If there is one thing fact that Tom often highlights about having lived in the UK when he was growing up, is the fact that when it isn’t raining, the UK is beautiful! Unknown to many, the UK is actually home to so many amazing camping spots where you can pitch a tent, unplug from everyday life and enjoy the beauty of the things around you. The camping locations are dramatic, with lots of rolling hills and stunning views. From coastal to cliff side camping, we have so many options to choose from. So here is a quick guide giving you tips on how to plan, what to bring, the my personal recommendation on great campsites to experience when in the UK.
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How to Plan Your Camping Trip in the UK
Decide on a Location
There are literally hundreds of campsites to choose from. Although you can also just hop on your car and look for one on the way, planning ahead of time is a lot more ideal. During summer and peak seasons, a lot of the campsites get fully booked.
There are also a few places where you can wild camp in the UK with a campervan or motorhome, so that’s worth checking out as well!
Research on Things to Do Around You
A lot of the decision making on where to camp revolves around the things to do around an area. Are you camping near a surf beach? Are you camping near a mountain with lots of hiking trails? This downloadable camping guide to the UK has loads of information on different campsites, things to do around the area, events happening plus lots of tips on camping around the UK.
Get Your Camping Gear Together Ahead of Time
As much as I love the spontaneous “let’s go camping” trips, I also like being prepared. Because naturally, one cannot have enough snacks and supplies when camping. On another note, I cannot stress the importance of having a good and sturdy tent. I fondly recall memories of camping in a beach in the Philippines where I woke up in the middle of the night with my tent half collapsed on me due to the strong winds and rain. My tip, shop around for a good tent which is a good investment if you love the outdoors!
Unplug and Unwind
Once you have everything planned, you’re all set to go! One thing that we love about camping in unplugging from it all. When we do camp, we refrain from using any unnecessary electronics. Instead, we choose to be in the moment and enjoy the beauty of being around nature.
Camping Essentials
Aside from the usual things like packing your tent and a sleeping bag, here are a few essential things that we make sure we don’t forget when camping. The list on the right hand side is a nifty checklist attached in the guide mentioned above. All you need to do is print and you’re good to go!
- Ziplock bags
- Garbage bags
- Swiss knife
- Mosquito repellent
- A scarf
- Safety pins
- First aid kit
- wet wipes
- a lighter
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Our Recommended Campsites in the UK
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Bryher Campsite
Location: Isles of Scilly
This campsite is one of the best coastal sites in the UK. Boasting of stunning views of Hangman Island, Brypher Camp is a good choice for those that want a sandy beach with good coverage due to the hills around it. The campsite has great facilities including bathrooms, coin shows, hair dryers, and even washing machines! Nearby, you can explore places like Rushy Bay if you want a nice cove to swim in.
Price: £10.25 per person, per night. Children under 4 is free. The price includes:
- Transport for your luggage and camping equipment from arrival on Bryher to the campsite (return)
- Hot water to sinks for hand washing and washing up
- Deep Freeze for cold packs
- Secure area for charging mobile phones and other electronic devices
You can check their website here for more information
Aberafon
Location: Gyrn Goch, Gwynedd
Located close to the stunning peaks of Snowdonia, this relatively popular campsite is a favourite of Tom’s due to the fact that there is great surf nearby. It has a private sandy beach and grassy areas where you can pitch a tent right by the coastline. The co-owner of the campsite is big on the adrenaline so he will approve of you hiking, wakeboarding, and trying all sorts of extreme sports around his campsite. The allow campfires of the beach as well as BBQs. The facilities include basic showers, toilets, laundry area, ice packs, and a game room with a TV and pool table. The beach is accessible although slightly rocky. The waves and currents can get a bit crazy so beware when going out for a swim.
Price: Adult £8, Child £4, Electric £3.50, Boat on trailer £4 (per night)
You can check their website here for more information
Glen Nevis Holiday
Location: Inverness-shire, Scotland
This campsite is located by the beast of a mountain in Scotland called Ben Nevis (the mountain pictured above) or as the locals like to call, “The Ben”. With a towering height of 4,408 ft, this place is the perfect place to camp for those that want to explore nearby trails and hikes. Nestled in the narrow plain below The Ben is this glorious 30 acre campsite which has everything you need and more. There are nine different camping fields in total, four for motorhomes and five for those looking for grassy fields with some trees for shade. Many people come here and use it as their home base as they explore the mountain by going on various day hikes. There are washrooms with toilets, free hot showers, wash hand basins, razor points and hand dryers, food prep and laundry areas.
Price:
Tents: Adult £6.50–£9 /child £2, car £2, electricity £4, WiFi £5.
Caravans and Motorhomes: Caravan £8.50–£14.50, adult £3.50, child £2, extra car £2, WiFi £5.
You can check their website here for more information
Kings Mead Centre
Location: Devon
This campsite has a little bit of everything for everyone. Rugged camping, motor home spaces and caravans, and even glamping on yurts! Located by the border of Devon and Somerset, this place is a picture of beauty. They have a large meadow area, family sized bathrooms, a fridge to store your food, along with lots of open spaces and electrical sockets. Our tip? Look for spaces which face the woods giving you a taste being surrounded by nothing but nature. Although their yurts won’t necessarily fall under the camping and roughing it category, they are absolutely beautiful and is well worth doing just for the experience of it!
Price: The Yurts cost £90 per night (for two people); Showman’s Caravan £65 per night
Tents: £12.50 per night; private woodland pitch (tents only) £20 per night; electric hookup £5. Additional adults £5; additional children £2.50 and children under 4 are free.
You can check their website here for more information
Pleasant Streams Farm
Location: Lower Sticker, St Austell, Cornwall
This quiet and serene campsite is a great place to get away from it all. There is a lake located at the center of the campsite which makes for a fun afternoon spent rowing around on a boat. Aside from this, biking around the Pentewan Valley Trail or exploring the coastal areas of Gorran Haven and Charles town are also good options for people staying in this particular campsite. So whether you are biking, kayaking, or taking long strolls, or simply just hanging out in the camp area, this is campsite comes highly recommended.
Price: Pitch prices per night including up to 2 people and 1 car per night
Small Tent £11.00 / Medium Tent £15.00 / Large Tent £17.00 / Extra Large Tent £21.00
Small to Medium Caravans £16.00
Large Caravans and Motorhomes £21.00
You can check their website here for more information
So there you have it folks! Our biggest tip when camping? To enjoy the experience, relish in the beauty of the outdoors, and do as much as you can!