by In the shadow of Scafell Pike, Lake District
At the foot of Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak, and at the north end of one of the most dramatic valleys in the Lake District is the National Trust campsite at Wasdale Head (basic pitch from £38 for two nights). As well as standard pitches there are heated camping pods, three tipis, bell tent and camper van pitches. The Great Gable and Pillar, two other famous falls, are away. The location, at the foot of the mountains, with Lingmell Beck flowing down, is brilliant and there are many facilities to make life easy but without detracting from the feeling of camping. We haven’t climbed Scafell Pike yet, but even without that there was still enough for a good active ride.
Emma
Sunrise and sunset from one park, Lŷn peninsula
Camping Porth Iago is unusual in that it has beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Pitch your tent on the cliff side for great views of the secluded beach. When the sun shines in north Wales there’s no need to go abroad – we’d been in Portugal a few months before and the beach at Port Iago was just as good as the hidden spots we found on the Algarve. The place is dog-friendly, has modern coin-operated showers, and has a visiting food truck selling breakfast nuggets and afternoon pizza. No website or booking required: just rock up and pay at the meter as you enter.
Lorna Rose Gill
Down Way County Down
At Delamont Country Park campsite (pitch from £10.95) on Loch Cuan I welcomed the sun coming up over the loch from the big hill a short walk away; quietly watching the lamb and birds from hiding among the trees; Had a hoot with my little kids in the big playground, pasting Aparin Gallium (sticky grass also called cleavers) on each other’s backs on the short walk to the site; and I visited a peaceful area in the woods where the owners of the park allowed me and my friends to plant memorial saplings after my mother’s death. In the tent I listen intently to the wonderful humming of early summer.
AnnaJenny
A whale of a time in West Ross, Highlands
Three miles from Gairloch, Sands Caravan and Camping (£27 for a car, tent and two adults) is visiting north-west Scotland. With views out to the northern tip of the Isle of Skye, the Great Sands area has a series of sand dunes and, with luck, beautiful sunsets. The mountains of Torbridge are directly to the south and the gardens of Inverhue to the north. This spot held a special place in my childhood and is still perfect for families. From Gairloch there are whale watching boat trips. Camping pods are available on site and it mixes comfort (including a covered dining area with a shared fridge and freezer) with the thrill of the great outdoors.
Anna
Tips from Guardian Travel readers
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Pic among the peaks, Derbyshire
Upper Hurst Farm (£32 for a basic pitch including a car space with electric connection) in the Peak District has lovely views of the Roaches crags and a wonderful walk to Hartington along the River Colleigh, and through streams through lichen-adorned woodland, ferns and mosses in Beresford Dale. The site is actually a large park with plenty of hook-ups, tent and yurt spaces as well as super clean toilets and showers. Nearby in Hulme End is the Manifold Inn for great steak and ale pies and friendly staff. You can also cycle the Manifold Way, and the Wetton Mill cafe at Thor’s Cave is a great pitstop. I live in Coventry and am so grateful to be in the countryside and this site is within 90 minutes or so.
Julia
Sand and bars at the Lizard
Ard Pentreath Campsite in Cornwall is perfect. My partner and I chose it for our first camping trip and we were not disappointed. The campsite overlooks Phra Beach and is well placed for exploring the Lizard peninsula and the area around Sliabh Michael. The facilities were great and there is a small beach bar next door where we spent our nights. It cost us £54 for three nights for a non-electric pitch and the price included showers, which is not the case in some campsites.
Orla Lenehan
Cool glamping options in Shropshire
Foxholes Castle Camping (from £10pp) is on the Shropshire Way and has great views. There is a lot of wildlife around the site, including red kites and owls. Nature lovers will appreciate bat watching and stargazing, as well as the eco-friendly amenities. Bishop’s Castle, just 15 minutes’ walk away, is a bohemian town with great pubs and two home breweries, as well as quirky and antique shops. Glamping options for those who prefer a little more luxury include three converted railway carriages.
Sarah Bowles
Paradise Pembrokeshire
The campsite at West Hook Farm (a two-person tent £20) is right on the coastal path that runs along the Marloes peninsula – reason enough to visit. The path runs along the northern edge of the campsite, with unrivaled views out to sea. The campsite is basic, with grass pitches, a clean shower block and a barn for shelter while you cook if the weather turns rough – this is no shelter! Keep a close eye out for puffins out fishing from nearby Skomer Island and your eyes diving as you sit with your afternoon beer. It feels like paradise.
Lizzy
A salt marsh and coastal path in Norfolk
High Sand Creek campsite (£30 grass pitch) in Stiffkey, Norfolk is situated on the edge of a stunning salt marsh. It is right on the Norfolk Coastal Path. You can walk straight out of the bottom of the site and onto the footpath to Wells-next-the Sea, Morsten (for seal watch boat trips) and Blakeney. If walking isn’t your thing it’s also on the Coast Hopper bus route. Nearby is the Red Lion pub, with good food, and a village shop with local produce. The location is simple and has plenty of clean facilities managed by helpful, friendly staff. A perfect base for exploring the best of north Norfolk.
Rachel
Winning tip: a quieter side of Glastonbury
Inside the Avalon coves, Bob’s Field (a pitch from £10, plus £8.50 per adult) invites campers to the hospitality of its campfire, where conversations crackle and buzz with the flames. Sunset embryos bury themselves on the marshes as you chat. At dawn, rise early enough to watch the light of day rise over Glastonbury Tor. Flat fields, home cooked food and a country bar offer all the amenities you need for a weekend away. The site, which also has bell tents with fire pits (£80, sleeps 4), uses solar power and recycles everything possible. Day runs provide walking, cycling, the history of Glastonbury or the breadth of nearby wildlife reserves. For pubs head into town or on to the marsh to the Sheppey Inn.
Matthew Page
