campsites

FOR A holiday that will create amazing memories – while still being kind to your bank balance – you can’t go wrong with camping.

While the thought of snoozing in a tent may conjure up memories of soggy, nondescript fields, it’s all about location.

Around the UK – from Wales to Cornwall – there are some truly stunning camping spots with breathtaking views.

Set up at one of these and you’ll be grateful you never bothered stepping on a plane…

Porth Iago Campsite, Wales

This idyllic ocean-front camping spot nestled in north Wales is the dream.

The site overlooks Port Iago’s white sand beach and blue seas, which sits on the Llŷn Peninsula.

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Further still, this has been declared Wales’ ‘best wild camping beach’ by Lonely Planet.

Guests can either pre-book their spot at the campsite in advance, or you can pay on arrival with cash or card.

However, be warned that numbers are capped in order to prevent it becoming too overcrowded.

From its clifftop position, you can enjoy an evening picnic with a front row view of dramatic west-facing sunsets.

For an active holiday, there’s plenty of opportunity to swim and paddleboard down by the sea.

The beach then makes the perfect place to relax, with its cove-like shape providing shelter from the wind.

Better still? It’s sometimes possible to see dolphins swimming in the sea surrounding the bay.

It also isn’t far from the popular seaside village of Abersoch, which is on hand for shops, restaurants and watersports.

Pitches start from £20 a night, with day passes for £5.

Delamont Country Park Campsite, Belfast

This campsite is in Northern Ireland‘s County Down, within an hour’s drive of Belfast.

It is located in a beautiful country park, covering 200 acres, with stunning views from Strangford Lough to the Mourne Mountains.

The campsite has an electricity supply to pitches, on-site showers and wifi access.

It is possible to pay for your spot with card, and it’s best to try book in advance if you can.

Its USP is the incredible country walks that begin just metres away from the doors of your tent.

Ranging from 1km to 7km in distance, you can stroll along the shores of Strangford Lough and take in the nearby woodland’s wildlife.

Tired of walking? It is also possible to go horse riding through the country park or cycle around on two wheels.

You can bring your dogs with you into the country park, but they’ll need to stay on the lead.

Don’t miss the Strangford Stone, which is the tallest megalith in Northern Ireland. 

Pitches start from £11 per night.

Higher Pentreath Campsite, Cornwall

The family-run Cornish camping spot has been happily hosting visitors since the 1950s.

It is located slightly inland, on a farm in the south of Cornwall, but is very close to the south coast.

Indeed, the site is a short walk from Praa Sands, a popular surfing beach in the county.

It is a spot with some of the longest hours of sunshine to be found in the UK.

What’s more, is all well positioned for exploring the likes of Helston, the Lizard Peninsula, Porthleven, Marazion and Penzance.

The price of an electric pitch – for up to four people – is £35.99, while it’s £25.99 for a non-electric pitch.

They welcome families, couples and groups for the same cost all year round, with no hikes during peak season.

From the campsite, it is possible to access the coastal footpath and enjoy the picturesque rugged scenery.

Additionally, you’ll find an abundance of wildflowers and birds as you wander.

Pitches start from £25.99 per night.

Top of the Woods Campsite, Pembrokeshire

For a more luxurious camping experience with a view, head to this eco-camping spot by the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Its 27 acres are surrounded by ancient Welsh woodlands, cascading waterfalls and wild beaches.

You can stay in spacious meadow pitches, or if you’d rather upgrade your experience then there are several more homely options.

These include ‘Safari Lodges’, ‘Nature Domes’ or ‘Pioneer Camps’ for star-gazing with a difference.

The ‘glamping‘ options come with self-catering amenities, cosy wood burners, BBQ as well as fire pits and comfy bedding.

The all-inclusive isn’t just for Spain – the campsite’s ‘holiday packages’ include river treks or electric bike explorations with delicious food too.

You can also order wood-fired pizza and on-site activities, including watching a film in the ‘Barn Cinema’.

However, further afield, it’s within the vicinity of Newgale Beach – offering easy access to stunning coastlines and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

You can also drive to St Davids Cathedral, situated in Britain’s smallest city near the most westerly point of Wales.

It is likwise close to the charming village of Solva, which has a wide selection of cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Pitches start from £36 per night.

Fidden Farm Campsite, Scotland

This rural spot, on the Isle of Mull – which lies off the west coast of Scotland – offers breathtaking views of the Inner Hebrides. 

It’s just a short walk from Fidden Bay, a beautiful sandy beach ideal for swimming and relaxing. 

