Award-winning holiday parks near stunning coastal and countryside locations. For the best campsite experience, this is where to camp in the UK.
As the UK’s campsites get set to reopen for the summer, we’ve put together our pick of 7 of the best camping areas in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Wight.
Each one has been voted for by campers in the Top 100 Best Campsites 2019 by Practical Caravan & Practical Motorhome magazines, and some are also previous winners.
For the best in stunning lake and mountain views, with eco-friendly and conservation accolades, here are just some of your favourites:
1. Best campsite for swimming: South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park, Dorset, England
South Lytchett Manor is an award-winning caravan and camping park near Bournemouth Beach. Formerly a regional winner in the Top 100 Sites Guide, this peaceful parkland campsite also offers a stunning gypsy caravan glamping option.
Located near a choice of both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, this spacious park has two and a half acres of lawn and a lovely nearby village pub. The facilities are immaculately clean and the staff are helpful and friendly according to their consistently excellent customer reviews. Recently renovated, there are facilities for disabled guests and the on-site shop now sells organic produce.
Nearest attractions include Bournemouth Beach, which was voted best beach in the UK, Sandbanks and Brownsea Island, Splashdown water park, Poole Harbour and the New Forest.
2. Best campsite in a woodland-setting: Myrus Holiday Park, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
A tranquil family-owned 5-star holiday park in a woodland setting not far from the shores of the Banffshire coast that was voted Scottish regional winner of the Top 100 Sites in the UK.
This recently redeveloped site offers camping pitches for tents, touring caravans and motorhomes plus the option to rent or buy a luxury static holiday caravan. Touring is adults-only while families are welcome in the holiday homes. Luxury facilities are set in a heated amenities block with private washing cubicles including a disabled suite.
Nearest attractions include an indoor swimming pool and miles of stunning northern coastline, woodland and countryside to explore. Golfers will enjoy the close proximity of the golf driving range adjacent to the holiday park and the other several high-quality golf courses not far away. You could also enjoy a day trip to any of the wonderful local villages nearby or visit Inverness and Aberdeen.
3. Best campsite for conservation: Whitefield Forest Touring Park, Ryde, Isle of Wight
A multi-award-winning 5-star family-owned caravan site on the Isle of Wight that was previously the overall winner in the Top 100 Sites Guide.
Set in a tranquil forest, the park has been developed to make the most of the surrounding woodland environment with its thriving wildlife. Whitefield Forest Touring Park works with the Forestry Commission and the Isle of Wight Conservation Partnership.
Nearby attractions include the stunning coastlines of Sandown and Ryde, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Osborne House, sailing, golf, horse-riding and water sports. A haven for nature-lovers, guests can take a woodland walk to watch the squirrels and woodpeckers while admiring the natural beauty of the wild bluebells and orchids.
4. Best eco-friendly campsite: Rushin House Caravan Park, Enniskillen, Northern Ireland
Set beside Lough MacNean lake, this park is eco-friendly using wind-powered electricity, instant hot water systems, eco-friendly cleaning methods and the benches and picnic tables are all made from recycled plastic. The outdoor gym overlooks the lake for an inspiring workout.
Rushin House Caravan Park has won the award for Best Site in Northern Ireland in the Top 100 Sites for several years in a row.
Nearby attractions include the Marble Arch Caves Geopark where you can take subterranean boat rides as you tour the caves, Enniskillen Castle, the Cuilcagh Mountain Park, MacNean Sculpture Trail and the Ulster Way Walking Path. Amateur master chefs will enjoy cookery courses by Ireland's famous chef Neven Maguire and fine dining at the top MacNean House and Restaurant.
5. Best campsite for mountain-views: Bron Derw Touring Caravan Park, Llanrwst, Conwy, Wales
Derw Touring Caravan Park is an award-winning campsite with three touring caravan parks in private grounds and a self-catering apartment in the farmhouse at Bron Derw at the edge of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.
Described consistently as by reviewers as ‘spotlessly clean’ and ‘second to none’, the fully serviced pitches are adorned with beautifully kept flowers, plants and shrubs and offer spectacular mountain-views of Snowdonia.
Nearby attractions include the lakes and mountains of Snowdonia National Park and the stunning North Wales coastline, the exhilarating Zip World forest rollercoaster at Betws-y-Coed, and various historic castles and a steam railway.
6. Best campsite in a countryside setting: Ord House Country Park, Northumberland, England
This five-star country park features a superb 44-acres that are home to camping pods for hire and static holiday lodges and caravans for sale. There are also separate areas exclusively for tourers in motorhomes, caravans and tents. A previous winner of the Best Campsite in the North-East of England award in the Top 100 Sites.
This park has an award-winning centrally heated washroom that includes baths, free hot showers and disabled facilities. There’s also a bar that serves food and an on-site camping accessories shop.
Nearby attractions include award-winning beaches, Alnwick Castle, where Harry Potter was filmed, Bamburgh Castle, the Farne Islands where you can see baby seals, Lindisfarne, Speedway plus several local golf clubs and a stunning woodland walk.
7. Best campsite for on-site entertainment: Thriftwood Country Park, Sevenoaks, Kent, England
This five-star holiday park with camping, touring and holiday homes for hire is a place where animals are welcome. Previously voted one of the best sites for campers in the Top 100 Sites Guide, its heated outdoor swimming pool, superb facilities, family-friendly atmosphere, planned live entertainment that’s available throughout the year, and great location make it hard to beat.
Nearby attractions include the famous Brands Hatch, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, the neo-classical Belmont House and a stunning eight acres of ancient woodland with wild rabbits, pheasants and a resident owl. Bluewater and Lakeside shopping centres are also not far away.
These 7 award-winning camping spots have been selected from the Top 100 Practical Caravan Best Campsites 2019 to help you decide where to camp in the UK.
