September 20, 2021

Best Camping Sites in the UK

Where can I go camping in the UK?

There are campsites up and down the country, to suit all kinds of groups, no matter what you’re looking for. From dog-friendly campsites to adult-only escapes, the great outdoors is on your doorstep here in the UK.

Is it safe to go camping in the UK?

Restrictions look to be lifting as we head into the summer, with staycations currently allowed in groups of people you live with. By the summer, there will be little to no restrictions in terms of overnight stays, meaning you can holiday with others you do not live with. With rules changing on May 17th and June 21st respectively, camping is one activity that has been given the go-ahead.

Can I cancel because of lockdown restrictions?

It will vary from site to site but generally speaking most campsites will have a refund policy, or will allow you to book again in the future. Be sure to check out the website FAQs for information on Coronavirus and changing restrictions.

List of the best UK camping sites

Best campsites for families 

Wowo Campsite, Sussex

Find this spot surrounded by the scenic Sussex countryside with Pellingford Brook running through the centre of the campsite. They specialise in families and want guests to find healing and education in the outdoors, with a range of workshops to nurture and support this. They think camping without a campfire is totally crazy so don’t forget your marshmallows!

Family-Friendly? Yes

Dog Friendly? Yes, but they want to meet your pup first.

Average Price? £10 per night

Amenities:

• Farm shop

• Local pubs and cafes

• Local pubs and cafes

• Hot showers

• Camper’s fridges

• Table tennis

• Swings

• Washing up

• Wifi

• Recycling

• Logs for campfires

Whitlingham Broad Campsite, Norwich

This family-friendly site is within walking distance of the amazing city of Norwich, and also has lots to see and do within the campsite. You can hire bikes and tour Whitlingham country park, hire a canoe, go for a picnic or a pub lunch. You can head to the coast to go seal spotting, one of the most amazing experiences Norfolk has to offer.

Family-Friendly? Yes 

Dog friendly? Yes, for an extra £1.50

Average Price? Under a tenner per person

Amenities:

• Large family-friendly washrooms with toilets,

• Showers

• Outside wash-up area

• BBQs

• Fire pits

• Campsite shop

• Phone charging

• Freezer rentals

Lower Hyde Holiday Park, Isle of Wight 

A scenic location with plenty to see and do. You can choose from caravans, lodges or chalets and can bring your own tent. It has entertainment galore and is perfect to let the kids run off and play for the day! There’s an entertainment arcade, outdoor pool and log flume, indoor pool for chilly days, an in-house bar and restaurant, adventure playground, kids club and multisport court. Plus, it’s just a 15 min drive to the beach.

Family-friendly? Of course!

Dog Friendly? Yes

Average Price? £150 for glamping. £50 for camping.

Glamping Amenities:

• Kitchen

• Sink

• Hob

• Microwave

• Table and chairs

• Decking area

• Communal showers

• Sockets

• Launderette

• Toilet block

Camping amenities

• Waterpoint

• Shower

• Toilet block

• Freezer

• Launderette

• Baby changing

• Waste disposal

• Shaving area with sockets

Best campsites for dog owners 

Old Oaks, Somerset

Award-winning accommodation in the stunning Somerset countryside. They have a special section on their website to show you that your precious pup is part of the family and couldn’t possibly be left behind! They have extra special doggy services, such as dog-friendly dining, secure dog walk, dog showers with free shampoo and dedicated washing machines and dryers for dog bedding and blankets. They have various ‘dog spots’ around the site for their business, and even doggy ice cream and homemade dog treats available.

Family-Friendly? No, Adults only.

Dog friendly? Of course

Average Price? £20 a night

Amenities:

• Parking

• Vending machine

• Fishing

• Internet access

• Bathrooms

• Shops

• Gift shop

• Games room

• Outdoor furniture

• Laundry machines

• Washing machine

• Newspaper

• Gift shop

• Lounge/tv area

Wolverly Campsite, Kidderminster 

A stunning canal towpath is right by the site, so you and your four-legged friends will love morning walks here! The local pub welcomes your pet children with water bowls and treats too! There are plenty of open spaces for long walks too, with vast areas of woodland to explore.

Family-friendly? Yes

Dog Friendly? Course!

Average Price? Unsure, they respond to booking enquiries.

Amenities:

• Disabled access

• Children’s play area

• Chemical disposal points

• Electric hook-ups

• Sanitary blocks

• Internet

• Bar and clubhouse

• Drinking water tabs

• Icepack freezing

• Washing up facilities

• Storage

Family Teeny, Lincoln 

A dog-friendly and luxurious camping holiday for those wanting a bit extra! Their pods sleep six, they include a hot tub! Dogs will love jumping into their stunning lake.

