50 best campsites in the UK

starrymeadow.co.uk

West Lexham Bell Tent Glamping, Norfolk

USP: Wild swimming amid soothing woodlands

Set on 21 acres of wondrous woodland, with seven quirky bell tents in the Norfolk countryside, West Lexham offers the ultimate glamping experience that’s suitable for the whole family. Tents feature double beds and plenty of storage. After a good night’s kip, enjoy a refreshing morning dip in the newly-renovated heated pool or wild swimming lake. And there’s no need to leave the pups at home, for a small fee they are more than welcome on site.

Distance from London: 2.5 hours

Price: from £100-£250 per night

westlexham.org

Bunker Down, Cotswolds

USP: A cosy Cotswolds countryside escape

Bunker Down sits on a 500-acre farm complete with three bell tents and a shepherd’s hut. This site is a perfect base for exploring the beautiful Cotswolds. Enjoy long walks and hearty roasts, before a night spent toasting marshmallows over your very own open fire pit.

Distance from London: 2 hours

Price: from £78-£125 per night

coolstays.com

Gilcombe Camping, Somerset

USP: Prime positioning in picturesque Somerset

Set among 300 acres of picturesque organic farm, Gilcombe is all about luxurious bell tents (with super comfy beds) and unbeatable views, close to Longleat Safari Park, pretty Bruton and The Newt, with Stonehenge and Glastonbury further afield for more adventurous day trips.

Distance from London: 3 hours.

Price: £100 per night

glamping-uk.co.uk

Homestead Glamping and Camping. Herefordshire

USP: Watersports and good pubs in rural Herefordshire

This tranquil site in Herefordshire will take you back to basics (while still offering showers and BBQs if desired). With famous walks, kayaking, canoeing and cycle routes in the Brecon Beacons, there’s plenty to do in the surrounding area. After an action packed day, wind down at The Stag Inn or the award-winning Felin Fach Griffin for dinner.

Distance from London: 4 hours

Price: from £50 per night

coolcamping.com

Alexander House Glamping, Scotland

USP: Stargazing and hot tubs

There are only two of these spacious yurts on site, which ensures a secluded escape. After exploring the surrounding countryside, enjoy a glazz of fizz in your own woodfired hot tub and soak up the breathtaking views of Gleneagles and Perthshire. Fall onto your king-sized bed for a deep sleep before doing it all over again.

Distance from London: 7.5 hours

Price: from £150 per night

alexanderhousescotland.com

Collaton Farm, South Devon

USP: Safari vibes near sandy beach

These luxe safari tents come complete with memory foam mattresses, fully kitted-out kitchen, TV, shower and a balcony. You’ll find Dartmoor National Park in one direction and the sandy beaches at Salcombe in another (both within a 30-minute drive).

Distance from London: 4 hours

Price: from £100 per night

love-glamping.co.uk

Starry Meadow Glamping, Brecon Beacons

USP: Festi feels with streetfood grub

Flags, bunting, face paint, fancy dress… Starry Meadow Glamping gives off festival vibes and is ideal for both families or groups of friends. Make new pals at the open-air cinema while munching on dishes from the on-site street food stalls.

Distance from London: 3.5 hours

Price: from £495 per week

wyeglamping.co.uk

Tamar Lakes Campsite, Cornwall

USP: Cream teas and canoeing (a winning combo)

Can’t decide between the lake or the beach? You don’t have to at Tamar Lakes, which boasts both a sandy beach and lake. During the day, there is a wide selection of water sports to enjoy, before refuelling at the campsite with cream teas and Cornish ice cream. This is the ultimate Cornish holiday experience.

Distance from London: 4.5 hours

Price: from £15 per night

swlakestrust.org.uk

FinchingField Camping, Essex

USP: Pretty lavender fields for your Insta-feed

Stay on this 1.5-acre lavender and wild flower farm an hour from London. You’ll be given your own lavender bag for picking, before settling down for afternoon tea. With plenty of village pubs, quaint tea rooms and the Stour River on its doorstep, this unique location is a perfect break.

