camping

WHEN it comes to camping we usually think of it as a summer activity, but camping in the winter can be equally as fun.

Think countryside walks with scenic views and sites close to seaside resorts.

Sun Travel spoke to the Caravan and Motorhome Club about its best campsites for winter stays across the UK.

Membership costs from just £66 per year and allows members access to the largest network of campsites across the UK and Europe.

York Beechwood Grange Club Campsite

Located in York, North Yorkshire, the York Beechwood Grange Club Campsite features 109 touring spots and 10 tent pitches.

And the campsite is open to non-members as well as members.

Read more on travel inspo

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

HOL YES

I’m a travel editor & mum-of-3… my favourite family holidays from just £3pp a night

The campsite is surrounded by trees, making it super peaceful, but it is also perfectly located to easily explore the city of York.

The site is good for families too, as there is plenty of space to run around and play, as well as a playground.

Barbecues are allowed at the site, as are your four-legged furry friends.

The site costs from £32 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Brighton Club Campsite

Located just two miles from Brighton, the Brighton Club Campsite sits within the South Downs and is not too far from the Marina.

The campsite itself features 153 touring spots, 23 tent pitches and two pods and is open to both members and non-members.

There is also a playground on site, and barbecues are allowed as well.

With the beach close by, as well as the countryside, it is the ideal spot for nice walks, as well as a mooch in Brighton through the historic lanes.

The site costs from £35.50 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Meathop Fell Club Campsite

Found in Grange-over-Sands, Meathop Fell Club Campsite features 113 touring pitches, which is open to both members and non-members.

And it isn’t too far from the Southern Lake District.

There is also the option to stay in one of the two two-bedroom cottages on site or four apartments.

The site is good for families too, with a playground and barbecues also allowed.

Nearby, guests can head to Brockhole, the National Park Visitor Centre, which sells a range of books about the lakes.

It is also a great spot to head off on a scenic walk or participate in some water-based activities like sailing at the nearby Lake Windermere.

Then there is the seaside resort of Grange-over-Sands too, with a long, stretching promenade.

The site costs from £32 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Bridlington Club Campsite

Set in 30 acres of East Yorkshire countryside, Bridlington Club Campsite has 149 touring spots and six tent pitches, open to both members and non-members.

From the campsite, visitors can take a 30-minute walk through a golf course and woodland to reach the beach.

And fresh produce can be picked up from the farm shop, which is a 10-minute walk from the campsite.

As for facilities, the site boasts a play area, as well as a playground, and even has a golf course.

Barbecues are allowed too, as are dogs – and if they get mucky, there is a pooch washing area.

Two miles away, visitors can also head to Sewerby Hall, which is a Grade I listed country house, sitting on the top of a cliff and surrounded by landscaped gardens.

The site costs from £32 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Hunter’s Moon Club Campsite

Found in Wareham, Dorset, Hunter’s Moon Club Campsite has 122 touring spots and 11 tent pitches – but be aware that it is mostly for members only; however, campers are welcome.

The campsite sits on the edge of Wareham Forest – an area of famous heaths and miles of woodland paths.

The campsite also has a play area and plenty of space to walk your dog.

Visitors are also allowed to have barbecues, and there are laundry facilities on site.

As for the surrounding area, it is known for being loved by famous author Thomas Hardy, and the cottage he was born in is located a short distance away in Higher Bockhampton.

The site costs from £33.20 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Ashridge Farm Club Campsite

Located in Baldock, Hertfordshire, Ashridge Farm Club Campsite has 39 touring pitches – though it is only open to club members.

The site is dog-friendly and great for family stays as the site is peaceful but also easy to access, being only a few miles from the A1.

The village of Ashwell is also only a short walk from the campsite and is home to a 14th-century church and a handful of 15th-century cottages.

Many of the lanes around the site are ideal for keen cyclists too.

And if you wanted to head further afield, Cambridge is only a short drive away.

Barbecues are allowed at the site, and there are laundry facilities as well.

The site costs from £31.50 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Southport Club Campsite

Just a short walk from the Victorian seaside town of Southport, you will find Southport Club Campsite with 172 touring pitches.

Though this is another site just for members.

