Campr is occasionally featuring the best of the Guardian’s camping content.

This article was written by Dixe Wills, for guardian.co.uk on Friday 14th May 2010 23.32 UTC

Saint Paul was famously converted on the road to Damascus. My own, rather different, conversion took place a few summers ago on the road to Dartmoor. Out on a cycling tour, I had noticed on my map a beautifully situated campsite. I pedalled over one last hill after a full day on the moors, looked down . . . and my heart sank. Far from the bijou glade of my imagination, it gave the impression of having been laid out on the lines of a particularly unfortunate internment camp. With evening fast drawing on, I was about to resign myself to my fate when I caught sight of a handwritten sign pinned to a tree. It bore an arrow and the simple legend “Camping”.

Ten minutes later I was putting my tent up on the back lawn of a gorgeous farmhouse. Birds flitted around me, an apple tree offered the prospect of free pudding and I was surrounded on three sides by flowerbeds bursting with colour. It was heaven. From that moment on I was a believer in tiny campsites.

As a travel writer who spends at least two months of every year in a tent, I began to look around for a guide to Britain’s best diminutive camping grounds. It quickly became apparent that no such book existed, and that if I wanted one I’d have to write it myself. So it was that I cycled more than 2,000 miles to winkle out 75 of the finest petite campsites in England, Scotland and Wales, all of them just one acre or less.

Gratifyingly, because I was writing the book, I got to put in all the information that I really want to see when camping but which so few campsite guides actually include – such as the opening hours of the local shop, the serving times of the nearest decent pub and whether you’ll need a clutch of 20p pieces for the showers.

But, best of all, I was able to spend night after night in beautiful, peaceful places, each one with its own character, each one a far cry from the glorified car parks that so many campsites have become.

ENGLAND

Broad Meadow House, Charlestown, Cornwall

At the end of a back street just above the harbour, a couple of tiny fields command fabulous sea views out to a headland sporting the golden flash of a wheat field. And, given that a maximum of a dozen campers are allowed on the site, there’s never a crush. But whether you stay in one of the site’s three deluxe tents or bring your own, you must order a Broad Meadow breakfast – brought to you in a basket with a freshly-made smoothie. Yum.
• Open May-September; adults £9 (with own tent), 2-12s £4.50; deluxe tents from £20pp including breakfast (two-night minimum), 2-12s from £16; 01726 76636, broadmeadowhouse.co.uk

Spyway Inn, Spyway, Dorset

Is this the smallest pub campsite in Britain? Probably. Take more than 15 paces in any direction and you’ll have left it. Happily, size is not its only charm. There’s a cracking view across to the Iron Age fort on Chilcombe Hill while, in the foreground, an appropriately minuscule stream tinkles along the foot of the lawn. For dinner, take a 10-second stroll to the 18th-century pub, whose mouthwatering menu has earned it a place in the Good Pub Guide.
• Open all year; £5pp; 01308 485250, spyway-inn.co.uk

Cookham Lock, Cookham, Berkshire

Three cheers for whoever it was at the Environment Agency who came up with the idea of allowing camping at certain Thames locks. You must get to this one by foot, bicycle or non-motorised boat but, when you do you’ll be rewarded with a pitch on Sashes island beneath the towering Cliveden cliffs. Birdlife abounds – expect a visit from kingfishers, red kites, parakeets and all manner of geese.
• Open April-September; £5.50 per pitch; 01628 520752, visitthames.co.uk

Welsummer, nr Lenham, Kent

Can’t decide whether you fancy camping in a field or in a wood? Problem solved. At the laid-back Welsummer site you can take up quarters alongside the free-roaming chickens in one of two tiny fields or head for the beech trees and peg your tent out in a deep dark copse. Sing-songs around the campfire are actively encouraged, so bring along your Simon and Garfunkel (or Oasis) songbook.
• Open April-October; tents £12-£20; equipped pre-erected bell tent £45, adults £3, 3-13s £1; 01622 844048, welsummer.moonfruit.co.uk

