8 Family-friendly Camping Locations In the UK
Pack your sense of adventure and experience the joy of a fun-filled camping trip with the family this summer! We all love planning a far-flung adventure with the family, but with the right research, UK camping can be just as fun, if not even better. Not only can you leave your passport at home, but you can also drive to your destination.
LuggageHero has uncovered the best child-friendly UK camping spots for those Brits looking inwards for their next great escape. Plus 8 tips for camping with the kids, so grab your tent, its time for a staycation in the great outdoors!
Catgill Campsite, North Yorkshire
Top features: Dogs allowed, BBQ & Firepits, Drinking water, Electric hook up, WiFi, hot tubs.
With kids in tow, camping isn’t the easiest of holiday experiences, but Catgill Campsite offers a relaxed and fun atmosphere for the whole family. Located close to Bolton Abbey this camping spot is the ideal base from which to explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park. From unique timber pods for the ultimate luxurious getaway, cosy bell tents for that glamping experience or bring your own tent to take in the breathtaking views – whichever you choose you can be sure you will make some fantastic family memories!
Address: Catgill Campsite, Catgill Farm, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire, BD23 6HA
Botany Camping, Wiltshire
Top features: BBQ, Hot showers, Free Parking, Washing up area
Picked for its natural beauty and plethora of opportunities for forest exploration, Botany campsite is one of the best places to get the family together. You can choose between a camping or glamping experience, with pitch available for both tents or campervans – or take the stress out of camping by spending the night in the Eco glamping ‘safari themed’ furnished bell tents. Located just 5km away from Longleat Safari park, and a short drive to Stonehenge and Bath, there is plenty to see for your little explorers.
Address: Botany Farm, Warminster BA12 7JY
Burnbake Campsite & Lodges, Dorset
Top features: Pets allowed, free parking, WiFi, Hottub, washing facilities. Play area
If you’re a family with a dog, you can’t beat Burnbake Campsite. Not only is the campsite dog-friendly, but they provide luxury lodges allocated for dog owners – so no need to leave your four-legged friend behind on your next family adventure! With a picture-perfect stretch of beach and coast, plus woodland and nature, Burnbake boasts plenty of habitats that are rich in wildlife, for your family to explore.
Address: Burnbake Campsite, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5JH
Ling’s Meadow, Norfolk
Top features: Free parking, Children activities, outdoor cooking, farm
Go off-grid and enjoy a real sense of adventure in the meadow of Ling’s Campsite, where kids have acres of space to play, build dens and discover nature. From tent pitches, bell tents, shepherds huts to stardome tents – there are plenty of different staycation experiences for everyone, the site also provides eco-friendly facilities for sustainable travel. Campfire cooking is an essential part of the camping experience, luckily the site offers fire pits for each glamping accommodation, so you can sit back and relax while toasting some yummy marshmallows.
Address: Stanton Road Farm, North Common, Hepworth, Diss IP22 2PR
Ruthern Valley Holidays, Cornwall
Top features: Free parking, Bicycle rental, laundry service, Wi-Fi, Water sports
With plenty of room to roam free and explore, Ruthern Valley makes a great base for a family-friendly staycation. Ruthern Valley offers a range of accommodation options, from woodland camping to holiday lodges, and even a glamping experience for the adults, as well as lots of local attractions to keep the whole family entertained. Being in the heart of Cornwall, there are plenty of walking, surfing and cycling places to explore around the site.
Address: Ruthernbridge, Bodmin PL30 5LU
Cotswold Farm Park, Cheltenham
Top features: BBQ and picnic areas, Farm feeding area, dog-friendly, baby changing areas
Cotswold Farm Park is steeped in family life, located in the heart of Cotswold, with picturesque scenery and Farm Park fun right on the doorstep. The campsite welcomes campers and campervans as well as providing glamping accommodation too. The farming experience, which draws families from all over the country, is the main attraction. From bottle-feeding lambs to petting fluffy bunnies, tractor rides and the adventure playground – there’s plenty for kids to get involved with here!
Address: Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL
Henlow Bridge Lakes, Bedfordshire
Top features: Free parking, outdoor play equipment, pets allowed, children activities
Open all year round, Henlow Bridge Lakes offers a range of accommodation options as well as lots of local family-friendly attractions and disability access. For fishing fanatics or those that want to try something new, Henlow camping offers a fishing experience for the whole squad to enjoy. The site has plenty of room for the kids to explore, with endless walking opportunities in and around camp.
Address: Bridge End Rd, Henlow SG16 6DD
Cornish Tipi Holiday, St.Kew Cornwall
Top features: Firepit, showers and toilets, free parking
If you’re looking for an unusual, unique camping experience, Cornish Tipi Holiday campsite is the perfect staycation spot. Have you ever envisioned yourself sleeping in a North America tipi next to a clear blue lake? Well, now you can! This rustic campsite is equipped with 20 tipis made of cotton canvas on a framework of wooden lodge poles, plus each tipi comes with its very own camp stove and cool box.
Address: Tregildrans Quarry Trelill, Bodmin PL30 3HZ
8 Tips for Camping with Kids
Don’t forget to pack medication. Being at one with nature presents its challenges, especially when bugs and pollen are knocking about. To prevent tears and spoilt camping experience, pack the essential medication needed: antihistamines, insect repellent, plasters and pain killers.
Cut the camping cost by finding a campsite with cooking facilities. Avoiding eating out every night in the local town, bringing your own food to cook on-site, will save a lot of money. And you can learn new skills and spend more time in the great outdoors!
Pack for all weathers. We all know how uncertain British weather can be, so always bring enough clothes for whatever the weather may be. That includes coats and jackets, T-shirts and shorts.
Add special touches. Trying to keep kids entertained can be hard, especially in a cold field. Pack some extra items that can add to kids camping enjoyment, such as glowsticks, flashlights, fairy lights and bug exploration kits.
Get the kids involved: Packing and unpacking can be difficult with kids around, but get them involved. Make the experience fun but letting them help put together the tent poles, gather firewood or find the perfect camping spot.
Plan ahead. Camping with the family might prove a challenge if your not well equipt, pack well in advance to avoid any mishaps. Why not conduct a test run in the back garden?
Rent camping equipment. If you’re worried about transporting and setting up tents, campsites often have the facilities for you to rent tents or tipis – and don’t worry this won’t affect your camping experience!
Pack well for nighttime. Sleeping in a tent is nothing like a night in a comfy B&B, so pack the extras needed for a good night sleep – pillows, blankets, sleeping mask, quilts.