A stay at one of the best caravan parks in the UK is a guaranteed way to enjoy a brilliant holiday. However, there are a lot of campsites to choose from, so how do you pick the right one for you? That’s where this guide comes in.

To identify the standout caravan sites, our readers have scoured the UK, from Cornwall, Devon and Dorset to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Our expert team then judge the results and we compile the final 100.

We then publish our Top 100 Sites Guide, which runs through the best caravan sites from across the UK, breaking it down by region for added ease. The results of our 2023 guide, which is available as a free PDF below, also includes a directory which lists 500 more sites.

Whether you’re looking for a dog friendly caravan park, a site for all the family to enjoy or a getaway by the sea, there will be somewhere here for you.

In this round-up, we’re sharing the best caravan parks to stay in the UK from across the regions, as well as revealing our overall winner, to help you find the right touring destination for the upcoming season.

The best caravan parks:

1. Eye Kettleby Lakes
2. Ballyness Caravan Park
3. Ludlow Touring Park
4. Green Acres Caravan Park
5. Pinecones Caravan and Camping
6. Back of Beyond Touring Park
7. Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park
8. South Lytchett Manor
9. Rushin House
10. Colchester Country Park

You can also read our full Top 100 Sites Guide 2023 by clicking the link or the image below.

Download a full pdf of the Top 100 Sites Guide HERE

Top 100 Sites Guide 2023

What is the best caravan park in the UK?

Eye Kettleby Lakes

Eye Kettleby, Melton Mowbray LE14 2TN, eyekettlebylakes.com

Eye Kettleby Lakes

Congratulations to Eye Kettleby Lakes, the Overall Winner of our Top 100 Sites Guide 2023 and also our Regional Winner for the Heart of England. Set in 150 acres of beautiful countryside, the caravan site is on the edge of Melton Mowbray, offering guests a relaxed, peaceful setting.

Pitches are divided across two main sections, with the northern site providing luxury cabin-style amenity blocks, designed with individual bathrooms. The southern site sits near a 4.5-acre specimen carp lake, and also offers private bathrooms, but this time in stone buildings. The touring park itself is adults-only, as are the glamping pods, but the site does allow families to stay in its log cabins.

The site’s facilities can only be called excellent, as you would expect from a campsite in our best caravan park guide. Amenities include a warm-water dog shower, a laundrette, a bar and a shop. There’s even the option of hiring bikes.

This is a great caravan site for fishing too, with nine coarse lakes to choose from. This includes two specimen carp lakes, six mixed coarse lakes and a private lake which is for lodge members only. Thanks to its size, there are plenty of walks to enjoy onsite as well, while Melton Mowbray, Leicester and Nottingham are all nearby destinations that can be visited.

Guests can also visit The Clubhouse, home to a bar and tearoom – there’s even a pet-friendly lounge, so four-legged friends don’t have to miss out on the fun!

Key features:

  • Best caravan park 2023
  • Regional winner for Heart of England
  • Open all year
  • Nine coarse lakes
  • Dog friendly
  • Adults only section

You say:

  • The only way to sum up Eye Kettleby Lakes is, they have thought of everything.
  • Amazing, friendly, clean site that ticks all the boxes for us and our dogs.
  • Even the dog gets excited when we arrive here!

The other standout contenders for the best caravan site in the UK are…

Ballyness Caravan Park

40 Castlecat Road, Bushmills BT57 8TN, ballynesscaravanpark.com

Ballyness Caravan Park

Well done to Ballyness Caravan Park, our Regional Winner for Northern Ireland for a second consecutive year. The beautiful caravan site sits in County Antrim and is ideally placed for exploring the many sights and attractions that the North Coast offers.

Pubs, restaurants and shops can be found in the nearby village of Bushmills, as can Old Bushmills Distillery, while guests can take the short drive to Runkerry and Bushfoot to visit the two popular beaches.

The Causeway Rambler bus, which runs from April to September, simplifies exploration of the surrounding area – it stops at the site and goes to Giant’s Causeway, Portrush, Coleraine, and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

The campsite offers 50 hardstanding and fully-serviced pitches, surrounded by mature trees and in well-kept grounds.

A central cottage-style building houses the facilities, where wet-room showers, a family room with baths and showers, a laundry and a dishwashing area can be found. A dedicated dog-walk and three wildlife ponds are also onsite, while children will be kept entertained by a playground, a football pitch, and an indoor games and TV room.

Key features:

  • Regional Winner for Northern Ireland
  • Bus stops at site for easy exploration of surrounding area

You say:

  • Excellent site. Facilities are superb and grounds are beautifully maintained. Efficient staff.
  • Absolutely spotless. Could not fault it in any way whatsoever. I will most definitely be back here.

