Our favourite places to camp in the UK
With timeframes for international travel without quarantine still unclear, could camping see a leap in popularity as Brits seek to book staycations when lockdown measures ease? If the warm weather continues and camping grounds are allowed to reopen with social distancing measures in place, this could be one of the first sectors to welcome holidaymakers back. Camping is such a wonderful way to connect with nature, enjoy the outdoors, and discover some of the most beautiful parts of the UK. But how to avoid dodgy showers, packed out sites and less than scenic pitches that look nothing like the website photos? Here are three of our favourite camping grounds in the UK, offering perfect rural sanctuaries - plenty of space to yourself, tons of wildlife and good facilities to boot. We can’t wait to pitch up our tent again when it’s safe to do so!
South Penquite Farm, Cornwall
A 200-acre farm on Bodmin Moor, this is one of the best camping grounds we’ve been to in the UK. It’s in an idyllic setting with views over the moors, awesome sunsets, heaps of space (we pitched up in a large field with only another two tents for company) and really good facilities. What’s more, they allow you to build a proper camp fire (it’s surprising how many sites don’t allow this) and, for hardened Londoners, there’s a little cart selling flat whites (yes they have oat milk) and seriously good sausage baps at the weekend. From the site it’s super easy to get to the Camel Trail for epic cycling all the way to Padstow. www.southpenquite.co.uk
Campwell, Cherry Wood, near Bath
If a night under canvas isn’t for you, check out Cherry Wood near Bath. A self-styled “village” of handcrafted yurts. log cabins, a shepherd’s hut and a cob roundhouse within a woodland valley, this is a place to get closer to nature but with a few more creature comforts, like wood burners and made-up beds. We love the look of the Chief’s Den, essentially three yurts joined together to create a spacious, private living and sleeping area in the woods. On the doorstep there are plenty of walking routes to enjoy and, inspired by the green woodworking techniques used to create the accommodation at Cherry Wood, the owners also offer various workshops for those wanting to learn a new skill. www.campwell.co.uk
Knepp Wildland, West Sussex
One of the largest rewilding projects in lowland Britain, Knepp is 3,500 acres of West Sussex countryside, dedicated to making the world a better place by restoring wild nature. Pitch up your tent in a wildflower meadow on the edge of an ancient wood - there are treehouses, shepherd’s huts and yurts available too. The pitches have their own fire pits, and you can buy all manner of camp fire essentials including local, sustainable charcoal and log candles, along with amazing Knepp Wild Range longhorn and venison sausages, steaks and burgers to BBQ, and organic wine, beer and cider to perfectly complement your camp feast. www.knepp.co.uk