Bonnie and Clyde in the friendly city
THEY’RE filling up fast with 2015 bookings, so check out the best of Britain’s family-friendly campsites with STEVE RICHES... CLOSE TO? Two minutes from the village and handy for the Dorset holiday hideaways of Poole, Swanage and Wareham and the enchanting Jurassic Coast. And it’s just a short drive to the joys of Brownsea Island, Corfe Castle and Bournemouth. WHAT’S ON SITE? Tents, caravans and motorhomes at an award-winning, family-run operation. First-class shop with local produce. Immaculate modern heated shower/toilet facilities, which alarmingly isn’t always the case in Britain. Woods and pond area, bike hire, games room, adventure playground. Ideal for families with small children and pets. HOW MUCH? Pitches (two people) from £14 per night. Extra adult (over 15) £4.75, children (three-15) £2.25. Open from February 28. CONTACT: www.southlytchettmanor.co.uk. CLOSE TO? Perhaps the prettiest part of the stunning western Lake District with, handily, its own station on the quaint steam Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. Minutes from the King George IV, a fine pub that’s known for its locally sourced, and sauced, food. WHAT’S ON SITE? Peace and tranquillity for adults in tents and campervans (no noise after 10.30pm), plus everything children could want within a large adventure playground, like a tree house, zip wire, Tarzan ropes and a pond with rafts. HOW MUCH? Adults (over 15) from £6.50 per night. Children (three-15) £3.50, dogs £1.50. Electricity £3. Open from March 13. CONTACT: www.fishergroundcampsite.co.uk. CLOSE TO? A mere 15 miles from central London and within the M25 ring is this Camping and Caravanning Club retreat, equally convenient for trips to three of the country’s top theme parks – Legoland, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures. A riverside stroll away is the busy town of Hersham. WHAT’S ON SITE? Plenty of wildlife (especially parakeets), a marked dog walk, llama trekking (but of course), cycling and fishing opportunities on a surprisingly spacious 115-pitch site. It’s for members only but you can join when you book (families from £37). HOW MUCH? Campervans from £30 per night. Open from March 26. CONTACT: www.campingandcaravanning club.co.uk. CLOSE TO? A truly special place in the heart of the spectacular Cairngorms with Scotland’s outdoor sporting centre a 15-minute drive away. Access to the beaches and watersports of Loch Morlich. Rich in wildlife, the huge Highland Folk Park in Newtonmore is a treat. WHAT’S ON SITE? About 200 pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes to use as a base for lovers of cycling and walking. Convenience store with a well-priced cafe just offsite. HOWH MUCH? Pitches (two adults) from £16.50 pe per night. Open all year. CONTACT: www.campingintheforest.co.uk. CLOSE TO? Not so much close to as on the g glorious waterworld of the Norfolk Broads. An ho hour from Norwich, nearer to the Pleasurewood H Hills theme park in Lowestoft, Redwings Horse Sa Sanctuary, Oulton Broad yachting lake and the ag ageless market towns of Beccles and Bungay. WHAT’SW ON SITE? This is a five-star operation – a holiday park and marina with space for just 1 17 caravans and 35 tents – and the views and fa facilities are excellent. Leisure centre, indoor sw swimming pool, bar and restaurant, playground, bo boat hire, nature reserve. ‘No noise’ policy fr from 9pm-7am.