Camping

The children were asleep in the little tent behind us, wrapped in two sleeping bags, each with an extra helping of wool blankets. Earlier, all I could see were their little faces half-lit by torchlight as I read them a book about rivers to the sound of rain on canvas. They fell asleep as fast and thick as the fog pooling in the valley below.

My partner and I sat outside, huddled together under a waterproof coat, cheek to cheek, perched on our daughters’ foam swim vests because the ground was saturated. We were laughing. As parents, absurdity and beauty make for familiar bedfellows.

Just a few days earlier, it had seemed impossible we would go anywhere; every affordable campsite, yurt and cottage was booked up for the Easter holidays. Then I remembered how last year, tagging along with the Right to Roam crew, I ended up sleeping on the floor of the Beeches, a former Quaker residential community house in the village of Bamford, on the edge of Derbyshire’s upper Derwent valley. Its new stewards had amazing plans – a space for community health, social justice and ecological regeneration, all in collaboration with local people and grassroots groups.

I pinged them an email – “Can we stay on your land for one night?” – and, feeling inspired, contacted a few other initiatives, too.

We were in luck. Our hosts, Vanessa and Max, welcomed us into the Beeches, which was just as beautiful as I remembered. At the end of a wildflower path, past allotments and woodland, are two outbuildings: sheds on the outside, cosy cabins on the inside. “A family of deer lives here,” Vanessa said to my daughters, five and three, holding one hand each.

By the firepit, we unloaded still-hot pizzas, still-cold beers and marshmallows for roasting. As the dark set in, the children set the ends of sticks on fire, drawing shapes in the air.

In our cabin, candles, fairy lights and a wood-burning stove cast flickering shadows. The sofa beds were pushed together to make one giant bed. As I told the kids a story beneath the covers, I felt I was in a story myself.

By morning, we were a tangle of limbs. Light filtered through egg-patterned curtains. A train rumbled past and the sound summoned adventure. I opened the doors to birdsong while my partner prepared instant coffee and porridge. “I wish today would never end, Mama,” said my eldest.

We ate lunch at the nearby Anglers Rest, Bamford’s community-owned pub, with a cafe and post office in the same building. I dropped my sacred local texts, Wild Swimming Walks Peak District and The Upper Derwent: 10,000 Years in a Peak District Valley by Bill Bevan, on to the table. There was so much to explore – reservoir, ruin, gritstone edge – but the sun was calling.

The River Derwent was just down the road, its banks dotted with bluebells, cow parsley, clover and stitchwort. A mandarin duck watched from a patch of brambles as we quickly changed into our swimming costumes. Wading in upstream from the stepping stones at Bamford Mill, I was instantly ecstatic, while the children sat in the shallows, covering themselves in river mud.

That evening, we followed a winding road up into the hills above Ladybower reservoir. Lockerbrook Farm Outdoor Centre is a hill farm now run as a residential education centre by Woodcraft Folk, a national youth charity promoting education for social change. “We will make an exception,” they explained in their email, “because the camping field is empty.” They don’t usually rent camping pitches to individuals who are not on their courses, but have a cottage on the site available for rentals.

The friendly warden showed us around: field, sink, toilet, the most stupendous view of the high moorlands and deep cut of Derwent valley. The field was on an incline and, while we set up camp, the children bickered over which molehill was theirs. A group of cyclists passed above: “You’re very brave!” shouted one, and I thought he meant the children until my partner pointed out the dark clouds bruising the horizon.

“I’m hungry, Mama!” I went to light the camp stove. It didn’t work. Drizzle turned to rain. The packet of macaroni cheese said it would be edible with cold water. It wasn’t. I ran to beg the warden for boiled water and found a scene of pure bliss – young people cooking together in a warm cottage. One hot flask, two pots of apology-porridge and countless-kisses later, the children were asleep.

And so, this is how my partner and I found ourselves pressed together outside the tent in the dark, in the rain. “Next time we must bring a waterproof blanket to sit on,” he said.

