Why Camping in England Is Unlike Anywhere in the World?

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“Do you want to go camping this weekend?”…it’s a common question that many of us have been asked throughout the years! “Not in a million years!!”…and that’s a response we frequently hear! The sound of roughing it in the middle of nowhere with a leaking tent, critters wandering across your feet and searing hot temperatures in the middle of summer is understandably not an appealing attraction for everyone. But don’t worry we have a solution. Try camping in England!

The stereotypical camping experience is one that I just described above but when you experience camping around England, it’s a completely different scenario. In fact, if you are fortunate enough to find a campsite similar to ones we have experienced, it may well feel like luxury accommodation. We want to share a couple of our experiences and why camping in England should be on your radar the next time you take a holiday.

camping in england

Camping in England – Why is it Different?

I want to start with a caveat that of course, not all camping experiences in England are going to be positive! It’s the nature of travel and I’m sure those of you that have camped around England will know where I am coming from.

But before you start associating all camping experiences with a negative connotation, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why we think it’s so different than anywhere else in the world.

Appearance

Campsites around England are generally very well maintained and manicured. Much of our camping experiences (more specifics on this later) has been in Devon and Cornwall and throughout these counties, campsites have a very welcoming appearance that makes you want to stay there.

campsites in england

A typical English campsite will have a shop on site where you can purchase essential food, drink, daily newspapers and basic camping gear if you forget something. Depending on the campsite, you will either have community bathrooms or if you are lucky, private bathrooms where you can enjoy a relaxing shower after a night under the canvas.

camping in england

Availability

When you travel around England, there are always campsites readily available. Booking in advance is always recommended just like with any type of accommodation but if you prefer to travel spontaneously, you won’t struggle to find a campsite to pitch your tent.

There is a treasure trove of places to explore if you’re considering going camping in England (Visit England)

There are numerous websites available offering the best campsites available within a given location. UK Parks and Pitchup are two alternatives that we have used previously but if you prefer to go directly to the campsite, many have that option too.

caravan site in england

Accessibility

If you have camped in other countries such as the United States, you will know that many of the campsites are sometimes difficult to find. Hidden off the beaten path can make it difficult to find but for the most part, you don’t have these issues in England.

campsites in england

As you drive along the motorway or main roads in England, campsites frequently have signs advertising their accommodation options and where you can find them. Alternatively, just use your GPS and the majority of campsites will already be in there.

Affordability

One of the biggest challenges for travelers visiting England is finding affordable accommodation. Well, camping is by far the cheapest option available! You can find high-quality campsites around England for £10-30 per night in the heart of peak season (June-August), with all amenities included.

camping in england

Electric grass pitches are also available for a slightly higher rate if you need an electric hook-up but just having these various options is something that makes England’s campsites stand out from other countries.

Find the Perfect Tent

Hopefully, you are now convinced that taking a camping trip in England is a feasible option. However, the next step is to find that perfect tent that will be your home for the days and weeks ahead during your holiday. It’s critical that you find the perfect tent that is right for you, dependent upon the number in your party, your luxury desires and of course, your budget.

finding the perfect tent

Whether you want a 2 man dome tent or perhaps a 4 man tunnel tent, the opportunities are endless. When choosing your tent, first choose a design based on your group’s size and whether you need additional space for travel gear or dogs.

camping in england

It’s also important to consider ‘ease of use’. Remember, if you are road tripping around the country and plan on staying at multiple sites, you will quickly want to become an expert in putting your tent up and pulling it down.

finding the perfect tent

Campsite Recommendations

Throughout my childhood years, we would take family vacations to campsites around England and stay in a caravan which is another awesome way to experience the UK. However, in 2010 I brought Heather over to England for the first time and we spent a month road tripping around and exploring the beauty that lies within this historic nation.

camping in england

Camping with our trusty tent (though we did have a couple of nerve-wracking experiences when the infamous English rain started pouring in, or so we thought only to find out we didn’t have the door closed properly) was perfect for us providing enough flexibility to allow us to explore to our hearts content.

Here are three of our favorite campsites in various English counties based on our experiences.

Cornwall

Camping in Cornwall was one of the best experiences during our month long England road trip. We stayed at Trevella Holiday Park in the quaint village of Crantock, just outside of Newquay. It’s no surprise at all to hear that Trevella is an award winning campsite as the pristine condition of the whole park was a pleasure to be part of.

trevella park

Facilities include a café servicing delicious cuisine, crazy golf course and heated outdoor swimming pool to make your stay memorable and relaxing.

trevella crazy golf

Address
Crantock,
Newquay,
TR8 5EW

Tel: 01637 830308
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.trevella.co.uk/

Directions: Click Here for Directions to Trevella Holiday Park in Cornwall using Google Maps

Devon

If you are planning on visiting Cornwall, why not spend some time on the gorgeous English Riviera in Devon. We spent several days exploring the region while pitching our tent at another awesome campsite.

Ross Park Caravan Park is primarily for caravans but there is a leisure field where you can pitch your tent during the summer months. Located in the wonderfully named village of Ipplepen, it is just a short distance from Newton Abbot and Torquay is only about 20 minutes away.

Looking for a few days of solitude and relaxation away from everything? Ross Park is the perfect place for you! Don’t let the sound of pitching a tent on a field fool you because you are able to experience all of the amenities of the caravan site for less than £20 per night.