This spot is particularly great for dog owners, as there are numerous walking trails in the local area, as well as beaches to explore, such as Formby Beach.

And if you don’t mind a drive, nearby are other popular spots, including Blackpool, Liverpool, and even the Lake District.

The site costs from £34.80 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Strathclyde Country Park Club Campsite

Found just a 20-minute drive from Glasgow is Strathclyde Country Park Club Campsite with 107 touring spots and 45 tent pitches.

With non-members and members welcome, the spot is ideal for those who either want to escape the city or those who want to experience both Scotland‘s city life and countryside beauty.

But there is also plenty to do on and around the site as well, such as woodland walks and a play area for young children.

In the country park, visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, and if they want to, head off on a bike ride on one of the many routes.

Barbecues and dogs are allowed at the campsite too.

The site costs from £30 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Lickpenny Matlock Club Campsite

Located in Derbyshire, Lickpenny Matlock Club Campsite has 122 touring pitches and is open to both members and non-members.

Sat above the village of Tansley, the 16-acre campsite is found on the site of an old nursery.

Every pitch features a 16-amp electric supply, and there are a couple of electric car charging points.

And in the centre of the site, there is a children’s play area.

A 20-minute walk from the campsite and visitors will find themselves in Matlock, which has a number of cosy pubs to grab a tipple in, such as The Thorn Tree Inn and The Newsroom.

For a family day out, Gulliver’s Kingdom Matlock Bath is just a 14-minute drive away as well.

Dogs are allowed at the campsite too.

The site costs from £32 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Hawes Club Campsite

Located in North Yorkshire, Hawes Club Campsite has 119 touring pitches that are only available to members.

The campsite has the Dales right on its doorstep, making it the ideal spot for pretty walks.

And of course, the market town of Hawes is close too.

In fact, it is one of the highest market towns in England, sitting at 850 feet above sea level.

The campsite has its own games room; barbecues and dogs are allowed, and there are laundry facilities as well.

The site costs from £36 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

kell no

Jack Osbourne’s furious sister rips into ‘bully’ Kelly Brook after I’m A Celeb row

MUM PAIN

I was arrested in front of daughter for WhatsApp message, £20k won’t erase trauma

In other camping news, the UK’s best campsite has been named, with adult-only zones and £24 pitches.

Plus, here are the best European campsites for winter sun – with stays from £23 a night and 20C highs.

CAMPING isn’t just for summer as there are still some amazing European destinations you can get some winter sun for a bargain.

Caravan and Motorhome Club has revealed some of the best campsites across Portugal and Spain to Sun Travel with outdoor pools, play areas and access to popular cities.

Here are some of the very best which are just a few hours from the UK.

Turiscampo, Portugal

You’ll find Turiscampo at the very bottom of the Algarve in the city of Lagos.

If you fancy visiting in November, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how warm it is still with highs of 18C.

What will draw most visitors in is the enormous swimming pool lined with sun loungers.

CHRIMBO WIN

Enter these travel comps before Xmas to win £2k holidays, ski trips & spa stays

SNOW WAY

All the best Xmas days out under £10 including FREE ice skating & Santa’s grotto

There’s an on-site restaurant with a varied menu, a snack-bar, bistro and a-la-carte options.

And guests can also use the indoor heated pool, gym, sauna, hammam and check out the various beauty treatments.

If you fancy exploring the city, visits are organised by the campsite to Lagos and the Market of Lagos as well as walks to Praia da Luz or Bugau.

It’s a great spot for golfers as it has nearby courses with views of the open countryside, vineyards, and coastline.

The site is ideal for motorhomes, but you can pitch a tent too.

Pitches range from electric hook-up to special pitch and bathroom pitch – prices start from £25.51pn.

Alannia Els Prats, Spain

The Mediterranean coast of Spain just outside of Tarragona is where you’ll find Alannia Els Prats.

If you love the beach, then this campsite is ideal as it’s seconds away from the coast.

With highs of 19C in November, you’ll still be able to enjoy frolicking on the sands and splashing about in the water.

There’s a pretty terrace restaurant with views over the Med as well as a huge slide and a shallow splash park for kids.

There’s also an outdoor and inside play area, teen club, games room as well as a sports area with a basketball hoop.

