Our Favourite UK Campsites

Looking for somewhere spectacular to pitch your tent this season? There are literally hundreds of great campsites to choose from in the UK, so to give you a little dose of camping inspiration, we’ve picked out a few of our favourites. From coastal vistas to secluded spots amongst the hills, read on to find the perfect place to spend a memorable night under the stars.

Image: Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park

When it comes to campsite views, it doesn’t get much better than this. Perched high on the cliff above the sweeping bend of Three Cliffs Bay, many of the pitches at this iconic 5* site on Wales’ spectacular Gower Peninsula offer breath-taking vistas for campers, van-dwellers and glampers alike. Enjoy delicious local produce and hampers from the impressive on-site shop, rent firepits and sit out each night and watch the sunset, or make the short hop down to the beach for a secluded early morning swim before everyone else arrives.

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If you like your campsite to be quiet, pared-back and simple but not scrimp when it comes to incredible views, this stunning coastal campsite on the Llŷn Peninsula in North-West Wales is the perfect rustic hideaway to pitch up at. Perched delicately on a ledge several hundred metres above the beach of Porth Neigwl (or Hell’s Mouth, in English!), this four-mile-long stretch of sand has a decent claim to be one of Britain’s best beaches - yet remains surprisingly quiet despite that fact. Experienced surfers come here for the great waves, and climbers love it too for curious but highly scalable gabbro boulders at nearby Porth Ysgo beach. Or you can just settle in tent side and watch the moonlight setting over the water amongst this calm and beautiful backdrop.

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Images: (Top left / right) Treheli Farm Campsite, (Bottom left / right) Llyn Gwynant Campsite

If back-to-nature camping in the heart of Snowdonia is what you are after, then look no further than Llyn Gwynant campsite. Nestled beside mountain, lake and river, it’s the perfect base for adventures up Snowdon – which you can walk up directly from the site. You can also rent kayaks and canoes to explore the nearby lake, and in summer, even enjoy morning yoga sessions on it atop a paddleboard. If climbing is your thing, several classic routes can be found at four local crags, all within easy walking distance of your tent. In short, this place has everything.

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Image: Glenbrittle Campsite

Stunningly tucked away on a sheltered beach on Skye’s rugged west coast, this site really does have an ends-of-the-earth feel when you arrive to pitch up for the night. Situated under the Skye’s imposing Black Cullin mountains, it’s the perfect setting off point for adventures up into that wild landscape. From the site, you can walk up to the ice-carved amphitheatre of Coire Lagan and enjoy views out to the small isles of Rum and Canna, whilst Eas Mor (Skye’s highest waterfall) and the iconic Fairy Pools are also just a short hop away. In terms of dramatic, rugged simplicity, it doesn’t get much better than this.

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Enjoy a wild camping experience with the added bonus of modern facilities at this tranquil site set amongst the towering Caledonian Scots pines trees of the Rothiemurchus estate. Trees are a key feature of this area of outstanding natural beauty, and you’ll be up close and personal with them as you sleep beneath their boughs. You’ll also find cycling and walking trails that start right from your un-zipped door, as well as all the majesty of the Cairngorms range just a short distance away. Or instead, you can just relax and get away from it all in this unspoilt and pristine spot, taking in the sights and sounds of the exceptional wildlife you’re likely to encounter from the comfort of your tent.

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Images: (Top / bottom right) Rothiemurchus Campsite, (Bottom left / middle) Caolasnacon Caravan and Camping Park

If you’re after an idyllic setting that’s surrounded by breath-taking mountain scenery, look no further than this spectacular site on the south shore of Loch Leven in the glorious Scottish Highlands. A short distance from the iconic Glen Coe, it’s not just the mountains that are on offer here to explore. Nearby you’ll find opportunities to paddleboard and mountain bike, or you can even try your hand at ice climbing at the world’s biggest indoor ice climbing wall. After that, why not try the local food at the lively and renowned Clachaig Inn at Glencoe, which has provided much-needed sanctuary and post-mountain pints to weary climbers and walkers for decades.