Address
Park Hill Farm,
Moor Road,
Ipplepen,
TQ12 5TT

Tel: 01803 812983
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.rossparkcaravanpark.co.uk/

Directions: Click Here for Directions to Ross Park Caravan Park in Devon using Google Maps

Isle of Wight

It’s not just mainland England that has amazing campsites! Once you have figured out how to get to the Isle of Wight across the Solent, check out the amazing selection of campsites available. We stayed at The Orchards Holiday Caravan and Camping Park in Newbridge and had yet another great experience.

orchards holiday park isle of wight
Image courtesy of Orchards Holiday Caravan & Camping Park

This was one of the ‘busier’ campsites that we stayed at but the high-quality facilities and high levels of cleanliness were second to none. You don’t even need to leave the park to enjoy Fish & Chips, as the food bar offers a variety of menu options available. I certainly agree with the campsite’s philosophy of having a ‘wide variety of amenities and activities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.’

orchards holiday park
Image courtesy of Orchards Holiday Caravan & Camping Park

Address
Main Road,
Newbridge,
PO41 0TS

Tel: 01983 531350
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.orchards-holiday-park.co.uk/

Directions: Click Here for Directions to The Orchards Holiday Caravan and Camping Park on the Isle of Wight using Google Maps

Useful Resources

Also, don’t just take our word for it that camping is the way forward in England! There are a myriad of resources available on the web and also at your local bookshop about camping in England.

ultimate camping guide

I also recommend checking out the awesome Ultimate Camping Guide by Halfords. We recently stumbled across this guide while planning another camping trip in England and found this a great resource not only for beginners but also for those that are experts in the outdoor lifestyle.

ultimate camping guide

Whether you are still searching for the perfect destination in England or just need a handy packing checklist, Halfords has produced a top quality book that is available as either a downloadable PDF or a printed version.

camping in england

Summary

Camping in England is undoubtedly a unique experience and one that you just have to try for yourselves before comparing it with other countries around the world. Nowhere else have I seen campsites that are quite as luxurious so if you are looking for the luxury camping experience, well England is the country for you.

camping in england

When Heather and I talk about our favorite trips around the world, we frequently look back on our 2010 camping experience around England. Not only because of the amazing locations and attractions we discovered but because of the overall adventure that we embarked on. Our philosophy for traveling around England is pretty simple now.

Camping + Road trip = awesome adventures

We hope that you are inspired to explore camping options in England and we would love to hear your experiences.

weekend wanderlust


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Chris Boothmanhttps://abritandasoutherner.com
Chris Boothman is the co-founder of A Brit and A Southerner. Born near Manchester, England, Chris moved to USA in 2006 where he soon after met his wife and travel partner in crime, Heather. They have since embarked on an amazing journey of travel as they challenge others to follow in their paths of working full-time but also being able to travel frequently! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Chris at [email protected]

18 COMMENTS

    • We didn’t think we were campers either but trust me, England camping is nothing like the stereotype you probably associate with a tent and other campsites around the world 🙂 However, if we still can’t convince you, definitely swing by some of these campsites the next time you head to England and check out the mini-golf for example!

    • It would be a great way to end your drought by taking a road trip around England and camping at the same time 🙂 Time to get planning Cathy 🙂

  1. Wow! Camping in England does look pretty amazing!! That’s something I haven’t done since I got to Europe! Maybe it’s time to start collecting camping gear again! I miss it! #WeekendWanderlust

    • Exactly! I would strongly recommend checking out Halfords camping guide that I linked in the post! It has a plethora of additional information specifically for beginners or folks that simply want to get back into the world of camping. We really enjoyed our camping experience and hopefully (maybe in 2017!) we will have the opportunity to spend a few nights under canvas again while exploring England! I can’t imagine any better way to fully appreciate the beauty around the country.

  2. This is truly inviting, and would definitely be something that I would undertake. Jo, on the other hand, has the response, “Not in a million years!” inscribed on her forehead so that I won’t forget and bring it up.

    • That’s exactly what Heather thought before she visited England for the first time and I convinced her that camping there is nothing like anything she has experienced or seen in the States! It’s so cool the attention to detail that campsites focus on here in UK so I would definitely encourage everyone to experience it at least once 🙂 I’m convinced they will go back again and again though!!

  3. You have certainly made camping in England look absolutely stunning, your photos are incredible … I live in England and you have made me jealous of the views you had! We stayed in a caravan in Crantock, it’s such a beautiful campsite and I think you picked the best! I loved reading your story of your time in England, I’m so glad you look back on your experience with fondness 🙂 #WeekendWanderlust

  4. I love camping and I love England but I’m not sure if I think that that is camping. Pools, fish & chips, crazy golf? Where’s the solitude, the nature, the roughing it?? While it definitely sounds like a fun way to spend the weekend especially with some kids, I think this needs a new name. I do love the photo of your tent looking out over the water. A whole month of exploring England sounds wonderful! 🙂

    • It’s beyond camping right 🙂 Luxury camping to the extreme! I think when you go camping in England, you can really get out of it what you want to. If you want to “rough it”, feel free to! But there are always going to be opportunities to experience some of the campsites that I have outlined if you want a little luxury in your experience. I think this is what differentiates English “Camping” to other countries.

  5. Your so right there are a lot of fantastic campsites throughout England, we often travel abroad but we are lucky to have great sites on the doorstep. We have a campervan and love the outdoor living, mind the weather is always a gamble!

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