When the kids were small we bought a camper van, it was always breaking down but we had masses of fun in it and our trips engendered a love of camping and outdoor adventures in both children. With the kids getting older we swapped the camper van for a tiny vintage caravan and two smaller tents and we go camping every summer; usually, a big holiday to Europe and little jaunts closer to home when the time and weather allow.
The view from our camping pitch at Treloan.
Beautiful Porthcurnick beach in Cornwall
Messing about in the river in Devon
This year seems to be the year of the staycation, so I thought I would share a few of our favourite UK campsites with you, (though they are mainly in striking distance from our home so mostly in the South West.) I am a fussy camper; there is a lot of eye-rolling when I am researching campsites! I don’t like kids clubs, entertainments, an onsite bar or massive campsites. I do like anything quirky, small campsites, clean bathrooms and proximity to a farm shop or local produce.
camping at Treloan in Cornwall
I do love to be beside the seaside whenever possible and this summer we headed to the Roseland Peninsula and had a week at the lovely Treloan Coastal Camping, near Portscatho. it ticked all of my boxes: an honesty box for veg grown in the polytunnel, a local fisherman selling fish twice a week, an amazing view of the sea from our pitch and the Hidden Hut within walking distance. We loved it - and in non Covid circumstances, they have a lovely area for communal campfire and cooking.
Pembrokeshire is a hidden gem, like the best of Cornwall without the people. There’s a plethora of good food, amazing beaches and stunning countryside. We like to nip off for a weekend at Trefalen Fam (no website), it’s a bit off-grid, with no electricity and solar showers so not one if you are after luxury. However, the setting is amazing, sitting above Broadhaven South beach and on the edge of the beautiful National Trust Stackpole Estate. If glamping is more your bag, then Stackpole Under The Stars looks a lovely alternative in this area. I’ve never been but it looks lovely.
Stackpole Estate and Broahaven South in Pembrokeshire
My husband used to camp at Bolberry Farm near Hope Cove as a child in the 70’s, now it’s somewhere we go back to with our kids. You can walk to the lovely secluded beach at Hope Cove yet it is close enough to explore all the South Hams has to offer.
Camping at Incleden Farm near Saunton sands
Staying in Devon, if surfing is more your bag one of our favourite spots for a weekend away is Incleden Farm in the pretty village of Georgeham near Braunton, its an easy drive to Saunton, Puttsborough or Croyde, yet off the beaten track in a village with 2 fabulous pubs! There’s a lovely deli serving fabulous coffee and wood-fired pizzas just down the road in Croyde.
Closer to home is the wonderful Thistledown Farm; a fabulous eco campsite with a marvellous cafe serving wood-fired pizzas and locally sourced food and drink. Because it is really spacious there are a limited number of pitches so it books up really quickly. It has been featured in the national press as one of the best campsites the UK.
It would be lovely to hear from you if you have any hidden gem campsites in the UK or abroad. Comment below or drop us a line and we will do another post with your recommendations. Wherever you end up this summer have fun!