Whatever your version of camping looks like: a 10-man tent the size of a house, a pop-up that just about squeezes you in, a campervan with a proper mattress and mini kitchen, or a fully fledged AirBnB - getting a night or two away during the school summer holidays is a memory-making must.
All the gear but no idea? Fear not, we’ve collated our top family-friendly camping spots across the UK for a summer holiday staycation with your nearest and dearest.
Let’s get pitching!
Lake District, Cumbria
One of the UK’s top camping locations, the Lake District, often referred to as just ‘the lakes’ boasts some of the most impressive scenery across the country, as well as a number of lake activities for the whole family to partake in.
Discover some of the Lake District’s best campsite offerings below:
- Low Wray Campsite
Situated in Ambleside, Low Wray Campsite is a quiet site with lots to offer. Explore Wray Castle, Claife Viewing Station, Beatrix Potters’ beloved farmhouse, gastro pubs and walking trails amongst plenty of other activities. The campsite itself offers wood-fired pizza, and if you don’t fancy pitching a tent, you can book pods and safari tents.
- Great Langdale Campsite
This popular campsite sits beneath the Langdale Pikes, one of the most well-known sets of peaks in the Lake District. This area is known for its climbing and mountain trails, from fell-top exploring to rocky scrambles and shorter family-friendly walks. The campsite offers an orienteering course and to maintain a calming environment, allows a maximum of four people per booking.
- Wasdale Campsite
Located between Wasdale and Wastwater, Wasdale Campsite is the ideal base for tackling Scafell Pike - England’s tallest mountain. If hiking a mountain doesn’t sound like your thing, Wasdale’s valley paths also offer ancient packhorse tracks, waterfalls and stunning nature-packed walks.
Somerset & Wiltshire
Due to its diverse scenery, rolling hills, dramatic coastlines and delicious local produce like cider and cheese, Somerset is a popular holiday destination, even for campers.
Here are our top campsite stays for an escape to Somerset:
- Greenacres Camping
A small, family-friendly campsite close to Cheddar, Wookey Hole, Wells, Glastonbury and Longleat, Greenacres provides all of the comfort you need for a relaxing family holiday. At the campsite, you can hire a fire pit, make use of the bikes, purchase ice creams and enjoy the site's facilities.
- Wytch Wood Camping & Glamping
Set in a private 280-acre farm and surrounded by rolling hills, woodland and wildflower meadows, Wytch Wood is ideal for an active family getaway, a relaxing short break or the perfect base to explore the delights of Somerset. The site is intimate, with just 20 pitching spaces and is just a stone's throw from local beaches, rock pools and woodland walks.
- Mendip Basecamp
Awarded the Gold campsite at the 2023-2024 Bristol, Bath & Somerset tourism awards, Mendip Basecamp is an off-grid, family-friendly adventure camp surrounded by ancient woodland, rural scenery and offering luxury facilities. Park right by your tent, bring your well-behaved dogs and with no check-out time, leave whenever you fancy!
Scotland
It’s no secret that Scotland is home to some of the UK, and the world’s, most stunning landscapes. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code allows for responsible access to most land, making Scotland the ideal destination for exploring the wilderness.
- Milarrochy Bay Campsite
With spectacular views over Loch Lomond, this campsite is all about the scenery. Sleep amongst nature before heading out on a family walk through Trossachs National Park. If you’re all walked-out, hire a boat or canoe and head out on the water. After a day’s walking or exploring the water, this campsite is ideal for just sitting back and soaking up the breathtaking views across the Loch. This 150-pitch campsite welcomes all types of campers, from families to backpackers and solo travelers.
- Blair Drummond Caravan Park
Blair Drummond Caravan Park is a sheltered walled garden set amidst beautiful mature woodland in Stirlingshire. Many of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations and historic attractions are within easy reach. Blair Drummond Safari Park is right on the doorstep and a lovely woodland walk will bring you to the Blair Drummond Smiddy farm shop. The site offers multiple camping options, from a traditional tent to campervan and shepherds huts.
Campsites typically book up quickly during the summer holidays, so make sure you get in early so you don’t miss out on the fun!
Remember to tag us in your camping adventures this school summer hols on Instagram at @HeatHoldersUK, TikTok at @HeatHoldersUK, Facebook at @HeatHolders, we may even feature you on our page 🏕️
