This year, ditch the tent pegs and enjoy a night of comfort under the starts at some of the UK’s most comfy camping spots. With the warmer weather taking time away from urban life and refuelling in some of the UK’s most stunning countryside can be a very rewarding experience. Mongolian yurts, coastal bunkhouses and hidden bothies are just some of the ways you can enjoy a unique and stress-free camping trip with friends and family.
With inspiring views and plenty to do on your doorstep, it’s easy head outdoors and get close to nature. Try a big hike, go surfing in the sea, join the family on a muddy bike ride or visit one of the historic and beautiful places cared for by the National Trust.
A stay at one of the Trust’s comfy campsites helps the conservation charity to look after special places for ever, for everyone. With long summer days and balmy evenings calling you outdoors, this is how to get back to nature in style.
Wasdale, Lake District
Wasdale is a remote farming hamlet surrounded by spectacular fells and dramatic natural wilderness. The fells have been an inspiration for mountaineers, climbers and poets for decades and remain a magnificent setting for an adventure to suit everyone. Spend the night in a camping pod that’s simple and spacious, or try out a tipi with wood-burner for a cosy evening. Wasdale campsite sits a stone’s throw from the head of Wastwater, which has been voted Britain’s favourite view.
Set in the quieter West Lakes, it is a good spot for mountain hikes and climbing. Pull on your boots and head up Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak, or venture out onto Wastwater in a canoe (not provided, so you’ll need to bring your own). Wasdale Head Inn is a short walk from the campsite for a tasty bite to eat.
Price: Tent pitch: From £42 for two nights, Camping pod: From £70 for two nights. Nordic Tipis: Minimum 3 nights from £399 (2 adults and 2 children under 18).
For more information please call 01539 432733 ntlakesholidays.org.uk
National Trust places nearby
Buttermere Valley
Borrowdale and Derwentwater
Sticklebarn and The Langdales
Low Wray, Lake District
Situated on the Windermere lakeshore, Low Wray campsite is a tranquil rural retreat for the whole family to enjoy, whilst remaining conveniently located for getting around the Lake District. Take a ten minute stroll to Wray Castle, head into the hills for a walk or spend an afternoon on one of the many activities for kids in the surrounding area. Hire bikes and canoes or a bat detector kit, or visit nearby Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s 17th century Farmhouse which will be celebrating her 150th anniversary. Alternatively, cycle to Claife Viewing Station or Allan Bank along newly opened bike routes.
Low Wray has a pioneering range of glamping opportunities; choose from campervan spaces, camping pods or safari tents (new for 2016). All are sure to give you a good night’s sleep in a warm, comfortable bed under the stars.
Price: Standard Pods: 3 available, (2 adults and 1 child) prices start from £160 for two nights
Safari tents: 2 available, from Friday to Monday, prices start from £474.99, 7 nights starting Monday or Friday, and prices from £850. For more information, please call 01539 432733 ntlakesholidays.org.uk
National Trust places nearby
Allan Bank
Wray Castle
Hill Top
Gibside, Tyne and Wear, North East
Sleep under the stars in a cosy Mongolian yurt at Cut Thorn Farm. West Wood yurt village provides the perfect combination of back to nature living, without compromising on all the usual luxuries you could wish for on holiday, it even includes solar-powered phone chargers. With comfortable futon style beds, warm duvets, cosy wood burning stoves, solar lighting and twinkling fairy lights this really is luxury camping at its best. Yurt glampers have exclusive access to Gibside’s parkland and adventure playground after day visitors go home. A large yurt sleeps six, a small sleeps four.
Price: From £259 for two nights
For more information, please call 07823 334910
National Trust places nearby
Cherryburn
Washington Old Hall
Castle Ward, County Down
Tucked away on Strangford Avenue in the stunning 820-acre Demesne at Castle Ward, these camping pods offer a chance to reconnect with nature.