Distance from London: 1 hour

Price: from £28 per night

finchingfieldcamping.co.uk

Ettie’s Field, Leicestershire

USP: Boho glamping in Leicestershire

Already own your own glamping gear? This one’s for you. Ettie’s Field in Hinkley welcomes tipis, bell or lotus tents and roof tents. With the Tropical Bird Land and Lucky Tails Alpaca Farm nearby, you’ll have the kids entertained all weekend.

Distance from London: 2.5 hours

Price: from £70 per night

ettiesfield.com

Knepp Wildland Safaris & Camping, West Sussex

USP: a Great British safari

Still saving up for that dream Kenyan safari? Knepp Wildland Safaris in Horsham is the next best thing, for now. You’ll have to settle for exmoor ponies and roaming cattle over lions and elephants, but the charming rustic vibe is sure to give you your wildlife fill. Choose from more affordable basic tents or treat yourself and upgrade to glamping.

Distance from London: 2 hours

Price: from £20 a night.

hknepp.co.uk

Apple Camping, South Wales

USP: Extraterrestrial scenes in South Wales

At Apple Camping in South Wales you can spend the night in a stationary Jet Star aeroplane, complete with original bar and Xbox flight-simulator games, or go extraterrestrial with a stay in the UFO pod. Three Mongolian-style yurts are also available to hire.

Distance from London: 4.5 hours

Price: varied

coolcamping.com

Tin Can Camping, Norfolk

USP: Airstream glamping in Norfolk

Stay in one of four airstreams at Tin Can Camping in south Norfolk for a fun-filled retro weekend helpfully located next to three of the region’s top vineyards.

Distance from London: 2.5 hours

Price: from £320

tincancamping.co.uk

Fuzzy’s Farm, Hemel Hempstead

USP: Roaming alpacas and a Wild West theme

Alpacas, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks and geese all roam free on the farm near the quintessentially English village of Potten End and the National Trust woodlands of Ashridge. Tipis sleep up to eight.

Distance from London: 1 hour

Price: from £480 for a tipi

fuzzys.farm

The Cairngorms Yurt, Scottish Highlands

USP: A magical Highlands setting

Partial to a wee dram? Use this charming yurt as a base for exploring the magical Scottish Highlands, including the nearby Cairngorms national park and world-famous Malt Whisky Tail. The star-gazing alone makes it worth it.

Distance from London: 10 hours.

Price: from £465-902 per week

coolstays.com

Vintage Vacations, Isle of Wight

USP: Authentic airstreams

Vintage Vacations on the Isle of Wight was the first to offer American airstream holiday accommodation in the UK. Inside, the vans feature original fixtures and fittings and quirky vintage accessories. The nearby town of Ryde boasts plenty of restaurants and shops, and also offers ferry access.

Distance from London: 3 hours

Price: from £80-£160 per night

vintagevacations.co.uk

Roulette Retreat, Melrose

USP: Gypsy-style caravans on the Scottish Borders

Looking for something a little different? These kooky gypsy-style caravans nestled in Eildon Hills in the Scottish Borders feature intricate hand-carved wooden doors and wood burning stoves. The scenic setting is surrounded by the flowing River Tweed and the beautiful valleys of Yarrow and Ettrick.

Distance from London: 6.5 hours

Price: from £110 per night

roulotteretreat.com

EarthSpirit, Somerset

USP: Glamping for spiritual souls

Just five miles from Glastonbury, EarthSpirit is an eco-site dedicated to art, spirituality and healing. Glamping includes two Lotus Belle tents and a yurt, and guests can enjoy energising morning yoga classes and workshops.

Distance from London: 2.5 hours

Price: from £18 per night

earthspirit-centre.co.uk

Doward Park, Wye Valley

USP: Go off-grid in a secluded valley

Phone constantly reminding you of your ever increasing screen time? It’s time for a digital detox, and Doward Park, set in the secluded Wye Valley, near Symonds Yat, one mile from Wales, is the place to do it. With barely any signal and no WIFI (except in the reception building) you’ll be forced to go off-grid.

