The Best Camping Spots In The British Isles For The Ultimate European Summer Getaway

The back-to-basics vacation has long been a staple of British holiday making. Wild camping has exploded in popularity, glamping has dragged natural-world sceptics into the fold, and the multitude of reasonably priced pitches across the country often proves irresistible. Still, regardless of the chosen location, the pre-plan segment of a camping vacation in the U.K. begins with questions about the weather.

To say that British weather is fickle is an understatement. The United Kingdom is situated in an area where five air masses meet. It's small enough to create a patchwork of microclimates, and the presence of the Gulf Stream moderates extreme temperatures found at similar latitudes. Elevated terrain in places such as Wales, the Scottish Highlands, and the Lake District creates a phenomenon known as relief rain. The net result of all these factors is that while the U.K. is far from the wettest place in the world, the constant threat of drizzle produces a perception of dampness that has little respect for seasonal norms. So why go camping?

Speaking as someone who camps several times a year, there are many reasons. To start with, the heather-speckled hills of the British Isles are as breathtaking as they are in debt to the precipitation that birthed them. Secondly, the threat of rain is often just that; images of constant fog and deluge are self-replicating projections. In truth, the U.K. is a lot warmer and sunnier than you might expect. So, yes, rain in mid-August is a thing, and sure, Brits take umbrellas and Wellington boots with them when visiting the national hinterlands. But behind such contingencies lies a world of beauty, endless possibilities, and the kind of adventure that only comes with a back-to-nature vacation.

Kent, known colloquially as the "Garden of England," is home to the White Cliffs of Dover and the history-soaked stones of Canterbury Cathedral. It is a county of rolling hills, fragrant orchards, and coastlines dotted with ancient shipwrecks. Warm and dry through most of the summer, it has a continental feel, and its reputation for gourmet food, vineyards, and cider production makes it a perfect spot for camping.

Badgells Wood rises above a competitive fray thanks to a combination of stunning scenery, excellent facilities, and the convenience of its location. The campsite lies in the heart of the county, 40 miles from central London. Canterbury is less than an hour's drive away, and even Dover, one of the best cities for a day trip in the U.K., is less than 50 miles distant.

The woodland it sits within is ancient and filled with the long-limbed sheen of Silver Birch, gently swaying Oaks, Sweet Chestnut, and Scots pine. Pitches are situated in individual clearings of Sweet Chestnut and silver birch. There is a level of privacy on offer here that other regional campsites cannot quite match. Bell tents are available for hire, and eight of their pitches can accommodate camper vans for as little as $30 a night. Deeper into the woodland – among the wildflowers and forageable bilberries — you'll find even quieter, adult-only pitches. Activities form a large part of the draw here. Tutorials in basic bushcraft take place every Saturday, and other classes such as outdoor yoga, archery, and movie nights keep things interesting throughout your stay.

Stratford-Upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and maintains  The waterfront is fringed with parkland, an oversized Ferris wheel overlooks the Royal Shakespeare Company, and less than 4 miles from the center of town sits the Apple Farm. Serviced by an excellent shop and café, it is clear from the moment you arrive that  

Wandering chickens, braying goats, and a pair of welcoming pigs form part of the background of everyday life. Pitches start at less than $35 a night, but this is very much an off-grid affair. You'll get access to WCs, showers, and fresh water, but there is no Wi-Fi or electricity. Meanwhile, glamping options — by way of bell tents — are found within the apple orchard. Private by their very nature, they are the perfect place to unwind. There is even a vintage caravan available for rent by those who like to do things old-school. 

Opportunities for further exploration certainly exist — the farm's proximity to the historic town of Warwick and the broad boulevards of Royal Leamington Spa are certainly a bonus. But in truth, everything you need is already in situ. Fresh eggs and some truly excellent apple cider can be accessed via the honesty shop, as can firewood at a reasonable price. Each bell tent comes with its own outdoor dining area and fire pit, the former of which provides sufficient shelter if it rains.

Cumbria is a magical place. To its north sits Hadrian's Wall, that great Roman fortification designed to keep recalcitrant Scots on their side of the border. The Lake District, a 912-square-mile region of mountains, waterways, national parks, and areas of outstanding natural beauty, dominates its southern portions. It is home to England's longest lake, often celebrated as the former stomping ground of Wordsworth, and is positively littered with ancient monuments. Little wonder then that it attracts so many tourists, over 18 million of them in 2023.

No fewer than 112 campsites serve the region, and Great Langdale is undoubtedly one of the best. Located deep in the heart of the district, around 10 miles from the region's most significant transport hub, Windermere Railway Station, the valley attracts visitors from all over the world. Visitors are treated to traditional pitches, campervan, and motorhome hookups. A few glamping pods are even dotted around. 

