Top-Notch Camping Locations Within the British Isles for an Unforgettable European Summer Vacation
Discovering the Best Camping Spots in the UK for Outdoor Adventure and Glamping
The United Kingdom offers a diverse range of camping spots that cater to both outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a more luxurious glamping experience. Here are some of the top destinations for a mix of adventure and comfort:
Top of the Woods, Pembrokeshire
Located in Wales, Top of the Woods offers a blend of comfort, sustainability, and nature adventure. The campsite features eco-friendly safari lodges, nature domes, pioneer camps, and traditional camping, all surrounded by woodland trails and coastal views.
Fidden Farm, Isle of Mull
Nestled on the Isle of Mull, Fidden Farm is a remote beachside campsite perfect for wildlife spotting, such as dolphins and sea eagles. It's an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking adventure, with options for cycling, kayaking, and exploring the island’s rugged beauty.
Bluebell Lane Glamping, Northern Ireland (Newry)
Family-friendly glamping pods, shepherd’s huts, and safari tents in wildflower meadows make up Bluebell Lane Glamping. The site offers nature trails, birdwatching, and traditional craft workshops, combining outdoor activity with unique hands-on experiences.
Woodfire, Sussex (South Downs)
Woodfire offers camping with the bonus of delicious food cooked over an open grill using local seasonal produce. Located in a dark sky reserve, it's perfect for stargazing and countryside exploration.
Langstone Manor Holiday Park, Dartmoor
Popular for glamping near dramatic moorland scenery, Langstone Manor Holiday Park features pods and pitches with good facilities, appealing to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Trewan Hall, Cornwall
Trewan Hall, spread over 36 acres of woodlands and gardens, offers a heated swimming pool and children’s play area. It balances relaxation with nature immersion, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful vacation.
Other notable mentions for well-maintained family-friendly sites with good amenities include Green Acres Caravan Park, Hale Farm Campsite, and Swiss Farm Touring & Camping.
Ocean Pitch campsite in Devon
Situated within walking distance of Baggy Point, Ocean Pitch campsite offers a beachside affair with basic facilities, including hot showers, and the option for electric hookups and phone charging for an extra fee.
Wolford Wood campsite in Moreton-in-Marsh
Located within the Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty, Wolford Wood campsite offers a variety of accommodations, from cabins nestled in private glades to meadow camping. The site features fire pits, but fire bans may occur during the summer months.
Clippesby Hall in Norfolk
Clippesby Hall offers lodges, cottages, shepherd’s huts, and traditional pitches for camping. The site includes facilities such as tennis courts, zip-wire-equipped play areas, and a mini golf course.
Harry's Field campsite in the New Forest
Harry's Field campsite, located on the edge of the ancient woodland, offers a back-to-basics vacation experience. While there are no electric hookups, fire pits are provided, and wood-fired pizza is served every Saturday, along with barista coffee and pastries available daily.
Saint Martin's campsite on the Isles of Scilly
Offering chalets and pitches with views of the beach, Saint Martin's campsite on the Isles of Scilly is a great choice for those seeking a coastal getaway. The site allows barbecues, as long as they are kept above ground.
Badgells Wood campsite in Kent
Known for its stunning scenery, excellent facilities, and convenient location, Badgells Wood campsite offers bell tents for hire and pitches that can accommodate camper vans for as little as $30 a night. The site offers activities such as bushcraft tutorials, outdoor yoga, archery, and movie nights.
Fidden Farm
Located on the Isle of Mull, Fidden Farm is a family-run camping site situated hard against a secluded bay on the southern tip of the island. The restaurant and shop, known as Basecamp, offers excellent sit-in and takeaway options, including wood-fired pizzas. No booking is required at Fidden Farm; visitors simply speak to someone at reception upon arrival.
Llyn Gwynant campsite in Wales
Llyn Gwynant campsite, located in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park, offers amenities such as showers and WC facilities, laundry, and fresh drinking water, but no electrical hookups or Wi-Fi. Campfires are permitted, but wood must be purchased from the campsite.