Family-friendly? Yep

Dog friendly? Yes

Average price? £325 for 2 nights

Amenities:

• Cooking area

• Hottub

• Fridge

• Bedding

• Heating

• Communal baths and showers

• Communal toilets

Best campsites for adults

Cider Farm Campsite, West Dorset 

Yes, you read that right, you can camp on a cider farm! This is a unique experience where you camp amongst the orchards. Enjoy the child-free site, with its very own cider shop and tasting room which sells products made on-site, including 13 different ciders, local honey and chilli sauces. You can also book a tour of the orchard where they grow 16 types of apples.

Family-Friendly? No

Dog Friendly? Unsure, it’s not stated.

Average Price? £16 per night

Amenities:

• Toilets

• Showers

• Cider garden

• Communal BBQ area

• Water points

• A short walk from pubs

• Cider shop

• Farm shop

Little Otchan, Yorkshire 

Created by two people who have families themselves, they wanted to create a world where parents can have a perfect ‘grown up’ getaway for a night or two. Their Shepard huts are the perfect way to connect with nature and recharge your batteries. Each hut has its own private pond and cosy log burner.

Family-Friendly? Not really, the bell tents can accommodate families but no children under 10.

Dog Friendly? No

Price? £100 per night

Amenities:

• Double bed

• Microwave

• Hob

• Table

• Fridge

• Radio

• Docking station

• Shower

• Sink

• Toilet

Extras include:

• Beer pack

• Chocolates

• Breakfast and more.

The Secret Campsite, East Sussex 

This is the perfect romantic destination as they do not allow big group bookings to avoid compromising the tranquillity of the countryside. The trees give all the seclusion you could need and you can nibble on the edible plants! At certain times of the year, you can even spot glow worms, dragonflies and marbled whites.

Family-Friendly? Yes

Dog Friendly? No

Average Price? £22

Amenities:

• Hot showers

• Washing up facilities

• Food storage

• Car charging

• Fire and charcoal

• Wheelbarrows to transport luggage to pitch

• Café

• Firewood

• Reception

• Maps and guides

Best campsites for adventurers

Wild Camping on the Isle of Skye 

This is not for the faint-hearted! But wild camping offers adventurers the most awe-inspiring scenery without any noise and tents obstructing views. If you think you can handle a few nights without showers and luxuries, then this is the holiday for you!

Is it illegal to go wild camping?

It is currently illegal to free camp in most of the UK, however, in Scotland, it is fair game! Although remember to respect the land and always leave it as you found it. It’s just you and the great outdoors, what could be more soul-soothing?

Family-Friendly? If they can handle it.

Dog Friendly? Of course.

Average price? Free!

Amenities: Mother Nature.

Dartmoor National Park, Devon 

This is one of the exceptions where you can freely camp under the stars. Head to the Dartmoor National Park website to find out which spots are free for you. The moorlands have a rich history and rare wildlife, it’s well worth visiting for a big adventure and wild camping.

"Dartmoor National Park is a great location for hiking, you can find a guide to the best hikes in Dartmoor National Park here"

Family-Friendly? Bring whoever you like

Dog Friendly? Yes

Average price? Free!

Amenities: Mother Nature.

Troy Town Farm, St Agnes, Isle of Scilly 

The marvellous, unspoilt views are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can wake up to the sound of the sea and walk along the beach at night, the perfect place to stay for adventuring in this part of the world. There is an abundance of peace and quiet on this tiny island, you will truly feel a million miles away from the ‘real world’. It’s a short walk away from the local pubs, cafés and restaurants too.

Family-Friendly? Yes

Dog Friendly? Yes

Average Price? £10 per night.

Amenities:

• Tumble dryer

• Toilets

• Shaver points

• Hairdryers

• Washing up room

• Lockers

• Farm shop

• Freezers

• Hot shower

• Baby changing

• Washing machine

• Camping mats and chairs available for hire

Best campsites for glamping

Hobbit Hill, Lancashire

Situated in the heart of The Ribble Valley, Hobbit Hill found its name because J.R.R Tolkien wrote parts of Lord of the Rings while staying in the nearby village of Hurst Green. Enjoy a luxury glamping experience set amidst the outstanding natural beauty of the famous Tolkien Trail. Take time out in our comfortable cosy Hobbit Cabins – walking, exploring or simply relaxing around a fire pit, taking in the superb views.

Family-Friendly? Yes 

Dog Friendly? No

Average Price? £140 for 2 nights

Amenities:

• Heated shower and toilet block

• Washing up sinks

• Hot and cold water

• Large car park

• Children’s swing and slides

• Kettle

• Toaster

• Microwave

• Full fridge

• Mirror

• Picnic bench

• Firepit

Parkhall Pods, Derbyshire 

Camping in STYLE. Each pod offers privacy as they are nestled into the hawthorn hedges. You can immerse yourself in the great outdoors while having all of the home comforts. There is also a vast array of activities to do in the local area, including hiking, cycling, sailing and fishing. A little further afield, you will find the Peak District National Park, with craggy hills, sweeping dales and dense woodland. 

