Top campsites for…
Nothing beats waking up in your caravan to a fantastic vista – Paul Critcher chooses a selection of sites with something special to see
Enjoying spectacular vistas
1CORNWALL Trewethett Farm
Tintagel combines all of the things that make the county of Cornwall so incredibly alluring – dramatic coastline, gorgeous countryside and a history packed full of exciting myths and legends. And wonderful views across the cliffs and out to sea.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club Site at Trewethett Farm offers easy footpath access to Tintagel, and you’ll also find the harbour of Boscastle nearby if you follow the South West Coast Path north.
The big attraction here is the fabulous view from the site over Bossiney Cove’s long sandy beach – simply delightful.
The beach is covered by the tide at high water and it’s a steep descent, so you might prefer Polzeath, just down the coast.
› Trewethett Farm
› caravanclub.co.uk
2CORNWALL Pentewan Sands
The south coast of Cornwall isn’t blessed with the superb surf of its north coast partner, but it has many other qualities to recommend it.
You’ll find cute coves, romantic fishing villages and, as is the case here, plenty of wide sandy beaches. The mile-long stretch of near-white sand at Pentewan looks out over the English Channel and is well-served by fantastic facilities, such as waterskiing,
a boat launch and The Seahorse, with its indoor pools and play area. Take in those gorgeous views strolling on the sands or enjoying a sundowner at the beach shack. › Pentewan Sands
› pentewan.co.uk
3DEVON Ladram Bay
It’s easy to see why this site is so popular – you couldn’t place a holiday park in a better location, overlooking the glorious Jurassic Coast and with its own beach.
This is very much a resort for the whole family, a place where you can all enjoy the excellent amenities, such as crazy golf, indoor swimming pools, a climbing wall and an adventure playground.
If you really want to immerse yourself in the view, why not take a dip in the bay, or enjoy a spot of kayaking? Locally, you’ll find Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth, and Exeter is only 14 miles away.
› Ladram Bay Holiday Park
› www.ladrambay.co.uk
4SOUTH WALES Three Cliffs Bay
We will simply never tire of celebrating the beauty of the Gower, in South Wales – it’s exquisite! The vast sandy beaches are a huge attraction, of course, yet they never seem crowded. Among the best is Three Cliffs Bay, a sandy beach backed by imposing limestone cliffs. You can cut under the cliffs via an arch, or walk across them to the ruins of Pennard Castle.
Down below, the Pennard Pill stream weaves its way towards the sea. The relatively steep walk to the beach keeps the crowds at bay and in the early morning, it feels like your very own kingdom. The arrival of horseriders and surfers only adds to the atmosphere.
Even better is the location of Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park, where amazing cliffside pitches overlook the beach.
› Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park
› threecliffsbay.com
5NORTHERN IRELAND Rushin House
This beautiful holiday park in County Fermanagh is our Top 100 Sites Guide 2021 Regional Winner for Northern Ireland, and it’s not hard to see why.
Rushin House is located on a family farm on the shores of Lough Macnean, offering spectacular panoramic views in all directions. The deep inky blue of the waters set against the gorgeous Irish green just takes your breath away.
It is a mile from the village of Belcoo and 13 miles from Enniskillen. The whole region is rich in natural beauty, so much so that scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed here, including at Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, a UNESCO site of waterfalls, forests and cave formations. › Rushin House
› rushinhouse.com
6SCOTLAND Sands Caravan & Camping Park
Let’s face it, you’ll find amazing views at any number of locations on the west coast of Scotland – geology, geography and weather combine to create one of the most delightful parts of the world, and the warm is welcome, too!
With views across the sands, out to the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides, Sands Caravan & Camping Park is a jewel
‘If you really want to immerse yourself in the fine view, why not take a dip in the bay?’
of a Scottish campsite – you can almost hear The Proclaimers playing in your head at the mere prospect of visiting.
There’s plenty to do in the local area, everything from walking and climbing to dancing at a ceilidh, but for a truly wonderful experience, try joining one of the whale-watching cruises operating from nearby Gairloch Harbour.
› Sands Caravan & Camping Park
› sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk
7SCOTLAND Resipole Farm Holiday Park
Sitting above Loch Sunart in Argyll, this working farm has breathtaking views on all points of the compass.
It’s a beautiful part of the world, with Fort William and Ben Nevis to the east, Skye to the north, Coll to the west and Mull to the south.
This is hiking country, so put your best foot forward and prepare for everything from exceptionally clear waterways to bracing mountain hikes. Wildlife cruises are available (Covid permitting), with the chance to see seals and sea eagles. Or just sit and contemplate the loch waters, and let your soul soar.
› Resipole Farm Holiday Park
› resipole.co.uk
8LAKE DISTRICT Castlerigg Hall
What do you expect to see on any trip to the Lake District? Lakes, of course!
And at Castlerigg Hall, you’ll be slap-bang in the heart of the Lakes, overlooking Derwentwater and just five miles to the north-west of Thirlmere. The busy town of Keswick is less than two miles away.
There are too many local activities to list here, but why not take in a walk to the mysterious Castlerigg Stone Circle, which is thought to have been constructed some 2000 years ago? The stones overlook the Thirlmere Valley, with the mountains of High Seat and Helvellyn as a spectacular backdrop – breathtaking!
› Castlerigg Hall
› castlerigg.co.uk/the-park
9LAKE DISTRICT The Quiet Site
Another excellent park in the Lakes, this delightful site also offers Hobbit Holes, glamping pods and, for 2021, Gingerbread Houses. That shouldn’t take away from the main event, which is, of course, the atmospheric views across Ullswater.
The second largest stretch of water in the Lake District, Ullswater is surrounded by beautiful fells and one of the UK’S most attractive natural settings. Keen hikers will enjoy the 20-mile trail circling the lake, and in the early morning, when the mist is on the mountain and spring is coming in, you might even hear the whispering of William Wordsworth: “I wandered lonely as a cloud…”
› The Quiet Site
› thequietsite.co.uk
10ISLE OF WIGHT Stoats Farm
The white chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down are an iconic Isle of Wight view, and the Tennyson Monument can be seen on the hills above Stoats Farm, located on the most westerly point of the island.
This tranquil site is being updated by the new management, but easy access to nearby attractions such as Freshwater Bay and The Needles make it a popular choice. From its west coast location, the sunsets are simply spectacular, with Swanage in the distance and scores of sailing boats coursing through the water.
› Stoats Farm
› stoatsfarm.com
‘From its location on the west coast of the island, the sunset views are simply spectacular’