If views could kill! – The most scenic campsites in Britain

Back to blog list  October 01, 2019

Be it marshmallows for breakfast, wild settings or elusive calm and quiet, there are many reasons to hop in a campervan and head for the hills or the shores. Campervan rentals and campsite bookings are on the rise, and more campgrounds are reserved well in advance for the seasonal holidays and weekends. The more luxurious campsites boast of theme parks, and luxury spa getaways: however more campervan owners enjoy the simplicity of camping with minimal comfort and superior vistas. Savour the therapeutic qualities of fleeing from the constant pings of emails and text messages to taste freedom and wake up to fresh air and bird song. We’ve created a small list of what we think are some of the most beautiful campgrounds that you'll find if you venture off the beaten track. Feel the loving embrace of the great outdoors in your campervan or motorhome!

Pencelli Castle Caravan and Camping Park, Wales

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A magnificent castle, on which grounds armies battle each other, Pencelli Castle Caravan and Camping Park retains memorabilia of its glory days like an old chapel and crumbling walls.

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Located near the Brecon Beacons, the site allows hikers and walkers the benefit of being right beside some of the tallest peaks in the area. Vacationers can also embark on mountain biking, canoeing, pony trekking or watch over the little ones at the campsites park. The campsite is an award winner that offers guests exceptional amenities, picturesque views, and a quiet, lovely camping spot.

Costal views ahoy! Aberafon Campsite, North Wales

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With just 16 camping spots, this blissful campsite located on the Llyn Peninsula lis surrounded by majestic mountains and is set right by the beach. This campsite is great for exploring rock pools, wild swimming, wakeboarding, fishing, hiking, walking, and paragliding.

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You’re located just a stone’s throw from the beach, and if you visit during the holiday season, an on-site shop is open for restocking. The camp comes with showering, laundry, and dishwashing conveniences and is a few minutes away from Snowdon.

Sheltered by woodland - North Lees Campsite, Peak District National Park

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Set in a sheltered valley, North Lees Campsite lies hidden behind a lovely forest of oak and beech. Towering slopes rise above the tree line while a brook flows through the site adding to the pristine perfection of the landscape. The campgrounds are an ideal base for exploring Peak District, and the lovely village of Hathersage. The enclosing moorlands, woodlands, and farmland form a portion of Stanage-North Lees and are excellent if you want to explore the area on bike or foot. North Lees Campsite is also walking distance from world-class climbing and bouldering routes. The campsite spread out over three gently sloping fields, each shrouded behind trees and stone walls.

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The campground caters for tents and small campervans, and the parking space remains separate from the camping fields. There is no provision for electric pitches. Depending on availability, limited campervan spots may open up near the main parking area. Conveniences include a covered washing up area with hot water and a hot water shower block. Kick back and soak up the ambience or join a group of climbers and ascend the face of ‘the Edge’. You can also reach the summit through a path through the woods behind the campsite. Despite its location in the bustling landscape, North Lees Campsite provides an atmosphere of seclusion and is fantastically located for picnics, and walks amid the picturesque countryside of Peak District National Park.

Gorgeous views at Vallis Veg

Vallis veg is tent only campsite providing campers with individual woodland pitches, resting on a slight slope. Each pitch is shrouded by greenery and trees, providing a sense of privacy while adding glorious views of the Mendip Hills, and thriving wildlife. The site does away with modern conveniences, focusing instead on a no-frills camping experience. Pitches cut into the landscape, a washing up station, and a composting toilet is the only rustic facilities on site. The fields are not accessible by car, and owners will provide a wheel barrow to transport your belongings. Parking comes in at £8 per vehicle per night, so ensure you pay for the time you intend to leave your campervan or motorhome at the carpark. The terrain and young trees attract deer, badgers, grass snakes, and owls. Take a stroll around the site, and you’ll see the campsite’s lush veritable patch. Excess produce is sold at the on-site store so as owner Cordelia what’s in season and where you can stock up on local food. Stroll into the mossy forest in proximity to the campsite, and enjoy a lovely picnic to the atmospheric sounds of the Mells River.

Enjoy a late night nature walk to the River Frome, or take a refreshing stroll to the convince store and gastro pub set a leisurely fifteen minutes from the site. Hop on your cycle to explore the tracks leading from Great Elm to Radstock, or take a beautiful round trip to Mells. You can use Vallis Veg as a base to explore Old Wardour Castle, Bradford on Avon, and Avebury. Campers describe Vallis Veg as ‘beyond perfect’, so kick back and relax to the sights and sounds of nature.