Ludlow Touring Park

Overton Road, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 4AD, morris-leisure.co.uk

Ludlow Touring Park

Last year’s Regional Winner for the Heart of England is part of the Morris Leisure group, providing guests with a base for heading into Wales, Herefordshire and Shropshire. Site amenities include a shop, disabled facilities, a family and baby-changing room, a laundry, and luxury showers and toilets. For even more peace and quiet, it has an adults-only section.

From the caravan park, you can walk into Ludlow, or catch a bus by the gates. Other attractions include Ludlow Castle, Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Severn Valley Railway, Caer Caradoc and Carding Mill Valley.

Key features:

  • Adults-only section
  • Open all year
  • Well placed for Wales, Herefordshire and Shropshire

You say:

  • Immaculate facilities on beautifully maintained site, close to amazing Ludlow.
  • Clean and friendly site, excellent facilities, good access to Ludlow via bus.

Green Acres Caravan Park

High Knells, Houghton, Carlisle CA6 4JW greenacrescumbria.co.uk

Green Acres Caravan Park

Sitting only an hour’s drive away from the Lake District is our Regional Winner for the North-West of England, Green Acres Caravan Park. That’s not all that’s nearby though – the North Pennines and Northumberland National Park are both accessible from this adults only caravan park too.

There’s more to Green Acres than its fantastic location though; this is a site that provides a peaceful touring experience for every visitor.

Surrounded by manicured hedges against a backdrop of bucolic Cumbrian views, pitches include standard and fully serviced options, as well as premium pitches. These offer the facilities of a fully serviced pitch, with a private picnic bench and extra space.

The site’s award-winning toilets and showers are tastefully decorated and furnished with underfloor heating, rainfall showerheads, hairdryers and spacious changing areas. The amenities include purpose-built disabled facilities and feature non-slip flooring.

The dog-friendly park offers an exercise area for our four-legged friends, as well as a scenic dog-walk that follows a woodland path. Other facilities include indoor laundry and dishwashing, and an onsite tourist information centre.

A good location is something the best caravan parks will always offer, and there will certainly be plenty to keep visitors entertained in the surrounding area here – Hadrian’s Wall and Carlisle Castle are two heritage attractions to explore, while the Solway Coast AONB and Kielder Water & Forest Park are also both nearby.

Key features:

  • Regional Winner for the North-West of England
  • Well situated with plenty of attractions nearby
  • Award-winning toilets and showers
  • Adults only

You say:

  • Five-star site! Immaculate, facilities are outstanding and staff are top-notch. Great dog-walk. The place just left us feeling very relaxed and happy.
  • Well-presented and maintained, fabulous facilities.

Pinecones Caravan and Camping

A149 Dersingham Bypass, King’s Lynn PE31 6WL, pinecones.co.uk

Congratulations to Pinecones Caravan and Camping – this year’s Regional Winner for Eastern England.

The park provides a really relaxing setting for taking in the sights of Norfolk, with Holkham and Snettisham’s gorgeous beaches nearby, and Sandringham House only a short drive away.

There are plenty of pitch types to choose from, including luxury pitches with heated picnic huts, as well as accommodation pods. Guests can enjoy their privacy because each pitch is separately hedged.

Bikes can be hired from the campsite, while a local bus service stops nearby, too, making exploration of the surrounding area much easier. Individual bathrooms are available onsite – these come with a shower, toilet, basin, hooks and seating.

Electric vehicle charging, a laundry room and an indoor dishwashing area are also provided. The woodland adventure play zone is bound to keep the children entertained, and guests can make use of the free Wi-FI on offer across the park. Takeaway food is available during peak periods.

Pinecones also ensures any four-legged visitors are made to feel welcome; there’s a warm dog-wash, an off-lead walking area and even a dog brewery! Two canine-friendly pubs are within a 15-minute walk.

Key features:

  • Regional winner for Eastern England
  • Luxury pitches available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Open all year

You say:

  • A great place that has good walks accessible from the site. Village amenities are close enough to walk to, including a lovely pub that does marvellous food.
  • We had a large pitch with a beautiful view. Facilities exceeded all expectations. The shop is well stocked.

Back of Beyond Touring Park

234a Ringwood Road, East Moors Lane, St Leonards BH24 2SB backofbeyondtouringpark.co.uk

Grounds of Back of Beyond

Whether you want a tranquil stay, where you get away from the rigours of everyday life and wake to bird song each morning, or you’re looking for a campsite that is ideal for exploring Dorset’s many delights, Back of Beyond will definitely deliver.

The site sits in 30 acres of picturesque countryside, and has been our Regional Winner for four consecutive years now. The area around the park’s two lakes is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, thanks to the rare species found there, while wildlife and flowers are encouraged to thrive throughout the grounds.

