The Best Family UK Campsites (and Beyond!)

We’re often asked about our recommendations for campsites for families in the UK, and sometimes in Europe. Now, we do have our favourites but we’re not you, and what suits us might not be the best campsite for you. So, we decided to ask some of the UK’s top parent bloggers for their recommended family campsites. Read on for a run-down of some family campsites which could be worth a look. Could one of these become your favourite?

Why camping is good for families

Yes we are biased but we know that camping is good for families. We love it! We’ve had our families camping from the children being very small and we can see how each trip has helped them to develop as individuals, and helped us to grow as a family.

Camping teaches skills such as everyone helping out. I think the first time one of our children had washed up was when camping. They also don’t seem averse to sweeping up debris, and taking the rubbish out when camping. Who knew?

Our family have learned that we can have fun without relying on electronic devices. The children have learned that can have as much fun with a pack of cards as with a Playstation. They have learned the art of stargazing, and making new friends down the camp play area. They can deal with new sleeping arrangements without making a fuss, and appreciate the art/science of being organised.

Camping is great for larger families especially; hotels don’t tend to cater for more than the standard 2 adults + 2 children. Larger hotel suites can carry an eye-watering price tag. Camping is much more wallet-friendly and frees up budget to do more fun stuff when on holiday.

What do you love about family camping trips?

The best UK family campsites

So here we are with a run-down of some of the UK’s top parenting bloggers favourite campsites. Could one of these become a firm favourite with you?

Camping in Surrey

Helen and her family enjoyed their trip to Polesden Lacey in Surrey. Though they had a pre-erected bell tent on their trip, you can take your own tent instead if you prefer.

Helen said “It’s in a National Trust site, so the surroundings are beautiful (and safe), and there’s lots to do. They let you have a campfire, and they sell the most amazing ice creams and wood fired pizza. Perfect for families.”

Check it out at: https://www.actuallymummy.co.uk/2017/06/09/travel-embers-camping-tips-picking-right-campsite-family

Camping in the New Forest

Jaymee from The Mum Diaries recommends Holmsley, which is a Camping and Caravanning Club site in the New Forest, Hampshire.

Here they got up close to ponies!

See what else they got up to on their camping trip at: https://themumdiaries.co.uk/camping/holmsley-camping-caravanning-club/

Camping in Gloucestershire

Holly recommends Hogsdown Farm, which is near Dursley, Gloucestershire.

Holly says “We love it because it’s cheap, it’s usually got great availability (if you’re happy to forgo electric hookup) and it’s on the doorstep to some great family days out. We’ve stayed there for as little as £11.50 a night, and it has a playground!”

Camping in Devon

Joanne from Kids Days Out Reviews recommends River Dart Country Park near Ashburton, Devon.

Joanne says “River Dart has got loads to do on-site, including kayaking and water zorbing, high-ropes, and a fantastic pirate lagoon for the children. Take an inflatable boat!”

Learn more at: https://kidsdaysoutreviews.co.uk/river-dart-country-park-ashburton-devon/

Emma also recommends a Devon campsite – Warcombe Farm, which is near Woolacombe.

She says “It has great facilities (loos and showers), a lovely walk down to the coastal road, and they have allocated pitches and let groups go.”

Learn more at: https://bubbablueandme.com/2018/08/sharing-a-love-of-warcombe-farm-campsite-woolacombe/

Camping in Yorkshire

Erin and crew tried out Masons Campsite near Appletreewick in Yorkshire and loved it. Here’s their trip review https://yorkshiretots.com/family-camping-at-masons-campsite/ (do we spy a HandiHoldall on their car?)

Cat and team tried out Woodhouse Farm Camping in Nidderdale – here’s how they got on https://rockandrollpussycat.co.uk/2017/07/woodhouse-farm-campsite-near-ripon-yorkshire-review/

Camping in Norfolk

Jade recommends Haven’s Wild Duck Park. It’s a campsite in a woodland setting but with a host of usual Haven Holidays facilities, such as the indoor pools and the entertainment led by Bradley Bear and friends.

Jade says “It’s close to the beach, has a nature area, plenty of activities and good pitches.”

Camping in Wales

Emma recommends a site in Wales – Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula. This one has stunning views, cow neighbours, and nice tea at the shop – what else do you need?

Read more about Emma’s stay at: https://bubbablueandme.com/2017/08/three-cliffs-bay-campsite/

Camping in Scotland

Penny and her family visited Loch Ness and stayed at the Loch Ness Shores – Camping and Caravanning Club Site, where they explored Loch Ness by boat and the shores by foot.

You can read more about their trip at: https://www.parentshaped.co.uk/2016/04/21/loch-ness-shores/

Camping in France

A little further afield, and there’s a lot of love for family campsites in France, specifically in Brittany.

Jo and her family visited Camping du Letty, which is just outside the seaside town of Benodet. It is on a river and very family friendly. It looks like there’s lots to do here!

Another Brittany recommendation comes from Katy who visited Mané-Guernehué, which is a Camping and Caravanning Club site near to Auray.

Katy says “It is a beautiful campsite, family friendly, great facilities on site including restaurant, takeaway, waterpark, indoor pool and wellness centre. For the kids there is a trampoline area, bouncy castle, play park and horse riding and kids club. We only planned a stay for three days as part of our road trip but I could have easily stayed longer.”

Glamping in the UK

If you can’t face camping in a regular tent, how about a spot of Glamping?

Sian and her family recommend Low Wray in the Lake District.

Cathy and her family had a good time at Penhein, on the edge of the Forest of Dean.

Have you got any family-friendly campsites recommendations for us?

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The Best Family UK Campsites (and Beyond!)