England's best campsites
Little Trethvas Camping & Touring Site, Cornwall
Best for: Active families
An intimate and friendly campsite, Little Trethvas is located on the unique and unspoilt Lizard Peninsular – the perfect location to explore this wonderful corner of Cornwall. Fantastic beaches, superb walks and scenic drives through sleepy villages and wooded valleys surround the site.
The area has a great deal of historic importance, with Iron Age settlements, barrows and tin mines to visit.
Known as ‘The Menage’ or ‘Land of the Saints’ – you can find a plethora of coastal walking paths dotted with Celtic crosses around the area, these indicate a route where Christian pilgrims once crossed the peninsular.
An array of activities are on available to keep everyone occupied, from fishing and sailing through to off-road biking and horseback riding.
Don't miss: Trotting off on horseback across the Hoonhill Downs should not be missed, and the kids will love the nearby Flambards theme park at Helston.
Moss Side Farm Campsite, Cumbria
Best for: Adventurous hikers
A hiker’s dream, this campsite’s location has it all. Nestled in a woodland valley, there are many footpaths leading to and from the farm.
The main path runs along a disused railway line, going straight into Broughton, a village steeped in history, other paths lead into the valleys of Seathwaite and Ulpha – breathtaking walks taking you over streams, bridges and open fields with serene views.
This warm, family-friendly campsite is also a working farm, with sheep, cows, ducks, hens and dogs. The team welcomes well-behaved dogs, so happy campers can bring their furry friends along with them.
Don't miss: With the farm being in the Lake District a short ten-minute drive takes you to the third biggest lake in the area, Coniston Lake. Here, active campers can have a go at the local watersports available, such as sailing, canoeing and kayaking.
Narborough Fisheries, Norfolk
Best for: Fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers
One for the fishing enthusiast, this campsite located in Norfolk has its own private 26-acre site with fishing lakes flowing with chalk stream water from the River Nar.
With five lakes to choose from, serious anglers can fish for the likes of Carp and Trout amongst the 9,000 fish, making this place a fisherman’s heaven.
Pitch up alongside a lake and enjoy the tranquil views of nature or go wildlife spotting with a trip to Norkfolk Wildlife Trust’s chalk grassland off Narborough Railway Line. A rare habitat-type for Norfolk, this is one of the best places in the country to spot butterflies.
Don't miss: The nearby Norfolk Broads is a wildlife hotspot for rare breeds with 66 species unique to the area and another 31 species that are rarely seen elsewhere in Britain.
Scotland's best campsites
Port Bàn Holiday Park
Best for: Active families
Port Bàn is a secluded haven, situated near Kilberry on the beautiful unspoilt coastline of the Knapdale Peninsula of Scotland. Striking panoramic views across the sea to Islay and Jura and the sheer beauty of the landscape and the rich diversity of wildflowers and wildlife makes Port Bàn an interesting and peaceful retreat.
Described as 'a wee taste of heaven', holidaymakers can relax here in total peace. There is an abundance of open space for children to play in and there’s plenty to do including swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing, cycling, walking or exploring the rockpools.
Don't miss: the nearby Kilmartin Museum is worth a visit to discover Scotland’s past, through its collection of exciting artefacts from the Bronze Age, Neolithic Age and more.
Queensberry Bay Park
Best for: Getting away from it all
Found on the windswept northern shores of the Solway Firth in Scotland, this family-run caravan park is the best for get-away-from-it-all breaks by the sea. The park only knows one way of life – the slow life.
Maintaining the soothing atmosphere includes such thoughtful practices as only cutting the grass on weekdays at specific times and policies on pure calmness throughout the site.
Visitors can go bird-watching, walking or cycling. There is even a local golf course close by and a pampering spa. This truly is a first-class holiday for those wanting to get away from everyday life.
Accommodation includes mixed pitches for tents, tourers and motorhomes, glamping S-pods and fully equipped caravans.
Don't miss: Immersing yourself in a slower pace of life
Wales' best campsites
Tyddyn Goronwy Camping Park
Best for: Action packed fun
Whether it’s a peaceful, laid back holiday or an action-packed fun-filled family holiday, this site offers diverse activities to suit all.
Set in the scenic Snowdonia National Park and close to the seaside town of Barmouth, the park is fronted by miles of sandy beach and the calm blue sea of Cardigan Bay, backed by the panoramic mountains of Snowdon and Cadir.
The tariff charged includes a free leisure pass which entitles you to enjoy the facilities situated on Sunnysands which is close by. Sunnysands comes fully equipped with a range of facilities to enjoy, including a bar, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a restaurant and a play area.
Don't miss: Zip World in Blaenau Ffestiniog where riders can exceed speeds of 100mph on a mile long zip line.
Gwaun Vale Touring Park
Best for: Wildlife spotting
Only one and a half miles from Fishguard in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this site serves up a slice of the beautiful Welsh countryside with impressive views.
The National Park is great for exploring the local wildlife, watching the cormorants dive into the sea and spotting flocks of seagulls. Amazingly, porpoises, dolphins and even whales can be spotted, along with grey seals and their young pups. This is an absolute winner for the wildlife and country purist.
Being close to the coast means this location boasts an excellent selection of beaches only a few miles away. Off-site, there’s an array of activities to get involved in, ranging from tennis, sailing, horse riding and canoeing. Not only that, but campers can enjoy a relaxed evening with a barbecue and see the day out by watching the sunset over the Welsh hills – blissful!
Don't miss: Coastal wildlife spotting trips available through Visit Pembrokeshire
Peter Cue is founder of Comfort Insurance who offer specialist insurance for campervans, motorhomes and caravans. For more information visit: comfort-insurance.co.uk