Facilities include four heated toilet and shower blocks (with power-showers), a shop and a dog-wash. Barbecues and fire pits can be hired from reception. Food vendors also visit, offering a variety of dishes. Visitors can embark on a woodland walk around the site, while New Forest National Park is a short drive away. Bournemouth, Stonehenge, Southampton and Winchester are just a few of the many local attractions.

For anglers, there are a number of great fishing spots, including the Moors River (a licence is required).

For 2023, the site has completed an access bridge, allowing guests to reach the Castleman Trailway, while wood-burning stoves are being installed in the onsite Monty’s Bar. New hedging is also being added between the pitches, for further privacy.

Key features:

  • Regional Winner for Dorset
  • Adults only
  • Area around lakes is a Site of Special Scientific Interest
  • Near New Forest National Park, Bournemouth, Stonehenge and more

You say:

  • A beautiful, peaceful, adults-only campsite with first-class facilities and great staff helping to run it.
  • Superbly run, friendly staff, brilliant site.

Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park

Ham Lane, Bishop Sutton, Nr Bath BS39 5TY, bathchewvalley.co.uk

Aerial view of Bath Chew Valley

Sitting by the banks of Chew Valley Lake, this picturesque caravan park is a five-star campsite that provides adults-only touring in an enchanting setting.

The site, which is open all year, has been laid out thoughtfully to emulate manicured gardens, and offers gravel pitches separated by grass with the option of a fully serviced pitch. Each one is surrounded by shrubbery and trees, and come with electric hook-up.

Site amenities are an important consideration for guests when they’re looking for the best caravan site, and our Regional Winner for Somerset, Avon & Wiltshire certainly delivers on this front. It includes recently refurbished luxury heated washrooms and solo bathroom suites, while there are also laundry facilities, a lending library, a motorhome service point and disabled facilities.

The area is a haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers and avid walkers. You can fish in the Chew Valley Lake just 800 yards from the park, while the Chew Valley Trail is just a stone’s throw from the site.

For a city day trip, Bath, Bristol and Wells are within easy reach of the site, while the nearby Mendip Hills and walking trails of Somerset are just waiting to be explored.

Key features:

  • Regional Winner for Somerset, Avon & Wiltshire
  • Adults-only
  • Open all year

You say:

  • This is just a fabulous site; everyone is so helpful. Probably up with the best sites we have stayed on.
  • A superbly cared-for site. Our caravan was pitched by a member of staff, all of whom are very friendly. Good location within five minutes’ walk of a pub.
  • Great facilities, beautiful pitches, excellent value.

South Lytchett Manor

Dorchester Road, Lytchett Minster, Poole BH16 6JB, southlytchettmanor.co.uk

South Lytchett Manor

Set in 20 acres of truly serene parkland, South Lytchett Manor provides a peaceful setting in beautiful surroundings. Two buses stop at the gates, heading for Swanage, Poole and along the Jurassic Coast to Weymouth. Bournemouth is also only nine miles away.

Bikes can be hired from site reception, while a shop selling local produce, three heated amenity blocks, a dog-wash and a 2.5-acre dog-walking field are all provided. The bakery serves daily pastries and bread.

A village pub is 10 minutes from the site, and in the high season, outside caterers visit.

Key features:

  • Bike hire available
  • Onsite bakery
  • Bus stops at park gate for exploration of Jurassic Coast to Weymouth

You say:

  • A perfect site, convenient for amenities, and there’s a bus stop just outside.
  • Amazingly friendly site, with excellent facilities.

Rushin House

Holywell, Belcoo, Co Fermanagh BT93 5DU, rushinhouse.com

Drone shot of Rushin House

A regular in our Top 100 and our Regional Winner on a number of occasions, Rushin House is a great family caravan park, as well as being ideal for fishing and outdoor activities. The site has direct access to Lough MacNean, with a waterside barbecue and picnic area.

Nearby attractions include Enniskillen Castle, The Cuilcagh Trail and Marble Arch Caves.

The caravan site offers fully serviced pitches, with facilities that include a modern service block with showers, laundry and dishwashing, as well as a play park.

Key features:

  • Direct access to Lough MacNean
  • Offers fishing and outdoor activities
  • Modern service block

You say:

  • A wonderful, relaxing park. Idyllic scenery. Friendly staff. Will definitely return.
  • Beautiful location, lakeside walk, excellent facilitie

Colchester Country Park

Cymbeline Way, Colchester, Essex CO3 4AG, sellersleisure.com

Aerial view of Colchester Country Park

Last year’s Regional Winner for Eastern England is a well maintained and spacious campsite. Guests have a choice of hardstanding or grass pitches as well as seasonal pitches.

