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The Best Places To Go Camping in the UK

Camping 18 min read

Discover the best places to stay on a camping holiday

Since the Covid-19 pandemic stopped people from holidaying abroad, camping holidays have become increasingly popular. Not only are they a more affordable alternative to overseas holidays, but they also allow you to switch off and connect with nature. 

They’re a great way to create precious memories with your loved ones and engage in plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, or enjoying some delicious food prepared on the BBQ

So grab your family tents and sleeping bags because the team at GO Outdoors has revealed the best hotspots for every type of camping holiday, from adults-only to pet-friendly. We’ve also uncovered the best campsites for any festival-goers wanting to escape the crowds and relax after a long day of dancing.

The best campsites in England

Rank Campsite City/Town County Region Average temperature in summer months Cost for 3-night stay Onsite shop? Rating /5 % of people who would recommend staying there Number of outdoor activities within 10km of campsite Camping score
1 Orcaber Farm Caravan & Camping Park Settle North Yorkshire Yorkshire & The Humber 15.7 £60.00 Yes 4.89 96% 3 9.07
2 Wooda Farm Holiday Park Bude Cornwall South West 16.3 £99.00 Yes 4.84 98% 10 8.84
2 Burton Springs Holidays Bridgwater Somerset South West 15.0 £60.00 Yes 4.85 99% 3 8.84
4 Mena Farm Bodmin Cornwall South West 15.0 £66.00 Yes 4.87 100% 3 8.67
5 Galley Hill Farm Camping Holt Norfolk East of England 16.7 £60.00 No 4.87 98% 2 8.27
6 Barn Farm Campsite Matlock Derbyshire East Midlands 16.3 £60.00 Yes 4.86 95% 1 8.21
7 Tregarton Park Mevagissey Cornwall South West 15.3 £127.00 Yes 4.90 98% 4 8.09
8 Wallace Lane Farm Wigton Cumbria North West 15.7 £88.00 Yes 4.87 98% 1 7.81
9 Highlands End Holiday Park Bridport Dorset South West 15.3 £92.00 Yes 4.84 97% 6 7.80
10 Sandyholme Holiday Park Dorchester Dorset South West 16.3 £63.00 Yes 4.68 91% 5 7.69
  1. Orcaber Farm Caravan & Camping Park, Settle, North Yorkshire – 9.07/10 camping score

Orcaber Farm Caravan & Camping Park is located near Settle, North Yorkshire. Situated just outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Settle is a great location for keen hikers and adventurers. There are plenty of nearby peaks, dales, caves, and waterfalls to explore, such as Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent, and Whernside, which can all be completed in one day. The town has an array of independent shops, cafes, and pubs and also has a great railway connection to the city of Carlisle.

The campsite is rated 4.89 out of five, and 96% of previous visitors recommend staying there. It’s a great affordable option, costing just £60 for a three-night stay in July. The family-run site has plenty of facilities, including a shower block, picnic benches, and a small shop. Takeaway food is also sometimes available on Saturday evenings between May and September.

  1. Wooda Farm Holiday Park, Bude, Cornwall – 8.84/10 camping score

Located just five minutes from the stunning seaside town of Bude in northern Cornwall, Wooda Farm Holiday Park is a great option for combining a camping and seaside holiday into one trip. The site, which is family-run and owned, is recommended by 98% of previous visitors and has a rating of 4.84 out of five. A variety of modern facilities can be found at the campsite, such as a bar and grill, takeaway, cocktail bar, coffee shop, and farm shop. A three-night stay at Wooda Farm Holiday Park costs around £99 throughout July.

There are countless attractions located in Bude, meaning there’s plenty of fun for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Water lovers can take part in a canoe experience along Bude Canal, go surfing at Crooklets Beach or develop their fishing skills at Clovelly Harbour. Adrenaline junkies can get their hearts racing at The Big Sheep Theme Park, which has plenty of thrilling rides, adorable farm animals, and entertaining live shows. If you fancy taking a dip surrounded by beautiful views, you can also visit Bude Sea Pool, an outdoor swimming pool in the rocks at Summerleaze Beach.

