With the Easter break just around the corner, Owe Carter compiles a list of Confused.com's UK campsite recommendations.
Rejoice! Spring is finally rapping at our doors and inviting us out to play. So for those who are just itching to get out and hit the road, Confused.com has some suggestions for great spots to camp or park up your caravan in the UK.
Did you know: Confused.com offers caravan insurance now, for static and touring caravans, and for motorhomes?
Three Cliffs Bay, Gower
A popular choice amongst many Confusedites, Three Cliffs Bay in the Gower is nice. Very nice indeed, in fact. And the Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park was voted ‘Number one view from a campsite’ by The Independent in 2006, and they may well have been onto something. It’s worth going just to see the sun rising over the bay.
Three Cliffs Bay, yesterday
Image by Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park
Directions: Three Cliffs Bay is on the south shore of the Gower Peninsula. If you’re approaching from the east (more than likely), then get off the M4 at junction 42 and head towards Swansea town centre. The Gower is signposted from the town centre. Get onto the A4118, follow it for about ten miles, and Bob’s yer uncle!
Hillend, Rhossili & Carreglwyd, Port Eynon, Gower
A bit further down the road is Rhossili, which is also a lovely spot. And its Hillend campsite comes highly recommended by our very own Brett Howells. The beach in Rhossilli is really long and beautiful, and a good spot to learn to surf. It’s a bit of a trek down (or, moreover, back up) the cliff though – but you’ll have calves of iron by the time you’re done.
Alun Jones recommends the Carreglwyd campsite in nearby Port Eynon. The campsite is almost as good as the epic Carreglwyd website that accompanies it.
Directions: As above, but carry on the A4118 for a handful more miles. Rhossili is a right turn from Scurlage, and is signposted. Port Eynon is the last stop on the A4118, and is about 18 miles out of Swansea.
Whitemead, Forest of Dean
With an indoor heated pool with children's area, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and gym – all of which are free to use – the Whitemead Forest Park campsite is a bit on the swish side. Plus there are loads of sports and activities to involve yourself in, and entertainments such as live bands and quizzes. Why would you ever leave?
Get directions to the Whitemead campsite here.
Reraig, Ross-Shire
On the west coast of Scotland opposite the Isle of Skye, this campsite is a stone’s throw from some really stunning scenery – including the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. It is admittedly in midge territory, but their website offers advice for avoiding them. And Confused.com’s very own Kevin Lloyd also told me his patented midge advice: “Forget buying insect repellent… Just buy yourself some of Avon’s Skin So Soft and apply liberally.” So now you know.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for the campsite’s ‘loo with a view’.
Get directions to the Reraig campsite here.
Sandy Balls, New Forest
Our PR manager Kelly is very fond of Sandy Balls. It’s right on the west edge of the New Forest National Park, so it’s a really beautiful spot. Recommended activities include biking, pony trekking, and there’s a farmers’ market there each month. Kelly loved going there as a kid, and remains a huge fan in her (alleged) adulthood, which is high praise indeed!
Get directions to Sandy Balls Holiday Centre here.
Damage Barton, North Devon
Ian Griffiths chose to big up Damage Barton, as it’s a stunning location and well looked after. It’s also a working farm, so their website is replete with pictures of cows and tractors. And some adorable ducklings! It’s worth mentioning just for that. Plus there’s plenty for adults and kids to do, some nice pubs within walking distance, and – over and above all else – it’s incredibly peaceful. So, if you really want to turn down that dial, this is the place to come.
Get directions to Damage Barton Camping & Caravanning Club Site here.
Thornwick & Sea Farm, Flamborough
Michelle Harvey couldn’t recommend this site in East Yorkshire enough. There’s bingo, a disco, a “big field where you can fly your kite”, and apparently there used to be a bloke who worked at the chippy there who looked just like Patrick Swayze, and Michelle’s mum used to sing ‘Hungry Eyes’ at him. “And the shower block ain’t too bad either,” she chirps. What further recommendation could you want?
Get directions to Thornwick & Sea Farm Holiday Centre here. It’s worth visiting the website if only to see their banner of the manager with Herbert Kitchener’s hand grafted on.
Are there any mega-awesome campsites you feel should have been mentioned that I've missed? Then comment below, do!
Further reading
Need more inspiration? Check out our article on the top ten beaches in the UK. It was written in 2009, but I have it on good authority that all the beaches mentioned are still there.
Also, read Confused.com’s guide to caravans and trailers, including our top five tips for towing safely.
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