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Britain's best camping spots for summer 2014
  • Highertown Farm Campsite, Cornwall

    Highertown Farm campsite is a short walk from a secluded beach, set within a stunning coastal landscape that is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. With installed solar water panels and composting toilets, this is one of the National Trust’s greenest campsites. The charming coastal villages and towns of Polperro, Fowey and Looe are within easy reach. Open from 4 April to 31 October 2014.

  • Castle Ward, County Down, Northern Ireland 

    With space for up to 28 caravans and plenty of room for tents too, Castle Ward has over 800 acres waiting to be explored. Discover the shores of the Strangford Lough, or, take in stunning viewpoints on a walk through the winding woodland and parkland. The Castle Ward Demesne offers a range of activities with 35km of trails to discover. The Clearsky Adventure Centre offers archery lessons, laser clay pigeon shooting and kayaking on Strangford Lough. Treat yourself to one of the gorgeous camping pods with sheep wool insulation and heating to keep things cosy. Open all year

  • Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire

    Walkers can enjoy the four-mile route around the serpentine lake, taking a break on the eighteenth century bridge – a perfect place for bird spotting. Cyclists can tackle the routes through the park with bike hire available, and you can even enjoy boat and tractor rides. Pitch your own tent or treat yourself to a camping pod, which sleep up to five adults or even opt for a wigwam. Open all year

  • Nostell Priory Holiday Park, Yorkshire

    This magical woodland holiday park has pitches for 50 touring caravans, four motor homes and six tents. There’s a small shop and play area on site and visitors to the Priory can explore 300 acres of parkland with a range of walks and views. There are lakeside walks, a newly planted orchard and adventure playground to keep the kids entertained. And don't miss the canoeing sessions on the Middle Lake. Open from 1 March - 31 October 2014. Advanced booking is advisable. 

  • Dolaucothi Gold Mine, Carmarthenshire

    Set in the attractive woodland of the Dolaucothi Estate in South Wales this twin-level site is right next to the River Cothi. Campers will enjoy getting back to nature with the magical wildflowers and birds, including the rare red kite. The River Cothi is also one of the best spots in the world for sewin (sea trout) fishing, and Dolaucothi is a great place do some star gazing. The nearby Brecon Beacons was recently designated International Dark Sky status making it the world's fifth Dark Sky reserve. A visit to the nearby gold mines is another must-do. Guided tours reveal the complex of pits left by the Romans nearly 2000 years ago. There’s the opportunity to even try your own luck at gold panning. Opens 19 Mar-1 Nov 2014.

  • Wasdale Head, Cumbria

    Voted the nation’s favourite in ITV’s Britain’s Favourite View, Wasdale campsite lies under England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike at the head of the beautiful Wastwater Lake. Camping pods are made from locally sourced materials providing an attractive, dry and spacious camping area. If you’re feeling adventurous, have a go at canoeing, rock climbing or gorge scrambling or learn how to improve your night navigation skills. Then head to the sandy beaches at Silecroft, Millom and Drigg to replenish your energy after a hard day on the fells. Open all year.

  • Buckden, Yorkshire Dales

    Stage one of the Tour de France route weaves right by this campsite. Not only will you have a front row seat, there’ll also be a big screen so you don’t miss any of the action. Buckden pop-up campsite is the perfect base to watch the cyclists head through to Cray and the first climb of the race. Food and drink will be available all day so you can be sure to get your morning coffee and muffin, an ice-cream while watching the race and even a hog roast to eat under the stars. Visit the information point for cycling routes and bike repairs and definitely don’t miss the onsite bar which will be stocked with plenty of beer. Open 3– 6 July 2014. For more information please call 01729 830416

  • Houghton Mill, Cambridgeshire

    Nestling on the banks of the River Ouse overlooking the last working mill on this river, Houghton Mill offers a great place to pitch up your tent. The perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts, the meadows around the mill are home to many plants and animals: the undergrowth provides cover for mice and voles, while dragonflies and butterflies will dart about in the tall grasses, and near the riverside you might even be lucky enough to spot the unusual Banded Demoiselle. The famous Mill is set over five storeys and includes lots of hands-on exhibits for all the family. Touch the displays and have a go at grinding your own flour, hear the building creak under the strain of the waterwheel, and don't forget to try the tasty scones. Open 3 April – 9 November 2014.For more information, please call 01480 466716.

  • Morden Hall Park, London

    When you step through the gates of this London oasis, you'd be forgiven for imagining yourself to be in the middle of the English countryside. Surrounded by meadows, trees and the gentle sounds of birdsong and running water, the park offers a chance to get away from it all. Make sure you have your camping gear and walking boots ready for an afternoon of nature activities, before going on a night walk and sharing stories around the campfire whilst you toast marshmallows. Happy campers will be kept well fed with tea, dinner and breakfast cooked with locally sourced ingredients. So gather your tent pegs and your snuggly sleeping bag and set up camp for a weekend of fun. 9 August, 1pm until 10 August, 12pm. Price: Adult £20, Child: £15.Booking essential, please call 020 8545 6850

  • Downhouse Farm, Dorset 

    Set on the Trust’s Golden Cap Estate, within 200 yards of the beach, Downhouse Farm is part of England’s first natural World Heritage Site - the Jurassic Coastline. Stretching from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland in Dorset, this coastline traces almost 185 million years of the earth's history. Discover rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods - rich with fossils - offering kids and adults the chance to walk back in time and see what exciting objects they can discover. Nearby attractions also include Brownsea Island, famous for its red squirrels, and the iconic Corfe Castle, where there’s the chance to explore over 1000 years of history that includes the   Civil War, torture, and treachery.Open all year.For more information call 01308 421232.

  • Etherley Farm, Surrey

    This small campsite can be found at the foot of Leith Hill, the highest point in south-east England. Well worth the climb, the hill is crowned by an eighteenth century gothic tower, with beautiful views north to London and south to the English Channel. A short distance away, there’s a chance to experience the glamour of the Edwardian upper classes and life in the roaring twenties. Home to Mrs Ronald Greville, Polesden Lacey is complete with all the objects from her celebrated house parties. The grounds include a croquet lawn that can still be played on today and beautiful gardens. You can also discover Clandon Park nearby, a Palladian mansion with grand marble hall, porcelain collection and unique Maori meeting house.

    For more information please call 01306 621423.

  • Upper Booth Farm, Derbyshire

    An ideal base to explore the Peak District, Upper Booth campsite is situated on a working-hill farm on the National Trust’s High Peak Estate, in the heart of the National Park. Perfect for walkers, there are both places for leisurely strolls or more challenging routes available, with campers also being able find out more about the farms sustainable land management from the Helliwell family. Nearby, visitors can find the Longshaw Estate, offering scenic views of the Derwent Valley and Peak District. Delve deep into Longshaw’s hidden places for balancing adventures in the woods and tunnels in the rhododendrons, and doors into imaginary places. Also close by is the beautiful house and parkland of Lyme Park, surrounded by gardens, moorland and deer park.

    Open February – November 2014. Advisable to book well in advance for summer weekends and Bank Holidays

    For more information, please call 01433 670250.
     

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