Explore the many trails that wind their way through atmospheric woodland, gardens and parklands, plus there’s plenty of space for cycling. If you’re feeling adventurous, the nearby Clearsky Adventure Centre offers archery lessons, bike hire, laser clay pigeon shooting and kayaking on Strangford Lough and with an eighteenth century mansion on your doorstep it’s the perfect place to spend the weekend.
A standard pod sleeps 2 adults and up to one child, and a family pod sleeps 2 adults and three children.
Price: Standard Pod: Minimum 2 nights from £49, Family Pod: from £118.
For more information, please call 028 4488 1204
National Trust places nearby
Rowallane Garden
Mount Stewart
Crom, County Fermanagh
For those who want to get back to nature whilst still enjoying a few luxuries, why not try out the glamping pods at Crom? The pods look out over Lough Erne and are a stone’s throw from the water – the perfect spot to relax and watch the sun set.
They are located right beside the visitor centre and close to the campsite facilities, which include a shower block and an outdoor tap for washing dishes. In the past, they were used to house pigs, but they’ve certainly had an upgrade since then.
The pods have enough space to fit from two adults to a family of five with two single beds and plenty of floor space. They are well equipped with home comforts to make your stay that bit easier, with a microwave, kettle, heater and electric points to charge those smartphones and hairdryers.
Price: Minimum 2 nights, £65 per night
For more information, please call 028 6773 8118
National Trust places nearby
Florence Court
Castle Coole
Dudmaston Bunkhouse at Dudmaston Hall, Shropshire
A characterful Tudor building on the Dudmaston Estate has been cleverly converted to provide bunkhouse accommodation for up to 20 people, but with a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, it certainly won’t feel like you’re stuck in the Tudor ages. Spend your evenings relaxing in the large living area and discussing your group’s adventures.
Price: Minimum 3 night stay from £726 (sleeps 16)
National Trust places nearby
Berrington Hall
Attingham Park
Carmarthenshire Bunkhouse, Dinefwr
The bunkhouse at Dinefwr is one of the best-kept secrets in Carmarthenshire. Set in the magnificent Dinefwr estate in Llandeilo, it’s the ideal base for any large group to explore the county of Carmarthenshire. Fondly known as the Garden of Wales, there are many beaches, mountain ranges, towns and other attractions to explore nearby.
The bunkhouse is open-plan and situated in the inner courtyard by Newton House. It sleeps up to 15 and has bathroom facilities, a kitchen and a lounge. From the balcony see spectacular views of the medieval deer park.
Price: £887 for 3 nights, accommodates 17 guests.
For more information, please email [email protected], call 0344 800 2070
National Trust places nearby
Dolaucothi Gold Mines
Llanerchaeron
Henman Bunkhouse, Leith Hill, Surrey
Close to Dorking town centre, Henman bunkhouse nestles on the lower northern slopes of Leith Hill, the highest point in south east England. Although London is only thirty miles away, the setting of tranquillity and beauty provides an ideal location for groups to experience rural Surrey at its finest.
The bunkhouse is a great base for a holiday in the Surrey Hills. Walkers can directly access the Greensand Way and other local way-marked trails.
There are also many bridleways and byways covering Leith Hill and the surrounding area that are ideal for cyclists.
Alternatively, a short walk to the Tower will provide sweeping views across the countryside and the nearby pubs are on hand to help you take a well-earned rest.
For more information, please email [email protected]
National Trust places nearby
Polesden Lacey
Box Hill
Houghton Mill Campsite, Cambridgeshire
Set in peaceful rural Cambridgeshire, not far from the historic market town of St Ives is Houghton Mill Campsite. Set in an idyllic village location on an island on the Great Ouse River, Houghton Mill has inspired artists and photographers for generations.
Come and experience the sound and atmosphere of a traditional working mill, have a go at making flour or lose yourself in the tranquillity of the riverside setting. Enjoy a family holiday or weekend break at Waterclose Meadows campsite which is ideal for walking, canoeing, fishing, and close to historic Cambridge.
The campsite is open from 17 May – 31 October 2021.
54 caravan / motorhome pitches with electric hook-up, 15 Tent pitches
Price: From £19.00 per pitch and £8 per adult per night.
