Pitch a tent

camping is tipped to become the savvy staycationer’s top choice this summer. here’s how to do it in comfort – and style

FOR FUN ON THE WATER Cornish Tipi Holidays, Cornwall

SITE Set over 20 acres in a woodland valley that folds around a lake, this is where designer Alice Temperley honeymooned. Swim, mess about in a boat and even catch a rainbow trout for your supper.

FACILITIES Showers, washing facilities, flushing or composting loos; standpipes and water-containers; boats and lifejackets.

NEARBY Beaches: five minutes to Port Gaverne and under 15 to Polzeath. Walk or cycle the 18-mile scenic Camel Trail.

LOWDOWN Adults, £20-£25pn, children aged two-12, £11-£12. Under twos free. cornishtipiholidays.co.uk

FOR HILLSIDE RAMBLES Moss Side Farm, Lake District

SITE Flat grassy fields set in a woodland valley, the soul-lifting views taking in Kirkby Pool river as it meanders towards the Irish Sea. With just 30 pitches (no large groups allowed) and woodland to explore and streams to dabble in, it’s a beautiful laid-back place.

FACILITIES Shower and toilet block, washing-up room and communal power points. Campfires permitted and logs (and marshmallows) are sold on site.

NEARBY The walk along the old railway line to Broughton-in-furness is one of many. A short drive away are Coniston and the towns of Windermere and Ambleside.

LOWDOWN Adults £8pn, children under 15, £4. mosssidefarm.com

FOR GOING OFF-GRID

Frome Meadow Campsite, Somerset

SITE Five acres of grassy field bordered by mature woodland and the River Frome – guests get access to a private stretch of the river to paddle or go wild swimming. The owners will even suggest the best pitches to catch the sunset. No Wifi and an unreliable phone signal make it the perfect place to escape the world (yes please!).

FACILITIES Three hot showers, four eco loos and a washing-up sink. Campfires allowed and you can buy firewood on site.

NEARBY The picturesque village of Moreton is a short walk away; from there are many walks and cycle paths. The stunning Jurassic coast is six miles away.

LOWDOWN Adults, £10pn, children (three-15 years) £5pn, under threes free. Open August. fromemeadowcampsite.com

FOR WILDFLOWER HEAVEN Mad Hatters campsite, Cambridgeshire

SITE A wonderfully relaxed space where 28 super-spacious pitches are set in five acres of grassy fields, reached via twisty paths cut into the greenery. Each pitch is surrounded by a border of tall tussocky grasses and wildflowers and is named according to characters from Alice In Wonderland. No cars on site but there are wheelbarrows to take things to your pitch.

FACILITIES Eight toilets, six showers and two washing-up sinks. There are solarpowered USB charging points in reception and sockets for hairdryers in the washing areas. Each pitch has its own fire-pit and solar lantern and logs can be bought on site.

NEARBY The cathedral town of Ely is two miles away, reached via an attractive two-mile footpath along the River Ouse.

LOWDOWN £20pn for up to five guests; extra guests cost £3/night/pitch. madhatterscampsite.co.uk

FOR COUNTRYSIDE CHILLING Old Vicarage Campsite, Norfolk

SITE A chilled tents-only space, pitch yours anywhere you like on the two acres of grassy fields on the edge of the Norfolk Broads and soak up the sights and sounds of the countryside. The site has 12 pitches and there are no cars on site, so wheelbarrows are provided to shift your stuff.

FACILITIES Composting toilets and hot showers in wooden cabins, hot water, washing-up facilities. Make a campfire in a custom-designed brazier. Firewood can be bought on site.

NEARBY Take a short drive to beaches such as Horsey (seal-watching) and Winterton (backed by the dunes of the National Nature Reserve). Plus there are the Broads and Norwich.

LOWDOWN Adults, £10pn, children (three-15) £5pn. oldvicaragecamping.co.uk

FOR ECO-CAMPING Birds & Bees Campsite, Suffolk

SITE In the heart of the beautiful Alde Valley, this super-spacious campsite is spread over three fields. Each of the 15 tent pitches sits in half an acre and is reached by winding pathways cut into the grass.

FACILITIES Three separate male, female and family/disabled rooms provide a total of five showers and five toilets. Each room has wash basins, hairdryers, mirrors, shelves and electric sockets. Closer to the tents is a composting toilet along with drinking water and an electrical hook-up.

NEARBY The livelier town beaches of Southwold and Aldeburgh or quieter ones such as Dunwich Heath and Beach are all about 20 to 30 minutes’ drive away

LOWDOWN Adults, £17.50pn, children, £8, under-fives free. birdsandbeescampsite.co.uk