Distance from London: 3 hours

Price: from £24 per night

dowardpark.co.uk

Cotswold Camping, Cotswolds

USP: Cosy pubs and Cotswolds countryside

Embrace the simple life for the weekend; this spot offers stunning views and, more importantly, award-winning pubs close by. While basic, it is equipped with all the essential facilities, as well as an electric car charging point.

Distance from London: 2 hours

Price: from £90 per night

cotswoldscamping.co.uk

Yomer Wood, North Devon

USP: The call of the wild

The closest you’ll get to wild camping in England. With only a compost loo, a stream for a shower and no electricity or wi-fi, it’s set between the Victorian seaside town of Ilfracombe and Woolacombe beach. Bring your own tent or book the two-person rustic cabin on site.

Distance from London: 4 hours

Price: from £20 per night

yomerwoodcamping.com

Bales Ash Campsite, Devon

USP: Surfing and homemade cream teas

Bales Ash offers homemade Devonshire cream teas on request, wifi and showers. Spend your days walking the spectacular trails and surfing at the nearby beaches before returning for still warm home-baked scones, followed by a communal campfire.

Distance from London: 4 hours

Price: from £28 per night

balesash.co.uk

Donnington Wild Camping, West Sussex

USP: Stargazing and swimming

Guests can pitch up at this picturesque campsite on a rural farm in the small village of Donnington and make use of the onsite toilets and washing facilities, and even rent a campfire for an evening of marshmallow toasting and stargazing. With Chichester and the vast sandy beach at West Wittering all nearby, there’s plenty to do.

Distance from London: 1.5 hours

Price: £30 per night

donningtonretreats.co.uk

The Field of Stars, Cornwall

USP: A picturesque pitch in Penzance

Sitting on an organic beef farm in Penzance with plenty of nearby beaches to explore. Facilities include drinking water points, a washing-up sink, composting and flush toilets, hot electric showers, a communal fridge freezer and an electric socket for charging phones. There’s also a pub and bakery just a 10-minute drive away.

Distance from London: 5.5 hours

Price: £19 per night

pitchup.com

Sunrise Eco Glamping, Retford

USP: Eco-friendly camping in Nottinghamshire countryside

With a zero-waste refill shop, a vegan coffee shop and greengrocers, Sunrise Eco Glamping feels like a sustainable village. The stargazing tents have double beds and wood-burning stoves.

Distance from London: 3 hours

Price: from £15 per night

sunriseecoglamping.co.uk

Chyan Farm, Falmouth

USP: A quiet, family-friendly field

An eco-friendly campsite surrounded by apple orchards under five miles from Falmouth. Amenities include solar-powered hot showers, a sauna, spring-fed swimming pool and mud kitchen. This is a place to chill and relax with the family — there’s a strict 9.30pm noise curfew.

Distance from London: 5 hours

Price: from £16 per night

chyan.org

The Shepherds Hut Retreat, Somerset

USP: A romantic lakeside getaway

Looking to book a last minute romantic bolthole this summer? Look no further than these romantic shepherd’s huts nestled in the rolling Somerset hills, which offer guests a slice of luxury. Each comes with ensuite bathrooms, an outdoor kitchen, decking area, open-air hot tub and stunning views looking out on to the lake.

Distance from London: 3 hour

Price: from £110 per night

theshepherdshutretreat.co.uk

Cider Farm Orchard Campsite, West Dorset

USP: Camping for cider lovers

Love cider? Who doesn’t. Learn all about its production (and sample plenty) at this tranquil camping spot where you can sleep under the stars in the middle of an organic apple orchard. Enjoy tastings and communal BBQs for a sociable stay. Over 21s only. 

