Call me bias, but I’m a firm believer that the UK has some of the finest countryside in the whole world.
Home to a plethora of stunning National Parks, jaw-dropping coastlines, epic peaks, charming villages, ancient woodlands, hidden waterfalls and boundless rolling pastures, it’s no wonder why this little island is so highly touted within outdoor circles.
Particularly popular among campers, step outside and you’re also never far away from one of the countless campsites dotted throughout this stunning landscape.
Having ventured on innumerable camping trips up and down the UK since I was a little nipper, safe to say I know a thing or two about great campsites in the UK.
Separating the wheat from the chaff so you don’t have to, choose any one of the campsites listed below and you’ll be treated to a quality pitch with plenty of nearby outdoor activities to get your teeth sunk into.
After a long debate with my partner, we’ve whittled down our list to what we consider the 8 of the very best campsites we’ve stayed at during our camping adventures.
Interested? Then let’s get to it 👇 👇
Best Campsites in the UK
Camping in Llanberis (Llanberis, Snowdonia National Park, Wales)
Location – Llwyn Celyn Bach, Ceunant St, Llanberis, Caernarfon LL55 4SR
A secluded campsite conveniently residing at the base of Mount Snowdon, one of the main selling points about the Camping in Llanberis site has to be the jaw-dropping views.
Just a stone’s throw away from Llanberis village and Llyn Peris (a lake used for various fun watersports), you’ll certainly be in no shortage of things to do during your camp here.
With the campsite situated beside the popular Lllanberis Path – widely touted the easiest route up Snowdon – this is also a perfect spot for those eager to tackle the legendary peak.
For all you adventurous types, in the neighbouring vicinity you’ll have access to the famed Watkins Path Waterfalls and the Secret Snowdon Infinity Pool.
For activities more on the chilled side, why not head to the charming little towns of Beddgelert & Betws-y-Coed? And if you don’t fancy trekking up to the summit of Snowdon, you can always simply hop on the iconic mountain railway instead.
Self-proclaimed as a ‘back to basics’ mountain farm campsite, this no-frills location has both camping & glamping options and is ideal for campers looking for a a quiet stay since they don’t allow groups of more than 4.
With a grass pitch costing as little as £10 per night, this is a fantastic holiday choice which won’t break the bank.
For a detailed breakdown of what to do during your time in Snowdonia, be sure to check out our ’12 Unmissable Things To Do In Snowdonia’ post.
Syke Farm Campsite (Buttermere, Lake District)
Location – Syke Farm Campsite Limited, Cockermouth CA13 9XA
Undoubtedly one of the Lake District’s most sought after spots, Syke Farm is another stripped back campsite nestled in the heart of Buttermere village.
Located right beside Buttemere Lake, the circular trail around the renowned shimmering water is hailed as one of the finest lake walks in the whole national park.
In addition to other nearby hotspots including Sour Gyhll Waterfall and Crummock Water (also a popular wild camping & swimming spot) hiding in the near vicinity, Buttermere is also a popular base for tackling some of the nearby peaks, namely High Stile, Red Pike and High Stile looming large over the surrounding landscape.
Regardless of which outdoor activities you decide to get up to however, once returning back to the village you’ll always have the option to reward yourself with some classic British pub grub at the Bridge Inn (also known as the ‘Walkers Bar’). Perfect.
A tranquil campsite site offering just the bare necessities, Syke Farm is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and get back in touch with the wonders of mother nature.
You get a real feel of how magical this place is once evening sets and the day tripper tourists leave the village. Left with nothing but the sounds of wildlife and gentle trickling of the stream running beside the camp pitch, words simply can’t do this Lake District haven justice.
Mullberry’s Farm (Holyhead, Anglesey, Wales)
Location – Lon Bach, Caergeiliog, Llanfihangel-yn-Nhywyn, Holyhead LL65 3NL
A favourite holidaying spot for my girlfriend during her childhood, I never had the pleasure of exploring Anglesey until we went camping here a couple years back.
