My husband has always loved camping, he had been trying to convince we for years that we should get a tent. I managed to hold him off the idea, but last year I finally caved after the kids all ganged up on me too and insisted camping was amazing and that we should definitely get a tent!
So off we went down to our local Go Outdoors store to "look" at tents. Now I was pretty insistent we were just looking, however an hour later my husband comes back to the car, a massive cheesy grin on his face and a trolley full to the brim with a tent and camping gear! So I guess that means we were official now a family who did camp right?
Well actually we were pretty clueless when it came to places to camp and what we would actually need! Yes we had the tent but that was where it ended, so we spent the best part of last year researching and looking up what we needed, top tips and most importantly the best place to camp with kids.
So with lots of research, advice and the help of some fellow campers here is my list of the top 10 family friendly places to camp right here in the UK!
Well actually we were pretty clueless when it came to places to camp and what we would actually need! Yes we had the tent but that was where it ended, so we spent the best part of last year researching and looking up what we needed, top tips and most importantly the best place to camp with kids.
So with lots of research, advice and the help of some fellow campers here is my list of the top 10 family friendly places to camp right here in the UK!
Holmsley Caravan and Camping Site - New Forest National Park
Holmsley Caravan and Camping site is based within the New Forest national park and gives you the chance to get back to basics with forest camping. The site has all of the amenities you could need for a family camping trip such as toilet and shower block, on site shop and takeaway and a play park.
There is also the added bonus of being in the New Forest with animals such as ponies and cows to see roaming and lots of beautiful walks to enjoy and wildlife to discover.
River Dart Country Park - Ashburton, Devon
Nant Y Big Campsite - Abersoch, Pwllheli
Picture Credit The Mum Diaries |
There is also the added bonus of being in the New Forest with animals such as ponies and cows to see roaming and lots of beautiful walks to enjoy and wildlife to discover.
River Dart Country Park - Ashburton, Devon
Picture Credit Kids Days Out Reviews
Set in 90 acres of parkland within Dartmoor National Park, the River Dart Country Park is a great spot for a family camping trip. Whether its thrill seeking activities or a more relaxing break you are looking for River Dart Country Park has something for everyone with over 25 on site activities available!
The campsite has modern and well equipped amenity blocks with free hot water and showers for campers. There is also a toddlers beach, tennis courts and a well stocked shop selling everything from every day essentials to camping equipment and even meat for your BBQ, all on site. |
Picture Credit Potty Adventures
If its a pitch with a view you are looking for on your next camping adventure, then Nant Y Big certainly won't disappoint! There are three different camping area's to choose from, two of which have stunning beach views and one which is much closer to the toilet/shower amenities but without the views.
Whilst the campsite is basic in the fact there isn't a play park or entertainment facilities etc it is a haven for nature lovers and those looking to escape and get back to basics. Of course there is the beautiful beach to enjoy but there are also miles of beautiful coastal walks and a plethora of wildlife to see. Its a real escape from the daily grind and a great place to reconnect and recharge your batteries.
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Forest Glade Holiday Park - Blackdown Hills, East Devon
Picture Credit The Parent Game Blog |
As well as plenty of stunning self guided nature walks and lots of wildlife to see, the park also boasts lots of onsite activities for the whole family including a free to use indoor heated swimming pool, ball games area and tennis courts, games room and soft play. There is also an onsite shop stocking the essentials, a takeaway and even a bakery all on site.
There are ample facilities for campers including free hot showers, a coin operated laundry room, family shower rooms and even a camp kitchen which contains microwave, kettle and toaster, perfect if you are wanting to travel light and only bring the essentials with you.
Longleat Club Site - Wiltshire Longleat, Warminster
Longleat club site gives you the option of either camping or caravanning. The site is run by the caravan and motorhome club, although you don't need to be a member to stay but you will receive a discount if you are a member. The site has clean and modern toilet and shower facilities as well as a games room, complete with pool table, games and a colour tv. There is also a play park and of course you are just a short distance from the Safari park.
What makes Longleat club site really unique is how close it is situated to Longleat Safari Park. Its so close in fact that you can hear the sea lions barking for their fish in the morning and the lions roar! The animals sound like they could be right outside and its certainly a pretty fun way to start the day.
Barefoot Campsites - Oxfordshire
If you are looking for a real escape, a chance to really get back to nature with some off grid camping, then Barefoot camping might just be for you. This gem of a campsite is hidden away in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside but still just 6 miles from the busy city of Oxford, not that you would know that once on site.
There is no electricity or wifi on site, no artificial light or modern amenities. Instead at Barefoot camping you will be really getting back to nature using candles, real camp fires and even composting toilets! The campsite is therefore a basic campsite but it really does give you the chance to try out the back to basics camping, campfires are actively encouraged as well as trying your hand at activities such as canoeing too!
You can choose to bring your own tent or campervan, as well as having the option to hire a range of accommodation on site which includes bell tents or log pods.
Fidden Farm Campsite - Isle of Mull
Fidden Farm Campsite is a basic campsite in Scotland and is great for families looking for a slower pace of life where you can just enjoy the days and recharge your batteries.
With stunning coastal views right from your tent, rock pools to explore when the tide is out and that fresh sea air greeting you first thing in the morning, Fidden Farm campsite is a must is you love the beach and the seaside. Fidden Farm is also a working farm so be aware you may be sharing your pitch with the odd sheep or two.
