Camping in the great outdoors
The rise of the staycation means camping is having a bit of a moment. From back to basics campsites to luxurious glamping venues, there’s something here for everyone... BEST FOR ACTIVITIES Pitch up with a tent, bring the camper van, take a Safari tent or one of various luxurious wooden lodges, or hire a camping pod or caravan. Activities range from DJ-ing to crafting, building a catapult to swimming, cycling or getting hands-on with a falcon. (sandyballs.co.uk) BEST FOR KIDS As any parent knows, a washing machine is key with small children, and this is a major attraction of Burnbake, a pretty rural campsite near the popular Studland Bay! There’s also a small children’s playground, a stream and plenty of woodland to play in, plus on-site shop, cycle paths, tumble dryer, baby changing area, picnic tables and fire pits available to hire. (burnbake.com) BEST FOR CAMP FIRES East Sussex’s Wapsbourne Manor Farm (WoWo to its devotees) is legendary among London’s lovers of old-school camping. Dogs are welcome, anything bigger than a VW camper is not, and the emphasis is on the group experience – big crackling campfires are encouraged. Arrive by train and there’s a 10% discount on your stay (5% for glampers). BEST FOR GOING With views out over the Atlantic towards the Isle Rum, this remote campsite set on a sustainable organic croft on Eigg, in the Inne Hebrides, is a regular on Top 10 UK campsite lists. Whether you bring a tent, hire a yurt or rent a bothy, this place is all about raw beauty – JRR Tolkien used to holiday here. Facilities are basic but clean, and there’s WiFi and recharging points. (eiggorganics.co.uk) BEST FOR BEACHES Croyde Bay is considered to be the UK capital of surfing and Ocean Pitch is one of the few local campsites with a direct view of the sea – essential if you’re keeping an eye on the state of the waves. Newbies can book a surf lesson, and even hire a wetsuit and surfboard. If you’re not a surfer, why not watch from the steamer chair outside the large, luxe bell tent on this lovely, small, and spotlessly clean campsite? (oceanpitch.co.uk) BEST FOR YURTS How about a real yurt, made in Mongolia and shipped to Rydal Hall, Cumbria? Complete with beds (they sleep six), bedlinen, rugs, a woodburning stove, free wood and all the kitchen utensils you might need, this is get-away-from-it-all camping at the luxury end. (lake-district-yurts.co.uk)