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UK campsites - readers’ travel-tips

UK campsites - readers’ travel-tips
A working vineyard in Devon, a hotspot for dolphin watching in Cornwall and one of Tolkien’s writing retreats in the Hebrides are among our readers’ highlights

Winning tip: Trewethett Farm campsite, Cornwall

Trewethett Farm has heaps of pitches, with views down to nearby Tintagel and a very easy afternoon’s walk to Boscastle taking you along a winding coastal path. Bossiney Haven is a great little beach and sunsets are almost completely uninterrupted, apart from by the occasional dolphin!
Pitches from £5 plus from £5.90 per adult, and £1.70 per child, open mid-March-October, 01840 770222, caravanclub.co.uk
jamieisbell

River Dart country park, Devon
A sunny coastline, mild climate and lush pastureland make the south Devon coast great for camping, and the River Dart Country Park has streams for swimming, hiking areas, nature trails and pirate ships to keep the kids happy. Local organic products are available at the nearby Riverfield Kitchen.
From £14 for two then £4pp, open April-September, 01364 652511, riverdart.co.uk
foxthecox

Cleadale, Isle of Eigg, the Hebrides 

If you enjoy your camping raw, earthy and inspiring, Cleadale is worth making the trek to. The soft pastures aren’t smooth, but you know you are surrounded by mother nature at her most inspiring here. The best grassy banks for tents look seaward to the Isle of Rum and you can eat your pasta as the sun sets while eagles and buzzards soar from cliff tops. JRR Tolkien penned some chapters of The Lord of the Rings when staying here, and you might want to write your own book or poem too.
£5pp, yurts from £40, open May-October, 01687 482480, eiggorganics.co.uk
gonca


Ten Acres Vineyard, Devon

This is a lovely campsite and vineyard near the picturesque village of Winkleigh, between Exmoor and Dartmoor. The owners are winemakers who know everything about wine and English sparkling wine, which of course you can also try. There are also some delightful little pigs and chickens – it’s perfect for family camping.
£6 adults, £3 children, open May-September, 01837 83892,tenacresvineyardcamping.co.uk

Lundy Island campsite


With the only distractions being the clear waters and dazzling night sky, Lundy, in the Bristol Channel, is our favourite camping spot in the UK. This is natural camping at its very best, and while it doesn’t seem like the perfect spot for camping at first sight, a few nights can be truly magical. You need to make sure you’re prepared for the possibility of some gusty Atlantic winds, but with the right weather this peaceful, remote location feels a million miles from modern life.
Two nights from £20pp, open April-October, 01628 825925,landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland
cool_camper

The Hollybush, Herefordshire


Staying in a tipi here was great; we took an air bed and bedding, and lit the fire before settling down for the night. It may not be glamping, but feeling that cosy with the gentle breeze through the trees and the noise of the river was luxurious. We ditched the car and went canoeing from the campsite the next day, along the river and its beautiful scenery into the magical place called Hay-on-Wye, aka the Town of Books. 
£10 adults, £5 children, tipis £25 adults and £12.50 children, open year round, 01497 847131, hollybushcamping.com

Steeple Leaze Farm campsite, Dorset


One of my favourite weekends was a camping trip along the Jurassic coastline from Weymouth to Swanage. We walked about 18 miles on the first day, accompanied by breathtaking cliff views, and made camp at Steeple Leaze Farm, where we found ourselves being the only campers on a vast field of green. The owners leave you to yourself, but are very friendly if you have any questions. All you need to do is show up the next morning and pay a small pitching fee. 
£6 adults, £3 children, open March-October, 01929 480733,steepleleazecamping.co.uk
TwinnyDip

Sustainability Centre, Hampshire
Step off the South Downs Way and wheel your bike or weary legs into the quiet campsite at the Sustainability Centre. This is as close to wild camping as you’ll get without missing out on a refreshing morning wash. Light a campfire, sit under the stars and listen out for owls. Visitor numbers are kept low and you are encouraged to engage with and respect the natural habitat. Solar showers, compost toilets and recycling are part of the experience.
Camping £12 adults/£7 children, yurts £33/£12.50, tipis £22/£10, reduced facilities November-March, 0173 0823 166, sustainability-centre.org
Meraid Griffin

Hillhead Caravan Club site, Devon


This is one of our favourite family-focused campsites in the UK. As you drive around the site for the first time the sea view hits you smack in the face and the whole family grins. It has an outdoor swimming pool, split into a kids shallow pool and a deep pool, but they also allow periods in the main pool for adults only. The bar/clubhouse has plenty of seating inside and out and has a stage/dancefloor for nightly entertainment. The area is great for photographers and steam train lovers and we like to take the car or foot ferry to Dartmouth or hire a motorboat and drive up the river. 
Pitches from £14.90, closed January-February, 01803 853204, caravanclub.co.uk
richardmackney

North Hill Farm, Gower peninsula

We enjoy looking at the curious fluffy fellas (the local sheep) that often stroll along the clifftops next to the tents at North Hill Farm, although they always seem more interested in the burnt sausages coming off the barbecues in summer than the dramatic views of Penmaen and crumbling Pennard Castle across the valley!
Pitch (up to 2 adults, 3 children) from £23, open April-October, 01792 371218,threecliffsbay.com

                                                                                                              Source: theguardian.com

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