Travel
9 Dreamy Coastal Campsites In The UK
If you’re dreaming of a picture-perfect pitch by the sea this summer, look no further.
The allure of quaint coastal towns and lazy beach days coupled with nights under canvas can provide the perfect recipe for a British summer camping staycation. Sites within walking distance of the water enable you to set up camp and explore from your base, without having to drive or battle summer traffic gridlock. With some of the best wild coastal views to wake up to through your tent flaps – not to mention the wildlife, stargazing and water sports opportunities – these are our top coastal campsite locations to book and explore this summer.
Dorset
Perched atop the clifftops overlooking the Jurassic Coast, Eype House Holiday Park is just a two-minute walk to the beach, where rock pooling and fossil hunting adventures await. The charming towns of Bridport and Lyme Regis are close by for Dorset day trips. Book it.
Devon
Nestled in a tree-lined valley leading down to Start Bay, Beryl’s Campsite is an environmentally friendly, family orientated site with shady pitches – in other words, perfect for summer camping. Located on the SW Coastal Path, it is the ideal spot for exploring the Devon coast, including the award-winning beach at Beesands just below the campsite. Book it.
Northumberland
A pop-up summer campsite on the dunes of the Northumberland coastline, the wild beauty of Hemscott Hill Farm overlooks the seven-mile-long Druridge Bay – the perfect pitch from which to enjoy off-grid camping and as a base to discover the county’s many castles and National Park. Book it.
Wales
There are just three pitches – Dyfi, Dulas and Angell – at Smuggler’s Cove Boatyard in Gwynedd. Nestled on the edge of the river Dyfi looking across to Ynyshir bird reserve, it shares facilities with the working boatyard. The unique location is a great base to explore mid Wales, from steam railways to biking to fishing. The more ambitious might even tackle Cadair Idris, Wales’ second highest mountain. Book it.
Cornwall
Cornish Tipis offers the perfect marriage of an idyllic wild setting with all the creature comforts to take the grit out of camping. There are hot showers, an on-site cafe, flushing loos, woodland to explore and the jewel in the site’s crown: a freshwater swimming and fishing lake. Book a glamping tipi or pitch your own tent for an Enid Blyton-worthy Cornish adventure. Book it.
Cornwall
Just three miles from Land’s End and hovering above Porthcurno Bay, Treen Farm is the perfect spot for a Cornish beach holiday. Join in the farm’s outdoor meditation classes and foraging walks and, by nightfall, gather around the communal campsite and be entertained by visiting musicians as you stargaze. Book it.
Norfolk
Under Norfolk’s big skies and overlooking the coastal salt marshes, Highsand Creek is a family- and dog-friendly campsite surrounded by woodlands, mud creeks and beaches. A nature-lover’s paradise, it’s perfect for birdwatching, paddle boarding and beach walks – right from your tent-door. Book it.
Isles of Scilly
Situated on a small dairy farm in St Agnes, Troytown offers panoramic Atlantic views, with pitches running right down to the shoreline. Travel light and book one of the ready-to-go bell tents, equipped with all you need to enjoy island life. Measuring only one-mile across, St Agnes is easy to explore on foot – or, even better, by boat. The clear waters are perfect for snorkelling, kayaking, fishing and swimming, while the quiet white sandy coves are perfect for young families. Book it.
Scotland
Wake up to the sound of waves gently filling the many rockpools that lap at the pitches on Ardnamurchan campsite. Surrounded by Scotland’s wildest and most rugged coastline, visit the site of two extinct volcanoes at Sanna Bay, book a marine safari to whale- and dolphin-watch and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis from around your campfire. Book it.
By Lydia Mansi
July 2023
Eype House Holiday Park
Dorset
Perched atop the clifftops overlooking the Jurassic Coast, Eype House Holiday Park is just a two-minute walk to the beach, where rock pooling and fossil hunting adventures await. The charming towns of Bridport and Lyme Regis are close by for Dorset day trips. Book it.
Beryl’s Campsite
Devon
Nestled in a tree-lined valley leading down to Start Bay, Beryl’s Campsite is an environmentally friendly, family orientated site with shady pitches – in other words, perfect for summer camping. Located on the SW Coastal Path, it is the ideal spot for exploring the Devon coast, including the award-winning beach at Beesands just below the campsite. Book it.
Hemscott Hill Farm
Northumberland
A pop-up summer campsite on the dunes of the Northumberland coastline, the wild beauty of Hemscott Hill Farm overlooks the seven-mile-long Druridge Bay – the perfect pitch from which to enjoy off-grid camping and as a base to discover the county’s many castles and National Park. Book it.
Smuggler’s Cove Boatyard
Wales
There are just three pitches – Dyfi, Dulas and Angell – at Smuggler’s Cove Boatyard in Gwynedd. Nestled on the edge of the river Dyfi looking across to Ynyshir bird reserve, it shares facilities with the working boatyard. The unique location is a great base to explore mid Wales, from steam railways to biking to fishing. The more ambitious might even tackle Cadair Idris, Wales’ second highest mountain. Book it.
Cornish Tipi Holidays and Camping
Cornwall
Cornish Tipis offers the perfect marriage of an idyllic wild setting with all the creature comforts to take the grit out of camping. There are hot showers, an on-site cafe, flushing loos, woodland to explore and the jewel in the site’s crown: a freshwater swimming and fishing lake. Book a glamping tipi or pitch your own tent for an Enid Blyton-worthy Cornish adventure. Book it.
Treen Farm Campsite
Cornwall
Just three miles from Land’s End and hovering above Porthcurno Bay, Treen Farm is the perfect spot for a Cornish beach holiday. Join in the farm’s outdoor meditation classes and foraging walks and, by nightfall, gather around the communal campsite and be entertained by visiting musicians as you stargaze. Book it.
Highsand Creek
Norfolk
Under Norfolk’s big skies and overlooking the coastal salt marshes, Highsand Creek is a family- and dog-friendly campsite surrounded by woodlands, mud creeks and beaches. A nature-lover’s paradise, it’s perfect for birdwatching, paddle boarding and beach walks – right from your tent-door. Book it.
Troytown Farm
Isles of Scilly
Situated on a small dairy farm in St Agnes, Troytown offers panoramic Atlantic views, with pitches running right down to the shoreline. Travel light and book one of the ready-to-go bell tents, equipped with all you need to enjoy island life. Measuring only one-mile across, St Agnes is easy to explore on foot – or, even better, by boat. The clear waters are perfect for snorkelling, kayaking, fishing and swimming, while the quiet white sandy coves are perfect for young families. Book it.
Ardnamurchan
Scotland
Wake up to the sound of waves gently filling the many rockpools that lap at the pitches on Ardnamurchan campsite. Surrounded by Scotland’s wildest and most rugged coastline, visit the site of two extinct volcanoes at Sanna Bay, book a marine safari to whale- and dolphin-watch and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis from around your campfire. Book it.
By Lydia Mansi
July 2023
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Lydia Mansi
Lifestyle Editor
Lydia is an all-round lifestyle guru, tireless champion of women in business and our resident expert on beauty.
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