The best campsites in the UK

Posted on Jul 29, 2021

This summer, you’re more likely to be taking a staycation than a trip abroad, but this doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Why not explore the best campsites in the UK? Whether you drive a campervan or a caravan, own a motorhome or just a tent, the UK has endless incredible campsites on offer. With many people discovering the joys of camping and campervans this year, some of these places might be booked up already, but they are all worthy of a mention and a visit. This is a guide to some of the best UK campsites for campers, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. 

Best campsite for being surrounded by nature

One for the campers, Knepp Safari campsite in West Sussex is situated in a stunning wildflower meadow on the edge of an ancient wood and surrounded by 3,500 acres of the Knepp rewilding project. Each pitch has its own upcycled fire-pit and barbecue grill and you can purchase locally sourced food and organic beer and wine from the on-site shop. This site focuses on the observation of nature and is one of the most unique UK campsites. There is also yurts and treehouses for a little more luxury.  Read about how to camp more environmentally friendly here.

Best campsite for surfers

Ocean Pitch Campsite in Croyde, Devon offers the ultimate beach experience. The campsite has toilets, hot showers and an onsite “snack shack” offering surf-inspired food to refuel after a long day of walking, cycling and surfing. There are seven electrical hook up pitches available and three premium deluxe glamping pods. The site welcomes campervans but not caravans. 

Best campsite for a festival feel

With Glastonbury festival postponed for another year, Worthy Farm is transforming into Worthy Pastures. From 23rd July to 31st August, stay on the tranquil and family-friendly campsite in a range of pre-erected bell and scout tents. The campsite will feature much of the usual Glastonbury décor, giving you a chance to explore the iconic landmarks without the crowds. This cool UK campsite also has a limited number of campervan pitches.

Best campsite for a coastline view

Three Cliffs Bay is a holiday park in Gower, Wales. Located on the Wales Coastal Path, the famous Three Cliffs Bay is just a short walk away providing a stunning coastline view. The holiday park accommodates campers, glamping, caravans and motorhomes and you can choose to reserve adjacent pitches for families to camp together. Discover more of the best caravan and camping destinations in Wales here.

Best campsite for family fun

​Lady's Mile Holiday Park in Devon is open all year round. The family-first park offers camping, luxury lodges and safari-style tents. Whether they’re swimming in the heated pool, playing in the arcade or watching one of the shows put on by the park’s entertainment team, you can be sure the kids won’t be bored here. Campervans and caravans are welcome at this cool UK campsite too.

Best for whale-watching

Clachtoll Beach Campsite is a rural campsite overlooking the ocean in Sutherland, North West Scotland. With golden sands and clear blue water, you can look out for dolphins, Minke whales, otters, eagles and other wildlife at this unique UK campsite. They offer a mix of serviced (water and electric) and unserviced pitches and are dog friendly. Taking your dog camping? Don’t forget to secure pet insurance, find out more here.

Best campsite for walking 

Cricket Field is a pop-up campsite in the Cotswolds. It’s a back-to-basics campsite with portable-style toilets, a few hot showers and a drinking water tap. The nearest pub is a fifteen-minute walk and there is no shortage of walking routes. Only thirty pitches are available and campervans and caravans are welcome (but you should contact them first if you have a caravan).  Don't forget to check our essential guide on what you need to take camping here.

Best campsite for a city break

Lyons Farm is an unusual UK campsite as it is an adults-only caravan park in Merseyside, Liverpool. They are open all year round and caravans and campervans are welcome but there is no tent camping. There are plenty of golf courses and National Trust properties in the area and the local train station will take you into Liverpool city centre in just 20 minutes. This accessible caravan park would also be an ideal stop off as it is just off the M58.

Best campsite for woodland adventures

Take the ferry across to the Isle of Wight to stay at Whitefield Forest. Caravans, motorhomes and tents are all welcome here. Take a walk through the local woodlands and look out for red squirrels, bluebells and woodpeckers at one of the best UK campsites

Best campsite for work-from-home

Want to take your motorhome or caravan for a spin but haven’t got the time off work? The Oxon Hall Touring Park is the place for you. With an adults-only area and wifi access throughout the site, you can WFH with ease. The campsite is close to Shrewsbury town centre and is well situated for visiting Ironbridge and the Welsh Marches. The park offers a good selection of both hardstanding and grass pitches, welcomes Trailer Tents and has specific pitches for American-style RVs or fifth-wheelers. Read more about why it’s so important to have motorhome insurance here. Whether you’re a couple, a family or having a solo adventure, these UK campsites are the place to be this summer. This list is just a small selection of the amazing campsites the UK has to offer, so you have plenty to choose from.  Once you have found the perfect campsite, don’t forget to sort out either your camping insurance, touring caravan insurance, campervan insurance or motorhome insurance with Shield Total Insurance. Then you’re all ready for a big UK adventure.  
Contact our Shield Total Insurance expert helpline today at 0800 393 966 for all your questions and queries, or connect with us online to find out more about our insurance quotes.

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