“And an umbrella,” I said.

“And test the stove,” he laughed. “And then maybe we’ll be ready for a wild camp!”

We were giggling, shushing one another, when a female tawny owl screeched, quickly answered by the male, echoing from what seemed to be all the trees: ke-wick hoo-hoo, ke-wick hoo-hoo.

The next morning, we packed up early and drove down to Fairholmes car park, where the Refreshment Kiosk was waiting with hot drinks and pasties. From here, there’s a family-friendly trail featuring carved wooden creatures on the shores of Ladybower reservoir. I told the children about the lost villages beneath its waters. They were already there, one foot always in the imaginary.

We smelt of mildew, wildflower, woodsmoke, river water and sweat. Dandelion seeds were caught in my daughter’s curls. I blew the wishes free.

The Beeches has cabins sleeping four from £125 a night; camping £10pp per night. Lockerbrook Farm is predominantly for large groups, but the Warden’s Cottage sleeps six from £33pp per night. The weekend is accessible from Bamford train station for those who love hiking: the Beeches is a 15-minute walk; pub and wild swimming 20 minutes; Fairholmes is two hours; and Lockerbrook Farm a further 30-minute uphill hike from there.

IF YOU are trying to pick your next staycation while the temperatures are set to rise, the top five family-friendly campsites across the UK have been named and they have farm animals and scenic views.

New research conducted by Pitchup.com has revealed the best campsites for families across the UK based on ‘child-friendly’ ratings from nearly 200,000 reviews.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, said: “Camping and glamping holidays continue to be a popular choice for families looking to spend quality time together outdoors, particularly as more people seek flexible and affordable UK breaks.”

Trefach Holiday Park, Pembrokeshire

Scoring 9.3 out of 10 on the child-friendliness scale, Trefach Holiday Park in Pembrokeshire, Wales, has been named the most family-friendly campsite in the UK.

Just a half-an-hour drive from Cardigan boat trips and popular family attraction Folly Farm, the campsite sits in the Preseli Hills and features an outdoor pool, play area, games room, clubhouse and bar-restaurant with entertainment.

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Around the site, families can head on a number of scenic walks as well as explore local fishing villages and towns such as Tenby, Haverfordwest, Dinas Cross and Fishguard.

Stays cost from £40 a night.

Jubilee Camping, Hampshire

Following closely in second place with a child-friendliness score of 9.2 out of 10, is Jubilee Camping in Hampshire.

Just 15 minutes from the New Forest, Jubilee Camping has heaps of fun for the family with tractor and trailer rides, barbeques, campfires, woodfired pizza and animal experiences.

In the surrounding area there are a lot of things to do as well such as walks in the New Forest National Park and visiting the city of Salisbury.

Bournemouth is only half-an-hour away too in case you want to hit the beach.

Onsite, there is also the Shepherd’s Hut Bar which serves local ales, ciders, Prosecco and G&Ts.

A stay costs from £32 per night.

Panoramic Camping and Glamping, Swansea

In third place with a score of 8.9 out of 10 for child-friendliness was Panoramic Camping and Glamping in Swansea, Wales.

Found five minutes from Pontlliw and off the M4, Panoramic Camping and Glamping is a smaller site with pitches on a hilltop meadow, overlooking the Glamorgan hills.

The site is also a working farm so you can expect to see hens, cattle and Llanwenog sheep while staying.

In the surrounding area you can head to the beaches of the Gower Peninsula as well as head off on a trek in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

A non-electric grass tent or trailer pitch costs from £25 per night and a glamping tent, sleeping up to five people costs from £80 per night.

Little Thornham Holidays, Wiltshire

Also scoring 8.9 for child-friendliness was Little Thornham Holidays in Wiltshire.

Overlooking Salisbury Plain, Little Thornham Holidays can be found on a small farm with friendly hens, goats (named after Harry Potter characters), sheep, pigs and ducks.

