Camping in the UK offers an amazing way to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes. You’ll have a chance to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and create wonderful memories. From budget options to high end glamping – the UK has it all.
If you’re looking for the best camping sports in the UK, don’t worry. If you’re searching for the Best Camping Spots in the UK for Beginners, don’t worry. While getting started as a beginner camper might seem a little daunting, choosing a good campsite will ensure your first experience isn’t stressful, but a sensation.
In this article, we’ll explore sites all over the UK, from the rugged beauty of Scotland to the charming seaside towns of Cornwall. We’ll look at campsites offering a variety of accommodations, you may want to avoid any heavy lifting. There are pre-pitched tents just for you! Many spots have essential amenities to ensure a comfortable first experience.
What Makes a Great Beginner Campsite?
Choosing the right campsite for you is the first step towards an enjoyable and relaxing camping experience! Here’s a breakdown of the key features to consider to make a campsite a good option for beginners:
- Easy access: You don’t want to embark on an epic hike just to find your campsite. Look for sites near roads with clear parking options. Short, well-defined trails to your tent are ideal, especially if you’re carrying cumbersome equipment.
- Amenities: Basic creature comforts go a long way to quell a first-time camper’s worries. Well-maintained toilet facilities are a must. Access to showers would be great too. Accessible drinking water is vital for hydration, cooking, and morning cups of coffee.
- Flat, well-defined pitches: Waking up with a crick in your neck because you’ve slid downhill in your tent does happen. I’ve experienced this first hand, to be in another part of your tent from the one you started is a disorienting experience. Seek out campsites with flat, even pitches for your tent. Also, well-defined pitches ensure you’re not encroaching on your neighbors and gives you a sense of your own space.
- Designated fire pits: Building a campfire is a classic camping experience, but not all UK campsites allow this practice. Check the rules of the particular site and follow their safety rules. Look for designated areas.
- Nearby attractions: While nature itself is extremely rewarding, having some options nearby certainly adds value to your holiday. Campsites located near beautiful hiking trails, calm lakes for canoeing, or visitor centers providing information will be great for the beginner. These attractions will enrich your trip.
9 Best Camping Spots in the UK for Beginners
Wales
- Top of the Woods, Pembrokeshire: Embrace eco-consciousness if that is your thing. You’ll find comfort at this campsite with a number of choices. Choose from quirky safari lodges, nature domes, or pack the tent and immerse yourself in wildflower meadows. Top of the Woods is a glamping hotspot if you want that extra layer of luxury. It’s not a bad idea for the beginner camper!
- Newgale Campsite, Pembrokeshire: This budget-friendly spot boasts a surfer-friendly beach with gentle swells and incredible white sands – perfect for catching your first waves if you are up for it! You can pitch up a peak season for just £20 a night. Learn more about Newgale Campsite.
- Cwmdu Campsite, Bannau Brycheiniog, South Wales: This Dark Sky Reserve will give you a chance to channel your inner astronomer. Pitch your own tent or try one of their pods. Then, prepare to be dazzled by all the stars – apparently it’s even possible to spot the Northern lights! Not ready for camping? You could stay in a holiday cottage instead. Cwmdu Campsite has a wide range of amenities too.
Scotland
- Fidden Farm, Isle of Mull: You’ll have a chance to soak up breathtaking island views and crystal-clear water. If you are lucky you may see a dolphin or two. Fidden Farm provides amenities such as showers and laundry. The beach and countryside are yours to explore. Remember you’ll have to take the ferry to get there. You may have to do some traveling to get there, but it is all worth it. Fidden Farm is extremely affordable, just £12 per person, per night.
- Linwater Caravan Park, Edinburgh: If you fancy starting your camping journey in more homely surroundings then Linwater Caravan Park might be a good choice. You’ll find creature comforts and a selection of self catering holiday lodges and static caravans.
England
- Woodfire, Sussex: Experience glamping-style camping with bell tents, pod, and many creature comforts such as an on-site café and shop. You’ll be living a life of luxury among the lovely Sussex countryside. You don’t have to bring food, it has incredible gastro camping options, with locally sourced meat cooked over the fire. Learn more at Discover camping options at Woodfire Sussex.