National Trust places nearby
Wimpole Estate
Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill
Wicken Fen
Octavia Hill Bunkhouse at Outridge Farm, Kent
Home to one of the National Trust’s most popular bunkhouses, Outridge is an 80 acre farm set on the side of Toy’s Hill in the rolling Kent countryside. Just off J5 of the M25 and close to Sevenoaks, it’s in easy reach of attractions such as Chartwell and Emmetts Garden.
Soak up the rustic charm of this converted redbrick outhouse with a barbeque on the veranda or venture further onto the Octavia Hill walking trail.
For any groups wishing to have a cycling holiday, the bunkhouse is close to Toys Hill. It is the highest point in Kent with some fantastic bike trails, both on and off road, which are popular with both mountain bikers and road riders. There are also facilities for you to wash and store your bike securely after your ride.
Price: Minimum stay 3 nights £788
For more information, please call 0344 335 1296 or email [email protected]
National Trust places nearby
Chartwell
Knole
Comfy campsites at the coast
Teneriffe Farm Campsite, Cornwall
Sleep in the most southerly camping pods in mainland Britain at this working farm. Teneriffe farm campsite is an ideal destination to get away from it all on the Lizard, in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty surrounded by the Cornish coast. The site has new washing up facilities, hot showers, a laundry and a play area that will keep the kids busy. Take a walk to the picturesque Mullion Cove, or play in the waves and build sandcastles at one of the other nearby beaches. Pods sleep up to two adults and three children or four adults.
For more information, please call 01326 240293. Season 17 May – 30 October 2021.
Price: Camping starts at around £44 for 2 nights, pods start at £75 for 2 nighta.
For more information, please call 01326 240293
National Trust places nearby
Mullion Harbour
Kynance Cove
Lizard Point
Penrose Bunkhouse, nr Helston, Cornwall
Situated in a beautiful spot on the Cornish coast, Penrose bunkhouse offers simple accommodation for groups and will particularly appeal to anyone looking for an active and adventurous holiday. For walkers the South West Coast Path is on the doorstep, and there are also great opportunities for cycling, including marked trails on the Penrose estate and around Porthleven.
The Bunkhouse also has easy access to several local beaches, including Gunwalloe which is just a mile away. After all of that activity you can relax and enjoy the sea views from the garden, or walk along the coastal path to the local pub.
The bunkhouse is ideal for families (other than very young children), large gatherings of family/friends and activity groups.
Price: From £864 for 3 nights (sleeps 16). Property can accommodate 2 dogs per visit.
For more information, please call 0344 335 1296 or email [email protected]
Exmoor Bunkhouse, Devon
Exmoor Bunkhouse sleeps up to 18 people. Whether you are a group of friends wanting to get away or a residential trip, this is a great value option. Two large dormitories and a leader’s room, excellent hot showers, fully equipped kitchen and solar assisted heating make it a cosy place to stay to explore Exmoor.
There are lots of active and not so active ways to spend your time. Surrounded by beautiful countryside it’s ideal for painting and photography. If you want to be more adventurous try walking, cycling, horse riding or even surfing.
Price: From £960 Minimum 3 night stay (sleeps 18)
For more information, please call 0344 335 1296 or email [email protected]
National Trust places nearby
Watersmeet
Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum
Beach Head bunkhouse, Cornwall
Wake up to panoramic views of the coast out to Trevose Head in this bunkhouse by the sea. With the beach only 1½ miles away at Porthcothan, Beach Head bunkhouse is a perfect base for families and surfers alike. Close to the South West Coastal Path it is also ideally positioned as a restful stop for walkers, and the recently installed LPG gas central heating makes Beach Head a cosy place to stay whatever the weather.
For those who value their creature comforts there are three National Trust holiday cottages nearby, which are also useful for anyone wanting to organise large gatherings of family or friends.
Price: Minimum 3 night stay £570
For more information, please call 0344 335 1296 or email [email protected]
National Trust places nearby
Carnewas at Bedruthan
Trerice
Lanhydrock
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