The village of Melksham is just a 10-minute drive away in case you want to head to the pub or need to pick up supplies.

However, the farm does sell its own produce on site such as wood, sausages and eggs.

As for other things to do in the area, Longleat Safari Park is just 30 minutes away and if you want to explore a city, you can reach Bath in 40 minutes.

There are three types of accommodation at the site including tent pitches, lodges and bell tents which cost from £120 per night for four people.

Magical Malpas PYO Farm, Cheshire

And rounding out the top five was Magical Malpas PYO Farm, in Cheshire, scoring 8.8 for child-friendliness.

Not only is Magical Malpas a working dairy farm, but it is also a pick-your-own farm and has views of the Cheshire countryside.

Guests can stay in a small field, where they will also find picnic tables and a children’s play area (though, it is worth noting that there are no showers, electricity or drinking water).

While staying, families will be able to meet Wilma and Betty – two Valais Blacknose sheep, as well as goats and two donkeys.

As for things to do in the surrounding area, you won’t be short for choice with BeWILDerwood – a family adventure park – just 10 minutes away.

A pitch costs from £22 per night.

THE sun is making more of an appearance and the temperature is warming up, so there couldn’t be a more perfect time than now to book a camping holiday.

And what better place to go to than a campsite that is right by the UK’s best beach?

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Henry’s Campsite is family-run and can be found at the most southerly point of Cornwall and some visitors have even said it feels like being in the ‘Caribbean‘.

On the site, there are a variety of different pitches including ones with a sea view.

Each has an electrical hookup, with some also surrounded by exotic plants.

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As for facilities, the campsite has four showers, seven toilets, hot water, washing up facilities, a large washing machine and the showers cost 40p for three minutes.

For some quick essentials, there’s an onsite shop too that sells BBQ charcoal and even local cider.

Each pitch also comes with bricks, in case you want to create a firepit during the warm summer evenings.

To book, keen campers will need to email Henry’s Campsite directly with as many details as possible to secure a spot.

For those who would opt for glamping over camping, there’s the option to book the Bell Tent which comes with either a double bed and single beds, a lamp, rug, and a trunk.

The seaside campsite and its location is such a hit with travellers that it’s even been said to look like it belongs elsewhere.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “A campsite with a real difference – designed with thought, flair, and so many little touches that make you smile.

“We stayed on the 16th and 17th of September when the wind was howling and the rain pouring down, yet the ambience around the site (especially the main facilities) transported us to the Caribbean!”

Another called it an “outstanding site… such a gem I don’t want to share it!”

Adding to its beauty is the fact that it’s under half an hour away from Kynance Cove.

The beach was recently named the 26th best beach in Europe, according to Europe’s Best Beaches 2026 awards – and was the only one in England to make the list.

The beach is known for its soft white sand and bright blue waters – and it’s also one of the warmest stretches of coastline in the UK.

Aside from beaches, guests nearby can visit Lizard Village – it’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat whether that be the seaside staple fish and chips, to Cornish pasties or a cream tea.

The fishing village of Cadgwith Cove known for its pretty thatched cottages and shingle beach is just three miles away.

As we edge closer to summer, camping holidays are even more appealing, whether that’s by the coast or amongst woodland, and an expert has said there’s one item everyone needs to pack

It’s that time of year again when I’m thinking about packing up the car and pitching up the tent for a weekend camping escape, but there’s one item that canvas enthusiasts shouldn’t forget.

While the British weather is somewhat unpredictable, when it does bless us with sun-soaked rays and warm temperatures, it’s the perfect time to head out on a camping trip. After all, what’s better than waking up to coastal vistas or the backdrop of enchanting forests and exploring the nearby surroundings before dining al fresco with a BBQ?

Yet before heading out on any camping adventure, there’s one packing essential.