Despite only spending a handful of days here, I can assuredly say it’s one of my all time favourite camping destinations in the UK.
Home to numerous quaint towns, breathtaking views, sublime beaches and various fantastic walks to explore, this little isle truly is a gem in the crown of Wales.
Pitching our tent at Mullberry’s Farm, we also couldn’t have wished for a nicer campsite. Quiet, secluded, and extremely well kempt, the staff at the farm were both welcoming & friendly, giving us plenty of resources and advice as to what to do during our stay.
Fun fact – they even ran a breakfast service, taking orders the night before and delivering brekkie to your door the next morning. Lovely stuff!
Perhaps our favourite activities in the area were checking out the famous South Stack Lighthouse and strolling along Rhosneigr beach.
Rhosneigr beach is actually one of the UK’s main surfing hotspots. I was unfortunately injured during our last visit so couldn’t partake, but next time I definitely will.
Costing a little more than your average campsite, the higher price point to stay at Mulberry’s Farm was more than worth it. Provided with a private spacious camping pitch, extremely friendly staff and top notch facilities in clean and working order, 10/10 would recommend 👍
You can read more about our camping trip here.
Red Squirrel Campsite (Glencoe, Scotland)
Location – Glencoe, Ballachulish PH49 4HX
Now, no blog post on the best campsites in the UK would be complete without a pitch in the Scottish Highlands.
Burrowed in the hills only a short distance from the breathtaking village of Glencoe, Red Squirrel campsite is in walking distance of a bunch of amazing spots well worth checking out.
Perhaps our favourite wonders in the area are Glencoe Lochan and the Harry Potter filming location where they filmed Hagrid’s Hut – only a 10-minute stroll from camp.
A short drive away you also have Fort William (dubbed the Outdoor capital of the UK) and the behemoth that is Ben Nevis, officially the highest mountain in the UK. Climb if you dare!
For a comprehensive guide containing all the unmissable activities to do during your stay here, be sure to head on over to our Fort William guide here.
Acorn Glamping and Camping (Luxulyan Valley, Cornwall)
Location – Rock Cottage, Prideaux, St Blazey, Par, Cornwall, PL24 2SS, Par PL24 2SS
Cornwall truly is like nowhere else in Britain. When you get the right weather conditions, it could easily be mistaken as some far flung paradise.
The sparkling blue seas, colourful coastal towns , tasty local food and plethora of outdoor activities – its no wonder we find ourselves coming back here time and time again.
On our most recent visit this past summer, we opted to stay at Acorn Glamping and Camping. A quiet & secluded spot hidden in the woodlands of Luxulyan Valley (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), during your stay you can pitch a tent or even upgrade into one of the Hobbit Holes & Huts scattered around the site.
Perfect for those wanting a quiet pitch with plenty of nearby activities to get stuck into to, we’d absolutely recommended spending a few days visiting all the quaint little towns on offer – the cream of the crop being Charlestown, St Austell’s Bay & Fowey.
Offering guided walking tours & sculpture workshop activities on-site, Acorn Camping is also only a 30 minute drive from Newquay; Cornwall’s most popular town and a worldwide surfing hotspot.
During your stay why not try your hand at surfing on Fistral Beach? There really is no better place to give it a bash.
After your surfing bonanza, also be sure to sample the towns fresh seafood – I’m always partial to a fresh batch of mussels by the seaside!
Holme Farm Campsite (Horton-in-Ribblesdale Yorkshire Dales)
Location – Holme Farm, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Yorkshire Dales, BD24 0HD
Often dubbed ‘God’s own county’, Yorkshire is absolutely teeming with outdoor wonder.
Perhaps best known for being home to the prestigious Yorkshire Dales, my favourite spot in the National Park unequivocally has to be at the home of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks.
A trio of epic fells all within walking distance of one another, each year thousands of keen ramblers make the visit here to complete the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, which involves completing a circular route of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside & Ingleborough in the space of just 12 hours.