Quarryfield Camping, Tarporley, Cheshire

Almost certainly the only campsite in Britain located within a red sandstone quarry. The quarrymen have long gone, leaving a discreet tree-lined bowl. There’s room for 20 pitches but the owners never let it get more than half full “so that people have room to play ball games”. Guests have access to a stash of equipment to do just that, while less energetic campers can borrow a book from the mini library.
• Open March-October; from £10 (two adults, two children); 07720 664106, quarryfieldcamping.co.uk

Wild Boar Inn, Wincle, Cheshire

Only 30-odd miles from Quarryfield, above, but inhabiting a different world, the Wild Boar Inn sits high on a pass between Congleton and Buxton, and is so remote that water is supplied from its own bore hole. The views of Peak District and Cheshire hills from the field behind the pub are quite special, as are the Wild Boar’s cheap-as-chips, all-day breakfasts.
• Open all year; adults from £5, children from £2.50; 01260 227219, thewildboar.co.uk

Dalegarth guesthouse and campsite, Buttermere, Cumbria

Buttermere provides the sort of picture-perfect scene you’d expect to see on a tin of biscuits. Dalegarth’s three tiny lawn terraces are only a two-minute amble through woods to its shimmering shoreline. Grab a delicious packed lunch from young owners James and Kelly and go and find out why the lake was fellwalker and author Alfred Wainwright’s favourite.
• Open all year; £5pp; 01768 770233, dalegarthguesthouseandcampsite.com

Wold Farm, Flamborough, East Yorkshire

A site for lovers of open fields and big skies. Wold Farm stands in wondrous isolation on Flamborough head, with uninterrupted views to two lighthouses. Stroke the farm’s donkeys, help feed the sheep, or take the private footpath to the cliffs to look for puffins, gannets and skuas. Come the evening, there are no fewer than 13 pubs within walking distance, so do pace yourself.
• Open all year; £10 per tent (for up to four people); 01262 850536, woldfarmcampsite.tk

Park Farm, Kildale, North Yorkshire

The possessor of my very favourite campsite view. From Park Farm it’s roughly 50 miles west to Tan Hill and the Yorkshire Dales and, on a clear day, you can see absolutely everything in between – a joyous swoop of fields, trees and yet more hills. The campsite is a tiny triangle of sloping grassland speckled with a few cooking-apple trees. And for those allergic to guy ropes and groundsheets there’s a YHA camping barn here too.
• Open all year; £4pp, £7 in the barn, £126 the whole barn; 01642 722847, kildalebarn.co.uk

WALES

Eastern Slade Farm, Oxwich, Swansea

There has been a campsite in this field on the Gower peninsula for some 60 years and, with its majestic views across the Bristol Channel to north Devon, it’s easy to see why. The vibe here is extremely convivial, and the owners will often sit around an open fire of an evening sharing a drink with the campers. Meanwhile, the rock pools of Slade Bay are a carefree hop and a skip away.
• Open Easter-October; £9-£15 per tent depending on size; 01792 391374, no website

Lone Wolf campsite, Aberdulais, Neath

There are two small “normal” camping fields at Lone Wolf, but cross an all-but-defunct single-track railway line and you enter a much wilder world. Here you can pitch your tent or string up your tarp among ancient Welsh oaks and wild yellow archangel plants as the river Dulais rushes by. Open fires and bushcraft activities are actively encouraged, although there are loos, showers and a kitchen close by if it all gets too wild.
• Open April-September; adults £6, 3-16s £3; 01639 643204, lonewolfcampsite.co.uk

Silver Birches, Betws Garmon, Gwynedd

A campsite for grown-ups. Aside from the extremely civilised facilities and the book swap, there is the small matter of children under 15 being barred. Mynydd Mawr (big mountain) dominates the skyline, and the Snowdon Ranger track is less than two miles away. The owners have also produced a folder of walks, illustrated with their own photographs, so pack those hiking boots.
• Open March-October; first person £6, then £3 each; 01286 650707, silver-birches.org.uk

