The top five must-see staycay camping spots for visitors
We’re lucky enough to be blessed with natural beauty in all four corners of the UK, from rugged Scottish mountains to the scenic Cornish coast.
And with all of this stunning rural landscape comes plenty of idyllic camping spots. Camping in the beautiful UK countryside doesn’t just allow you to get more in touch with nature but gives you the opportunity to unplug and spend close quality time with your loved ones while enjoying the great outdoors – stress-free.
To give you some inspiration for your next getaway, the luxury camping experts at Boutique Camping have rounded up five of their favourite areas to pitch up in the UK.
1) The Cheviot Hills
One of the UK’s most underrated natural beauty spots, the Cheviot Hills is a highland range full of stunning rural landscapes. Lying between Northumberland and the Scottish Borders, the Cheviots are a fantastic spot for wildlife enthusiasts, with a wide variety of bird species to look out for, as well as the elusive otter.
There are numerous walking routes to explore in the region too, including the Linhope Spout trail which takes you to a breathtaking 60-foot waterfall. There are also plenty of opportunities for stargazing in the region, with the largest gold-tier dark sky park in Europe close by in Northumberland National Park.
When it comes to pitching up, there are plenty of campsites in and around the Cheviots which are perfect spots for setting up base. This includes a variety of rural areas, as well as campsites in nearby towns and villages, such as Jedburgh and Bamburgh.
2) Bannau Brycheiniog
Known to English speakers as the Brecon Beacons, Bannau Brycheiniog has been one of Wales’ most popular staycation spots for years, and it’s easy to see why. This picturesque mountain range is full of stunning scenery, making it the perfect area to pitch your tent and enjoy the views.
There are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy in the region. You’ll find a variety of walking routes to explore as well, including several accessible options such as the riverside walk in Hay-on-Wye. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, there are plenty of watersports available in the region, as well as abseiling and rock climbing opportunities.
You won’t be short of areas to camp in the region too. There are a wide variety of campsites in and around Bannau Brycheiniog, including options in the heart of the national park as well as campsites in nearby towns and villages. Some good towns you may want to make your base include Hay-on-Wye, Brecon, or Tal-y-bont ar Wysg.
3) The Cairngorms
Described by National Geographic as one of the “top 20 places to visit in the world”, it’s safe to say that the Cairngorms should make it onto your camping staycation bucket list.
Located in the Scottish Highlands, this picturesque mountain range is home to the UK’s largest national park. From mountain trails to rivers and lochs, there is plenty of rural landscape to explore and a whole host of wildlife, including the only free-ranging herd of reindeer in Britain.
Skiing and snowboarding are two popular activities enjoyed in the winter months, while mountain biking, horse riding, and walking are enjoyed throughout the rest of the year. And for whisky lovers, there are several distilleries across the region which offer tours – and sometimes even tasting sessions!
Wild camping is legal in Scotland, so you won’t be short of rural places to pitch up. However, there are plenty of established campsites too for those looking to have access to various facilities. There are campsites in and around a number of popular attractions in the region, including options in and near Blair Castle and Speyside, which is close to one of the most well-known distilleries in Scotland.
4) Causeway Coast
A designated Area of Natural Beauty (AONB), the Causeway Coast is one of Northern Ireland’s most picturesque spots. The area is perhaps best known for being home to one of the UK’s most loved natural wonders, the Giant’s Causeway. This is definitely a must-visit if you’re in the region, but there are plenty of other views and activities to enjoy along the way too.
From hiking and golf to scuba diving and skydiving, there is something for every adventure level here. You can also find out more about the rich culture and history of the region, as well as look out for views you may have seen on your favourite TV show — the Causeway Coast is featured in several episodes of Game of Thrones.
The Causeway Coast covers a large area so you’ll find plenty of camping spots across the region to choose from. This includes picturesque campsites with stunning coastal views, as well as scenic inland options. You can find campsites in a number of towns and villages in and around the region, including Ballycastle and Portballintrae.
5) Peak District
Peak District National Park was the first area to be designated as a National Park in England and Wales and is still one of the most loved ones in the UK.
One thing that makes the area so special is the several caves which are open to visitors and are considered to be some of the best in the UK. These include Treak Cliff Cavern, Poole’s Cavern, and Blue John Cavern, which is the only place you can find the semi-precious Blue John Stone mineral in the world!
There is plenty to explore above ground too, from picturesque walks and hikes for people of all abilities, to canoeing and wild swimming. Other family-friendly activities include riding the old Peak Rail steam train and visiting the various wildlife farms and parks in the region.
There are a variety of rural campsites in the area perfect for pitching up and getting away from it all. You’ll also find more well-connected options if you’re looking to be in or close to a town or village. Picturesque towns and villages in the region with nearby campsites include Bakewell, Hathersage, and Tissington.
There’s so much natural beauty to explore
There’s no need to travel halfway across the globe; we have so much fantastic natural beauty to explore at home on a camping staycation. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite UK camping spots here, but there are so many other beautiful areas to explore so you may not need to travel far to pitch up.
The best way to enjoy a camping adventure in the UK is to make sure you’re kitted out with the highest quality gear. A canvas tent will add a touch of luxury to your camping experience, and a woodfired camping stove is sure to be a welcome addition on chilly nights outdoors.