Prices vary by size of pitch, and there is a minimum two-night stay, but a medium pitch without electricity won't set you back more than $30. Raised barbeques are permitted, as are campfires, and the whole site is proactively dog-friendly. You'll find a laundry, showers, and even a nearby pub to frequent, but the main emphasis is on the simple pleasure of nature. Indeed, sitting in the shade of the dramatic landscape, exploring cycle paths, or hiking to spectacular waterfalls form a large part of the entertainment. 

The misty dales of the Welsh peninsula have long been high up on the list of places to go camping. Indeed, a hiking trip across the stunning Welsh coastline is almost a rite of passage for young Brits, and by far the most affordable way to complete such a trek is by pitching tents along the way. And there are few better places to begin such a journey to the ocean than Lyn Gwynant campsite. Located on the banks of a lake of the same name, it's about 16 miles from Snowdonia — the highest mountain in Wales — and about 13 miles from the harbor town of Porthmadog.

The campground offers all the amenities you'd expect, including showers and WC facilities, laundry, and fresh drinking water. Wi-Fi is patchy at best, and there are no electrical hookups, not even for the charging of electric vehicles. Campfires are permitted, but they must be kept small and placed on a provided fire stand. Foraging for wood is something of a no-no, and campers are expected to purchase wood from the campsite. Drones are also forbidden, and making noise after dark is more than frowned upon; you'll be glad for the peace, though, trust me.

Boats are available for hire, although you are welcome to use your own kayaks, canoes, or sailboats. However, motorboats aren't allowed on the lake due in part to the presence of wild swimmers. Prices vary by season, ranging from $17 to $22 per night, per adult, but there may be additional fees. Early check-ins, the addition of a dog, or the hiring of an awning certainly fit into the extra cost bracket. There is also a behavior bond of $67 per person, or close to $400 per group, to consider.

Moreton-in-Marsh might not sound like the most exotic place to begin your camping trek across the United Kingdom. However, there's more to a vacation hotspot than a name. The town lies deep within the Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty covering 800 square miles spread across six different counties. 

Wolford Wood campsite is about one hour's drive north of Oxford, and is as quintessentially Cotswolds as it gets. Dot-on-the-landscape villages surround the 200 acres of ancient woodland and meadows that you will call home for the duration of your stay. An area of special scientific interest in its own right, the camps' focus on sustainability is written large for all to see. Visitors can rent cabins, each of which is nestled in a private glade. You can also go old school and off-grid with choose-your-own-pitch meadow camping. 

Prices start just shy of $60 per night for two adults, although the bigger the party, the more you'll have to pay. Fire pits are provided, but fire bans sometimes come into effect over the summer months. Keeping things quiet and peaceful is also a priority here; drones are not allowed, and generators are also forbidden. Instead, visitors can while away the hours interacting with the local horses, geese, and other wildlife. There are treasure hunts to enjoy, spoon whittling classes to attend, and opportunities to spot rare birds and wildlife. Meanwhile, Toilet and WC facilities are more than adequate, and the quiet charm of the place offers a chance to reconnect with nature in ways few other places can compete with.

A short way from the mainland and hugging the West Coast of the U.K., the Isle of Mull is not only home to one of the best hiking trails in Scotland, but it's also a place of ineffable beauty and slow pace virtue. The island's largest settlement, Tobermory, is a vibrant fishing village of just over 1,000 residents. The rest of the 338 square miles of grassland and heather mainly consists of untouched wilderness, Mesolithic standing stones, scattered wildlife, and hidden coves.

Fidden Farm is one of many such settlements spread across the island. Situated hard against a secluded bay on the southern tip of the island — some 57 miles away from Tobermory – it's a family-run affair with decades of experience behind it. The site is open plan, meaning you can choose where to pitch your tent. Regardless of your choice, you are in for some stunning views. The Isle of Iona lies to the northwest, and although it is small, it is so soaked in history that a boat trip across the bay is bucket-list worthy.

Meanwhile, back at the camp, things are kept deliberately basic. There's no need to book; simply turn up and speak to someone at reception. They offer a flat rate of $16 per person or half that for children under the age of 15. Motorhomes are welcome, and although there are no electric hookups, the site does at least have limited Wi-Fi access. Fires and BBQs are permitted in raised fire pits on the site or au naturel if you decide to take things beachside. The shallow waters are also perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, or even the occasional dip. Word of warning, though: Things can get more than a little windy across the bay, especially during the shoulder seasons. Checking weather forecasts prior to arrival is highly recommended.   