SCOTLAND

The Wee Camp Site, Lochcarron, Ross-shire

Perched on a glorious slope above Lochcarron village, the Wee Camp Site is a series of miniature terraces. The upper ones enjoy a glorious vista over the loch to copious waterfalls, the mountains of the Killilan forest and the snowy peak of Sguman Coinntich. Climbers can spend their days bagging the dozen local Munros while, for the evenings, the snug Lochcarron Bistro beckons.
• Open April-October; £4pp; 01520 722898, no website

Ken Bridge Hotel, New Galloway, Dumfries & Galloway

The five elegant spans of the eponymous bridge stand just 10 miles from the source of the wonderfully named Water of Ken. Beside it stands a lonely 18th-century coaching inn whose lovely, tiny beer garden extends into a small riverside field. This, it turns out, is the campsite, and the combination of river (watch for otters!), welcoming pub and surrounding hills makes it a little cracker.
• Open all year; tent and two adults £13; 01644 420211,

Badrallach, Dundonnell, Ross-shire

Perched on the Scoraig peninsula by the shores of a sea loch, Badrallach is one of Scotland’s remotest and most picturesque campsites. There’s a small open field here and a handful of pitches artfully hidden away in the gorse, where you can keep an eye out for red squirrels, pine martens, red deer and eagles. Mountain bikes, blokarts (beach karts with sails), kayaks and a Shetland sail boat are all for hire on site and there’s a wonderful gas-lit bothy to hide in should the weather turn. Not that it ever does in Scotland.
• Open all year; adults £4, 2-16s £2, bothy £6pp; 01854 633281, badrallach.com

• Dixe Wills’s book, Tiny Campsites, is published by Punk, price £10.95. tinycampsites.co.uk

guardian.co.uk © Guardian News and Media Limited 2010

Small wonders: Britain’s smaller campsites is from Campr - Everything Camping

Craving some late season camping sunshine in a unique setting?

La Teste-de-Buch in the Arcachon Bay area of the South West of France boasts Europe’s largest sand dune, Dune du Pilat (also known as the Dune du Pyla) a truly awe inspiring natural feature served by numerous camp sites nestling alongside it’s sandy peaks.

Late season camping

Last month I camped at Le Petit Nice,  picking it on a whim from the range of camp sites that sit metres from the Middle Easternesque beaches in Archachon Bay.

The nearest major airport to the Arcachon Bay area is Bordeaux, giving you an opportunity to spend a day in the vibrant French city, unfortunately we chose to fly into Bergerac airport as it was cheaper. This backfired when we had to spend the first night of the holiday in the French equivalent of a Travel Lodge. However Bergerac Airport could be worth a visit for the hilariously low-fi arrivals lounge that is literally a metal shed with hand powered baggage belts.

Arriving at Arcachon

After a pleasant train journey we arrived at Arcachon station and quickly found a bus that connects to the camp site. One disadvantage of out of season camping in this area is the local bus service terminates a few stops short of the camp sites near Dune du Pilat.

Several bus drivers suggested hitch hiking to the camp site, an hours walk up a fairly steep road. But feeling nervous about our lack of French we decided to walk it. This was hard work! Particularly as Le Petit Nice is one of the last camp sites along this section of the Route de Biscarrosse.

Le Petit Nice

Le Petit Nice

The effort of the walk was softened by the sight of the towering dunes with para-gliders drifting overhead so we were relieved to finally arrive at Le Petit Nice. The staff are friendly, speak good English and allowed us to choose our pitch. The site is part of the Franceloc scheme so if you’re staying more than a few nights it works out cheaper to buy a membership card.

Le Petit Nice is situated on a gently sloping hill leading down to the beach with each pitch having it’s own platform built into the hill, the effect is like a rice paddy of tents. The site also caters for motorhomes and there are a variety of static caravans to rent. Be warned the ground is extremely hard in places with the pitches consisting of hard packed rocky sand, so a mallet will be useful (or a good sized rock).

Facilities

The site boasts a swimming pool, tennis court, basketball court, table tennis tables, restaurant and shop.

