Queen of the outdoors and co-founder of our website, Julia Bradbury, recently shared her 10 favourite camping spots in the UK. How many have you visited?
1) Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Keswick
Located near many of Julia’s most famous Wainwright Walks, including the ever-popular Catbells, this campsite is the perfect place to enjoy the Lake District from. The campground itself is right on the edge of Derwentwater, where you can rent kayaks or canoes.
Or, if you fancy just taking a load off and going out for a meal, the centre of Keswick is within walking distance. If you want walking inspiration in the area, just take a look at our Lake District Walk section.
2) Riverdale Rural Holidays, Ripon
Based in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, on the banks of the River Ure, Riverdale Rural Holidays is the perfect mixture of comfort and nature. Their high spec safari tents will feel like a five-star hotel, whilst still allowing you to get close to nature.
There are amazing attractions like the National Trust’s Fountain’s Abbey and Brimham Rocks nearby, as well as the beautiful Cathedral town of Ripon.
3) Camping and Caravanning Club, Cambridge
Set just outside the beautiful city of Cambridge, this Camping and Caravanning Club site is perfect for campers new and old. With standard pitches, grass pitches and the clubs brand new ‘ready camp’ tents, it’s perfect for everyone.
Set close to the park and ride station, it’s easy to get into the centre of Cambridge, where you can rent bikes, tour colleges and punt along the River Cam.
4) MarGins Holidays, Burnham Deepdale
Based on the beautiful North Norfolk Coast, MarGins Holidays can be better described as glamping rather than camping. You’ll be housed in high-quality Outwell Tents, with comfortable beds, cooking equipment and all the ingredients you’ll need for a delicious full English breakfast.
It’s also perfectly situated on the Norfolk Coast Path and could be a great place to stay as part of your long-distance walking adventure.
5) Camping and Caravanning Club Ready Camp, Bala
In beautiful North Wales, just an hour from the highest mountain in wales, this campsite is perfect for adventurers. Not too far from Lake Bala, the beach and the mountains you will be spoilt for choice for activities.
One day you could be scaling Snowdon, the next you could be windsurfing on the Lake, the next you could be riding the Ffestiniog Railways taking in the magnificent sights.
6) Wyming Brook Farm, Sheffield
Situated a stone’s throw from my Wyming Brook and Redmires Reservoir Sheffield Walk, this campsite is the perfect place to get the most out of the Peak District and the city centre. You will walk through rugged moorland, peaceful woodland and alongside a sparkling reservoir, leading you straight back to your campsite.
You’ll be situated close to public transport, taking you into the centre of Sheffield, as well as the gorgeous surrounding countryside which you can explore.
7) Sharpham Trust, Totnes
This unusual, paddle up campsite right on the banks of the River Dart is the perfect place to unwind for the night. Halfway along my River Dart Walk, featured in Cornwall and Devon walks with Julia Bradbury, The Sharpham Trust is a peaceful retreat, committed to rewilding their land and promoting wellness and mindfulness.
The campsite is basic, but beautiful, often host to seals basking in the river.
8) Bellingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Based in the stunning (and heavily underrated!) Northumberland National Park, this comfortable, family-friendly campsite is one of the best places to get away from it all.
The site has great facilities, including a shop, games room, indoor social spaces and more. It’s also located close to a number of attractions, including Kielder Water, Hadrian’s Wall and Alnwick castle.
9) Middlewood Farm Holiday Park, Whitby
Not only is this campsite located near Whitby, the mythical landing place of Dracula, but it’s also close to Robin Hood’s Bay – it’s certainly an area alive with stories! As well as all the fictional interest, there are some amazing sights to be seen.
The North York Moors are right on your doorstep and the coast is a stone’s throw away.
10) Camping in the Forest, Holmsley, New Forest
For a unique forest camping experience, you could head to Holmsley in the New Forest. It’s a wonderfully open site, with all grass pitches and lovely views of the surrounding forest. There’s plenty of places for the kids to play, as well as miles of footpaths to explore.
Since the site is near Bournemouth you will also have access to the lovely beaches and walks on the South Coast – sounds like the perfect holiday to me!
Let us know on social media which one of Julia’s top picks is your favourite! You can follow us using the links below!