Family-Friendly? Yes

Dog Friendly? Yes

Average Price? £170

Amenities:

• Kitchenette with sink

• Oven

• Fridge

• Toaster

• Kettle

• Nespresso Vertuo Coffee machine

• Crockery

• Cutlery & other kitchen essentials

• TV

• Hairdryer

• Firepit

• Robes and slippers

• Private bathroom

Fforest, Cardigan, Wales 

A tranquil spot created as a place to enjoy the simplicity, pleasures and beauty of outdoor living in an outstanding natural environment. It’s not too far from London and you can choose from an onsen dome, treetop dome or a bathhouse dome for your magical stay.

Family-Friendly? Yes

Dog Friendly? Yes

Average Price? £250 for 2 nights

Amenities:

• Flowers on arrival 

• LED lighting

• Outdoor decking with private outdoor kitchen & table seating

• King size bed

• Camp beds

• Kettle and other kitchen essentials,

• Two ring gas hob

• Barbeque (bring your own charcoal)

• Sink with running water

• Log burning Stove

• Bedding & towels

• Private indoor shower & WC

• Private outdoor Japanese style bathroom

Best campsites for surfing

Ruda Park, Croyde Bay, Devon 

Croyde Bay has the best surfing in Devon, and it’s only a short drive from Saunton Sands where you will find a long white beach with incredible waves. The town of Croyde is lively with a great pub scene, yet still manages to remain quaint.

Family-Friendly? Yes

Dog Friendly? No

Average Price? £12 per night

Amenities:

• Evening entertainment

• Cycle hire

• Fishing

• Games room

• Indoor pool

• Kid’s club

• Onsite restaurant

• Play area

• Tennis

• TV room

• Takeaway

• Watersports

• Parking by pitch

• Food shop

• Wifi

• Launderette

• Showers

• Chemical disposal

• Gas cylinders

Perran Sands, Cornwall 

The good news about Perran Sands is that it’s an all-singing, all-dancing caravan and camping site with everything from a bar and restaurant to pool and surf hire; it’s a little bit of a walk up and down the sand dunes to the beach, but what a great work out and you get to enjoy miles of sand and incredible surfing. Nearby, there’s also Newquay Zoo and Lappa Valley Steam Railway.

Family-Friendly? Yes

Dog friendly? Yes

Amenities:

• Baby changing

• Waste disposal

• Electric pitches

• Wardens

• Dishwashing areas

   

Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire 

A small, family-run and incredibly caring campsite situated half a mile from Robin Hood’s Bay. It has fabulous views of the seaside village and you can easily check the swell from your tent.

Family-Friendly? Yes

Dog Friendly? Yes, on leads.

Average Price? £10 a night

Amenities:

• Toilets

• Showers

• Washrooms

• Potwash

• Kettle

• Microwave

• Fridge (for milk only)

• Freezers and icepacks

Pease Bay, Berwickshire, Scotland 

Pease Bay Leisure Park looks out on one of the best point breaks in this part of the country – so much so that it can get pretty busy on a good swell. But there are plenty of other decent breaks hereabouts, especially if you head south to the quiet beaches of Northumberland, and the park has plenty of facilities for flat days.

Family-Friendly? Yes

Pet Friendly? Yes! Pets go free this spring.

Average Price: Dependent on accommodation

Amenities:

• Bar and restaurant

• Outdoor play

• Shop

• Games room and arcade

• Water sports

Best campsites for hiking

Lyn Gwynat, Snowdonia, Wales 

In the heart of Snowdonia national park, this setting is the base camp for the most beautiful valley in Wales. It’s a place for people who truly love the outdoors. Out of season, the land turns into green fields so the site is not over-developed. You can hire boats, do yoga, climb and go swimming on site!

Family-Friendly? Yes

Dog Friendly? Yes

Average Price? £12 a night                 

Amenities:

• Reception

• Wi-Fi

• Laundry Room

• Small freezers

• Sink area

• First aid

• Weather info

• Recycling

• Car park

• Toilet block

• Hot showers

• Baby changing

• Portaloos in the car park

Windermere Camping and Caravanning Club, The Lake District 

It can be found nestled between the lively town of Kendall, and the beautiful Bowness-On-Windermere – it’s the perfect place to explore the stunning national park of the Lake District.

Family-Friendly? Yes

Dog Friendly? Yes, there are designated dog walks.

Price? From £8.10

Amenities:

• Flushing toilets

• Showers

• Disabled access

• Shop

•  Restaurant and takeaway

• TV room

• Drying room

• Gas cylinders

• Dishwashing facilities

Laneside Caravan Park, The Peak District 

In the heart of The Peak District, this little site just wants to help you enjoy the sights of the UK’s most visited national park. They welcome families and couples, but not single-sex groups, just to ensure that the peace is kept. There are also so many activities, including caving, orienteering and more!

Family-Friendly? Yes

Dog Friendly? Yes

Average Price? £22

Amenities:

• Toilets and showers

• Laundry room

• WiFi

• Football field

• Bowls

• Small and large dog areas

• Camping shop with supplies

• Gas exchange

• 24-hour information room

• Security barriers