The campsite is a short distance away from the village of Fionnphort, where you can take the ferry over to the Isle of Iona and explore what is has to offer too.
Longleat club site gives you the option of either camping or caravanning. The site is run by the caravan and motorhome club, although you don't need to be a member to stay but you will receive a discount if you are a member. The site has clean and modern toilet and shower facilities as well as a games room, complete with pool table, games and a colour tv. There is also a play park and of course you are just a short distance from the Safari park.
What makes Longleat club site really unique is how close it is situated to Longleat Safari Park. Its so close in fact that you can hear the sea lions barking for their fish in the morning and the lions roar! The animals sound like they could be right outside and its certainly a pretty fun way to start the day.
Barefoot Campsites - Oxfordshire
Picture Credit - Barefoot Camping |
There is no electricity or wifi on site, no artificial light or modern amenities. Instead at Barefoot camping you will be really getting back to nature using candles, real camp fires and even composting toilets! The campsite is therefore a basic campsite but it really does give you the chance to try out the back to basics camping, campfires are actively encouraged as well as trying your hand at activities such as canoeing too!
You can choose to bring your own tent or campervan, as well as having the option to hire a range of accommodation on site which includes bell tents or log pods.
Fidden Farm Campsite - Isle of Mull
Picture Credit Monkey and Mouse |
With stunning coastal views right from your tent, rock pools to explore when the tide is out and that fresh sea air greeting you first thing in the morning, Fidden Farm campsite is a must is you love the beach and the seaside. Fidden Farm is also a working farm so be aware you may be sharing your pitch with the odd sheep or two.
The campsite is a short distance away from the village of Fionnphort, where you can take the ferry over to the Isle of Iona and explore what is has to offer too.
Bumblebarn Bell Tents - North Norfolk
Love the idea of camping but not quite ready to snuggle in a sleeping bag on the floor? Then glamping could be the option for you! Bumblebarn offer natural canvas bell tents so you can camp in style on the beautiful North Norfolk coast.
The bell tents are equipt with everything you need to camp in comfort including electric blankets, fresh linens, chairs, storage, lanterns, towels, blankets, kettle, complimentary tea, coffee and sugar and a cool box. There is also a communal cooking area where you can head down to meet new people, make new friends and do some camp cooking. The campfire kitchen has an open fire and BBQ area as well as undercover kitchen area stocked with cookware.
Kids will love the freedom of being able to play outside and get back to nature, they may even spot some of the animals including horses, alpacas and chickens! There is also a mud kitchen, pixie house and sandpit to keep the kids happy and entertained.
The site also has onsite toilet and washing facilities with lovely hot water and separate family/accessible shower and toilet facilities.
Picture Credit The Mum Diaries |
The bell tents are equipt with everything you need to camp in comfort including electric blankets, fresh linens, chairs, storage, lanterns, towels, blankets, kettle, complimentary tea, coffee and sugar and a cool box. There is also a communal cooking area where you can head down to meet new people, make new friends and do some camp cooking. The campfire kitchen has an open fire and BBQ area as well as undercover kitchen area stocked with cookware.
Kids will love the freedom of being able to play outside and get back to nature, they may even spot some of the animals including horses, alpacas and chickens! There is also a mud kitchen, pixie house and sandpit to keep the kids happy and entertained.
The site also has onsite toilet and washing facilities with lovely hot water and separate family/accessible shower and toilet facilities.
Do you have a favourite camping spot or any camping tips for new campers? Please do share them in the comments below!
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**Thank you to all the amazing bloggers who all contributed to this post with their favourite camping spot ideas.**
I'm not much for traditional camping but I must admit that the view on the Isle of Mull would be wonderful to wake up to.
ReplyDeleteI don't go camping all that often so don't have a favourite camping spot but I will definitely be checking some of these out!
ReplyDeleteI love the bell tent idea, we're not really a camping family, but think that this would be a happy medium
ReplyDeleteI don't really enjoy camping but we're off on our fourth trip this summer!
ReplyDeleteWow so many lovely spots. Devon is a beautiful part of the world for sure xx
ReplyDeleteWe live not far from Holmsley and it is a lovely place to camp or even visit for the day
ReplyDeleteSo many great recommendations here, thank you x
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant roundup, there's nowhere better than the UK in summertime!
ReplyDeleteAww I love the look of Barefoot Campsites in Oxfordshire - it looks like a real retreat! We recently stayed at The Glamping Orchard in the Cotswolds and it was such a fun family experience :)
ReplyDeleteSo many fab places to camp! We are hoping to go camping so will definitely consider these places.
ReplyDeleteOther than Duke of Edinburgh and festivals I've not done much camping, it wasn't something I did as a kid. But these look like lovely spots x
ReplyDeleteI have never been camping as I hate creepy crawlies and it scares me but this looks really nice and such lovely views.
ReplyDeleteI used to do lots of camping as a teenager, but haven't been brave enough to take the children camping yet.
ReplyDeleteI love camping - haven't been this year yet, this place looks perfect!
ReplyDeleteThere's so many gorgeous places in the UK that are perfect for camping. We love Devon, it's one of our favourite places.
ReplyDelete