The shop is the only disappointing facility with a fairly poor selection of food, sundries and expensive, slightly dubious looking vegetables. This was a highlighted when we snuck into Le Petit Nice’s neighbour to find a much larger supermarket and bistro, however it is a few Euros a night more expensive.

Sand and nudity

The main draw of Le Petit Nice and it’s rivals is the beach and dunes. The beach is a few minutes walk from the site with a large dune that must be traversed to get to the sea (this is fun!). There are steps and walking mats installed on the dunes but it’s hard going climbing back up.

The beach seems to be popular with ‘older’ nudists so if you’re adverse to wrinkly bottoms you may prefer to sunbathe in the dunes. The area has a healthy population of mossies so remember the insect repellent. Visiting in September the temperatures were in the high twenties with a gentle breeze from the sea. The beaches were quiet with most activity coming from the paragliders launching themselves off the dunes.

The site has several BBQ areas and bringing the charcoal back from Arcachon we decided to try hitch hiking and were surprised to find cars stopping within minutes. It seems to be an accepted practise in this area of France so if you’re travelling in a couple I can highly recommend it as a method of travel.

Outside of the camp site,  Arcachon Bay is a regional centre for water sports and paragliding with equipment available for hire in Arcachon Town.

Overall

Le Petit Nice comes highly recommended, the location is the star feature and there are plenty of alternative sites in this area but you won’t be disappointed.

Site information

Le Petit Nice
Route de Biscarrosse
33115 Pyla sur Mer

Tel: 05 56 22 74 03

Further reading

The Cool Camping books are a great way to discover those hidden camp sites that make a holiday. The Michelin and AA guides give a broader overview of more mainstream sites.

Main image courtesy: Marynolan.
Side image courtesty: Panayotis

Camping at Dune du Pyla is from Campr - Everything Camping

That’s it! Summers over! Time to pack away the tent, stow away the sleeping bags and bin the camping mat that provided as much comfort as a sandpaper duvet.

But is it?

Many amazing campsites are open all year round and winter or off season camping can provide a unique camping experience, that with a little planning is as rewarding as any summer trip. Most campsites are quiet at this time of year, so any unseasonably warm weekend is an opportunity to try some late season camping.  For hardcore winter camping advice see this article from the Guardian.

We’ve put together a list of beautiful campsites that are open throughout the winter months. It may be cold and sometimes bleak, but imagine the amazing solitude as the heaving masses huddle indoors contently adding a layer of winter fat.

Hooks House Farm

Based within the North Yorks Moors National Park, Hooks House Farm is situated on a working farm half a mile from Robin Hoods Bay and five miles from Whitby. With panoramic sea views you may need to huddle up but as consolation you can bring your own horse with DIY livery and stables.

Site info:
www.hookshousefarm.co.uk
01947 880283

Photo courtesy chris_barker

Thornton’s Holt

Based in the pleasingly named hamlet of Stragglethorpe, Thorntons Holt is a few miles south east of Nottingham. With a friendly ‘farm atmosphere’ you may find a free range chicken pecking at your tent.  Note: From 1st November to Easter the shop and swimming pool are closed.

Site info:
www.thorntons-holt.co.uk
camping@thorntons-holt.co.uk
0115 9332125

Photo courtesy: minimilkus

Ayr Holiday Park

Ayr Holiday Park is the only campsite in St. Ives itself and less than half a mile from the town centre.  With award winning facilities Ayr Holiday Park will make winter camping a little easier and if it all gets a little too much head to the Tate.

Site info:
www.ayrholidaypark.co.uk
01736 795855

Photo courtesy: rumpleproofskin

Troytown Farm

Perched on the western age of St. Agnes, Troytown Farm runs right down to the foreshore.  The remote island boasts panoramic views of the Atlantic and is only a mile across, so winter camping is probably the best chance you’ll get to pretend you’re a mad hermit surviving on your own (served by a handy shop selling seasonal produce).

