The UK’s 20 Most Instagrammable Staycation Camping Spots
On April 4 Boris confirmed that holiday campsites can open up again from Monday April 12, which feels like perfect timing ahead of lots of predicted sunshine.
International travel is banned up until May 17, with £5,000 fines being dished out to those who venture out of the UK.
The search term “staycation” has seen almost a 50% increase since Boris assured us that we can travel around the country again.
Decathlon have pinpointed the best camping spots dotted in the beautiful north, based on the reviews from the best camping & travelling guides across the country.
Cornish Tipi Holidays – Bodmin, Cornwall
Ever wanted to have the true nomad experience? You can hire a North American tipi or pitch your own tent up in the Valley area of Cornwall. In a secluded open meadow, you are both a stone’s throw from the beach and all of Cornwall’s attractions.
Ideal for: Star-gazing & social media detoxing
Celtic Camping and Bunkhouses – St Davids, Pembrokshire
With some of the best sea views and beaches only yards away from your tent, it’s hard to ask for more. Run by a couple who’ve owned the site since 1992, Celtic Camping and Bunkhouses has the homely feeling with all needed amenities. And most importantly, it offers that ethereal solitude in nature.
Ideal for: That crisp sea air and stunning views
Plush Tents Glamping – Chichester, West Sussex
This is the perfect option if you aren’t quite ready to ‘rough it up’ yet. Plush Tents Glamping provides proper mattresses and Egyptian cotton bedding along with the natural delights. Tea, coffee and food options are all available.
Ideal for: Keeping home comforts
Gill Head Farm – Lake District, Cumbria
It’s hard to find a more beautiful landscape in the UK. On the surface, this working family farm is a solid spot to pitch a tent. But if you ask for the Hidden Field you’ll find a riverside nook with wildlife and waterfalls. A scene straight out of a Disney film.
Ideal for: A sense of adventure and escapism
Abbey Home Farm – Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
Open camping has been allowed at this farm for years, and the site has recently installed working showers. Despite this modern introduction, a sense of DIY and intuition is still encouraged. You’ll be pushed to gather your own wood, heat your water over fire and become one with the picturesque landscape.
Ideal for: The budding outdoorsman/Bear Grylls wannabe
Bert’s Kitchen Garden, Llyn Peninsula, Wales
Set in between two mountains, Bert’s Kitchen Garden is based in a spot of woodland just yards from the coast. This lesser-known spot has its own beach as well as Bert’s Kitchen, a family campervan that travelled the globe before transforming into a café for tea, coffee and home-made croissants.
Ideal for: Appreciating mountains with a croissant and coffee
Stonebridge Fishing Lakes – Northallerton, North Yorkshire
It’s hard to find a more perfect spot to soak in the stars at night and cast a line in the morning. Whether you’re a pro at reeling in fish or a newbie to the rod, there’s something for everyone at Stonebridge. Facilities-a-plenty, it’s perfect for those wanting a more comfortable experience or those wanting to get in touch with nature.
Ideal for: Those interested in the art of angling in a quaint setting
Amber’s Bell Tents – Norfolk, Shropshire & Worcestershire
In a vintage setting that feels like something out of the Cannes Film Festival, these spots will see you wild swimming, fruit picking and bike riding across the countryside. If this doesn’t hit your fancy, you can take up the wood-fired saunas or take part in bushcraft lessons.
Ideal for: Adding scenic pictures to your social media
Camping Unplugged – Abbotstone, South-East England
The beauty of freedom in nature becomes reality at Camping Unplugged. You’re allowed to create your own fire where you see fit, as well as pitching your canvas (safely) amidst trees and greenery. A spot frequented by city professionals, many people visit this place to switch off and reconnect with nature.
Ideal for: A corporate and digital detox
The Paddock Wildcamp – Cornwall, Perranporth
How does yoga, surfing, campfires, canvas and a return to a simpler life sound? If those are up your street , then you’ll love The Paddock Wildcamp. This adult-only campsite is surrounded by thatch-roofed pubs and a beach only five minutes away.
Ideal for: Real ale drinkers and sunset enthusiasts
Lee Valley Almost Wild Campsite – Hertfordshire
Just an hour outside London, Lee Valley Almost Wild Campsite is the perfect escape for workers in the Big Smoke looking to get lost amidst grass and woodland. Sailing, kayaking and bushcraft lessons are all on offer, alongside opportunities to spot the vast wildlife that resides in the area.
Ideal for: Londoners looking for a quick break
Mad Hatters Campsite – Ely, Cambridgeshire
Set up in the meadows of Ely, this campsite is a top spot for families looking for a lively place to spend a few nights. Younger ones will spend many enjoyable hours in the play areas and exploring wildlife, whilst the adults can enjoy a short walk to Ely, home of a spectacular cathedral and Oliver Cromwell’s house.
Ideal for: Families looking for a fun adventure
Mill Top Huts – Middleton, County Durham
Paired with The Moorcock Inn pub, this glamping set up sets itself apart from its counterparts with stunning scenery, nearby landmarks and a pint to end each day. The pods are set up with comfy beds, electric, tea and coffee facilities and camp stoves. Sat in the North Pennines area, you’re close to High Force, England’s biggest waterfall.
Ideal for: Those wanting breathtaking scenery and a accompanying beverage
The Pig Place campsite – Banbury, Oxfordshire
Seeped in rural charms, this simple camping spot makes for a unique experience. Set on the canal bank it is home to farm animals and a farm shop, with rustic ingredients being sold. The Pig Stop, a locally-famous food van makes a renowned full-english breakfast.
Ideal for: Those wanting to explore Warwickshire and Oxfordshire by canal
Chase Camping – Rugeley, Staffordshire
Arguably the most laid-back atmosphere of the list, Chase Camping is set on 30 acres of open land in rural Staffordshire, holding almost as many bikes as there are tents. Pets are allowed, fire pits are available and space is plentiful to wander and get immersed in the rural environment.
Ideal for: the explorative walkers who want to make their own path
Fidden Farm – Isle of Mull, Scotland
Once you see the clear-blue water and white beaches you may think you’re in the Caribbean, but rest assured that you’re in the Isle of Mull in Scotland. This hidden-away island is a camping treasure, giving you that luxury holiday feeling all via a drive and ferry.
Ideal for: People who want the luxury holiday experience
Scaldersitch Farm – Buxton, Derbyshire
It’s hard to find a more stylish pitch than at this luxury glamping at Scaldersitch Farm. The boutique tipis and yurts are equipped each with their own double bed, stove and fur rugs, not to mention a wood fired hot tub!
Ideal for: Hot tub lovers
Craighead Howfs – Dunblane, Perthshire
A set of unique Hobbit-style houses, this is the perfect place for any Lord of the Rings fan. Each house was built by the owners uniquely to create a bespoke feeling. Set on a family farm and surrounded by wildlife, that touch of nature and adventure is guaranteed.
Ideal for: Lord of the Rings fans!
Low Wray – Lake District
Based on the coast of the famous Lake Windermere, this spot will provide that sense of amazement. Surrounded by mountain peaks, you are sure of a time spent taking in the majestic views and atmosphere.
Ideal for: Those who appreciate a mountainous environment
Wicken Fen – Cambridgeshire
The most private on the list, this site only allows for one group at a time. With the whole site available, you’ll be able to get that intimate and peaceful experience. Groups can also explore a nearby nature reserve, which has over a thousand different species of wildlife.
Ideal for: Those wanting to get the exclusive experience