Walking holidays here we come! Wood Nook Caravan Park, Yorkshire Dales National Park

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Set on six acres of woodland peppered with wildflower and wildlife, Wood Nook Caravan Park is quiet and peaceful. Set in proximity to the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the enclosing area is perfect for adventurers who want to explore the wonders of North Yorkshire. Take a stroll along the enclosing footpaths, and you’ll view beautiful panoramas of Grassington and the enclosing Dale. Campers can also use the site as a base to explore Kilnsey, Linton, Appletreewick, Bolton Abbey, Malham and Skipton. Head to the on-site information hut to find attractions in and around the Yorkshire Dales. The towns of York and Harrogate are an easy drive away. On-site amenities include a laundry room, a washing machine, and a heated shower and toilet block. All pictches come quipeed with electrical hookups; however, we recommend bringing levelling chocs for pitches that slope a little. The owners are happy to welcome friendly dogs.

Star gazing aplenty at Highside Farm, Middleton-In-Teesdale

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Set in a picture postcard setting, Highside Farm is a relaxed spread out 16 acres of farmland. The site is run by subsistence farmers Richard and Stephanie, who brim with local knowledge and suggestions for marvellous walks, hikes, and immediate pubs. You’ll see vivid vegitable beds, plus pigs, sheep, cattle and chicken wandering around the farm. Make an order the night before to sample the delightful campsites breakfast crammed with locally sourced food plus produce from the farm. The owners only take in small numbers of campers to ensure the site remains overcrowded, adding to the air of peacefulness. A converted old stone shed houses two spotless loos, a shower, and a washing up room. The pitches are on a small field, where the ground drops away opening up views of the hills of the North Pennines.

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Nearby attractions include Cauldron Snout waterfall and Raby Castle. Take on the Widdybank Fell nature trail, or savour local Cotherstone cheese in Middleton-in-Teesdale. There are two pubs in Middleton-in-Teesdale and Mickleton if you want to unwind after a long day of travelling. Set up camp, and relax amid the beautiful rolling hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The campsite owners keep the lighting to a practical minimum for campers to enjoy the night sky sprinkled with twinkling stars!

Seclusion guaranteed at Badrallach Campsite, Bothy & Cottage, Scotland

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Perfect for travellers looking for peace, quiet and isolation. The campsite is located a good eight miles from the nearest busy road and offers campers the privilege of privacy with individual camping pitches being tucked away behind bushes. Set on the banks of Little Loch Broom, with imposing mountains towering over you, the campsite is famed for presenting visitors with the chance to enjoy the thriving wildlife in the area.

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Expect to see otters (who doesn’t find otters the most adorable creatures?!) deer, white-tailed sea eagles and red squirrels among other animals. The area also dishes up some delightful spots for walking, hiking (An Teallach is a stone’s throw away), kayaking and canoeing.

Don’t stop till you’ve camped at Lickisto Blackhouse Camping, Scotland

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Described as many as one of the most beautiful campsites in Scotland, Lickisto Blackhouse enables campers to set about getting acquainted with the East part of the Isle of Harris. Individual pitches allow for privacy and unmatched views of the ocean twinkling below. The campsite has yurts, caravan camping pitches, a vegetable patch which you can help yourself to and a shared communal kitchen.

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The area is excellent for fishing, cycling, canoeing, and hiking and the beach rolls right up to the campsite. Be prepared to be befriended by the resident game birds! You’ll need to bring your campervan or motorhome in via a ferry from the mainland. Speak to Harvey and John, proprietors of Lickisto Blackhouse Camping about your reservations

Unquestionably worth a visit - Cleadale Campsite, Scotland

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Cleadale campground is open to awe-inspiring views and is the only designated camping area on Eigg - the smallest island within the Inner Hebrides. On the ferry ride to the campsite minke whale, dolphin and orca speak for the glorious wildlife surrounding the island. The campsite rests on a natural ring at the end of a vast, winding cliff. Rattle along the narrow, curving lane to reach the campsite with striking panoramas over the white stretch of beach and crystal-clear waters. Campers can select their pitches, each overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with vistas looking out towards the Isle of Rum. The wild settings pleased JRR Tolkien who often holidayed on the island.

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The latest renovations include flushing toilets and showers just five minutes from the campsite. The dishwashing sink is outdoors, and the pitches are not the flattest: however, if you enjoy the magnificent views, glorious sunsets, and the freedom of seclusion, this campsite is for you! You’ll have to leave your campervan or motorhome behind and take the ferry to reach the isle. The striking panoramas, thriving wildlife, and blissful seclusion will make the sacrifice worth your time.

If you fancy a night under the stars, we hope you've found a great place to start! These lovely, secluded campsites are a perfect blend of seclusion, peace, and open spaces. Don't delay! Hop in your campervan hire or motorhome rental and disappear into the horizon.


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