Site info:
www.troytown.co.uk
enquiries@troytown.co.uk
01720 422360

Photo courtesy: jeremy73

Syke Farm

Situated near Buttermere village in the Lake District, Syke Farm is surrounded by mountains and a lake. Although the location looks remote the site is only a three minute walk from the Bridge Inn and Fish Hotel. With a tea shop for winter scones in the local village. Be warned! No advanced bookings (But probably most applicable if you fancy the site in summer)

Site info:
www.lakedistrictcamping.co.uk/campsites/northwest/syke_farm.htm
017687 70222

Photo courtesy: gethiroshima

Gwern Gôf Isaf Farm

Another farm based site, Gwern Gôf Isaf Farm nestles between Capel Curig and Llyn Ogwen, close to the base of Tryfan. If the location appeals but the temperature doesn’t there are two bunk houses sleeping six or sixteen people.

Site info:
www.gwerngofisaf.co.uk
01690 720276

Photo courtesy: dumbledad

Vale of Pickering Caravan Park

Close to the famous Yorkshire Moors the Vale of Pickering Caravan Park boasts nearby attractions ranging from Dalby Forest to Flamingo Land. The site is more focused on caravaners but if you don’t mind sleeping next to some middle lane hoggers the site is a great winter destination.

Site info:
www.valeofpickering.co.uk
01723 859280

Photo courtesy: gavwgb

Beautiful Sites for Winter Camping is from Campr - Everything Camping

Nominate a site and win a stay at one of the UK’s best campsites!

Now the 2009 camping season is coming to a close it’s time to recognise those amazing sites that made our summers.

What was your favourite campsite of 2009? Did you find a hidden gem you’d love to share or did a big commercial site give you a dream holiday?

Launching on November 2nd 2009, the Campr 100 will be a permanent directory of the 100 best campsites in the UK and Ireland. Simply nominate your favourite site of 2009 to win a stay at your pick of the Campr 100.

Your Nomination

Tell us your favourite campsite of 2009 and why you think it should be included in the Campr 100. Was it stunning location, amazing customer service or just special? We’ll pick one random person to win a stay at their choice of any site in the Campr 100.

T&Cs

1. This free prize draw is open to all UK residents aged 16 or over. You do not need to buy anything to enter.

2. All nominations must be submitted before 1st November 2009 to be valid entries in the draw.

3. Submission of a campsite nominations to Campr.co.uk will gain automatic entry into the prize draw.

4. Third-party registrations will not be accepted.

5. The draw will be made on 1st November 2009.

6. There is one prize of one (1) nights stay at your choice of any site from the Campr 100 campsite directory.

7. The winner will be drawn independently and at random from all valid entries received and will be notified by email within 72 hours of the actual draw date.

8. No alternative prize is available and the prize is not transferable.

9. For winner’s details please send an email to info@campr.co.ukwithin 28 days of the draw date.

10. By entering the free prize draw, entrants agree to be bound by the rules and by any other requirements set out in promotional material.

Launching the Campr 100, the best campsites in the UK in 2009 is from Campr - Everything Camping

Michelle Hart from Tasty PR with a Hungry Hart visited Shell Island in Llanbedr, Gwynedd with mixed results.

Shell Island – A Stunning Site with Lots of Dirty Secrets

Shell Island suddenly seemed to be on everyone’s radar this summer so, having decided to stay local (ish) this year we headed off with the kids and the dogs for 10 days to what is described as Europe’s largest campsite.

Expectations were high having checked out the official website and on arrival we weren’t disappointed. Stunning scenery, beautiful location just north of Barmouth and amazing views of Snowdonia. The sun was shining, we found a magical pitch close to the huge sand dunes and all was good with the world.

But sadly Shell Island is not all it first seems. Certainly it is an amazing place. Huge, gorgeous beaches with fabulous rock pools for crabbing and giant sand dunes for rolling down. But so many site rules are simply not adhered to. Campers are not supposed to pitch within 20 metres of each other but within the first 24 hours we had four other tents within a 10 metre radius. Single sex groups are apparently banned – but the party boys in their Bench and McKenzie tops were everywhere, swigging their WKD. Dogs are supposed to be kept on leads – but our own little hounds took huge offence as plenty of other dogs came sniffing around our tent where they were happily tethered outside.

