Best UK Campsites: 18 Perfect Places To Pitch Your Tent

Camping is a form of outdoor recreation or outdoor education involving overnight stays with a basic temporary shelter such as a tent. And the British countryside is as good as anywhere for a tip-top camping getaway.

With all its lush wilderness, marvelous landscapes and, of course, a tremendous selection of rural pubs, the UK is the ideal camping destination. Throughout the country you’ll come across everything from terrific scenic hikes and fairytale forests to dramatic coastlines and majestic peaks. There’s something for every kind of camper, from the blustery ruggedness of the Scottish Highlands to the rolling meadows of the Chilterns.

And while, sure, you can ‘wild camp’ in many places, often it’s best (and most legal) to pitch your tent in a proper campsite (or indeed go glamping). Which is where we come in. From Devon and Cornwall to the Isle of Mull and Gower Peninsula, below we’ve rounded-up the country’s finest places to sleep under the stars. Here are the 18 best places to go camping in the UK.

1. Fidden Farm, Isle of Mull

The white sand and beautiful sea may make you think you’re in the Caribbean, but it’s actually Scotland. Nestled on the Isle of Mull (you’ll need to take the boat over), this isolated campsite backs directly onto the shore, so expect to be lulled to sleep by the sound of waves.

Spend your days exploring the craggy coastline and viewing animals such as dolphins and eagles, and bring your bikes and kayaks to go off-road and discover the island’s hidden regions.

2. Woodfire, Sussex

Camping does not have to mean roughing it with a can of baked beans, especially if you stay at Woodfire. From Friday to Sunday, the campsite cooks prepare a fantastic breakfast for their guests, and from Thursday to Sunday, they fire the huge, multi-level barbecue to grill fish, pork, and vegetables according on what is in season.

Choose between two locations: Westerlands and Firle. Both have hot showers, composting toilets, and a washing-up area, and they are both located in the South Downs ‘dark sky reserve’, which makes stargazing here amazing.

3. Harry’s, Hampshire

The New Forest is home to free-roaming ponies, deer, and donkeys, and you can join them by booking a pitch at one of Harry’s campsites. Four Harry’s locations can be located across the National Park, each with its own distinct vibe.

Harry’s Field in Frogham, for example, is a modest, back-to-basics getaway with a true pub on its doorstep, but Harry’s Meadow in Hale Park spans 40 acres and offers barista coffee, pizza on weekends, and a pop-up cocktail truck.

4. Wytch Wood Camping, Somerset

Will you choose woodland or wildflowers to surround your temporary home? In any case, a stay at Wytch Wood guarantees a more environmentally responsible holiday, with spacious pitches distributed across the verdant countryside. For an off-grid site, the facilities are impressive: composting toilets, hot showers, and environmentally friendly washing liquid and shampoo.

Other creature amenities include coffee from a nearby roastery and custom bottled cocktails created with materials foraged on-site. BBQs are welcome, and watch out for pop-up food vendors providing sourdough pizza or Indian tiffin boxes on weekends.

5. Ten Acres Vineyard Camping, Devon

For something different, consider camping next to a vineyard in Devon. You can bring your own tent or hire one of the glamping choices, which include unfurnished bell tents and furnished safari tents. With a vineyard right on your doorstep, it’s only natural to indulge in some wine tasting, knowing that you can easily walk (or stagger) back to your tent afterwards.

The campsite reception also serves as the Devon Wine Shack (convenient), where you can get all the necessities: camping supplies, local crafts, and, of course, a selection of wines. Cheers to that.

6. The Pig Place, Oxfordshire

Far from a petting zoo, campers may interact with their breakfast at The Pig Place, a working farm on the scenic bank of the Oxford Canal with a herd of free-range pigs.

Just don’t get too attached: free-range sausages and bacon are the best, according to the campsite, and are offered on site in full breakfasts and ‘doorstop’ sandwiches. Veggie? No pig deal; the farm shop and café also provide meat, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.

7. Cornish Tipi Holidays, Cornwall

Hire a North American tipi or bring your own pop-up tent with poles for a night of wild camping in a secret wooded valley in Cornwall. Whatever you choose, you can pitch in broad meadows or private locations, allowing you to be as sociable or reclusive as you like.

There’s a lovely lake for fishing, swimming, and canoeing, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge and watching the swallows and dragonflies go by. From April to September, pleased campers can enjoy wood-fired pizza and falafel at the eccentric on-site cafe, which appears inside a polytunnel. At the end of the day, light the fire pit, roast marshmallows, and look up at the stars.

8. Hooks House Farm, North Yorkshire

This modest campsite on the North Yorkshire coast offers views of the sea and the lovely Robin Hood Bay. Set on a working farm with breathtaking sea views, everything feels distant, although the nearest bars and stores are only a short walk away.

Are you planning a day trip? Those heading farther away can travel north to nearby Whitby, west to the North York Moors, or south for a day excursion to Scarborough.

