Make the most of the short British summer by getting out of the house this weekend and going camping! The UK is absolutely full of amazing campsites. Top summer UK camping spots in England, Wales and Scotland range from centrally-located sites along the coast with every amenity you could ever need to remote off-the-beaten-track sites with only the bare essentials so you can really get back to nature.
Aberafon, Gyrn Goch in Gwynedd
Nestled in between the peaks of Snowdonia, Aberafon boasts its own private sandy beach which attracts a great mix of families with young children eager to explore the many rock pools and talented surfers keen to catch a wave and put on a show for spectators. The grassy campsite stands above the part-rock part-sand beach and has a very limited number of pitches and electric hook-ups, creating the perfect environment for a peaceful retreat.
Cleadale, Isle of Eigg in Inner Hebrides
Ideally located for soaking in the stunning scenery that inspired the fantasy landscapes in Lord of the Rings, Cleadale is best suited to campers who don’t mind roughing it a bit in exchange for unbeatable views of mother nature. Although the pitches are often uneven and the dishwashing sink is outdoors, you’ve got a clear sight of the shimmering blue sea and an unobstructed view of the towering Mountains of Rum, around which impressive buzzards soar through the cloud-free skies.
A family staying in a yurt at Cleadale, Isle of Eigg in Inner Hebrides. Image via Flickr, Chris Booth / CC BY-SA 2.0Deepdale Backpackers & Campers, Burnham Deepdale in Norfolk
If you don’t want the hassle of pitching a tent, consider Deepdale Backpackers & Campers. As well as standard pitches, this campsite also has a selection of well-maintained tipis and yurts equipped with cast-iron chimeneas to keep the night time chills away, plus kindling, fuel, fold-up chairs, barbeques and lanterns all provided for you. Exciting activities and events are organised onsite and cover everything from cookery classes with local produce to stargazing led by local experts.
Caolasnacon, Kinlochleven in Argyll
Perfect for combining camping with kayaking and wildlife spotting, Caolasnacon is tucked away on the banks of the serene Loch Leven. Here you can pitch your tent just centimetres from the rippling water, so you’re only a few steps away when it’s time to launch your kayak and get out onto the water. After a day of exploring, head back to your tent and relax to the sound of gently lapping waves and the occasional squawk or squeak from the local resident sea eagles and otters.
If you’re not inspired by the idea of sleeping in a tent, yurt or tipi at one of these top summer UK camping spots and want something a bit fancier, consider hiring a motorhome or campervan in the UK. Not only will hiring one of these recreational vehicles give you a comfy bed to sleep in each night, but it will also make it much easier to explore the nation and hop from campsite to campsite without ever unpacking.