Forest Ranger for Forest Holidays, Gerry O’Brien, told the Mirror: “My number one tip for everyone is to pack comfortable socks. If your feet get cold, the rest of you is going to be cold as well. So bring appropriate clothing for the time of year, but as we know, we can get all sorts of weather in Britain. Be prepared for all weather.”

As a forest ranger based at the Forest of Dean, Gerry has a wealth of knowledge about the otherworldly scenes of ancient woodland, rustic bridges, snowdrops, and spiralling rivers that make up the UK’s area of enchanting landscapes. There’s even an abundance of campsites in and around the Forest of Dean, which make for an ideal weekend escape or half-term break.

For those looking to spend time in the woodland, Gerry advised not to pack too much into one itinerary. “It’s great to pre-plan activities or to visit certain areas you’d like to see and do, but it’s good to weave in some non-scripted time because that’s often when you find the magic.

“So have a bit of time where you can tune into yourself and do what you feel in the moment, be spontaneous.” For those who might opt for a stay with Forest Holidays in one of their woodland cabins, rather than camping nearby, the expert added: “You might want to relax on your decking with a cup of tea and a good book.

“Or you might fancy a walk in the woods or something more high-energy, you can read off that if you have unplanned time. We’re so wired to be so busy all the time, but it’s good to take it back a bit and slow down.”

The forest ranger added: “One of the most magical things is just stopping. Maybe sitting in the forest for a while, we’re always going from A to B, so just stop and sit somewhere. Having a little sit mat with you is always handy, and just put your phone on do not disturb.”

In another piece of advice for people looking to appreciate the great outdoors, Gerry said: “It sounds a little corny, but tap into your inner child. You can create a little scavenger hunt with the children, go on a mini-beast hunt together, or make a den or fairy house in the woods. There are lots of hands-on, immersive experiences you can do together.”

To discover a magical corner of the country, you might want to book a stay at Forest Holidays in the Forest of Dean, which provides an array of lodges, cabins and treehouses, some boasting outdoor hot tubs for relaxing beneath the towering canopy. Meanwhile, accommodation providers such as Sykes Holiday Cottages and Holidaycottages.co.uk also offer various properties throughout the area, not forgetting the camp sites nearby and those trusty cosy socks for any UK trip!

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THE best family-friendly campsite in the country has been revealed, and it has a heated outdoor swimming pool and games room.

Trefach Holiday Park tucked away in Pembrokeshire topped the ranks when it came to the most family-friendly campsite in the UK – and it’s not hard to see why.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel. 

Pitchup.com, the UK’s leading outdoor accommodation website, has found the best campsites for families across the country.

The rankings are based on ‘child-friendly’ ratings from nearly 200,000 customer reviews. 

Trefach Holiday Park is tucked away in the Pembrokeshire valley, but is well-worth a visit for any families this summer and scored 9.3 for ‘child-friendliness’.

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When it comes to entertainment during the summer, Trefach Holiday Park’s star of the show is definitely its swimming pool.

The outdoor that’s heated pool makes for a refreshing dip in the summer and is open between May 25 and September 4.

Adults can watch as their children splash about from the courtyard terrace.

One visitor said: “The pool was a big hit with the kids and kept them entertained for hours.”

Another described the campsite as a “little gem” which was great for their “family trip.”

On-site is its own restaurant and cafe which in the high season (July and August) is open every day from 10am until late for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

It also has a play area, games room, TV room, laundrette as well as toilet blocks and showers.

Location-wise, the campsite is close to the hills of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park so it’s a great base for those who like to take scenic walks or want to explore seaside villages.

The nearest fishing villages are the likes of Tenby and Fishguard, it’s also close to the town of Cardigan.

Around Cardigan Bay, visitors can take boats out to do some dolphin-spotting.

Pitch types vary from electric grass tent and touring pitches to electric gravel motorhome pitches. Tent pitches can sleep up to six people for £46 per night – or £7.60pppn.

OFF the coast of Spain are a group of islands that many say feels like the Caribbean, but for a fraction of the coast.

