Super seaside sites

Pitch up beside the sea with Claire Tupholme’s selection of campsites near the coast

ULWELL HOLIDAY PARK, Dorset

Ulwell Road, Swanage, Dorset

BH19 3DG 01929 422823 ulwellholidaypark.co.uk 1 March – 7 January

Ulwell Holiday Park nestles under the Purbeck Hills close to Swanage and the National Trust’s Studland Bay. The bay is a vast area of sandy beaches and heathland, including a four-mile stretch of golden beach and views to old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight. The heathland behind the beach is a wildlife haven and home to all six British reptiles. The coastal resort of Swanage features a Blue Flag beach, a heritage centre, steam railway and places to eat and drink.

The touring and camping area at Ulwell features hardstanding and grass pitches, some with water and drainage and all with electric hookup. There are toilets and showers, two laundries, a shop and play area. The on-site bar welcomes dogs and has a family room and outdoor patio area. The restaurant serves lunchtime snacks and a full evening menu. Families will love the indoor heated pool which features a water slide, toddler pool and changing rooms, all free for guests to use.

WHITBY HOLIDAY PARK

North Yorkshire

Saltwick Bay, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO22 4JX 01947 602664 whitbypark.co.uk 1 March – 31 October

Set on the cliffs of the North Yorkshire coast, a one-mile walk from the seaside town of Whitby, this site has views of the famous abbey. It’s just a 20-minute walk along the coast path to the abbey ruins. From there you can continue past St Mary’s Church of Dracula fame, and on into Whitby via the 199 steps which lead you sharply down into the cobbled streets of the old part of the town. In Whitby you can explore the beaches, the Captain Cook Memorial and soak up the Gothic atmosphere.

The site’s pitches are on grass on the clifftop and all have electric hook-up. There are toilets, showers, a laundry, games room, play area, bar and café, plus a seasonal clubhouse. You can access the golden sands of Saltwick Bay with a short (but steep) walk down from the site.

BEESTON REGIS HOLIDAY PARK Norfolk

Cromer Road, West Runton, Norfolk

NR27 9QZ 01263 823614 beestonregis.co.uk 24 March – 30 October

Nestled between the costal resorts of Sheringham and Cromer, Beeston Regis Holiday Park is set in 62 acres with clifftop sea views. There are 40 pitches with views to the sea, serviced by a toilet and shower block, washing up, and a laundry.

You can access the Norfolk Coast Path from site and walk to the seaside village of West Runton in one direction or the town of Sheringham in the other. Sheringham is full of independent shops and places to eat. You can enjoy the sandy beaches, take the steam railway to Holt and play golf in the local area. Cromer and its attractions are a 10-minute drive away. In this popular resort you’ll find a Victorian Pier, amusements, fish and chip shops and a sandy beach. Other places to visit within an hour’s drive include the city of Norwich and Blakeney, where there’s a National Trust nature reserve, unique tidal quayside and seal trips from the harbour.

CAERFAI BAY CARAVAN & TENT PARK Pembrokeshire

St Davids, Havefordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 6QT 01437 720274 caerfaibay.co.uk 1 March – 7 November

Caerfai Bay campsite sits within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Pembrokeshire section of the world’s first national coastal path, the 870-mile All Wales Coast Path, is adjacent to the site entrance. This provides short walks and longer routes to places like Solva or Whitesands for the more serious walker. Bus routes connect various parts of the coastal path, too.

Stunning sea views are provided from the headland across to St Brides Bay. You can also access the small cove of Caerfai Beach from just outside the site entrance down a fairly steep set of steps.

The site consists of three areas, with grass and hardstanding pitches with electric. Facilities include showers, toilets, family washrooms, a laundry, kitchen facilities and WiFi. St Davids, Europe’s smallest city, is a 15-minute walk away with many shops, places to eat and a superbly preserved cathedral.