9. Trevedra Farm, Cornwall

Travel far south to the toe of the UK’s foot, and you’ll be rewarded with a stay at Trevedra Farm, a massive, well-equipped campsite overlooking the sparkling sea. The on-site grocery offers necessities including milk, bread, and Cornish pasties.

After you’ve finished struggling with the tent poles, head out on one of the farm’s electric bikes to explore the shoreline. With a flick of the turbo switch, these nippy wheels will transport even the most lethargic person up steep hills to visit must-see neighboring landmarks like Land’s End and The Minack Theater.

10. Castle Knights, Monmouthshire

Leave modern life behind and journey back in time at Castle Knights, where you may tent on the grounds of a real castle. There is a field for traditional camping as well as a variety of glamping pods ranging in size and design from barrels and yurts to small forts.

Don’t worry, you won’t have to leave all of your contemporary facilities behind; there is a common kitchen barn, two hot electric showers, and modern toilets in a medieval-style block.

11. Low Wray Campsite

Camp on the banks of the Lake District’s most famous lake, Windermere. Make the most of your waterfront position with sports like as paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and rowing. This National Trust campsite offers traditional sites with lake or meadow views, as well as glamping safari tents.

If you prefer to camp in the trees rather than below them, you may try your hand at back-to-basics hammock camping (Bear Grylls would approve) or stay in one of the two comfortable tree tents, which are simply giant canvas balls dangling from branches.

12. Beryl’s Campsite, Devon

For a long time, this simple camping near the South Devon shore went unnamed. Faithful customers just knew it as Beryl’s, after one of the owners. Years later, the name has stuck, and the Beryl family has taken over the operation of this delightful establishment.

The amenities are minimal, but they cover all the necessary, including hot showers, refrigerators freezers, and fire pits. The emphasis here is on the gorgeous surroundings: walk to the beach, go for a pint at the local pub, or drive to some of the glorious seaside towns nearby – we recommend Dartmouth, Salcombe, and Brixham, to name a few.

13. Hillend Caravan and Camping Park, Glamorgan

Rhossili Bay, on the popular Gower Peninsula, is one of Wales’ most picturesque beaches, and it’s only a ten-minute walk from our campsite. Hillend boasts an astounding 230 pitches, yet there is plenty of space to stretch out in this seaside resort.

If you enjoy home comforts, don’t worry: Hillend has a restaurant that serves coastal favorites like fish and chips, a children’s play area, and a laundromat. Hoorah!

14. Kilvrecht Campsite, Highland Perthshire

For the ultimate escape, visit the woods. Kilvrecht is a refuge in the heart of Scotland, where you may unzip your tent to the sound of birdsong and fall asleep to the wind blowing through the trees.

There is no hot water or electrical hookups, so this is an excellent opportunity for a digital detox. Breathe in the pure woodland air, put down your phone, and go back to basics. Swap scrolling for strolling and head down to the forest-fringed Loch Rannoch for some fishing, with the peak of Schiehallion visible in the background. Just remember to pack bug spray during the summer months. You will thank us later.

15. Holden Farm, Hampshire

Drift off to the sounds of sheep baaing and owls hooting at this working farm, where the enormous grass fields provide ample space for kite-flying and cricket. Firepits are included, and communal kettles and fridges ensure that no camper goes without their morning cuppa.

The coffee at the on-site café is good, too: so good that it draws a crowd from outside the campsite, who cycle or trek their way over for the top brews, sourdough toasties and cake.

16. Ashbourne Woods, Devon

If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise… it’s dotted with tents and happy campers toasting marshmallows on open fire pits! Okay, it’s not that big of a surprise considering it’s a campsite, but the vast grounds with swathes of trees ensure that visitors to Ashbourne Woods can hide themselves away in a secluded, cosy corner surrounded by nature.

Go wild and sleep under the stars in the woods, or choose a more sturdy residence, such as the wooden camping pod that’s BYOB (bring your own bed) with heaters and electricity.

17. Hidden Valley Camping, Worcestershire

This lush getaway in rural Worcestershire is primarily appealing for those seeking peace and quiet. Set up your tent in a private area of this working farm, which limits the number of guests to maintain a relaxed atmosphere even on weekends. By day, wander through the area’s picturesque Georgian towns or sip cider at one of the great local cider farms.

By night, start a fire, load up on marshmallows from the honesty shop, and enjoy the sounds of nature. Partygoers, take note: this venue does not allow large groups or loud speakers. That’s music to our ears.

18. Top of the Woods, Pembrokeshire

At Top of the Woods in Pembrokeshire, Wales, everything revolves around getting back to nature. They also have a variety of techniques to accomplish this. The only selection you’ll have to make is which environmentally friendly lodging to choose.

Will you go for a boutique safari lodge or a brand-new nature dome (which resembles a gigantic golf ball with windows)? Or a ‘pioneer camp’ featuring a huge tent-meets-marquee lodge and a separate kitchen under canvas? Of course, there’s always the classic: bring your own tent and pitch it in the wildflower camping meadow.