campsite

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.