The archipelago called the Cíes Islands are made up of three islands; Monte Agudo, O Faro and San Martiño.

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The islands are completely car free, and are described as being ‘Caribbean-like’ but on a camping budget.

Monteagudo is the largest and northernmost of the three Cíes Islands which can be reached by ferry from Vigo.

This is where visitors will find one of the world’s best beaches called Playa de Rodas, or Rodas Beach.

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Coming in at 18th in the world, the beach has ‘soft white sand and clear, calm waters’ – much like those in the Caribbean.

Visitors agree with one calling it a “natural paradise” and another agreed that it is “absolutely beautiful, pale sand crystal clear water.”

Others have said it’s the perfect place to swim with small fish that appear in the shallow water.

But there are warnings of the sea being cold as it is in the Atlantic as opposed to the warmer Caribbean Sea.

The coast is popular for snorkelling with lots of lobsters, crabs and sometimes bottlenose dolphins even being spotted too.

The sandbar across Playa de Rodas is what connects Monteagudo to its neighbour, Faro island.

Meanwhile, San Martiño can only be reached by private boat or on kayak tours – it’s a wild island so the top activities here are swimming and birdwatching.

For more on Spain, here are some of our favourite holiday spots…

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Hotel Best Punta Dorada, Salou

The Spanish resort is a popular destination near PortAventura World, a theme park with over 40 attractions and huge rollercoasters. It’s also close to sandy beaches like Platja de Llevant, and the scenic Camí de Ronda coastal walk.The hotel itself has an outdoor swimming pool to enjoy, as well as two bars along with evening entertainment and shows.

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Sun Club El Dorado, Majorca

With its palm tree-lined pool and Mediterranean backdrop, it’s a miracle this Majorca resort is so affordable. Expect a classic family holiday feel – where days revolve around soaking up the Spanish sunshine, chilling by the spacious pool and sipping on frozen cocktails. Set away from the busier resorts, it’s a good option if you’re after a more out-of-the-way escape.

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Magic Aqua Rock Gardens, Benidorm

The Magic Aqua Rock Gardens Hotel is African-themed and less than a mile from the beach. It has two outdoor pools, including a children’s freshwater pool with a waterfall and a tipping water bucket for the little ones. There’s also an aquapark with slides, and a kids club for both younger children and teens.

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Globales Montemar, Ibiza

For a calmer side of Ibiza, this hillside resort has two pools, a kids’ splash zone, and an all-inclusive buffet with a poolside bar. It’s a 10-minute walk from Cala Llonga’s shallow turquoise bay, offering a scenic, family-friendly base away from the island’s main party zone.

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The islands are fairly quiet too as visitor numbers are limited because the islands form part of a national park.

During the high season it can welcome 1,800 visitors a day, but in low season, this drops to 450.

There are no overnight stays allowed until the Easter period and dates between May 15 to September 14.

But for those who want to stay, you can do so on Faro Island at the campsite.

You can pitch your own tent at Camping Islas Cíes from €10.90 (£9.49) per adult.

If you want to book and have a tent provided, prices start from €69 (£60.07).

On site are plenty of facilities like a phone charging station, snack bar, supermarket, even a souvenir shop.

There’s also a restaurant that looks across Rodas Beach which specialises in seafood like scallops and razor clams.

The site offers activities too from kayak tours to snorkelling, star-gazing and children’s workshops from games to arts and crafts.

When it comes to getting to the islands, it is slightly complicated.

The first thing you have to do is request a free authorisation code up to 90 days in advance.

After that then use it to buy a boat ticket for one of the crossings from Vigo which takes around 45minutes.

These leave the Estación Marítima port and operate frequently during high season which is between May and September.

From the UK, visitors can head to Barcelona, then take a transfer to Vigo Airport.

Return flights in May start from £100, with camping costs, a five-night stay equates to around £150.

Meanwhile, trips to the Caribbean can start from £850pp.

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