You by no means have to complete all 3 peaks in one go however, they’re all fantastic adventures in their own right.
I’d particularly recommend exploring around the Ribblehead Viaduct at the base of Whernside, which offers marvellous picture taking opportunities.
There are a number of cracking campsites in the area, one of the best being Holme Farm Campsite in Horton-in-Ribblesdale (the most popular starting point for the 3 peaks).
Situated beside the epic mound of Pen-y-ghent and overlooking the wonderfully green Yorkshire countryside, camping here really does feel like you’re right in the thick of National Park.
Top tip – Thinking of tackling the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge? Then be sure to read through our detailed ‘Yorkshire 3 Peaks Training Plan’ here 👈
Kielder Forest Campsite (Kielder Forest, Northumberland)
Location – Kielder, Hexham NE48 1EJ
Residing in the heart of England’s biggest walking forest, Kielder Forest Campsite is an absolute haven for outdoorsy folk.
Scenic & secluded, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the woodland is home to a plethora of walking & biking trails which weave through the forest and around Kielder Lake; the largest man made lake in the whole of Europe!
Likewise, Kielder is officially the fourth largest location in the world with ‘Dark Sky Status’, meaning stargazing here is absolutely magical.
During our last visit, it was truly awe-inspiring to see first-hand what the night sky truly looks like when its unshrouded by the usual veneer of light pollution we’re so accustomed to.
A rustic, back-to-basics campsite with no phone signal in sight, perhaps my favourite thing of all when camping in Kielder however, is how it really gives you the chance to recharge those batteries and get back in touch with your wild side.
Home to a large selection of long-distance rambles that’ll challenge even the best of walkers, plus plenty of shorter strolls suitable for the whole family – there’s something on offer for everyone and anyone.
The Lakeside Way is one of the most renowned trails in the area; a 27-mile loop around Kielder Water which guides you through some of the most picturesque segments of the forest.
Top tip – keep your eyes peeled for the 20+ public art sculptures dotted around the Lakeside Way – perhaps the most well-known being the spooky ‘Giant Forest Head’ pictured above.
Beadnell Bay Camping, (Beadnell, Northumberland Coast)
Location – Chathill NE67 5BX
In addition to exploring Kielder Forest, the nearby Northumberland coast is another absolute must visit.
Home to epic medieval castles, stunning sandy beaches, quirky villages & various hiking routes, this is a perfect spot for a laid-back & cultured camping trip.
Top tip – For all you bookworms, Barter Books in Alnwick is well worth a visit. One of the largest largest independent book shops in the UK and rated the best in the North of England, you’ll certainly be in no shortage of good reads to get your teeth stuck into!
Speaking of things to get your teeth stuck into, the local seafood here is also scrumptious and fresh as can be. You just can’t beat a fresh crab butty by the Northumberland coast!
If I had to recommend just one thing to do here however, taking a boat trip over to Holy Island trumps all else.
Immortalised in the history books after being plundered by Viking invaders in the 8th century, this medieval attack is generally agreed as the beginning of the Viking Age in Europe.
The small & pious holy island was the home of St Cuthbert and remains a popular pilgrimage spot to this day. Dotted around the small isle you’ll also come across Lindisfarne Castle, Lindisfarne Priory & numerous pubs & café’s to fill your boots during your visit.
Likewise, for sea life fans, the Northumberland coast is home to seals a plenty – you may even spot dolphins or whales during the boat trip if you’re lucky!
One of the best campsites in the area has to be Beadnell Bay Camping and Caravanning Club Site – a friendly and quiet spot beside the beach and offering fantastic views across the Northumberland coast and Cheviot Hills. Also just 2-short miles from the romantic & stunning fishing harbour of Seahorses, what more could you ask for?
Best campsites in the UK map
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For more camping tips, trips & recommendations, then take yourself over to the camping section of our blog here – I’m sure there’s something that’ll peak your interest!
Happy camping 🏕️