Shell Island takes dogs

We took the kids bikes expecting them to be able to cycle around safely but with so many drivers ignoring the 20 miles per hour rule I just couldn’t let my 7 year old loose on his bike.

And then there’s the rubbish. Shoes or Crocs are a must for the kids when playing in the dunes, littered as they are with broken bottles, cans, dirty nappies and all manner of rubbish. Not only did the wardens show no signs of clearing up this hidden dirt, they also seemed happy to drive past the more obvious piles of bin bags, bottles (and in one case a completely abandoned camp) and abandoned barbecues which dirty, lazy campers had simply abandonded when packing up. This rubbish remained where it was for days on end.

How very sad that such a wonderful place is being ruined by thoughtless campers and lazy owners/wardens who simply don’t enforce their own rules meaning that an area of outstanding natural beauty is being slowly destroyed. What should and could be a truly magical experience for so many is being ruined by the few – and the owners who could and should do more to preserve the beauty of this magical place.

Will we return? We’d love to say yes – it has the potential to be an incredible site, but to be honest we doubt it. Old timers told us things were never this way before. Shell Island it seems has become Chav-on Sea.

Further Details

Shell Island is the biggest campsite in the UK and does not take bookings. Campers are admitted between 8am and 8pm (9pm on Fridays).

March – June Sept & October (excluding Whit week & Firework weekend)
Adult £6.00 per night – £35 adult weekly rate.

July & August (including Whit week & Firework weekend)
Adult: £7.00 per night -£40 per adult weekly rate
Child: £3.00 per night -£18 per child weekly rate (3-15 years old)
Dogs (max. 2): £2.00 each per night

Tel: 01341 241453
http://www.shellisland.co.uk/

Shell Island Campsite Review is from Campr - Everything Camping

Mike Svenson visited the New Forest and sent us this account of his ‘desperate’ search for a campsite.

Hollands Wood Campsite

Ok, so with the weather forecast predicting some of the best temperatures of this summer to date for the weekend just past, we decided it was time to try out some camping in the New Forest.

We set off from the in hope of setting up camp at Hollands Wood Campsite which is situated on the A337 road near the Balmer Lawn Hotel, on the northern edge of Brockenhurst. However even with their 600 pitches, it looked as though pretty much ever campr in the country was intent on making use of the good weather, and sadly we were turned away.

This was to become a frequent trend, as we rather desperately used the satnav to locate alternative campsites using the ‘points of interest/save our bacon’ feature.

After a handful of rejections by what looked like large campsites we felt it was almost time to turn home, (or perhaps look for a hidden away bit of land for a spot of wild-camping – not that’d we do that of course… that’s illegal don’t you know).

Making bacon (eggs)

Chapelfield Campsite

However our prayers were answered by the lovely, wonderful, owners of Chapelfield Campsite, near Fordingbridge. They thankfully managed to put us up for the night even though they too were very much full.

So – Chapelfield Campsite? Although the people were wonderful and answered our calling, the campsite was relatively ‘basic’. I guess you would probably say it was lacking in atmosphere, and had an air of carboot sale field, rather than camping field.

Saying that, the campsite did have a good number of portaloos and hot showers for that morning freshen up, so it covered the basic needs of your every day campr, but certainly couldn’t be described as luxurious.

So, I guess the summary would be, a nice little campsite if you just want to pitch a tent and survive, but if you want a bit more adventure, and perhaps the odd wild horse poking his head into your tent during the night there’s one thing to remember… book in advance!

Further information

Chapelfield Campsite
Pitches from £5 a night

8-10 Whitsbury Road
Fordingbridge
Hampshire
SP6 1JZ

Tel: 07807 471621

Camping in the New Forest is from Campr - Everything Camping

After a bit of post-camp research it seems Studland bay is a “a haven for rare birds” and  more interestingly a haven for some other rare birds as “the Trust’s only designated naturist beach at Knoll Beach” (see The National Trust).