    2. Burton Springs Holidays, Bridgwater, Somerset – 8.84/10 camping score

Set at the foot of the Quantock Hills near Bridgwater in Somerset, Burton Springs Holidays is perfect for those who want a lakeside camping experience. Located just five minutes from the coast, it’s a great area for keen anglers and hikers. History buffs will love the town of Bridgwater, as there are lots of long-standing attractions to visit, such as the Infirmary, the Royal Clarence Hotel, and The Old Vicarage. There is also an Arts Centre for those who want to join a performance, music, or film class while visiting.

A three-night stay at the campsite costs approximately £60 throughout July. With a rating of 4.85 out of five and an impressive 99% of people recommending staying there, it’s a must-visit. The site stocks plenty of fishing supplies and also has an onsite shop, showers, freezer, microwave, play park, and games room. As Burton Springs Holidays is a small site, guests receive a personal touch from the husband-and-wife duo who took over the site a few years ago.

The best pet-friendly campsites in the UK

Rank Campsite City/Town County Region Cost for 3-night stay Rating /5 % of people who would recommend staying there Dedicated dog space? Number of dog friendly trails nearby Camping score
1 Laneside Caravan Park Hope Derbyshire East Midlands £83.60 4.81 98% Yes 146 9.91
2 Watermouth Valley Camping Park Ilfracombe Devon South West £72.00 4.88 96% Yes 12 9.27
3 Wallace Lane Farm Wigton Cumbria North West £95.50 4.87 98% Yes 10 9.15
4 Highlands End Holiday Park Bridport Dorset South West £101.00 4.84 97% Yes 12 8.70
5 Oaklea Narberth Pembrokeshire Wales £84.00 4.87 96% Yes 4 8.54
6 Cae Du Campsite Beddgelert Gwynedd Wales £156.00 4.81 96% Yes 58 8.52
7 Wooda Farm Holiday Park Bude Cornwall South West £111.00 4.84 98% Yes 3 8.06
8 Bryn Gloch Caernarfon Gwynedd Wales £121.00 4.77 92% Yes 44 7.73
9 Treloy Touring Park Newquay Cornwall South West £153.00 4.83 95% Yes 7 7.30
10 Freshwater Beach Holiday Park Bridport Dorset South West £159.00 4.71 96% Yes 12 7.09
  1. Laneside Caravan Park, Hope, Derbyshire – 9.91/10 camping score

Laneside Caravan Park is located just a five-minute walk from the village of Hope in Derbyshire. Nestled in the Peak District, it’s the perfect location for long hikes with your four-legged friends, as there are over 145 dog-friendly trails nearby. A selection of cafés and pubs, such as The Old Hall Hotel, can be found in the village, as well as greengrocers, butchers, and a deli to sample some high-quality local produce. Hope is also near Edale, a small village with access to the UK’s first long-distance walking path, the Pennine Way.

98% of previous visitors recommend the campsite, which receives a rating of 4.81 out of five. On average, a three-night stay at Laneside Caravan Park during July costs just under £84. There is a small exercise area for dogs and a large walking area for the whole family to stretch their legs and take in the beautiful scenery. Other facilities include heated modern toilets and showers, a laundry room, a football field, table tennis tables, and a boules court.

  1. Watermouth Valley Camping Park, Ilfracombe, Devon – 9.27/10 camping score

If you’re looking for a coastal camping getaway with your canine companion, then make sure to book a trip to Watermouth Valley Camping Park. A three-night stay at the site costs approximately £72 in July, making it a great option for an affordable summer holiday. The campsite has a rating of 4.88 out of five and is recommended by 96% of its previous visitors. There is an enclosed dog exercise area on-site, meaning you can let your pup run free and burn off some energy. Food trucks are available most nights, serving up pizzas, curries, carveries and more.

Located just a five-minute drive from the seaside resort of Ilfracombe in Devon, Watermouth Valley is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning ocean views. There are plenty of beaches to explore, such as Wildersmouth Beach, Rapparee Cove, Hele Cove, and Broadsands Beach, to which there is direct access from the campsite. Ilfracombe is also a haven for foodies, particularly seafood lovers, with Fore Street being the town’s gastronomic hub.

