7 Most Beautiful UK Camping Destinations 2021
Camping: you either love it or hate it.
A camping holiday may not be the first choice for travellers, but the statistics suggest they’re soaring in popularity. Statistics from 2020 showed that camping bookings for 2021 soared by 500%.
If you know a thing or two about the stunning views that UK campsites have to offer, you’ll understand why. If you’re looking for the perfect location for your next UK camping trip or staycation, look no further.
Let’s run through seven of the most beautiful camping destinations in the UK.
1 – The Cairngorms National Park – Scotland
The Cairngorms is the largest national park in the UK, and its mountain ranges are situated in Northeast Scotland. The Cairngorms is home to many campsites. These are so diverse that there’s guaranteed to be a perfect camping holiday for everyone.
In the Cairngorms, you can choose from glamping with hot tubs and saunas to wooden chalets and country cabins. If you fancy it, you can even do some wild camping in some stunning rural areas. You’ll never be far from its spectacular mountain ranges, lochs and rivers, and breath-taking greenery.
You’ll also share your visit with several unique and endangered animals like the Scottish wildcat, the golden eagle, the capercaillie, the red squirrel, and many more.
2 – Three Cliffs Bay – Gower, Wales
If you want a campsite with a breath-taking view of the cliffs and the sea, look no further.
Near Swansea, Wales, Three Cliffs Bay boasts a stunning shoreline of sand dunes, limestone cliffs, and salt marsh. It’s one of the most picturesque beaches in Swansea’s ecologically diverse Gower Peninsula, and it’s easy to see why.
There are multiple campsites at three cliffs bay offering glamping and pitches, and you’ll never be too far from a shop. The sandy beaches are also dog-friendly all year round, so you’ll have no trouble bringing your four-legged friend along on your holiday.
The area is also shrouded in a rich history, with the ruins of the mysterious Pennard Castle and its neighbouring church easily accessible. There are also many caves dating from 4000 BC open to visit so that you can give the kids a fun educational experience on your holiday, too.
3 – Knepp Estate – Horsham, West Sussex
The Knepp Estate is famous for regeneration and restoration projects which focus on nature conservation. The rewilding project is also home to some free-flying storks, which can be seen from the estate’s footpaths and bridleways.
The estate’s campsite is in the heart of a stunning wildflower meadow, situated on the edge of ancient woodland. As well as your regular pitch, you can also choose to hire out a yurt or a treehouse for your camping experience.
To top off your trip, you can also participate in a ‘Knepp Safari’ – you can see the diverse range of wildlife in the area like wild ponies, pigs, deer, birds, and the estate’s famous white storks.
4 – Gill Head Farm – Cumbria
Do you want to completely envelope yourself in that feeling of escapism?
Gill Head Farm in Cumbria is a family-run working hill farm located within the Lake District National Park. The area, renowned for its glacial ribbon lake and rugged mountain ranges (including Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England).
The area is also rooted in a rich history and has boasted several famous residents over the years, including the poet William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
Gill Head Farm offers campers caravan and camping accommodation (including camping pods), as well as self-catering farmhouse accommodation. The farm is situated against the beautiful backdrop of Blencathra and the northern fells of the Lake District National Park.
5 – Canal Camping – Norfolk
Fancy camping beside the water, with a range of activities to keep you busy?
Canal camping is a peaceful, remote campsite located in Dilham, Norfolk. As the name suggests, this campsite is located besides one of the countries most unique canals. You’ll be nestled within the water and reeds, and you’ll have access to a specialist glamping section or regular pitches (no campervans allowed).
You can even hire a canoe to explore the canal on, and there’s plenty of other opportunities to keep you busy – from cycling and country walks to exploring stately homes, the possibilities are endless.
6 – Hidden Valley Camping – Worcestershire
As the name suggests, this stunning campsite is nestled away in a quiet corner of the Worcestershire countryside. This is a small, family-run campsite focused on simplicity – everything is scaled back, so it’s just you, nature, your crackling fire, and the birdsong dawn chorus.
With a wild nine-acre orchard and only a handful of tent pitches on offer, you’re guaranteed your solitude on your trip. You’ll be tucked away in the rolling hills and the endless greenery of the countryside, and you’ll still have facilities to hand like toilets and showers. Fires are allowed, and you’ll only be a stone’s throw away from the local pub.
If you fancy something a bit fancier than your standard tent, there are also a few fully furnished bell tents on offer, so you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your camping trip.
7 – Eigg Organics – Cleadale, Isle of Eigg
Eigg Organics is located at the northern end of the Isle of Eigg, Scotland. It sits between cliff faces and beautiful beaches, giving you a breath-taking view over the Atlantic, towards Rum and The Outer Hebrides.
Eigg organics has been voted one of the best campsites in the UK, and it’s currently the only designated campsite on Eigg.
You’re guaranteed solitude, escapism, and truly unique views. You’ll also be surrounded by free-roaming livestock native to Eigg, so, unfortunately, you won’t be able to bring your four-legged friends to this one.
If you want some activities to keep you busy during your stay, Eigg Organics also offers a bespoke gardening course to visitors. There’s also a ‘croft tour’ open to visitors so that you can learn more about crofting, croft ownership, and the history of crofting.
Remember: If you’re traveling to the UK from abroad, you may be required to obtain a tourist visa for your stay. For more information, consult your local government authority, or refer to the GOV.uk website.