The area is packed with wildlife – including eagles, otters, seals and dolphins – making it perfect for nature lovers. 

Need to unwind? The campsite provides a peaceful, secluded atmosphere that’s perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape. 

It’s also a great base for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking and cycling – with many scenic trails nearby.

The waters around Mull are also great for kayaking or paddleboarding if you’re into watersports.

Similarly, it’s an excellent spot for stargazing due to its clear skies and lack of light pollution.

In fact, you can even see the Milky Way from your tent on a clear night.

You can likewise easily explore other parts of Mull – including Duart Castle and Tobermory – or take ferry trips to nearby islands. 

The site, of course, offers essential amenities like toilets, showers and a small shop for necessities.

Pitches start from £12pp a night.

CORNWALL has long been a favourite among UK holiday destinations, thanks to its stunning beaches, fascinating history and natural inland beauty.

So if you’re considering cooking a trip tot he popular South West county this year, take a look at some of our favourite local stays in recent years.

How The Sun’s travel team reviews accommodation

This list includes Cornish hotels, holiday parks, cottages and campsites our team has visited and fallen in love with.

Some journalists have travelled with their families while others have journeyed solo.

When it comes to picking our favourites we account for everything from costs to location, design, hospitality and more.

We don’t just look at what’s trending but those little-known gems that will stay with you in the years to come.

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And to keep this article fresh with the latest accommodation we will regularly update it.

Best places to stay in Cornwall

Best luxury holiday home

8 Woodlands, Newquay

A retreat so large it could fit a family of eight, the adequately named 8 Woodlands towers over a stunning and quiet estuary.

Perched on top of a cliff, this mammoth contemporary holiday home was the ideal country escape for our beauty editor Tara Ledden.

Even with seven of her nearest and dearest with her, there was never a shortage of space.

Just 30 seconds from the back door, they could dip their toes in the sandy estuary bed or pump up a paddleboard (also provided) and brave the waters.

The surrounding nature is not the only luxury this stay has to offer – the pad comes with a lush garden complete with its own hot tub and barbecue.

Embellished with coastal-inspired interiors, families will be fully equipped with a kitchen, dining area, Smart TVs, Sonos speakers and child safety gates on each of the three floors.

The holiday home is not as remote as its views suggest – visitors can reach Newquay’s high street with just a five-minute drive or walk for 20 minutes.

Best holiday park for families with dogs

Parbola Holiday Park, Hayle

There’s no more authentic family stay in Cornwall than at Parbola Holiday Park.

Hugged by 16 acres of woodland and located just a ten-minute drive from Hayle Town, this stay gives holidaymakers the best of both worlds – a peaceful rural haven and a plethora of activities.

Writing for The Sun, Kate Jackson and Irfan Cemal described Parbola Holiday Park as perfect for families.

Highlights for their children included the heated outdoor swimming pool, a box of balls and bats to borrow and the Safari Tent, a place equipped with board games and books.

Meanwhile, the adults enjoyed the small but appreciated touches such as a package of tea, milk and delicious Cornish biscuits as they arrived or the wood-fired pizza fan that visits every Monday.

And to add to the list of this holiday park‘s many charms, Parbola is also dog-friendly.

Speaking about her stay Kate said: “The Parbola holiday park in Cornwall caters for people like us.”

Parbola offers the best of both worlds. Away from the usual hotspots, five miles inland from the north coast, it provides a haven that, despite its obvious popularity, was always peaceful.”

Best hotel for food

St Tudy Inn, St Tudy

After an action-packed day on your feet, The St Tudy Inn is the perfect spot to sit back by a roaring fire and enjoy some heart-warming grub.

With the appearance of a traditional 16th-century stone cottage, many would not assume that some diners travel over 40 minutes to just eathere.

During her visit, writer for The Sun Julia Richardson relished in dishes cooked by head chef James Lean, who used to work for Gordon Ramsey.

Expect exquisite sea-themed cuisine such as hake, cuttlefish and chorizo stew or steamed mussels.

And food is not the only thing this cosy Cornish pub has to offer – just across the car park, a converted barn holds four charming rooms paired with tartan bedspreads and patterned cushions.

Best hotel in Newquay

Newquay Beach Hotel, Newquay

Named Beached Front Hotel of the Year in South-West England 2024 by Travel & Hospitality Awards, the boutique stay rests just opposite Newquay‘s main beach – Tolcarne.

It’s here that our boxing reporter Wally Downes Jr relaxed after a stop at the Newquay Zoo.

With stellar beach views and an art deco interior – this stay is a feast for the eyes, from the designer velvet scallop chairs to the geometric glass.