Distance from London: 3.5 hours

Price: from £32 per night

dorsetnectar.co.uk

Country View Lodge, Cornwall

USP: A Cornish lodge perfect for the family

A peaceful spot located on a farm half an hour from the seaside town of Bude. The lodge is well equipped, even boasting its own bath and a great BBQ are for al fresco family meals.

Distance from London: 4 hours

Price: from £80 per night

pitchup.com

Roundoak Farm, Kent

USP: Farm life in Kentish countryside

Located on a working rare-breed farm on the southerly slopes of the Greensand Ridge overlooking the Weald of Kent, only an hour from London, this site has everything from Highland cattle to turkeys and ducks roaming free. Enjoy evenings making a slap up meal on the BBQ with some of their fresh local produce that they sell.

Distance from London: 1 hour

Price: From £25 per night

pitchup.com

Stybeck Farm, Lake District

USP: Hiking in the Lakes

The perfect base for exploring the lakes. Lace up your boots and hike direct from your pitch at this stunning spot in Cumbria. Enjoy local produce from the farm shop and be sure to take a pit stop at the local pub 10 minutes up the road after a long day of walking.

Distance from London: 5.5 hours

Price: From £23 per night

pitchup.com

Honeybrook Camping, Devon

USP: Cycling and hiking in Devonshire countryside

Keen cyclists should head to Honeybrook Camping, conveniently located close to both the Dartmoor and Granity Way cycle paths. Rise to chirping birds outside your tent, before spending your days cycling or hiking the landscape while soaking up the breathtaking views.

Distance from London: 4 hours

Price: from £12 per night

pitchup.com

Beach View Holiday Park, Suffolk

USP: Cosy glamping pods with woodfired pizza

A great variety of accommodation, including luxury lodges, glamping pods and hassle-free camping - there’s something for everyone. With stunning sea views and a bar that makes woodfired pizzas, it won’t take you long to switch off.

Distance from London: 2.5 hours

Price: from £30 per night

beachviewholidaypark.co.uk

Surfer’s Paradise Campsite, North Devon

USP: A surfer’s paradise

It takes less than 60 seconds to walk to Croyde Bay’s surf beach from this serene spot. Beginners are welcome and can hire equipment on-site.

Distance from London: 4 hours

Price: from £34 per night

surfparadise.co.uk

Cornish Tipi Holidays, Cornwall

USP: Tipi glamping in a lakeside setting

Fish for supper in the lake at this gorgeous spot set on 20 acres in St Kew. Take in the ferns, wild bluebells and ancient oak or jump in for a swim in the lake. Opt for pre-pitched tipis or take your own camping gear.

Distance from London: 4.5 hours

Price: from £36 per night

cornishtipiholidays.co.uk

Celtic Camping and Bunkhouses, West Wales

USP: Spectacular sea views in Pembrokeshire

Nestled on National Trust land with unbeatable views and direct access to the Pembrokeshire coastal path. Facilities are basic, but with the beach down the road, the limited phone signal will be welcome.

Distance from London: 5 hours

Price: from £28 per night

celtic-camping.co.uk

Field 725 Eco Camping and Glamping, Somerset

USP: Eco-camping near Glastonbury

Both Frome and Glastonbury are a short drive away from this idyllic eco-camping which sits next to 100 acres of untouched woodland within the rolling hills of Somerset. Choose from a selection of pre-pitched glamping accommodation or camping pitches.

Distance from London: 2.5 hours

Price: from £25 per night

field725.co.uk

Canna Farm, Cornwall

USP: An eco-friendly site on the coast

An off-grid, pet-friendly eco site near St Austell and 15 minutes from the sea. There are two fields available for rustic camping, with hot showers, compostable loos and fire pits to borrow.

Distance from London: 4.5 hours

Price: From £16 per night

cannafarm.co.uk

Monkton Wyld Court, Dorset

USP: Alfresco pizza by the Jurassic Coast

This eco-friendly site sits on 12 acres of rolling countryside. Facilities include a shared fire-pit, alfresco pizza oven and rope swings. It wouldn’t be a trip to Dorset without a visit to the Jurassic Coast which is an hour’s walk away.

