If you’re planning a staycation, why not think about doing a spot of camping? One of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors and experience a sense of freedom is to camp under the stars.
Whether you want to roam the rugged Scottish Highlands or kick back on a wonderful Welsh beach, the UK is packed with excellent campsites that’ll allow you to explore this country’s unique natural beauty.
So, if you’re tempted by the thought of unzipping your tent and stepping straight out into the fresh country air, here are 10 of the prettiest camping destinations in the UK to hopefully leave you feeling inspired.
1. Higher Moor Farm Campsite, Dorset
If you want to make sure that you enjoy a certain degree of comfort during your camping holiday, you might want to think about staying at Dorset’s award-winning Higher Moor Farm Campsite.
Located in the heart of the spectacular Jurassic Coast, this campsite is ideal for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, but it’s also known for its boutique camping pods and camping lodges, where you can enjoy a dose of luxury during your stay.
The campsite itself is located by the village of Nottington, just a short drive from the golden beach of Weymouth Bay, and the famous Chesil Beach, Lulworth Cove, and Durdle Door are all within easy reach too.
Whether you’re looking to go kayaking, sailing, hiking, or cycling, the Jurassic Coast is the perfect destination for a relaxed beach holiday, and Dorset’s historic county town of Dorchester has plenty of shops, pubs, cafes, and restaurants if you need some respite from the great outdoors.
2. Fidden Farm Campsite, Isle of Mull
If you really want to get away from it all and enjoy the feeling of being blissfully isolated, you won’t find a more beautiful or secluded spot than Fidden Farm Campsite. Located on Scotland’s Isle of Mull, this stunning campsite backs right onto the beach.
The white sand and sparkling blue waters here are more evocative of the Caribbean than the British Isles – though it is admittedly a bit of a trek to get to this idyllic spot.
From Edinburgh, it’s a three-hour drive to Oban, and you’ll then need to take a ferry to the Isle of Mull – but this is a journey that’s absolutely worth it. The rugged coastline here is packed with secret sandy coves, from where you may be able to spot bottlenose dolphins and otters, and perhaps some eagles soaring overhead.
Whether you want to enjoy some hiking, kayaking, or cycling, this remote campsite is the ideal destination for people looking for silence and serenity.
3. Langstone Manor Holiday Park, Devon
Tucked away in a wooded valley on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, just a short way from the bustling market town of Tavistock, is Langstone Manor Holiday Park – one of the most beautiful camping spots in the South West.
Whether you want to stay in a tent, a campervan, or a luxurious glamping pod, this campsite is an ideal spot for campers looking to get away from it all – or to take advantage of all the outdoor activities Devon has to offer.
Langstone is family-friendly and pet-friendly, and if you’re staying in a tent you can pitch it in either an old walled garden or a pretty daffodil field, where you can enjoy lovely views of the surrounding moorland.
In the manor house, there’s an onsite, dog-friendly restaurant where you can eat dinner in the evenings. At night, the starry skies, and peace and tranquillity of this gorgeous spot will guarantee you a good night’s sleep.
The Cairngorms National Park is one of the most spectacularly beautiful places in the UK – so if you’re hoping to head to Scotland for a camping holiday, Glenmore Campsite near Aviemore is a wise choice.
Hidden away in an ancient pine forest, just a short walk from the sandy shores of Loch Morlich, this pristine campsite makes an ideal base for exploring this rugged and wild region.
Though the sandy pitches of this campsite are extremely well-kept, you’ll still feel like you’re in the midst of the wilderness. Plus, with mountains, heathlands, forests, and lochs just a stroll away, there’s plenty to keep you occupied during the day.
If you’re hoping to spot wildlife, keep an eye out for the deer, otters, ospreys, and golden eagles who make their home here!
5. Bainbridge Ings Country Park, Yorkshire
If you have a caravan or motorhome and are looking to enjoy a Yorkshire camping holiday, then why not head to Bainbridge Ings Country Park?
Set in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, this campsite is known for its quiet natural beauty and enviable location – and if you’re looking to enjoy plenty of walking or cycling during your Dales holiday, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spot.
The campsite enjoys stunning views of Wensleydale, and if you like pottering around villages, browsing quaint gift shops, and relaxing in pubs, the vibrant market town of Hawes is just a walk away. From Bainbridge Ings Country Park you’re also ideally situated to explore the many stately homes, secret caves, magical waterfalls, and historic castles that this rural region boasts.