And if you’re looking to grab a bite to eat, you will not be left hungry.

Newquay Beach Hotels offers numerous classic dishes as well as a fully stocked cocktail bar.

A nice extra is the Abangamba playroom for the kids.

Best holiday cottage for families

Bosinver Farm Cottages, Trelowth

You might be tempted to stick to Cornwall’s coasts but its inland valleys are just as impressive as its cliffs.

Tucked away between the quaint town of St Austell and the seaside village of Mevagissey is this hidden gem.

Here you’ll find Bosinver’s Farm Cottage – a set of 20 luxury self-catering cottages full of magical Cornish spirit.

The cute accommodation Features Writer Emma Pietras stayed in was made of straw and wood bales and its beams were taken from an old hospital – all of which added to the location’s timeless feel.

Paired with a hot tub and stunning valley views this is the perfect place to kick back and relax.

A particular highlight is the £475 worth of included activities such as a pool, animal feeding, pony rides, and outdoor and indoor play.

It is no surprise that these pads won Visit England’s Best Family-Friendly Accommodation in 2017.

In her review, Pietras had this to say: “As a mum to a toddler, previous holidays have been far from stress-free, but when you’re surrounded by 35 acres of meadows, landscaped gardens and woodland, it’s hard not to feel relaxed.”

It feels as if the owners have thought of every little detail.”

Best hotel with a sea view

Polurrian on the Lizard, Mullion

The Polurrian on the Lizard was once the vacation spot of Winston Churchill.

More recently this beautiful piece of history was visited by The Sun writer Ellie Ross who dubbed it as ‘one of Cornwall’s best kept secrets’.

With its glamorous white exterior looming over the lizard peninsula, this enchanting stay boasts a secluded beach and sea views so good you might feel like you are in a movie.

The 1890s hotel also comes along with a tennis court clifftop garden, playground and even indoor and outdoor pools.

A great way to watch the sunset over the sea is at its dog-friendly restaurant which serves everything from fish and chips to wood-fired pizza.

And according to Ellie, the cocktails were a standout.

Best spa hotel

Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa, Newquay

With views that rival the Maldives or the Caribbean, Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa overlooks one of Newquay’s more private beaches.

Visitors will feel worlds away sipping speciality cocktails at the hotel’s Bay Bar – a spot particularly good for watching the sunset.

This adults-only hotel is where Sun writer Simon Copeland spent two tranquil nights.

And that was in part credit to Fistral Beach Hotel’s luxurious spa that offered rejuvenating treatments he said “wouldn’t be out of place in some Balinese temple”.

All spa day packages included a pool, steam room, hot tub, sauna and refreshments.

Equally as lavish as the spa is the hotel’s beautifully presented food that nods to Cornish cuisine with innovative twists.

Best spot for camping

Trevornick Holiday Park, Holywell

While Cornwall’s buccaneering pirates and smugglers are long gone, the spirit of adventure can still be found in camping.

At least that’s what one of our writers found out on their trip to Trevornick Holiday Park.

Located on Cornwall’s north coast, you can set up a tent not far from Holywell’s pristine sandy beach.

Or if wrestling with a tent is off-putting, Trevornick Holiday Park also offers readymade tents.

These come fully equipped with lights, and even a fridge and TV.

Expect action-packed fun, as this holiday park not only includes a pool and spa but also a golf course, soft play centre, arcade and even a surf school.

As our writer soon realised: “The only problem was there simply wasn’t time to do everything the park had to offer.

“But it’s such a treasure that, like pirate ghosts, we’re sure to return.”

Best spot for glamping

Tremeer Farm, Lanteglos-by-fowey

A more unconventional retreat but nevertheless more rewarding, Tremeer Farm is the ideal spot to return to basics.

Expect jaw-dropping nature, animals, playing games, an open fire, and a clear night sky.

And together with the elegant white 18th-century Mongolian-style yurts to sleep in, you might never want to leave.

Tremeer Farm’s owners have thought of everything – from a hot tub to a kitchen equipped with cooking basics, a hammock, BBQ, fire pit and even a cosy wood-burning stove.

As The Sun Online Travel found out there is no better way to immerse yourself in Cornwall’s beauty.

If you have a car, the stay is just a stone’s throw away from the untouched fishing village of Polperro and otherworldly Lantivet Bay

Although travelling to Cornwall during its peak season is a no-brainer, we also recommend visiting this gorgeous peninsula in the winter.

Cornwall has a reputation for being a expensive destination – here we break down how you can visit on a budget thanks to our Hols from £9.50.