The UK’s coolest campsites
It may not feel like it yet but the camping season is here, and with that in mind Cool Places have picked a few of their fave pitches around the country
These are great places to camp at any time of year, but as a bonus they’re all decent places to be should the weather not turn out to be as perfect as you’d hoped… which, knowing the UK, is more than likely.
1. Ayr Holiday Park
Campsite location: St Ives, Cornwall
Open: All year round
Pitch up from: £7.50-£19 per tent, per night, plus £4.50-£7.25 per adult.
The big draw: Great loos!
Stunning views and great facilities make this the perfect camping choice at any time of year. In spring it’s a particularly good site… There is a bunch of static caravans available should the weather take a turn for the worse. Plus it’s a temptingly short walk from the restaurants of St Ives should it take an hour to heat your beans.
2. Dalesbridge
Campsite location: Settle, North Yorkshire
Open: All year round
Pitch up from: £4 per tent, per night. Plus £5 per adult, per night
The big draw: Cracking location
Again, this is a good choice for spring, in that it has a bunkhouse and B&B as well as regular camping pitches, should the weather turn nasty. And my, is it in a great, scenic location, with walking routes galore and the whole of the western Dales on your doorstep.
The good people at Dalesbridge also have great contacts with local tour companies, offering activities from caving to mountain biking.
3. Deepdale Farm Backpackers & Camping
Campsite location: Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk
Open: All year round
Pitch up from: £4.50-£9.50 per person, per night
The big draw: Classes on site from cookery to star-gazing
One of our favourite campsites in the country, with a choice of regular pitches and ready-made yurts and bell tents, and a wonderful position on the North Norfolk Coast. Equipped with a cast-iron chimenea for heat, including kindling and fuel for the fire, foldaway chairs, a BBQ and a lantern, you’ll wonder why you bought your own canvas shelter.
Deepdale is just a five-minute walk to the nearest pub, from where you can strike out across the marshes; or go for long moody walks across the sands at nearby Holkham Bay.
