots, and castles. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Dunwich, Walberswick, and Southwold, and visit RSPB Minsmere for nature trails and bird spotting.
Prices: Igluhut cabins for two start from £112 per night. Lodges for four start from £157 per night, except for the Spartan Lodge which is £167 per night.

Best for a wildflower getaway

Description

This campsite is a wonderfully relaxed area where 28 super-spacious pitches are set in five acres of grassy fields, reached via twisty paths cut into the greenery. Each pitch is surrounded by a border of tall tussocky grasses and wildflowers and is named according to characters from Alice In Wonderland. No cars on site but there are wheelbarrows to take things to your pitch.

Pets allowed: Yes, two pets per pitch
Caravans allowed: Yes, pitches suitable for caravans, motorhomes, tents, and folding caravans are available.
Facilities: Eight toilets, six showers, and two washing-up sinks. There are solar-powered USB charging points in reception and sockets for hair dryers in the washing areas. Each pitch has its own fire pit and solar lantern and logs can be bought on site.
Nearby: The cathedral town of Ely is two miles away, reached via an attractive two-mile footpath along the River Ouse. Visit Oliver Cromwell's House, Ely Museum, and Ely Waterside to take a boat ride or relax at one of the restaurants.
Prices: Prices will vary depending on the time of year, site, length of stay, pitch type and the number of people in your party. Some of these options will have a minimum two-night stay. Additional guests cost £5 per night per pitch.

Wales

Best unique campsite

Description

If you love learning about history or want to treat yourself to a truly unique stay, we'd recommend the small and secluded Castle Knights campsite in South Wales. Here you'll stay in a boutique, rustic, camping field next to castle walls in the castle grounds (not many people can say they've stayed in a castle!) with a cosy woodland and festival-style atmosphere. It's also a great destination if you love a bit of adventure, as it's ideally located for walks, fishing, cycling, canoeing and even climbing.

Pets allowed: Yes, well-behaved dogs welcome.
Caravans allowed: No, only campervans with two pitches available a day
Facilities: Well-equipped kitchen block, three modern-day toilets housed in a medieval-style block, and two powerful hot showers.
Nearby: Besides exploring the castle grounds, the area is full of things to do with more nearby castles, walks leading down to the River Usk and the Llangdegfedd Reservoir. Cycle through the Forest of Dean, visit great pubs and eateries or take a short drive to Cardiff.
Prices: £10 per person per night. Under 5s go free. Pods available too from £80 to £100 per night. Minimum two-night stay (single nights on request by email).

Description

Take a trip to the magical Welsh forests and reconnect with nature while staying in a beautiful yurt complete with roaring log fire. Stay in a homely Tipi or Yurt, tucked away in the greenery of the forests and spend your days exploring all this campsite has to offer. From gathering around the campfire, walking in the woodlands or relaxing in your Tipi, Yurt, Lavuu, Ger or Alachigh.

Pets allowed: No
Caravans allowed: No
Facilities: Fully equipped kitchenette, tea/coffee maker in all rooms, shared bathroom, family room available, children's playground, spa and wellness packages, BBQ facilities, picnic area.
Nearby: As well as off-site activities such as canoeing, cycling, horse riding, fishing and bowling, Larkhill Tipis and Yurts isn't far from enchanting Welsh castles like Newcastle Emlyn Castle, Carmarthen Castle and Cilgerran Castle. Featuring natural beauty of the River Teifi, one of Wales' longest rivers.
Prices: Starting anywhere from £200 for a two-night stay. Prices will vary depending on the time of year, site, length of stay, pitch type and the number of people in your party.

Best coastal campsite

Description

Three Cliffs Bay is a Five Star rated holiday park in Gower, Wales, with options available for camping, caravans and motorhomes, VW campervans, glamping, and cottage stays. With a short walk from the infamous Three Cliffs Bay, you can choose pitches with a full sea view of the breathtaking bay, a pitch slightly further back with a glimpse of the sea, or a flat pitch with electricity in the family camping field. Located on the Wales Coastal Path, this is the perfect location for walks (with a free walking guide on arrival) and visiting the beach to go surfing.

Pets allowed: Yes
Caravans allowed: Yes
Facilities: Fully refurbished modern amenity block with power showers, loos and dishwashing facilities and a campsite shop where you can pre-order bakery and barbecue meats daily.
Nearby: Enjoy coastal, woodland and countryside walks directly from the site and visit Three Cliffs Bay, a mere 10-minute walk away. The world-famous Llangennith surfing beach is nearby as is Rhossili beach – great for sand dunes and rock pools. There are great pubs and restaurants to visit close by and local attractions including the Gower Heritage Centre.
Prices: Prices will vary depending on the time of year, site, length of stay, pitch type and the number of people in your party. A two-night stay for two adults can cost £289, depending on the time of year.

Best scenic stay campsite

Description

This award-winning campsite is set within Snowdonia National Park with gorgeous sea views and mountain landscapes. Relax and watch the sailing boats along the sea or turn around and face the fabulous Welsh mountains with the sheep and ponies roaming wild. It's a fantastic location for walks along the North Wales coastline and the site accepts caravans, motorhomes, tents, and campervans.