  1. Wallace Lane Farm, Wigton, Cumbria, – 9.15/10 camping score

Set on a 23-acre farm close to the town of Wigton in Cumbria, Wallace Lane Farm campsite has plenty of spectacular views over the Solway Plain and Cumbrian Fells. There are 10 dog-friendly walking trails nearby, including the Caldbeck Circular, the Binsey Trail, and the High Pike. Wigton’s streets and lanes are adorned with beautiful Georgian houses and a variety of cafés, restaurants, and pubs. The town is also a short distance from the likes of Carlisle, Aspatria, and Allonby.

Wallace Lane Farm receives a rating of 4.87 out of five, and 98% of previous visitors recommend staying there. On average, a three-night stay at the campsite during July costs just over £95. On-site facilities include heated toilet and shower blocks, a laundry room, a shop, fire pits, and BBQs. There is also a dog-walking area circling the perimeter of the site and a warm doggy shower in case your pup gets muddy.

The best adults-only campsites in the UK

Rank Campsite City/Town County Region Cost for 3-night stay Rating /5 % of people who would recommend staying there Pub nearby? Considered ‘peaceful’? Camping score
1 Colemere Caravan Park Ellesmere Shropshire West Midlands £60.00 4.84 100% Yes Yes 8.83
1 Eden Valley Holiday Park Bodmin Cornwall South West £90.00 4.92 100% Yes Yes 8.83
3 Bluebell Wilds Whitchurch Cheshire North West £75.00 4.94 97% Yes Yes 8.76
4 Cheddar Bridge Touring Park Cheddar Somerset South West £93.00 4.96 100% Yes Yes 8.55
5 Delph Bank Touring & Glamping Park Spalding Lincolnshire East Midlands £105.00 4.90 100% Yes Yes 7.86
6 Greenway Touring & Glamping Park Craven Arms Shropshire West Midlands £75.00 4.80 98% Yes Yes 7.72
7 Fairfields Farm Caravan & Camping Park Pevensey East Sussex South East £90.00 4.82 98% Yes Yes 7.59
8 Brick Kiln Farm Campsite Woodbridge Suffolk East of England £99.00 4.87 98% Yes Yes 7.52
9 Tobacconist Farm Stroud Gloucestershire South West £99.00 4.89 96% Yes Yes 7.31
9 The Newnes Touring Caravan Park Ellesmere Shropshire West Midlands £90.00 4.72 100% Yes Yes 7.31
  1. Colemere Caravan Park, Ellesmere, Shropshire – 8.83/10 camping score

Colemere Caravan Park is located in the picturesque town of Ellesmere, Shropshire. On Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, Ellesmere Market Hall is open to the public, selling a variety of products, from handmade gifts and scented candles to plants and fresh produce. Ellesmere is a great location for cycling, as there are plenty of quiet lanes and country roads for beginners, as well as some hills for more experienced cyclists. 

A three-night stay at Colemere Caravan Park costs an average of just £60 throughout July. 100% of previous visitors recommend staying at the site, which receives a rating of 4.84 out of five. Being an adults-only campsite and situated next to a tranquil lake, you are guaranteed a peaceful stay at Colemere Caravan Park. Toilets and showers can be found on-site, as well as an undercover social area with seating, a TV, and a kitchen. 

  1. Eden Valley Holiday Park, Bodmin, Cornwall – 8.83/10 camping score

Eden Valley Holiday Park is situated in Bodmin, one of Cornwall’s oldest towns. The site is rated 4.92 out of five, and 100% of its previous visitors recommend staying there. On-site facilities include toilet and shower blocks, a laundrette, and a games room. There are also multiple pubs nearby, such as The Crown Inn and The Kings Arms. It costs approximately £90 for a three-night stay at Eden Valley Holiday Park in July.

Bodmin has a great central position, making it easy to explore Cornwall. It’s an ideal location for keen cyclists, as there are plenty of cycle trails in the area. You can also visit Bodmin Railway, Cornwall’s only full-size working steam railway, ideal for train fanatics. History lovers can take a trip to Bodmin Keep, the home of Cornwall’s Army Museum, or Bodmin Jail, which showcases the legacy of Georgian and Victorian crime and punishment. 