Well hidden...

Wild Camping

Feathered or not it wasn’t rare birds we were seeking when we headed For Studland Bay (even the name is a little risque) but somewhere to spend a night wild camping.

Nestled a few miles along the coast from Poole, Studland Bay is a beautiful stretch of National Trust managed coastline with blue sea and three beaches to explore. You can get here by car ferry from Sandbanks, Poole adding nicely to the sense of adventure. As soon as you alight you’ll see signs warning no overnight parking that are almost obscured by the number of motor homes parked along the Ferry Road.

Being canvas lovers we could afford to be a little more discreet, so after driving up and down the road a few times we found a nicely secluded spot overlooking some kind of  bay (or so we thought). After a peaceful night we woke to find we’d camped opposite some kind of ‘inlet’ that smelled a little ‘fresh’ in the morning sun. But it was still nice enough to start a little fire and cook some breakfast.

After packing up we headed over to the other side of the peninsula to enjoy the real beach before heading down the Ferry Road and found a pub for some plaque stripping local cider.

Studland Bay is thoroughly recommended for wild camping or a day out,  just be mindful of the no parking signs, reading Wild Camping seems the authorities like to issue the occasional parking ticket.

Further information:

Heres the approximate spot on Google Maps.

View Larger Map

Wild Camping at Studland Bay is from Campr - Everything Camping

We have another beautiful coastal site review for your camping pleasure, Caerfai Farm visited by James Morris. If you’d like to contribute to Campr just visit our Camping Essentials page.

One of Wales’ great campsites

Overlooking the sea

Caerfai Farm is one of Wales’ great campsites and somewhere that anyone who loves camping should try and visit if they love pretty coastlines and tiny cities…

The campsite is located a 5 minute walk out of St Davids, Britain’s smallest city, containing a couple of decent pubs and excellent restaurants as well as a helpful variety of shops, banks and tourist information. The cathedral is incredible and huge in comparison to the city itself, befitting its importance as a key place of medieval Christian pilgrimage.

The campsite is on a very well maintained organic farm south-east of town, with decent, if not luxurious, facilities, its own farm shop stocking the incredible Caerfai Caerphilly cheese (try the garlic and leek one…) and friendly owners running both farm and campsite. However, its trump card is that it sits right on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path above the gorgeous Caerfai Bay.

If you camp in the field nearest the beach you can wake up to stunning cliff-top views and be on the coast path within 2 minutes. If you are wondering why a path is so exciting, I’ll briefly explain: it showcases the Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park which can be walked in its entirety taking in some of the most stunning cliffs, beaches and natural harbours in the UK, if not Europe. You can expect to see plenty of seals (and pups at the right time) as well as rare birds, beautiful flora and if you’re lucky, dolphins.

Caerfai Bay itself is a pretty beach swelling in size at low-tide and holding some decent surf in the right conditions. The Glan Y Mor pub, just up the lane from Caerfai Farm, serves food and a decent pint of local Felinfoel Beer. If Caerfai is full, you can ask to camp behind their beer garden. Whilst in the area, be sure to go on a boat trip to Ramsey Island and if you like surfing, Whitesands Bay is the best spot around here (8-10 min drive) where you can also hire equipment.

This site, unsurprisingly, is becoming ever more popular and the owners do not allow it to get crowded so booking is essential during the summer months. Despite its popularity, it always manages to feel like you’ve really escaped somewhere special…

Site information

Caerfai Farm is open from Whitsun until late September

St Davids, Pembrokeshire
SA62 6QT

www.cawscaerfai.co.uk
01437 720548

Caefai on Google maps

One of Wales’ great campsites, Caerfai Farm is from Campr - Everything Camping

Ian Pillman visited Stoke Barton Farm in North Devon and sent us his experience.

If you’d like to get involved with Campr send us your cool camping reviews or equipment low-downs and we’ll send you a Camping Essentials Pack if we use them! More info

Stoke Barton Farm

If you’re a real outdoor camper then you will love the area and the camp site. It’s a working farm but you aren’t in a danger of being hunted down by a moo cow!

