10 top campsites to head to this spring

There are many beautiful and picturesque sites to visit. If you’re not sure where to go for your first tour, we’re sharing 10 campsites to head to this spring that are ideal for embarking on some scenic walks…

1 Walking on water

Take a break just north of the fabulous Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, at Alderstead Heath, and you can enjoy a wealth of good walking.

There are plenty of walks from the site itself across the North Downs, or you can head further into the AONB. The National Trust walk around Box Hill, for example, presents visitors with stunning views of the surrounding Surrey Hills.

Follow the River Mole and you’ll come across the Stepping Stones. This is a great photo opportunity and a convenient spot to stop and admire the calm flowing water framed by elegant trees.

At the end of the trail, you’ll pass by Box Hill Fort, which dates back to 1892 and now houses a colony of bats.

Stay at: Alderstead Heath CAMC Site (caravanclub.co.uk)

2 Find the fairy glen

Among the many beauties to be enjoyed in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a hidden gem, Malham Tarn. Aside from the glacial lake and rolling meadows, there is a great walk up through woodland following Garsdale Beck to the enchanting waterfall, known as Janet’s Foss, which is claimed to be the home of Janet, Queen of the Fairies. The secret cave behind the falls is magical.

Stay at: Knight Stainforth Hall (knight stainforth.co.uk), a 45-acre estate that dates back to Norman times

3 Poetry among the trees

The awe-inspiring Lake District has long been a popular spot for getaways. Escape the crowds and stay at peaceful Lanefoot Farm to make the most of your break.

Hidden in nearby Whinlatter Forest Park, the Words in the Woods trail is absolutely perfect for a gentle stroll.

Keep your eyes peeled for the poetic quotations about trees that have been carved into the waymarked posts.

Stay at: Lanefoot Farm Campsite (stayinthornthwaite.co.uk/camping)

4 Head in the clouds

While away a relaxing afternoon with a stroll on the beautiful beach at Anderby Creek, on the Lincolnshire coast near Sutton on Sea. This unspoilt stretch of sand is a real treasure, as is the Cloud Bar that artist Michael Trainor has installed.

This observation platform has seating, from where you can watch the clouds, and a ‘cloud menu’, so that you can learn about all of the different cloud formations that you spot up above.

Stay at: adults-only Cherry Tree Touring Park (springsholidayestates.co.uk/ cherry-tree-springs-touring-park)

5 Lake District wanderings

There are of course, numerous gorgeous locations to explore in the beautiful Lake District, and many of these wonderful places will be at their very best during the spring months.

For starters, try the trail from Ashness Bridge to Watendlath – it’s just perfect on a sunny early-season day.

Stay at: Borrowdale CAMC Site (caravanclub.co.uk), which is open to both members and non-members, and provides unfettered access to some of the most beautiful walking routes to be enjoyed in the area

6 Legends of gallantry

Channel tales of damsels in distress and valiant knights in shining armour at the enchanting remains of Tintagel Castle.

Teetering on the clifftops, this medieval stronghold, rumoured to be the birthplace of King Arthur, is evocative of all the myth and legend that enshrouds him.

It might be a blustery walk, but you can’t beat the atmosphere. If you visit at low tide, descend the cliffs to see Merlin’s Cave.

Stay at: Headland Caravan Park (headlandcaravanpark.co.uk), less than a mile from the castle, so you can visit as often as you like, or strike out along the trails of the South West Coast Path

7 Downstairs dalliance

Follow a real-life romance at Erddig Hall, historic home of the Yorke family. The love story between two servants at the house in the early 1900s can be traced through the grounds of the great estate, taking in the dovecote, the coachman’s cottage, the monkey-puzzle tree and the Black Brook.

These gorgeous grounds are perfect for exploring on a bright spring day, but if it’s raining, it’s no problem – just head inside to discover the fabulous house.

Stay at: Plassey Holiday Park (plassey.com/holiday-park) for pristine facilities just a 10-minute drive from Erddig Hall

8 Seaside strolls

Botany Bay’s flat, golden sand is spiked with tall chalk stacks to create a stunning destination for a beach walk.

As the white cliffs tower above you, don’t forget to look down, too, and keep an eye out for fossils. Alternatively, you could dabble among the rock pools.

The tearooms and shops of the fine old seaside resort of Margate are just along the coast to the west, so you can warm up with a cuppa afterwards.

Stay at: nearby Nethercourt Touring Park (nethercourt.com), which is just a mile from more beaches and makes a great base for exploring this corner of Kent

9 Romance in the ravine

The spectacular Falls of Bruar are worth the hike through the dramatic gorge. You can rest up at the picnic spot as the roar of the water surrounds you and watch the falls as they drop down through the awe-inspiring ravine.

This glorious walk is less than two miles from Blair Atholl, where you can pitch up at Blair Castle Caravan Park.

The campsite, set in the grounds of historic Blair Castle, also has stunning views of the surrounding Cairngorms.

Stay at: Blair Castle Caravan Park (blair-castle.co.uk/caravan-estate) for spotless facilities and superb vistas

10 Ancient oaks

The 12 lakes at Cosgrove Park provide some charming on-site walks, but head further afield for uninterrupted peace.

Walk among the trees of ancient Salcey Forest and you’ll come across the fallen Church Path Oak, just one of the forest’s ‘druid’ oaks, thought to be 400 years old when it fell 12 years ago. Follow the trail past the elephant pond (where circus elephants once bathed) to the treetop way for a bird’s eye view of the forest.

Stay at: Cosgrove Park (cosgrovepark.co.uk)

Lead image courtesy of Getty Images/iStockphoto

Looking for more top tips for your next tour? Then be sure to head to our Back to Basics: On Tour category, where we’re providing you with all the information you could need to enjoy the ultimate adventure on the road. 

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