Seclusion and stargazing, Carmarthenshire
Secluded, serene, and unspoilt, Dark Skies Camping near Llandovery offers camping without the crowds. With just 10 pitches (from £40 a night for two) set within 12 hectares of meadows, which run alongside a mountain stream, this is the perfect spot to unwind and get back to nature as you sit and enjoy the incredible night’s sky beside a crackling fire. The Cambrian mountains and Brecon Beacons national park offer plenty of nearby hiking opportunities. Hosts Tanya and Duncan keep the campsite facilities immaculately clean and are always on hand to offer local walking and wild swimming recommendations. The Neuadd Arms is close by for a great pint.
Helen
Majestic mountains, Snowdonia
Laura Murphy’s family enjoys Llyn Gwynant. Photograph: Laura Murphy
From the minute you arrive at Llyn Gwynant campsite (£13pp), the sight of the majestic mountains reflected in the lake causes you to breathe deeply and disconnect from the pressures of life. We camped with our two young children and our rough collie Gwen, who loved the freedom, wide-open spaces, and lakeside beach. There are fire pits where we loved roasting marshmallows under starry skies. The lake – the main attraction – is beautiful, with paddleboards and kayaks to hire. The onsite pizzeria is also excellent. Whatever the weather, each time you unzip your tent door, the view is magical and you won’t want to leave.
Laura Murphy
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Surrounded by red squirrels, Isle of Wight
A red squirrel on the Isle of Wight. Photograph: Patrick Eden/Alamy
We booked one of New Bank End Farm’s two yurts for eight nights for £750 last summer (sleeps four) and did the whole thing by public transport. What really made this place special was the setting – a rolling hill looking out to the Channel, surrounded by woodland inhabited by red squirrels. We weren’t really expecting to see so many of them (and babies!) all over the place, coming right up to you if you stayed still and raiding the cherry trees. It’s very close to Ventnor’s botanical gardens. There is a lovely sense of privacy and peace as the yurts are dispersed, and you’re right on the coastal path (and next to the hops used to make the island’s signature beer).
Katherine Stokes
Amazing walks, Lake District
Side Farm overlooks Ullswater. Photograph: Rebecca
My favourite campsite is Side Farm (£15pp), right on the banks of Ullswater. Simple, few frills, perfectly quiet, and with amazing walks. It’s for tents and small campervans only, as the track entrance is tight. Walk to the ferry launch further up the lake, then cruise back. Perfect.
Rebecca
Glorious sunsets, Wirral
The coast near West Kirby on the Wirral peninsula. Photograph: Eli Pascall-Willis/Alamy
Wirral Country Park Club Campsite (pitch from £21.70) has glorious sunset views over the Dee to the Welsh hills. There’s a beach a short walk from the entrance and a cafe serving the popular Wirral Way. Birders will revel in the abundant bird life of the estuary. Cycle or walk the Wirral Way, a disused rail track running alongside the campsite to the windsurfing town of West Kirby. From here there are trains to Liverpool for culture and shopping.
Lesley Radcliffe
Wildflowers and shimmering seas, Scilly Isles
St Martin’s Campsite is close to the beach. Photograph: Steve Bassett
Getting to St Martin’s Campsite (£13.50pn) in the Isles of Scilly is all part of the fun. A journey by train, ferry, and smaller boat brings you to this idyllic island, to be greeted by the lovely Ben and Caroline, who help transport your camping gear the short distance to the site. Nestled below tall hedges originally grown to protect the early-blooming Scilly flowers, the campsite is protected from southwesterly winds, yet just a stone’s throw to the golden beach and shimmering sea. Days pass slowly in the glorious Scilly sunshine, while evenings are spent enjoying the view of the islands from the only pub on St Martin’s. Arriving may be fun, but the hard part is having to leave.
Steve Bassett
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Caledonian Forest views, Glen Affric
Glen Affric heather and pines. Photograph: Grant Willoughby/Trees for Life/PA
Glen Affric offers visitors a glimpse into the past: it’s home to a swathe of Scotland’s native Caledonian forest, with breathtaking landscapes and views. There’s a beautiful sense of isolation and wilderness here. Cannich Woodland Camping (£11.50 a night) is a peaceful base from which to start exploring. The owner is an expert on hiking and biking trails, the communal facilities are clean, and there’s a wee coffee shop to start your day right, alongside a play park for young adventurers. Pods are available from £45 for two.
Adrienne
Tent for the Taskmaster, Dorset
Rosewall Campsite is on the Jurassic coast. Photograph: Elly Godfroy/Alamy
We stumbled upon Rosewall Campsite (from £10pn) in Osmington a few years ago. It is a true hidden gem for people who don’t want the fuss of a luxurious campsite. Rosewall is within a few minutes’ walk of the Smugglers Inn (a great pub overlooking the sea) and within walking distance of Weymouth in one direction and Durdle Door and Lulworth in the other, both along the incredible Jurassic coast path. The highlight was realizing none other than Greg Davies had the next tent to us! If it’s good enough for the Taskmaster, then it is definitely good enough for you.
Rachel Baylis
Winning tip: Back of beyond, Highlands
Ardnamurchan Point near Kilchoan. Photograph: TLC Media/Alamy
Travel to the back of beyond to Ardnamurchan campsite (£11pp, no caravans) at Kilchoan, a two-hour drive west of Fort William. There are pitches on the shore with unforgettable views down the Sound of Mull. Within just a few miles are the most stunning, almost-deserted beaches, a distillery, and a lighthouse from where you may spot whales, if you’re lucky. The Kilchoan hotel does great meals, Puffin Coffee does snacks, excellent coffee and a friendly welcome – and both are just a lovely walk away along the shore. Kilchoan is the most westerly village on mainland Britain (although there are hamlets further west.
Anne Shirra