The Apple Farm campsite in Stratford-Upon-Avon
For those seeking an off-grid experience, The Apple Farm campsite in Stratford-Upon-Avon offers pitches starting at less than $35 a night, with no Wi-Fi or electricity. Basic food items can be picked up at the honesty barn on site.
Clippesby Hall rentals
Rentals at Clippesby Hall are around $18 per person per night, with additional fees for luggage collection. The site offers a flat rate of $16 per person, with half price for children under the age of 15.
Saint Martin's campsite
Pricing at Saint Martin's campsite on the Isles of Scilly starts just shy of $60 per night for two adults. Phones can be charged in lockers for a few dollars a day, and barbecues are allowed, as long as they are kept above ground.
Ocean Pitch campsite
At Ocean Pitch campsite in Devon, prices for two adults start around $80 per night, including electric hookups. The site offers additional amenities such as a street food van, surf hire, and freezer block loans for your chiller.
Harry's Field campsite
Prices at Harry's Field campsite in the New Forest vary depending on the accommodation. A furnished bell tent sleeps 4 and costs $239 per night, while a grass pitch is $40 per night, with an additional $14 per person added to the flat fee.
Wolford Wood campsite
Prices at Wolford Wood campsite start just shy of $60 per night for two adults. The site is situated within the Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty, and offers cabins, meadow camping, and fire pits.
The back-to-basics vacation
The back-to-basics vacation is a popular choice in British holiday making, with campsites like The Apple Farm, Saint Martin's, and Fidden Farm offering an off-grid experience.
Glamping at Clippesby Hall
Clippesby Hall offers luxurious bell tents for camping, accommodating up to 8 people and costing around $250 per night. The site also offers lodges and cottages, taking glamping to a new level.
Activities at Badgells Wood
Badgells Wood campsite in Kent offers activities such as bushcraft tutorials, outdoor yoga, archery, and movie nights, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a more active camping experience.
Checking the weather
Given the UK's unpredictable weather, it's recommended to check forecasts prior to arrival, especially at ocean-side campsites like Ocean Pitch, which may experience windy conditions.
Motorhomes at Fidden Farm
Motorhomes are welcome at Fidden Farm, but there are no electric hookups.
Rentals at Clippesby Hall
Rentals at Clippesby Hall include lodges, cottages, shepherd’s huts, and traditional pitches for camping.
Bicycles at Harry's Field
Bicycles are available for hire at Harry's Field campsite, and fresh bread and pastries are baked on site daily.
Campfires at Ocean Pitch
Campfires are permitted at Ocean Pitch campsite, and the site provides bricks to keep them above ground.
Wood-fired pizza at Harry's Field
Wood-fired pizza is served every Saturday at Harry's Field campsite, and barista coffee and pastries are available daily.
Elevated terrain and relief rain
Elevated terrain in places such as Wales, the Scottish Highlands, and the Lake District creates a phenomenon known as relief rain.
Saint Martin's campsite facilities
Facilities at Saint Martin's campsite include toilets and WCs, and barbecues are allowed, as long as they are kept above ground.
Activities at Badgells Wood
Activities such as bushcraft tutorials, outdoor yoga, archery, and movie nights are offered at Badgells Wood.
Campfires at Llyn Gwynant
Campfires are permitted at Llyn Gwynant, but wood must be purchased from the campsite.
No drones or generators at Wolford Wood
Drones and generators are not allowed at Wolford Wood campsite.
Bell tents at Badgells Wood
Bell tents are available for hire at Badgells Wood, and some pitches can accommodate camper vans for as little as $30 a night.
Fire pits at Wolford Wood
Fire pits are provided at Wolford Wood, but fire bans may occur during the summer months.
The rise of wild camping and glamping
Wild camping and glamping have seen increased popularity in the U.K., with destinations like Fidden Farm, The Apple Farm, and Saint Martin's offering unique off-grid experiences, while sites like Clippesby Hall and Badgells Wood cater to those seeking a more luxurious glamping experience.
References:
- The Guardian
- The Independent
- Country Living
- The Telegraph
- The Times
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