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Image: Beeches Farm Campsite

Enjoy magical, mist-filled morning views and spectacular sunset evenings from this grassy plateau in the heart of the stunning Wye Valley. Families and small groups will love this traditional, informal and eco-minded site where you can enjoy fire pits, excellent facilities and a camping experience to remember. Nestled just off the popular Offa’s Dyke path, it’s a short walk from here to the iconic viewpoint, The Devil’s Pulpit, to look down upon the ruins of Tintern Abbey and the spectacular River Wye meandering its way up the valley. Glorious walks are in abundance here, and the river itself is perfect for a refreshing summer’s day dip or paddleboard adventure from nearby Redbrook. 

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Cornwall has many great coastal campsites, but for uninterrupted views across miles of dramatic coastline, it’s hard to beat this superbly run site perched on the lower slopes of St Agnes Beacon. Part of a traditionally run Cornish farm, cows, calves, sheep and chickens provide a tranquil soundscape for your stay here. A haven for both walkers and wildlife watchers, 10 minutes’ walk away, is the unspoilt sandy cove of Chapel Porth Beach, which offers excellent bathing and surfing opportunities as well as caves to explore and shallow rock pools for kids to play in. And with the small, picturesque village of St Agnes nearby, you’re well catered for when it comes to quality shops, pubs and restaurants too.

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Images: (Top left / right) Beacon Cottage Farm, (Bottom left / right) Hooks House Farm

You’ll find a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere at this glorious site perched high up on the hill above Robin Hoods Bay, between Whitby and Scarborough on the picturesque North Yorkshire coast. From its lofty vantage point, you can sit and watch the tide wash in and out or take in the rolling hills and moorland that surround this spectacular spot. If you’re walking the coast-to-coast from west to east, this is a great spot to finish in. Or if you’re making this your base for the week (and why wouldn’t you?), you can find spectacular walks in the North York Moors and exhilarating mountain bike trails at Dalby Forest, both of which are within easy distance.

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If nothing else, this award-winning park set in the heart of the Lake District is one of the most scenic sites in Britain to pitch your tent in. That’s down to its elevated position, where you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding Lakeland fells or take a pleasant woodland walk down to Derwentwater and the beautiful market town of Keswick. Indeed, if walking is your thing, you’ll love it here, as you’re within easy reach of a whole host of iconic Lakeland peaks. One of them - the nearby Walla Crag – offers up one of the best viewpoints in the Lake District, whilst one of the UK’s most atmospheric and dramatically sited stone circles is also just a 30-minute walk away.

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Images: (Top) Castlerigg Campsite, (Bottom right/ middle) Upper Booth Farm, (Bottom / middle left) Beeches Farm Campsite

Nestled at the western end of Edale in the stunning Peak District National Park, this small but perfectly formed campsite (looked after by the National Trust) is the perfect base for walkers looking to explore the spectacular Hope Valley and High Peak Moors. Sitting right on the Pennine Way, whether you’re looking for gentle strolls through the valley, or are keen to challenge yourself by heading up onto the Kinder Plateau or Jacob’s Ladder, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. Then once the walking is done for the day, it’s just a short stroll across the fields to Edale’s local pubs and cafés for some well-earned and tasty refreshments. 

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Image: Castle Ward Campsite

Located in a quiet corner of the sprawling Castle Ward estate, amongst the beautiful grounds of this National Trust run site, you’ll find spectacular views over Strangford Lough, walking trails through ancient woodlands, as well as landscaped gardens and sweeping parkland to explore and unwind in. Game of Thrones fans will particularly enjoy staying here as the HBO hit series was partly filmed on the estate. In particular, look out for Castle Ward’s historic farmyard, which fans of the show will recognise as the iconic location of Winterfell. 

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