UK’s best campsites revealed – including family friendly beachside pitches and stargazing glamping tents
EXPERTS have revealed the best campsites in the UK, for anyone looking to plan a camping getaway this summer.
A total of 100 have made this list, while 50 more highly-rated spots have also been included as further options.
The annual list put together by Campsites.co.uk shows where the best places in the country are to pitch up.
Of all the regions they recommend people visit this year, the South West was undoubtedly the site’s favourite, taking seven of the top 10 spots and four of the top five.
Lee Meadow Farm, Devon
Leading the way was Lee Meadow Farm in Woolacombe Devon, described as a “camping and glamping site with wonderful country and sea views”.
Its onsite facilities include a farm shop and bike rental, while bell tents are available to hire too.
It’s a short walk to the secluded Lee Bay and one mile from the huge beach at Woolacombe popular with surfers and tourists making the most of the huge stretch of soft golden sand.
Lee Meadow’s reviews are glowing, with the side rated 4.8/5 overall.
One said it was “a little hidden gem of a campsite with great views over the bay at the top of the hill” while another said it had “probably the best campsite shower I’ve ever had”.
A pitch for two can still be booked on the site from £30 this summer.
East Crinnis Holiday Park, Cornwall
Staying in the South West, second spot on the list went to East Crinnis Holiday Park in Par, Cornwall.
As well as small tent and campervan pitches, it also offers glamping domes and log cabins in the popular holiday region of St Austell Bay.
It’s just half a mile from both the sea and the small fishing village of Charlestown.
The site is also driving distance from tourist spots like the Eden Project, making it a good place to be based for a fun family trip.
A pitch for two can still be booked this summer from £22 per night.
Lynmouth Holiday Retreat, Devon
Third on the list is the Lynmouth Holiday Retreat in Lynton, Devon.
It boasts a variety of non electric, electric and serviced grass and hardstanding pitches, for tents, campervans and caravans.
For anyone who wants a more luxurious experience, there are glamping pods and bell tents, with window ceilings for stargazing, that can be booked too.
Blacklands Beach is just a short distance away, while popular beach destinations like Minehead and Ilfracombe are close by too.
A trip to the site this year is available from £19 per night.
Three camping tips from an expert
David Scotland owns camping equipment retailer Outdoor World Direct and knows all about how to make a camping trip run smoothly.
When visiting any campsite this summer it’s important to make sure you’re not making simple mistakes that could ruin your holiday.
Check your tent
David recommends putting your tent up a couple of weeks before you’re due to travel to give you enough time to repair or replace any damaged parts.
He told Sun Online Travel: “You’d be surprised how many people turn up with broken tents.”
Test the ground
Picking a good spot to pitch your tent is difficult, with lots of things to consider.
One of those should be the condition of the ground you’re putting your tent on top of, according to David.
He said: “Once you’ve found the perfect spot, test the ground with your pegs before you commit to camping there to make sure the ground is soft enough.”
Don’t nap in your tent
It may seem the perfect place for it, but a nap in a tent could end badly, if it’s done at the wrong time of the day.
David explained: “If the sun’s shining and it’s hot inside your tent – don’t do it!
“One of our friends nodded off in his tent during a heatwave at Glastonbury and ended up at the medical tent with heatstroke.”
Instead, he recommends finding some shade outside or somewhere well ventilated.
Buckland Campsite, Dorset
Still on the South West coast, the Buckland Campsite in Weymouth, Dorset is fourth on the list of outstanding UK campsites.
It offers both electric and non electric grass pitches, along with cosy bell tents for those who prefer glamping.
The site is less than 15 minute’s drive from beaches like Bowleaze Cove, as well as the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, perfect for walking and exploring the countryside.
Lulworth Cove and the famous Durdle Door are a little further away and among reasons to visit the area.
A night at Buckland can be booked from £59 for two.
Knotlow Farm, Derbyshire
The only site not in the south west to grace the top five is Knotlow Farm in Derbyshire.
It’s described as a “peaceful and spacious camping and glamping site” and is found between the two popular towns of Bakewell and Buxton.
Tents and campers can be brought to the site, while pods with hot tubs are also an option for guests looking for a more glamorous experience.
It’s close by to the famous Chatsworth Estate and also serves homemade pizzas in the evening.
A pitch can be booked on the site from £24 per night this summer.
Campsites said of its annual list: “Our annual Outstanding Sites list highlights 150 camping, glamping, and touring sites across the UK for 2024, celebrating those who offer their campers a reliably great holiday.
“From eco forest hideaways to family-friendly holiday parks and luxury glamping, these hand-picked sites are a combined list of our award winners and other sites we rate highly for a consistently excellent experience onsite.”
Meanwhile, these are some of the best campsites near water in the UK.
And this campsite in the UK has been compared to both the Caribbean and Greece.