Pets allowed: Yes, dogs must be on a lead at all times on campsite
Caravans allowed: Yes
Facilities: Toilets and shower facilities, kitchen and laundry, Wi-Fi, TV reception and mobile phone 4G.
Nearby: Within walking distance of Trwyn Yr Wylfa, there is Penmaenmawr Beach and beautiful scenic walks along the North Wales coastal path. The nearby village has shops and good pubs serving food and there are other restaurants in the area. Go fishing, golfing, and explore the fantastic Conwy mountains, the seaside resort of Llandudno, and
Prices: Prices start from £52 per night for electricity and electric hook up and £40 per night for hardstanding pitches.

Scotland

Best beach campsite

Description

Situated in Assynt in some of the most stunning scenery of the North West Highlands of Scotland, this family-run campsite sits just 100 metres away from Clachtoll Beach and Split Rock. This area is renowned for its natural beauty and spectacular seascapes which you'll be able to enjoy from the campsite. Keep an eye out for porpoises, dolphins, Minke whales, otters, and eagles to name a few, and relax by the beautifully clear water. One reviewer said, "this was the best campsite on the whole Northcoast 500. Great place to stay and the beach is wonderful".

Pets allowed: Yes
Caravans allowed: Yes
Facilities: Toilets and shower facilities, dishwashing and laundry, small kitchen area, vending machine, Wi-Fi, and undercover barbecue area.
Nearby: Walk the coastal path and the nearby Culag Woods for a variety of walking trails. Climb the hills of Assynt, go fishing in the lake, or relax on the beach. Go swimming, kayaking, have a picnic or visit Lochinver for shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Prices: Prices start from £19 per night per pitch for one adult. A serviced pitch starts from £23 per night per pitch for one adult. A serviced pitch with a sea view can start from £27 per night per pitch for one adult.

Best for a romantic glamping getaway

Description

If you're looking for a romantic and luxurious getaway, our top pick has to be the Yurts at Alexander House - each of which comes with its very own hot tub! Tucked away in a cosy, sheltered corner of the House's grounds, you'll be treated to stunning views across Gleneagles and Perthshire in the heart of Scotland. You'll be in easy reach of distilleries, castles and sensational walks over hills and across rivers - a perfect escape to nature.

Pets allowed: No
Caravans allowed: No
Facilities: King-sized bed, ensuite bathroom, wood burner, electricity and lighting, private wood-fired hot tub and cooking facilities and equipment provided.
Nearby: Perched in the grounds of Alexander House, you have endless options for entertainment, from rafting and kayaking to riding and even archery. Venture out into the wild Scottish countryside, or visit Glasgow and Edinburgh just one hour drive away. Visit local Castles in Stirling and Doune and choose from fine-dining or fish and chips eateries, if you're not cooking in your Yurt that is.
Prices: Prices start from £175 per night

FAQs

Can I camp outside anywhere in the UK?

Wild camping is illegal in England and Wales, so you can't just pitch a tent up anywhere! However, in Scotland, wild camping is allowed almost anywhere thanks to their right-to-roam laws.

If you're wild camping in Scotland, make sure to follow the ScottishOutdoor Access Code. This means you need to be respectful to others, care for the environment, and take responsibility for your actions. The land you're staying on will belong to someone, so treat it kindly. Make sure to not light fires, take your rubbish home with you and don't disturb the natural wildlife.

In England and Wales, the only places you can get away with wild camping are in some National Parks where designated wild camping pitches are available, for example, the Lake District. You may also be able to 'wild' camp in other places with the landowner's permission, but we'd recommend sticking to the dedicated campsites. There's plenty to pick from!

What should I pack for a camping trip?

If you're glamping, you'll have the luxury of bedding, kitchen utensils, and a cover over your head provided for you. If you're camping, however, you need to make sure you've packed all the essentials so you're not left in any sticky situations.

Trespass has this great camping guide and glossary, with everything you need and added info in one place. Otherwise, our top tips for camping will help you to be prepared. Check out this camping checklist that includes everything you'll need for a trip to the wilderness.

Top camping tips

• Meal plan before you go to make sure you’re covered for all the days you’re camping. Focus on packing dry or non-perishable foods. Fresh foods should be consumed at the start of your trip when they’re still, well, fresh!

• Pack layers and/or blankets for cold nights. Nights are always colder than you’d expect in the UK, even in the summer. It also means you have the option to camp under the stars without your teeth chattering away.

• Check the weather forecast before you head off, especially if you have kids or pets in tow. Pack accordingly and plan your activities for the most suitable days.

• Examine your tent for any rips or tears - you don't want it to put a literal dampener on your trip away!

• Buy a bigger tent than you think you’ll need. From experience, we've found that a four-man tent may only fit two with all of your camping stuff included.

• When you’re not trekking through wildlife or checking out the local attractions, you’ll want to unwind at the campsite. Think entertainment. Books, board games, and outdoor games are a great shout and a must if the kids are joining.

• Pack wet wipes! These can solve a multitude of problems and help keep everything from your face to your clothes looking clean. They’re not so eco-friendly, it's best to choose a biodegradable option and make sure to take used wipes away with you.

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