With the summer holidays being planned and upcoming bank holiday weekends, there’s nothing like hitting the open road for a break in the great outdoors. Camping is a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones and can be the perfect staycation. Founder and director of award-winning campervan, caravan and motorhome insurance provider, comfort-insurance.co.uk, Peter Cue, shares the best hidden camping gems in the UK for tranquil scenery and stunning locations.
England
Little Trethvas Camping & Touring Site, Cornwall
An intimate and friendly campsite, Little Trethvas is located on the unique and unspoilt Lizard Peninsular – the perfect location to explore this wonderful corner of Cornwall. Fantastic beaches, superb walks and scenic drives through sleepy villages and wooded valleys surround this place. The area has historic importance, with Iron Age settlements, barrows and tin mines to visit. Known as ‘The Menage’ or ‘Land of the Saints’ – the vicinity of this location has a plethora of coastal walking paths dotted with Celtic crosses, where Christian pilgrims once crossed this peninsular.
There is an array of activities to keep everyone occupied. From fishing and sailing through to off-road biking and horseback riding – there is something for everyone. Trotting off on horseback across the Hoonhill Downs should not be missed, and the kids will love the nearby Flambards theme park at Helston.
Cumbria
Moss Side Farm Campsite, Cumbria
A hiker’s dream, this campsite’s location has it all. Moss Side Farm campsite is Nestled in a woodland valley, there are many footpaths leading from the farm. The main path runs along a disused railway line, going straight into Broughton, a village steeped in history and other paths lead into the valleys of Seathwaite and Ulpha – breathtaking walks will take you over streams, bridges and open fields packed with serene views.
This warm, family-friendly campsite is also a working farm, with sheep, cows, ducks, hens and dogs all residing here. The team welcome well-behaved dogs so happy campers can bring their furry friends along with them. With the farm in the Lake District a ten minute drive to the third biggest lake in this area, called Coniston Lake, active campers can have a go at the local water sports available, such as sailing, canoeing and kayaking.
Narborough Fisheries, Norfolk
One for the fishing enthusiast. Located in Norfolk, Narborough Fisheries campsite is a 26-acre site with fishing lakes flowing with chalk stream water from the River Nar. With five lakes to choose from, serious anglers can fish for the likes of Carp and Trout, amongst the 9,000 fish, making this place a fisherman’s heaven.
Pitch up alongside a lake and enjoy the tranquil views of nature or go wildlife spotting with a trip to Norkfolk’s Wildlife Trust’s chalk grassland of Narborough Railway Line. It’s a rare habitat-type for Norfolk and is one of the best places for butterflies, not to mention the nearby Norfolk Broads – the UK’s largest protected wetland.
Scotland
Port Bàn Holiday Park
Port Bàn is a secluded haven, situated near Kilberry on the beautiful unspoilt coastline of the Knapdale Peninsula of Scotland, where there are striking panoramic views across the sea to Islay and Jura. The sheer beauty of the landscape and the rich diversity of wildflowers and wildlife makes Port Bàn an interesting and peaceful retreat. Described as a wee taste of heaven, holidaymakers can relax in total peace.
There’s plenty to see and do, such as swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing, cycling, walking or exploring the rockpools. Children can play in the open space which comes in abundance. Nearby, the Kilmartin Museum is worth a visit to discover Scotland’s past, through its collection of exciting artefacts from the Bronze Age, Neolithic Age and more.
Queensberry Bay Park
Residing on the windswept northern shores of the Solway Firth in Scotland, the family-run Queensberry Bay Park is the best for get-away-from-it-all breaks by the sea. The park only knows one way of life, the slow life. Maintaining the soothing atmosphere includes attention to detail, such as only cutting the grass on weekdays at specific times and policies on pure calmness throughout the site.
Visitors can go bird-watching, walking or cycling. There is even a local golf course close by and a pampering spa for activities during the day. This truly is a first-class holiday for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Accommodation comprises of mixed pitches for tents, tourers and motorhomes, glamping S-pods and caravans equipped with everything needed.
Caravan and Camping Park
Wales
Sunnysands Caravan Park
Whether it’s a peaceful, laidback holiday or an action-packed fun-filled family holiday, this site offers diverse activities to suit all. Set in the scenic Snowdonia National Park and close to the seaside town of Barmouth, the park is fronted by miles of sandy beach and the calm blue sea of Cardigan Bay, backed by the panoramic mountains of Snowdon and Cadir. Sunnysands comes fully equipped with a range of facilities to enjoy, including a bar, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a restaurant and a play area.
Gwaun Vale Touring Park
Only one and a half miles from Fishguard in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Gwaun Vale serves up a slice of the beautiful Welsh countryside with impressive views. The National Park is best for exploring, watching the cormorants dive into the sea and spotting flocks of seagulls. Amazingly, porpoises and dolphins can be spotted, along with grey seals and their young pups. This is an absolute winner for the wildlife and country purist.
Being close to the coast means this location boasts an excellent selection of beaches only a few miles away. Off-site, there’s an array of activities to get involved in, ranging from tennis, sailing, horse riding and canoeing. Not only that, but campers can enjoy a relaxed evening with a barbecue and see the day out by watching the sunset over the Welsh hills – blissful!
For more information about Comfort Insurance visit: comfort-insurance.co.uk
About the Author / Gareth Hargreaves
Gareth looks after all editorial content on 50connect. He is the Swiss Army knife of content ideas and production.