   3. Bluebell Wilds, Whitchurch, Cheshire – 8.76/10 camping score

Located in the market town of Whitchurch, Bluebell Wilds is the perfect campsite for exploring both Cheshire and Shropshire. There are countless attractions close by, such as Stiperstones National Nature Reserve, a collection of rocky outcrops spread along a stunning ridge with views over the Shropshire Hills and Welsh border. Plenty of historical locations can also be found either in or near Whitchurch, including Shrewsbury Prison, Cholmondeley Castle, and Combermere Abbey.

Bluebell Wilds has a rating of 4.94 out of five, and 97% of previous visitors recommend staying there. A three-night stay at the campsite in July costs approximately £75. An Aldi is located just five minutes down the road for any essentials, and there are also two pubs a short distance away: The Wheatsheaf Inn and The Horse and Jockey. An enclosed dog walking area is available on-site, meaning you can take your pup along with you for the trip.

The best festivals for camping in the UK

Rank Festival Dates of festival Location Campsite City/Town County Region Mean temperature during month of festival (degrees Celsius) Total cost for duration of festival Rating /5 % of people who would recommend staying there Onsite shop? Camping score
1 Latitude Festival Thur 24th – Sun 27th July Henham Park, Beccles Field Farm Fisheries Beccles Suffolk East of England 18 £76.00 4.73 97% Yes 9.25
2 Wireless Festival Fri 11th – Sun 13th July Finsbury Park, London Lee Valley Camping & Caravan Park Edmonton Greater London London 19 £75.00 4.36 92% Yes 8.25
3 Tramlines Festival Fri 25th – Sun 27th July Hillsborough Park, Sheffield Laneside Caravan Park Hope Derbyshire East Midlands 15 £100.50 4.81 97% Yes 7.88
4 Victorious Festival Fri 22nd – Sun 24th August Southsea Seafront, Portsmouth Sindles Farm Emsworth Hampshire South East 17 £90.00 4.95 100% No 7.63
5 Live at Leeds in the Park Sat 24th May Temple Newsam Park, Leeds Clarion Lodge Campsite Ilkley West Yorkshire Yorkshire & The Humber 10 £25.00 4.97 100% No 7.13
6 Boardmasters Wed 6th – Sun 10th August Watergate Bay, Newquay Treloy Touring Park Newquay Cornwall South West 16 £255.00 4.83 95% Yes 6.88
6 Creamfields Thur 21st – Sun 24th August Daresbury Estate, Halton Stretton House Campsite Warrington Cheshire North West 17 £60.00 4.57 100% No 6.88
8 Leeds Festival Wed 20th – Sun 24th August Bramham Park, Leeds Clarion Lodge Campsite Ilkley West Yorkshire Yorkshire & The Humber 15 £125.00 4.97 100% No 6.75
8 Kendal Calling Thur 31st July – Sun 3rd August Lowther Deer Park, Hackthorpe Sykeside Camping Park Penrith Cumbria North West 16 £137.80 4.58 91% Yes 6.75
10 Lytham Festival Wed 2nd – Sun 6th July Lytham Green, Lytham Pointer Farm Campsite Poulton-Le-Fylde Lancashire North West 16 £175.00 4.86 100% No 6.00
  1. Latitude Festival, Henham Park, Beccles – 9.25/10 camping score

Located in Henham Park in Beccles, Latitude Festival has been running for almost 20 years. The festival takes place in July, with this year’s dates being Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th. The 2025 headliners include Sting, Fatboy Slim, Snow Patrol, Basement Jaxx, Kaiser Chiefs, and Elbow. Tickets are still available to purchase, with an adult weekend ticket costing £308.

If you want to escape the crowds of the festival’s camping site, then book a stay at the nearby Field Farm Fisheries. Also located in Beccles, the campsite is less than a ten-minute drive to Henham Park, making it a great location for festival-goers. Over the four days that the festival takes place, guests can expect to pay around £76 to stay at Field Farm Fisheries. The site is rated 4.73 out of five and there is an on-site shop available. Links to public transport, a fish and chip shop, and a Chinese takeaway are also located nearby.

