Jamie's Top UK Campsites
Jamie recommends his favourite campsites around the UK.
Oknell Campsite
"This is my go-to retreat campsite. It’s in the New Forest and is accessible from most of the South of England without too much driving. The campsite is situated on a WW2 airfield and some of the camper van parking spots are on the old turn circles. There is also the opportunity to find a small nook in the woods and hide. There are facilities, but they just include loos and sinks (no showers or electricity), and this means it’s all very chilled – but gets hectic on bank holidays! As it is in the New Forrest you get wild ponies just turning up at your van or tent to say hello – can’t beat that. There are a number of pubs within walking distance. Walking to the Sir Walter Tyrell for a drink via the Rufus Stone is great – if you want food, carry on down the lane to the Green Dragon."
https://www.campingintheforest.co.uk/england/new-forest/ocknell-campsite
The Priory Mill Farm
"This cute little campsite is situated just north of Brecon and it is possible to walk into town (there is a Cotswold Outdoor about 5 mins walk away). This is a rustic campsite mostly for tents, but with a small area for campervans (make sure you book). There are nice facilities including hot showers etc and you can buy eggs and stuff from the owners, who are absolutely charming! It is a great little place to stay if you are going to venture to Fan Y Big or Pen Y Fan and it also means you climb from the more exciting, less travelled side. I always like to pop to Brecon Cathedral for a bit of quiet time and if you time it right there is evensong!"
Treen Farm Campsite
"I stumbled on this campsite while on a work trip (preferring to stay in the van to a budget hotel). This very chilled campsite is situated on the cliffs near Porthcurno. If you are an outdoorsy, adventurous person then this is the place for you. It’s ideal for surfing, fishing, running, cycling and openwater swimming. I popped down to the Pedn Vouder beach and swam along the coast to Porthcurno – magical. There is a little shop on site so you can be stuck there if you want to be and the Logan Rock Pub is just down the track."
Woody Hyde
"Again, I stumbled across this place when I was working. It’s ideally situated on the south coast and a great starting point for walking or running. The campsite is very family friendly with showers and a well-stocked shop. It is close to Corfe, with great bars, bakeries (the bacon sandwiches are awesome) and Corfe Castle. I would recommend walking up to Kingston and going to the Scott Arms. In the Summer they have a outdoor Jerk shack selling “Jerk from Kingston, Dorset” – genius! From here you can go visit Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, and go swimming in a pool at Dancing Ledge."
Caffyns Farm Campsite
"This is a great campsite for families. There are four big fields where you can pitch up. The facilities are great and there are even washing machines. The farm steading has been developed to have a mini supermarket and a café with great food and coffee. I go here during the week to hide away from distractions. The South East Coastal track is an amazing place to go for a walk or run, and if you want to venture a little further then Exmoor is just on your doorstep. Lynton is close by and has some lovely little places to eat, restock and explore – including the valley of the rocks. I think the farm also offers horse riding for kids."
Chapel House Farm Campsite
"I discovered this little gem when I was running the Three Peaks in 2016. I had arrived in Kendal after a really long day and, as great as Kendal is, the thought of camping around white caravans was such a turn off I ran another 10 km to get away from it all! The campsite is basically a couple of fields that are part of a sheep farm, but the farmer has created a nice little facilities block with warm showers (coin operated). It is all very casual and instead of registering, you just pitch up and he strolls around later inbetween his farming chores. This is a great place to climb Glaramara & Scafell Pike. Again, there are a couple of pubs near by – The Langstrath Country Inn and Scafell Hotel – both great for a good feed."
London
"These two are good options if you are visiting London on a tour of the UK:
"Crystal Palace is amazingly located with the number 3 bus going from the entrance to Regents Street (24 hrs). Crystal Palace is amazing in its own right – visit the dinosaurs or the maze in the park. There is also a festival in the summer. You can do a nice pub crawl around the tri-angle (Westow House, Alma, White Hart, Sparrowhawk). Sadly, though, this site is closing at the end of 2019."
"Abbey Wood is a pain to get to but when you are there, if you half closed your eyes you could believe you weren’t in London! From here you have a train into London Bridge via Greenwich. There is good running along the Thames."
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