- Harry’s Hampshire: This Hampshire beauty offers cozy accommodations and amenities. It’ll ensure you’ll have a smooth and comfortable first camping trip. I hope you are an animal lover because you’ll be among free-roaming ponies, deer and donkeys. There is a pub nearby too to quench your first for beer. Harry’s Hampshire is a true delight!
- Grange Farm, Isle of Wight: This family-friendly campsite offers so many options! Choose from tents, caravans, and cottages. You’ll enjoy convenient on-site amenities. The views are spectacular, incredible 360-degree coastal views await! Explore facilities at Grange Farm.
- Wooda Farm Holiday Park, Cornwall: This park offers great variety! You’ll have a chance to pick your perfect Cornish camping experience. Pet friendly, great for romantics, and 5 star facilities. Wooda Farm Holiday Park has everything you need.
These campsites are great for beginners, they offer an extensive range of accommodations. (so you can avoid the tent this time!) Essential amenities, many additional features, and nearby attractions will make your first camping experience a true pleasure.
Essential Tips for Beginner Campers
- Start small, dream big: Your first camping trip doesn’t have to be epic! Aim for one or two nights especially if it is your first time in a tent. This gives you time to get comfortable with the basics and figure out what you might need for longer adventures in the future.
- Home sweet practice run: Avoid campsite setup struggles by doing an at home test-run with your tent and gear. You’ll arrive feeling prepared and less likely to get flustered on-site. You might even want to spend the night testing out your new sleeping bag and other comfort camping essentials for a cozy trip, ensuring everything meets your comfort needs.
- Be ready for anything (weather-wise): The UK weather is famously unpredictable. Pack for sunshine and showers! Layers are vital – think t-shirts, fleeces, and a waterproof jacket or coat. Preparing for unpredictable weather means packing for both warmth and sun protection. For tips on what to carry for hotter days, explore the best gear for camping in extreme heat.
- Keep mealtime simple: Elaborate camp cooking can be fun, but start with the basics. Easy recipes, pre-made snacks, and minimal cleanup will make your first experience less stressful and more enjoyable. For instance, explore how to elevate a basic meal with cowboy ramen: the ultimate camping meal hack, turning simple ramen noodles into a culinary delight that’s perfect for any campsite meal.”
- Leave it better than you found it: Being a responsible camper is key! Learn the Leave No Trace principles. This means packing out your trash, respecting wildlife, and minimizing your impact on the environment so others can enjoy it too. You don’t want a wild pony snacking on your ramen noodles.
Conclusion
Camping is a fantastic way to connect with nature, make memories, and discover a world of new adventures that are right on your doorstep. By choosing one of the many best camping spots in the UK for beginners and following a few simple tips, you’ll set yourself up for a successful and enjoyable experience. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your first camping getaway – the UK’s most beautiful places await!
Do you have a favorite beginner-friendly campsite in the UK that we didn’t mention? Share it in the comments below!
FAQ
Q1: I’ve never camped before! How do I know if a campsite is right for me?
A: Look for “beginner-friendly,” “amenities,” and “easy access” when doing your research. Campsites that offer toilets, showers (optional), clearly marked pitches, and nearby attractions are ideal for first-timers.
Q2: It rains a lot in the UK. What if the weather is bad?
A: Be prepared! Check the forecast, pack waterproof layers, and consider campsites with indoor activities nearby. A little rain shouldn’t stop the fun, but having a backup plan ensures comfort.
Q3: What kind of tent should I get?
A: For your first trip, focus on ease. If possible, borrow one from a friend, or choose a campsite with pre-erected tent options. This lets you try before you invest in your own gear.
Q4: Cooking seems complicated at a campsite. Help!
A: Keep it simple! Opt for one-pot meals, pre-made snacks, and easy campfire staples like foil-wrapped potatoes. Focus on enjoying the experience, not gourmet cooking.
Q5: Is it expensive to go camping?
A: Camping can be incredibly budget-friendly! Sites with basic tent pitches are often very affordable. Packing your own food and finding free local attractions keeps costs down.