The park is perfectly placed for exploring Colchester, famous for its zoo and castle, Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens, while the site’s proximity to the A12 provides good transport links for exploring further afield.

Facilities at the dog-friendly site include family shower rooms, a laundry, a dishwashing area and a children’s play park.

Key features:

  • Open all year
  • Dog friendly
  • A12 provides good transport links

You say:

  • Well-maintained, spacious pitches, very good facilities.
  • Secure and friendly site. Great for kids to run about.

How do I choose the best caravan park to stay at?

The essential questions to consider when choosing the right caravan site to stay at – do you want plenty of facilities? Do you tour with a dog? Do you want a family site, or adults-only? Coast or country? Bear in mind that the popular coastal sites book up quickly.

Once you know what you want from your site, you’ll be in a much better place to choose one of the best caravan parks to stay at. Something else we’d recommend – if you find a site you really like, get the pitch number and book it as early as possible for the following season.

How do I choose the best pitch at my caravan site?

Picking the ideal pitch can make a big difference to how much you enjoy your stay, and of course, what suits one caravanner won’t automatically please another. Have the kids finally moved out, leaving you to enjoy child-free holidays for the first time in 20-odd years? Then ask for a pitch well away from the playground or any other magnet for excitable youngsters.

Touring with your offspring no doubt caused a few headaches, and if the nest is now empty, you deserve some peace.

Do you prefer to use campsite facilities rather than the washroom in your tourer? Then a pitch close to one of the shower blocks will save tripping over guy ropes as you head off to spend a penny at 3am.

For the ultimate in luxury and convenience, choose a fully serviced pitch, to keep your daily chores to a minimum. You’re on holiday, so treat yourself!

Do I need to follow any etiquette while staying at a caravan site?

When you first start caravanning, staying on a campsite can feel a bit of a mystery – what are you supposed to do when you arrive? Are you meant to chat to your site neighbours about the weather? Will listening to music after dark be allowed?

Fear not – while all sites have their own rules (which you should always follow), there’s some basic etiquette that all great caravanners adhere to:

  • Never walk across anyone’s pitch. You might save a few steps, but it’s annoying for the occupant, and you might trip over their guy ropes. Or annoy their dog.
  • Keep the noise down. This is particularly pertinent if you’re listening to music or watching TV in an awning – if you’re in the awning, you are, in effect, outside.
  • Tidy up after yourself in the showers. Many sites leave a mop and bucket outside the cubicles so you can clean the floor.
  • Don’t arrive at the site early or leave late. You risk having to pay more, but you’ll also annoy the owner – and potentially cause traffic chaos at the park entrance/exit.

Staying at one of the best caravan sites with a pet

We Brits certainly love our animals, and many of us take our beloved pets on tour with us. But not everyone on the campsite wants our dog (or cat, parrot or ferret) to disturb their holiday peace, so here are a few bits of advice we would offer to help you choose the best caravan sites when you’re touring with a pet and then the right etiquette for when you’re pitched up.

The first place to start will be choosing a pet-friendly park. It’s an obvious starting point, but not every site will accept dogs, and even of the ones that do, some are more pet-friendly than others. Keep your pet under control at all times – dogs should remain on a lead whenever you’re away from your caravan.

Clean up after your dog. If you don’t, it not only reflects badly on you, but on the rest of the dog-owning community, too; plus, of course, it’s a huge health hazard.

If you plan to leave your dog in the van while you’re out, triple-check your pet is comfortable and won’t bark. Many a holiday has been ruined by a yappy hound. Follow these tips, and you and your pet can enjoy great tours all year.

Using a barbecue at a caravan park

When you’re barbecuing on site, it’s important to keep the neighbours happy, especially on those more compact sites where pitches are closer together.

A little courtesy goes a long way, so you could let them know you’re about to barbecue, and perhaps even invite them for a tasty sausage or drumstick, or even, if you have the capacity, see if they want to use the cooking space themselves.

A lot of campsites on the Continent, and increasingly here in the UK, have dedicated barbecue zones, which are great for meeting people and of course, remove the potential for disputes. If you’re a keen smokemeister, keep an eye out for those sites. However, if that’s not the case and you’re finding your neighbours’ barbecue smoke a touch annoying, try to be philosophical – you’re on holiday, after all.

Written with contributions from Joanna Davies.


If you’re on the lookout for a new caravan to take you to one of the best caravan parks UK, we have just the round-ups for you! Our buying guides reveal the best caravans on the market, covering a variety of categories from the best 4 berth caravan to the best caravan for couples.

A crucial part of safely reaching your destination will also be having the right towing vehicle – if you’re looking for one, our guide to the best used tow cars is sure to help.


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