Distance from London: 3 hours.

Price: from £20 per night

pitchup.com

Purple Badger Camping, Leicestershire

USP: Remote fishing nestled in woodland

Remote enough to feel like you’re escaping it all yet still easily accessible from the city. With two beautiful lakes nestled among woodland, full of roach, perch, tench and carp, you can spend the days fishing your way to zen. Both shepherd’s huts and bell tents are available for hire.

Distance from London: 2.5 hours

Price: From £25 per night

purplebadger.co.uk

Wild Canvas Camping, Bedfordshire

USP: Riverside camping set to chilled out tunes

A pop-up glampsite within the riverside grounds of Turvey House in Bedfordhire, with delicious local food, DJs and workshops. This year’s dates are July 29-August 1 and August 5– 30.

Distance from London: 2 hours.

Price: from £144 per night.

wildcanvas.uk

Canal Camping, Norfolk Broads

USP: Waterside camping and canoeing

Tucked away in Dilham right next to the canal, this is a prime spot for canoeing. After a day spent on the water, nestle around the campfire for marshmallow toasting and stargazing in the big (and clear) Norfolk skies.

Distance from London: 3 hours

Price: from £16 per night

canalcamping.co.uk

Kingfisher Escapes, Wales

USP: A cosy cabin by the river

Looking for a romantic retreat with your other half? Escape it all at this cosy cabin by the River Ceiriog, just outside Chirk. Inside, the self-contained shepherd’s hut features a double bed, fully-equipped kitchen, wet room bathroom and woodburner-style heater to keep you toasty. Feeling daring? Take on a trip to the River Dee where you can go gorge walking or whitewater rafting.

Distance from London: 3.5 hours

Price: From £130 per night

pitchup.com

Alvingham Lakes, Lincolnshire

USP: Peaceful fishing with caravan accommodation options

Just outside the Georgian market town of Louth on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, you’ll find the calming Alvingham Lakes day ticket fishery. Bountiful with carp and bream. Pitch up your own tent or rent a static caravan. Amenities are basic but well-maintained, with a cafe, toilet and BBQ. Dogs are welcome.

Distance from London: 3.5 hours

Price: from £20 per night

pitchup.com

Coniston Experience Freedom Glamping, Lake District

USP: Walking and watersports

Set on the banks of Coniston Water, this is an ideal base for a walking holiday to reset the body and mind. Break up your daily trekking with windsurfing, canoeing and steamboat rides on the seren Lakes.

Distance from London: 5 hours

Price: from £79 per night

pitchup.com

Forest Oak Farm

USP: Pup-friendly camping and cycling near the forest

Family-run Forest Oak Farm lies just next to the lush landscape of the Forest Of Dean in Gloucestershire. With BBQs for guests’ use, a lake and plenty of nearby cycle routes, you’ll be spoilt for choice, plus this site is dog-friendly and even boasts pup-exercise areas.

Distance from London: 3 hours

Price: from £16 per night

forestoakfarm.co.uk

Broad Park Camping and Glamping, North Devon

USP: A Kid-friendly campsite with wakeboarding and alpacas

One for adventure travellers, Broad Park is conveniently situated next to the North Devon Wake Park, where you can get wakeboarding lessons and kids will love the outdoor blow up assault course. Expect to meet alpacas and chickens onsite, where there are also all the essential amenities for a comfortable few days by the sea.

Distance from London: 4.5 hours.

Price: From £16 per night.

pitchup.com

Barn Park Campsite, Devon

USP: A beach heaven base perfect for families

Barn Park, set on a dairy farm with views Dartmoor, is a tranquil, family-friendly base from where to explore the Devonshire countryside. While this site has basic facilities, there is plenty nearby to get stuck into, including Woolacombe beach, surfing at Croyde, the Ilfracombe Aquarium, horse riding and even a spot of golf.

Distance from London: 4 hours.

Price: from £20 per night

pitchup.com