  1. Wireless Festival, Finsbury Park, London – 8.25/10 camping score

If you’re attending Wireless Festival this year and fancy making a holiday out of it, then Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park is a great option. The campsite, which is rated 4.36 out of five, is less than a half an hour drive from the festival site. To stay at Lee Valley for the duration of the festival, it will cost around £75. On-site facilities include a shower and toilet block, ironing and laundry facilities, a shop, and even a cinema with a Costa Coffee. Ponders End train station is around a 15-minute walk away from the campsite.

Wireless Festival takes place in Finsbury Park, London and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year between Friday 11th and Sunday 13th July. The hugely popular Drake will be headlining all three nights of the festival, performing three different setlists, and will be joined by the likes of Summer Walker, Burna Boy, and PARTYNEXTDOOR. Due to its popularity and 2025 lineup, tickets for the festival sold out within just a few days of going on sale.

  1. Tramlines Festival, Hillsborough Park, Sheffield – 7.88/10 camping score

Since its first event in 2009, Tramlines Festival has been held at Hillsborough Park in Sheffield. This year, the beloved festival will take place between Friday 25th and Sunday 27th July. Pulp, The Reytons, and Kasabian will all be headlining, with other performers including Rizzle Kicks, The Last Dinner Party, Sigrid, Jake Bugg, and Natasha Bedingfield. Weekend, Friday and Saturday tickets are all sold out, but there is still the opportunity to grab a Sunday ticket for £70.

If you want to enjoy some peace and quiet after partying at the festival, be sure to book a stay at Laneside Caravan Park. As mentioned previously, the campsite has heated toilets and showers, and a laundry room, helping you to stay clean and fresh throughout your stay. Hairdryers, large mirrors and individual vanity cubicles are also available, meaning festival-goers can ensure they’re looking their best, ready to dance the night away. Visitors can expect to pay just over £100 to stay at the campsite for the duration of the festival.

Methodology:

The best campsites 

We used Campsites.co.uk to create a seed list of the best campsites in England. We also used this source to discover the cost of a three-night stay at each campsite, as well as its rating out of five and the percentage of people who would recommend staying there. We then used the same site to determine whether each campsite had an onsite shop and gathered the number of outdoor activities with 10km of each campsite.

Next, we used Time and Date to gather each campsite’s location’s average temperature in June, July and August before taking an average across all three months.

Finally, we gave each of the six factors a normalised score out of ten before taking an average across all factors to form our camping score.

The best pet-friendly campsites

We used Campsites.co.uk to create a seed list of dog-friendly campsites throughout the UK. We also used this source to discover the cost of a three-night stay at each campsite, as well as its rating out of five and the percentage of people who would recommend staying there. We then used the same site to determine whether each campsite had a dedicated space for dogs. 

Next, we used AllTrails to discover the number of dog-friendly walking trails near each campsite.

Finally, we gave each of the five factors a normalised score out of ten before taking an average across all factors to form our camping score.

The best adults-only campsites

We used Campsites.co.uk to create a seed list of adults-only campsites throughout the UK. We also used this source to discover the cost of a three-night stay at each campsite, as well as its rating out of five and the percentage of people who would recommend staying there. We then used the same site to determine whether each campsite had a pub nearby and whether the campsite was considered peaceful. 

Finally, we gave each of the five factors a normalised score out of ten before taking an average across all factors to form our camping score.

The best festivals for camping

We used eFestivals to create a seed list of the UK’s biggest music festivals.

Next, we used Campsites.co.uk to discover the nearest campsite to each festival. We also used this source to discover the cost to stay at each campsite for the duration of the festival, as well as its rating out of five and the percentage of people who would recommend staying there. We then used the same source to determine whether each campsite has an onsite shop.

We used Time and Date to discover the average temperature for each campsite’s location during the month of its corresponding festival.

Finally, we gave each of the five factors a normalised score out of ten before taking an average across all factors to form our camping score.

All data is correct as of 24 March 2025.

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