The showers are pretty basic and aren’t in the camping field but they have toilets in the main field which are always spotless. This site is absolutely huge, you can honestly pitch 100 metres from your neighbour! There is also a small park area for the kids along with a football pitch.

Colin (site owner) is probably the most helpful site owner you will ever meet along with the rest of his family. Other facilities include, tea rooms where you can buy the tastiest cakes and real Devonshire cream teas and relax in a beautiful farmhouse or outside in the sun. Packed lunches can be made to order.

All of this looks out across the sea and on a clear day you can see Lundy perched elegantly on the horizon.

Being right on the North Devon coastline there are miles of scenic walks to enjoy or pop just down the road to Hartland Quay for a paddle. You can even take your horse or pony on holiday with you!

Booking information

For more information on Stoke Barton Farm visit the website or call 01237 441238.

Camping is £5.50 during the high season electric hook-ups and firewood is available. Dogs are also welcome.

Camp on a working farm at Stoke Barton is from Campr - Everything Camping

2009 has brought some unexpected events, swine flu, MJ’s death and a new phenomenon in holidaying – ‘staycationing‘. Seaside towns countrywide are seeing an increase in visitors as more of those suffering the effects of the economic crisis are preferring to enjoy a traditional British holiday than opting for travelling abroad.

We take a look at the classic seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare and delight in its unexpected pleasures.

Weston-super-Mare

Since the Victorians took a fancy to dipping their toes in the muddy English channel, Weston-super-Mare has been a peculiarly popular seaside resort.

Weston (as the locals call it) boasts the second highest tidal range in the world meaning you should feel lucky if the sea makes an appearance during your trip to the beach, otherwise miles of mud will offer the opportunity for a free spa session with some of the west country’s finest brown stuff.

Whilst it’s hey day is undoubtedly behind it there is still fun to be had, even if only under the banner of irony as you stroll down the promenade sporting a kiss me quick hat.

Weston boasts more than it’s fair share of star dust with notable residents including Jill Dando (deceased), Jeffery Archer (perjurer) and John Cleese (national treasure)

Things to see

The Grand Pier
Disaster struck Weston’s greatest tourist attraction last year when the Grand Pier burnt to the ground in spectacular fashion.

The structure is till open to the public and a hastily opened Pier Fire exhibition goes some way to replacing the burnt amusements that sent tonnes of molten pennies falling into the sea.

The Silica
The Silica is a piece of public art that serves a baffling number of uses including advertising sign, retail kiosk, and bus shelter.

Whilst local debate rages over it’s aesthetic merits the Silica will act as useful meeting point during your stay as you tell your friends to “meet your by the carrot” before buying more rude post cards.

Dolphin Square Market
Walking through the doors of Dolphin Square will assault your senses with a most distracting smell, as you wander around the racks of VHS videos and BB guns you will find Weston’s largest retailer of unidentifiable meaty dog chews. The smell is truly unbelievable and worth a visit to the town in itself.

T4 on the Beach
You’ve just missed it this year but Weston’s annual musical knees-up is great if you’re a hormone mad teenager. But with some genuinely big pop acts visiting the town every year it beats riding the donkeys.

Places to camp

West End Farm
A small, family run site just a couple of miles from the town centre. One of the few sites located around the town itself, West End Farm specialises in families and couples.

The facilities are a little basic but the site is well maintained and is attractive if you’re looking for something more relaxed than the big sites in Brean

Dulhorn Farm Holiday Park
Also family focused, Dulhorn Farm is set on a working farm. A good location for walking and mountain biking with the Mendips just on the doorstep.

As a base for visiting Weston it’s a little far out but that could be viewed as a benefit…

Further reading

If Weston doesn’t tickle your fancy there are plenty of genuinely nice seaside resorts in Britain, with a fascinating history attached.

Take a staycation in Weston-super-Mare is from Campr - Everything Camping