On the front line of the Costa Daurada and close to the Ebro Valley, just fifteen minutes from Port Aventura.

Alannia Els Prats has an entertainment team that puts on performances for families.

Nearby is the Botanical Garden, Gaudi Centre, Port Aventura Theme Park and Aquopolis Costa Daurada Aquatic Water Park.

Pitches vary from serviced to large, premium and sea view with prices starting from £23.94pn.

Los Escullos, Spain

If you want a break surrounded by nature then Los Escullos is for you as it’s found tucked away in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park.

In the low season it’s quiet so it’s also a great spot if you fancy a less frantic atmosphere.

Activities range from the multi-sports court to the entertainment program, and there’s an outdoor pool surrounded by loungers and cosy cabanas.

There’s a focus on wellbeing so make sure to explore the gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and massage treatments.

And if you fancy taking a stroll, there are plenty of trails that run through the National Park.

When it comes to meals, the Oasis Restaurant overlooks the pool and offers guests the opportunity to try traditional Spanish cuisine or check out the pizzeria menu.

The site is around a 40-minute drive from Almería too if you want to explore the city.

Los Escullos offers electric hook-up pitches from £22.53pn.

Costa do Vizir, Portugal

This campsite is on the western coast of Portugal where temperatures reach highs of 18C in November.

Called the Costa do Vizir, it’s ideal for anyone seeking a peaceful camping break by the coast.

The campsite is just 450m from Praia Grande beach, a popular watersports location.

On-site is a fine dining restaurant, and on the beach is the second restaurant which makes for great sunset views.

There’s an outdoor pool and children’s play area.

The country’s capital, Lisbon, is one hour and 30 minutes drive away where you can hop on a tram and eat a tasty Pastel de Nata.

Also nearby is Porto Covo, Pessegueiro’s Island, the Natural Reserve of Costa Vicentiva, Zambujeira and the town of Odemira.

It has electric hook-up and serviced pitches from £24.66pn.

ZAYN’S RETURN

Zayn Malik ‘rejoins’ One Direction 10 years after quitting the band

bad boy

Real reason Becki Jones vanished for months – as we reveal new man’s criminal past

Read more on camping from one Sun Writer who stayed at the UK’s original glamping destination with alfresco massages and farmhouse style tents.

And check out the tiny campsite with safari lodges and nearby beach named one of the fanciest in the UK.

THE UK’S best budget campsite has been named and it has tonnes of amazing features as well as a great price.

Named in the Campsites.co.uk Camping and Glamping Awards, Caldbeck Camping in Cumbria can be found in the Northern Lake District, not too far from the northerly fells of High Pike and Carrock Fell.

In total, the campsite features 13 grass pitches, three of which have electric hook-ups.

But if putting up a tent isn’t your thing, then you can always opt for the cosy bell tent that is on site as well.

Inside the adult-only bell tent, visitors will find a cosy double bed, electrical supply, tea and coffee making facilities and a table and chairs.

Outside the tent there is also a private garden with a fire pit, seating and a sheltered bench area.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

Those staying in the bell tent also have access to a private toilet.

The campsite, which also featured on Campsites.co.uk 2025 Outstanding Sites list, is directly on the Cumbrian Way footpath, making it the ideal spot for keen hikers.

Barbecues are allowed at the site, as long as they are raised from the ground – an ideal summer evening activity.

Alternatively, there are fire pits which are available to hire.

And your four-legged friend is welcome too.

One recent visitor said: “Beautiful lake running through camp, space for wild swimming at bottom.

“Fire pits on each pitch, pitches are of a very good size!

“The site was very peaceful with little to no noise in the evenings.

“Host was lovely and friendly. Would definitely return.”

If you want a tipple before settling down for the night, The Oddfellow Arms pub is just a five-minute walk away.

And there are plenty of things to do nearby including Aira Force Waterfall which is just 30 minutes away.

The staggering 20 metre waterfall is located in an 18th century pleasure ground and there are a number of woodland trails to explore.

You might even catch a glimpse of rare red squirrel.

And Dalemain Mansion and Historic Gardens is 30 minutes away too.

Here, you can explore a pretty Grade I listed country house that features a mix of medieval, Tudor and Georgian architecture.

