There’s no place like home, as the old adage goes. And it seems like us Brits are going to have to take that mantra well and truly to heart this summer. It’s not like we don’t have form; a study found that 93% of Britons headed off on at least one holiday within the UK last year, equating to a whopping £13 billion in money spent holidaying without having to leave the country.
A huge part of this lucrative market is camping, with our fair isle boasting some of the best beauty spots around. Alfresco, in nature, under the stars and at home…..what could be better? So, whilst we’re not suggesting a trip to Durham to dance to ABBA in your mum’s garden, once it’s deemed safe and responsible, we’re looking forward to exploring home turf a little more. With this in mind, we’ve teamed up with Motorparks, who sell used cars, to give you these; our 4 IDEAL U.K camping sites for your summer staycation.
CAOLASNACON, KINLOCHLEVEN, ARGYLL
Sitting on the edge of Loch Leven, Caolasnacon combines breath-taking views with idyllic, lush scenery. And this back to basics, at one with nature vibe, is what this is all about, right? The campsite offers visitors the chance to pitch their tents right by the water, meaning you won’t run out of activities to keep yourself entertained and exhilarated, with water sports including wind-surfing a particular favourite of the thrill seekers. Or, if you prefer to keep dry, the climbing and hiking trails nearby give unrestricted access to the local wildlife. Loch Leven is home to otters in abundance and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a golden eagle. Majestic.
Opening season is Easter until October every year. From £10 per tent for two people.
BAY VIEW FARM, LOOE, CORNWALL
This site at Bay View Farm, in Cornwall’s Looe, sits right on the South West Coast Path, offering uninterrupted sea views which are considered some of the best in the country. The recent glamping hype is very much catered for here, meaning you don’t have to slum it here if you’re still seeking a holiday blessed with a few home comforts.
The snugs, which look out over Looe bay, provide holidaymakers with a few perks not provided with standard camping. Power-sockets, Wi-Fi and most importantly a full-size double bed mean the lines are blurred between domestic and slumming it, but to us, it’s the best of both worlds. Perhaps the thing that sets Bay View Farm apart is the nearby monkey sanctuary; a great day out for all the family.
Open all year round and charged at £20 per pitch which allows for two adults and two children.
HOOKS HOUSE FARM, ROBIN HOODS BAY, NORTH YORKSHIRE
Sticking with scenery and a view to remember, Hooks House Farm in North Yorkshire keeps the vibe going and perhaps even betters our previous two choices. The site’s grassy slopes wind down and around the high hill right the way until you reach the sea. Considered the ideal starting point for anyone wanting to commit to the notorious, 20 day coast-to-coast walk from here to St. Bee’s Head in Cumbria, if you’re a fan of trekking, this is the ultimate place to start. What’s more, the local beach on Robin Hoods Bay offers opportunities for rock pooling and fossil hunting, while just a 15-minute walk away is the local museum.
Between March and October, the site will remain open. From £7 for adults and £3 for children.
BAYSBROWN FARM, GREAT LANGDALE, LAKE DISTRICT
Situated in the beautiful Great Langdale Valley, what sets this campsite apart is the spontaneity it encourages; you don’t book a pitch here, you just arrive and find a space. Acres of flat ground belong to the farm, sitting at the base of the Lake District’s mountain range, providing a picturesque backdrop for happy campers.
But when the scenery is this good, you won’t want to spend too long in your tent. Rise early and set off hiking through the routes that include Crinkle Crags and Scafell Pike. For anyone looking to escape from the pressures of modern life, this campsite is just the ticket.
This site is open from March through to October. From £6 per adult and £3.50 per child.