Norfolk is a coastal region in the Southeast of England, known for its scenic beauty and fine cuisine. It offers much to the prospective camper. Few places exemplify the allure of the region better than the village of Clippesby. It can trace its origins back to Viking times, when the settlement was situated hard against a saltwater marsh. The manor house of the same name dates back to the reign of Henry II, some 850 years ago. Today, the ground it stands on is home to one of the finest camping grounds in the county.

You'll find lodges and cottages available for rent that take glamping to a whole new level. Such places will set you back around $250 a night but can accommodate as many as 8 people. Shepherd's huts cost half that price, but they only sleep two at a time. Meanwhile, traditional pitches are spread out across several different areas, allowing you to choose between communal pitches and secluded private spots. Prices start at around $80 a night, electric hookups included. 

For that price, you'll have access to the tennis courts, zip-wire-equipped play areas, and mini golf course. Bicycles are available for hire, and fresh bread and pastries are baked on site daily. The restaurant and shop, known as Basecamp, is gorgeous and offers excellent sit-in and takeaway options, including some rather excellent wood-fired pizzas. Sadly, dogs are not allowed there.

The Isles of Scilly sound very much like one of those underrated tourist destinations in Italy that you half-think you have heard of but cannot quite place. In truth, it refers to a collection of islets that lie just off the coast of Cornwall. There are 140 of them in total, although only five are inhabited. They offer two distinct advantages: Firstly, they are stunningly beautiful, and secondly, they are the warmest spot in the British Isles.

That claim is disputed on an almost annual basis, but little can detract from the majesty of Britain's very own sunshine islands. There is, after all, a surprising amount of history crammed into Scilly's combined landmass of just 6 square miles. The largest island — St Mary — is also home to the ruins of a once mighty Abby of medieval origin, while the nearby island of Tresco hosts one of the finest botanical gardens in all of Europe.

Meanwhile, the campsite at Saint Martin's acts as a gateway to island-hopping adventures. There are rentable chalets as well as pitches overlooking the beach, offering panoramic views of the bay. Rentals are around $18 per person per night, but additional fees, such as luggage collection, are baked in as cars are not allowed on the island. You can charge phones in lockers for just a few dollars a day, and the sanitation facilities, although basic, get the job done. Barbeques are allowed, as long as they are kept above ground, and basic food items can be picked up at the honesty barn.

A first-time visitor to Devon could be forgiven for thinking that it had been designed from the ground up with vacations in mind. Kent's Cavern, a few miles north of Torquay, speaks of some 40,000 years of human habitation. Ancient dwellings such as the 10th-century Tavistock Abbey and the Roman walls of Exeter add much-needed timbre to a landscape that is often as stark as it is spectacular. Meanwhile, the Jurassic Coast never fails to impress. There is only one place in the world where 185 million years of the Earth's history lie exposed for all to see, and that place just so happens to be Devon.

With all that in mind, Ocean Pitch campsite pretty much sells itself. As the name suggests, the camp is a beachside affair within walking distance of the north Devon headland known as Baggy Point. There are 34 pitches in total, many with views directly across the bay. While facilities are basic, the excellent surfing and the prospect of further exploration more than make up for the forced simplicity. Hot showers are available, and electric hookups and a phone charging service can be obtained for an extra fee. Campfires are permitted, and the site even provides bricks to keep them above ground. There's a street food van, surf hire, and even freezer block loans for your chiller. Prices during peak season start at around $50 for a basic pitch, with additional fees of $21 per adult, per night, or half that amount for children under 15.

Anyone who has ever spent any time in the U.K. will know that the word new is often used to describe something that is, in fact, ancient. Case in point: the New Forest was first set up as a private hunting ground well over one thousand years ago.

Harry's Field sits right on the edge of the ancient woodland, about 17 miles north of the lively town of Bournemouth and its quintessential English beach. It is a place of open fields surrounded by charming hamlets that teem with wildlife. Facilities are top notch, and visitors can choose from regular pitches or opt for luxurious bell tents if glamping is more their speed. Wood-fired pizza is served every Saturday, while barista coffee and pastries are available daily. There are no electric hookups, and prices vary depending on the accommodation. A furnished bell tent sleeps 4 and clocks in at $239 a night. Meanwhile, a grass pitch is only $40 a night, with an additional $14 per person added to the flat fee.

The award-winning site is also part of a trilogy of sorts. The owners of the family-run business operate two other New Forest camping grounds, both of which are an absolute delight. The Old Airfield is — as the name suggests — built on an old RAF base close to the coast. Meanwhile, Harry's Meadow, situated deep in the heart of the forest, is extraordinarily peaceful and, as a bonus, also offers excellent spots for wild swimming.