TRAVEL NEWS | Top 10 British Camping Destinations To Drive To After Lockdown

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Camping Destinations To Drive To

With summer approaching quickly and lockdown rules still in effect, it’s unlikely that you’ll be heading abroad anytime soon. So this could be your summer to take the family off on a camping holiday to make the most of the surprisingly good weather that we’ve been enjoying lately.  

Why not use your holiday this year to rediscover all the natural beauty that the UK has to offer, so with that in mind, here are 10 top destinations in the UK to drive to, along with some great campsite recommendations.

1.The Lake District, Cumbria

The Lake District, Cumbria
Photo Credit: Unsplash

With some of the steepest and most isolated roads in Britain, the drive up to and through the Lake District can be equal parts scary and breathtaking. 

Once you’ve made the drive, the bustling market towns and quintessential British pubs await. And if that doesn’t sound like your thing then there are plenty of hikes and walks to enjoy also.

Recommended Campsite: Mains Farm Caravan Site

2. The Wye Valley, Monmouthshire

The Wye Valley, Monmouthshire
Photo Credit: Unsplash

The Wye Valley is one of our top 10 campsites to drive to because of its ancient woodlands, rolling hills and a stunning limestone gorge. Once you’ve set up at your campsite, there’s plenty of activities to keep busy. Such as hiking, kayaking, canoeing, cycling and glamping. 

Recommended Campsite: Apple Orchard Caravan & Camping Site

3. Cairngorms, Eastern Scottish Highlands

Cairngorms, Eastern Scottish Highlands
Photo Credit: Unsplash

Campers choose the Cairngorms for its epic vistas, watersports and charming trails. It’s also the main reason the Royal Family have vacationed here since 1852, with Balmoral Castle within a short driving distance. The drive along Loch Insh and Loch Morlich is truly epic, with plenty of sites to pull over for, especially if a bit windsurfing, sailing or kayaking is your thing. 

Recommended Campsite: Blair Castle Caravan Park

4. The Peak District, Central England

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Camping is one of the most popular and affordable ways to visit the Peak District. 

Driving can be the easiest way to access the limestone valleys, gritstone ridges and moorland plateaus, which are spread far across the Dark and White Peaks. 

Recommended Campsite: Longnor Wood Holiday Park

5. The New Forest, Hampshire

The New Forest, Hampshire
Photo Credit: Unsplash

The New Forest is easily one of the best places to drive on a warm summer’s evening. The light breaking through the thick woodland kissing the vast, empty roads. It’s almost like you’re snaking your way through a national park in America. Except you’re not. You’re in England.

Once you’re done exploring the open roads, there are plenty of peaceful hideaways to camp at. From there you’ve got the opportunity to stretch your legs around a number of their hiking trails or just sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Recommended Campsites: Red Shoot Camping Park

6. The Brecon Beacons, Southern Wales

The Brecon Beacons, Southern Wales
Photo Credit: Unsplash

The Brecon Beacons is a mountain range in South Wales, notable for Old Red Sandstone peaks. Whether you’re driving across the rolling hills or exploring by foot, the views are spectacular, the peaks are dramatic and the air is fresh. So it makes total sense why campers love coming back to this national treasure, which definitely deserves a place on our list of top 10 British campsites to drive to.

Recommended Campsites: Pencelli Castle Caravan & Camping Park

7. The Yorkshire Dales, Northern England

The Yorkshire Dales, Northern England
Photo Credit: Unsplash

Yorkshire is known as ‘God’s Own Country’, along with just four other places in the world, i.e, New Zealand, Kerala and Zimbabwe. You’ll see why when you drive along its gorgeous villages, stately homes and lush countryside. Driving is the easiest way for campers to reach the Limestone Paving Slabs, Malham Cove and the Three Peaks. So come pitch your tent at one of the many campsites and get your fill of fresh air and clear starry nights. 

Recommended Campsite: Peaks and Pods

8. Snowdonia, Northern Wales

Snowdonia, Northern Wales
Photo Credit: Unsplash

Snowdonia’s dramatic landscape, waterfalls and mountain peaks make it one of the top campsites to drive to. With Ffordd Pen Llech Pass once ranked as one of the steepest roads in the world, you’ll need a car with plenty of horsepower and that can deal with the odd bump or two. Our recommendation would be to make the drive in an off-roader like the Mercedes-Benz G -Class (Sandown Mercedes) which can withstand the steepest of terrains whilst ensuring a smooth journey. 

Once you’ve navigated the pass there are plenty of campsites that give you access to the hiking trails around Snowdonia. 

Recommended Campsite: Coed-Y-Llwyn Caravan and Motorhome Club Site 

9. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Western Scotland 

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Western Scotland
Photo Credit: Unsplash

A drive around Loch Lomond will give you the chance to truly take in pristine Lakes (Lochs if you’re Scottish), rolling hills and plenty rich dense woodland.

What it might not allow you to take in, is a bit of sunshine – this is Scotland after all.

There are a number of campsites scattered around the loch, that are perfect as a base from which you can venture out to explore the surroundings.

Recommended Campsite: Lomond Woods Holiday Park 5*

10. The Pembrokeshire Coast, Western Wales

The Pembrokeshire Coast, Western Wales
Photo Credit: Unsplash

Home to a phenomenal seascape, rocky coastlines, cliffs, coves and the best surfing in the country. It makes sense why The Pembrokeshire Coast is the only British coast granted national park status. Campsites along the coast allow for quick sprints to the beach. 

Recommended Campsite: Coastal Stay Camping

So if you’re wanting to plan a camping holiday this summer, why not try any of the magnificent destinations above. There’s a wide range of affordable, luxury and reliable new family cars to choose from at Sandown Mercedes.  


DISCLOSURE: This is a sponsored post placed by Sandown Group. You can find out more about our sponsored post policy here.

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