Wales’ Gower Peninsula is known for its gorgeous golden beaches, and if you’d like to enjoy plenty of sun, sea, and sand during your holiday, the Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park should certainly tick all three boxes.
This five-star family-run site enjoys jaw-dropping views of the Gower Peninsula, so if you’re looking to unzip your tent and gaze right out at the sparkling blue ocean, you’re in luck.
To ensure peace and tranquillity, the Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park is exclusively for families and couples, and there’s a 10pm quiet rule, so you’re sure to get a good night’s sleep after a strenuous day of swimming or hiking.
From the campsite, there’s a path leading right down to the beach, so you can be on the sand or in the sea within minutes of waking. Suitable for tents, campervans, and motorhomes, Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park is also a dog-friendly site.
7. Irton House Farm, Lake District
If the gleaming lakes, lush green valleys, and dramatic fells of the Lake District sound appealing, then why not stay at Irton House Farm?
Though it’s small, this tranquil campsite provides campers with some of the finest views in the North Lakes. Set among 240 acres of pasture and woodland, the Irton House Farm will certainly bestow you with a wonderfully calming sense of peace.
There are only seven bookable pitches here, so reserving your spot well in advance is recommended. But because all the pitches have electric hookups, you can stay comfortably in tents, caravans, or motorhomes.
From the campsite, you can enjoy unrivalled views of Skiddaw, Bassenthwaite Lake, and the Northern Lake District fells – and you’re also within easy reach of some of the region’s best walks, as well as the Coast-2-Coast cycle route.
8. East Coast Adventure Glamping, County Down
If you’re based in Northern Ireland and want to enjoy an action-packed yet luxurious camping holiday, then you might want to think about a glamping break at East Coast Adventure Glamping.
Located in Knockbarragh Valley and overlooking the imposing granite Mourne Mountains as well as Carlingford Lough, this pretty site is the perfect place to enjoy a cycling or walking holiday.
With Northern Ireland’s highest mountains providing a dramatically beautiful backdrop, this campsite provides you with the best of both worlds. You can spend the day exploring this rugged region – whether by bike or foot – before retiring to your luxurious glamping pod after a long day of adventuring.
Just 3.5 miles from Rostrevor Village, you’re also within walking distance of many local pubs and restaurants.
If you fancy heading down to Cornwall and exploring the mythical beauty of Bodmin, then Cornish Tipi Holidays might be the campsite for you. Here, you have the choice to hire a North American tipi or bring your own tent, which you can pitch in a wonderfully tucked away woodland valley.
If you’re looking to enjoy a sense of isolation, you can pitch in a private spot. Or, if you fancy being more social, you can also choose to pitch in lovely open meadows, and meet other campers.
Wherever you choose to stay on this campsite, you’ll probably wake up to the sound of birdsong. If you feel like a morning dip, just head over to the secluded lake, where you can swim or canoe – or simply kick back on the shores and watch the dragonflies float by.
Whether you want to enjoy some authentic wild camping or the comfort of a cosy tipi, this gorgeous spot will please everyone.
10. Castle Knights, South Wales
For something a bit different, why not leave the hustle and bustle of modern life behind you, and step back in time to Medieval Wales?
Boasting a lovely festival-style atmosphere, the Castle Knights campsite in Usk, South Wales, is located in the grounds of an actual castle. Guests can choose to stay in a standard tent or a selection of fun glamping pods – from barrels and yurts to little forts.
While this is a rustic campsite filled with history, you don’t have to leave modern amenities behind during your stay. The medieval-style toilet block has hot power showers, and the kitchen block has gas hobs, microwaves, fridges, and sinks.
During your stay, you can explore Usk Castle and its grounds, light a campfire and toast marshmallows, and make the most of the stunning scenery of South Wales.
Final thoughts…
Whether you want to explore the South West of England and head to Devon or Cornwall, or would prefer to stay beside the mystical mountains of Northern Ireland, the UK is packed with characterful campsites that allow you to enjoy whatever type of break you want.
From gorgeous beach campsites where you can swim and sunbathe to your heart’s content, to remote and wild spots where you can enjoy plenty of hiking and cycling, camping in the UK is a great way to make the most of this country’s natural beauty and enjoy a wonderful restorative sense of freedom and peace.
For more UK staycation ideas, why not visit the travel section of our website?