The gardens are also award-winning.

Spread across five acres, visitors can explore a number of plants and flowers and the gardens are known for whimsical features, so keep an eye out for a dragon and a sleeping earth giant.

Pitches at the campsite for adults cost from £9 per night and kids, £5 per night.

If you wish to have a pitch with an electrical hookup, it is an additional £6 per night.

For the bell tent, it costs from £65 per night for stays between Sunday and Thursday or £75 per night for stays between Friday and Saturday.

There is also a two night minimum stay in the bell tent.

PEATY FEUD TWIST

Adam Peaty’s brother arrested over stag do threats sent to Olympian

CHOC HORROR

‘Disgusting’ price of 750g Quality Street tins are slammed by Tesco shoppers

For more camping inspiration, there are a number of stunning campsites in Britain from £10 a night – including a posh estate with a brewery next to woodland theme park.

Plus, Kent’s best campsite has its own private beach and 3,000 acres that feels like the savannah.

A UK campsite with a large children’s play park and an adult-only area has been named the best in the UK.

St Helens in the Park in North Yorkshire has been named the best campsite of the year by the AA Caravan & Camping Awards.

The 36-acre site sits on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, making it a great spot to use as a base when hiking.

After visiting, an AA inspector said St Helens was an “immaculate park with pods and terraced pitches close to North York Moors.”

At the park itself, there are five grass pitches, 18 hardstanding pitches, 22 fully serviced pitches and 27 adult-only pitches.

It then has four amenity blocks, two of which are unisex and there is a 24-hour launderette on-site too.

Read more on travel inspo

SHOW BOAT 

I tried new Omaze-style draw for superyacht holidays & lived like a billionaire

SUN SWAP

I’ve visited Florida 50 times… my holiday costs less than a European all-inclusive

For those travelling without kids, there is even an adult-only area thanks to some clever tree divides.

For visitors with children, there is a large play area though, with picnic benches.

And if you aren’t the biggest fan of camping out in a tent, then the campsite also has some camping pods, all of which have electricity.

Two also have an en suite shower room and kitchenette.

If that still isn’t luxury enough, then opt for the fully furnished lodge.

For something to eat and drink to warm you up, there is the Hitch & Brew cafe, which is open in the high season.

The cafe offers full English breakfasts, lunches and snacks such as homemade cakes.

It even serves alcohol until 10pm.

The cafe also runs themed nights, such as burger nights, curry nights and pizza nights, made fresh in the on-site pizza oven.

The campsite has a Store Cupboard shop as well, to top up on supplies such as milk and bread.

If you want to leave the campsite and explore a bit more, then there are a number of pubs and restaurants not too far away.

For example, the Walkers Fish Restaurant and Ye Olde Forge Valley Inn are both just a five minute drive away.

The campsite is located on Dawnay Estate, which sprawls across 7,500 acres and features numerous country walks.

On some walks, visitors may even spot some alpacas or donkeys.

Visitors can also take a wander to The North Yorkshire Water Park with a zip line, climbing wall, kayaking, pedalos, Park Runs and open water swimming.

The water park is also home to AquaPark – an inflatable obstacle course that sits on the water, ideal for summer days.

For somewhere further afield to explore, Scarborough is only eight miles away, and there is a bus that goes straight from outside the caravan park.

St Helens in the Park was inspected for quality and commitment to customer satisfaction by AA expert inspectors.

Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Media, said: “British caravan and camping has never been more inspiring with parks across the country offering something truly special, from peaceful rural escapes to unforgettable coastal views.

“This year’s winners highlight the incredible variety and quality of outdoor stays in the UK, where passion, creativity and care combine to give holidaymakers experiences they’ll treasure. Congratulations to all the winners and their teams.”

Pitches are available from £23.50 per night.

RETURN TO SENDER

Fashion retailer WON’T issue shopper refunds after entering administration

through ell and back

Inside Elle Swift’s determined bid to rebrand after racism scandal

For more campsite inspiration, one of the UK’s best campsites that has its own private beach and splash park – and it’s super affordable.

Plus, here are the most popular campsites in the UK – with cocktail bars and play parks from just £14 a night.