With the summer holidays fast approaching, Alexia Lavender looks at some of the best places to escape to the country for a holiday of camping, glamping or caravanning in the South of England
We've all got our own experiences and memories of camping. Whether it's long, relaxed summer evenings spent around a campfire or exploring sprawling fields and woodlands with the kids, camping holidays can offer the perfect escape from the hectic schedules of day-to-day life. Here is a roundup of some of the best sites for camping, caravanning and glamping in and around Surrey and the South of England, each with their own unique style to suit a variety of individual preferences.
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Long Acres Caravan and Camping Park
Best for: exploring the Surrey countryside
At Long Acres Caravan and Camping Park you'll find both campers and glampers relaxing in the beautiful Surrey countryside. Group bookings are also warmly welcomed, making Long Acres ideal for large family gatherings, weddings and birthdays with a small marquee available to hire on the site. There are 3 unique camping pods to choose from if you fancy a weekend of stress-free glamping, and several traditional country pubs and eateries conveniently located near the campsite to ensure breakfast, lunch and dinner is all taken care of.
Camping prices start at £14.40 per night; all camping pods are £79 per night.
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Beryl's Campsite
Best for: rustic charm
Nestled in the heart of South Devon, Beryl's Campsite offers an array of pitches to suit campers who prefer a more 'back-to-basics' style of camping. The site offers standard and hook-up pitches, each with unique features which appeal to personal preferences. Whether it's stunning panoramic views of rolling hills or a snug spot with a little more privacy, campers are sure to find their own favourite spot.
Prices start at £8 per night for adults, and vary between peak and off-peak periods.
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Kim Appleby
Cornish Tipi Holidays
Best for: group camping adventures
Travel back in time and experience North American-style ready-pitched tipis with Cornish Tipi Holidays, located just off the Cornish coastline. Tipis range in size from medium to extra large, and each come equipped with weather-proof lining, groundsheets, Turkish rugs and lanterns to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Great for family holidays or a short get away with friends, Cornish Tipi Holidays certainly provide a camping holiday with a difference. Wild camping is also available on private pitches.
Tipi prices vary according to number of people, tipi size, location and low/high season.
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Ocean Pitch Campsite
Best for: surfers and beach lovers
At Ocean Pitch Campsite in Devon, the location is pitch-perfect for those looking for a seaside escape. Situated a mere 1-2 minute's walking distance from the sandy beach of Croyde Bay, this campsite is a surfer's paradise. Campers can enjoy idyllic ocean views from perfectly-situated pitches overlooking the beach, or if glamping is more your thing, a restored classic VW Campervan and brand-new 'glamping pods' are available to book. Surfboards and wetsuits also available to hire from the site.
Pitches are £15 per person per night; £99 Pod Glamping per night; £99 VW Glamping per night; Children 3-12 yrs are half price (no booking for under 3’s)
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Surrey Hills Yurts
Best for: environmentally-conscious glampers
For those wondering 'what is a yurt?', it's a circular tent originally used by nomadic tribes, often made from animals skins or felt. Surrey Hills Yurts brings the essence of this traditional lifestyle to an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' in the heart of the beautiful Surrey Hills. The site prides itself on being eco-friendly, opting for authentic lanterns and wood-burners instead of electric bulbs and central heating in their luxury yurts. Traditional rural crafts and activities are also available to partake in, such as archery, willow weaving and early morning fishing trips. Surrey Hills Yurts offers a perfect weekend getaway for busy city-dwellers.
Weekend stay (2 nights) for 2, £320; mid-week stay (2 nights) for 2, £200. Additional nights, £100.
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Knepp Wildland Safaris and Camping
Best for: wildlife and nature enthusiasts
This is a campsite with a twist: it's in the middle of a wildflower meadow, next to sprawling woodlands, and surrounded by the Knepp rewilding nature project. Welcoming campers and glampers alike, the site also offers luxury accommodation options such as shepherds huts, bell tents, yurts and tipis. And if that isn't enough to persuade you, there's some rather unique on-site facilities; the 'bathenon' (inspired by the Parthenon) is an new, outdoor bathing house, meaning you can bathe by moonlight and truly be at one with nature.
Camping 'Pitch Your Own' £15 per person per night; glamping accommodation starts at £160 for 2 nights.
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Matt Jessop
Sandy Balls Holiday Village
Best for: activity-filled family breaks
Sandy Balls Holiday Village is a personal favourite of mine; many a school holiday was spent here in either our own caravan or a spacious holiday home on site, whilst surrounded by the greenery of the New Forest, and of course, the infamous New Forest ponies. Open to campers, caravanners and glampers, what's unique about Sandy Balls is the sheer range of activities on offer for all ages. From catapult building to spa sessions, there's something to keep the whole family occupied and entertained, whilst the site as a whole still maintains an authentic forest-camping feel.
Pitches range from £15-£55 depending on season, under 17s are free; caravan holiday homes and woodland lodges vary in price according to size and time of year.
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Laleham Camping Club
Best for: convenient location for days out
This site is placed in an ideal location to satisfy an array of interests. Close to the River Thames, Twickenham Stadium and London, Laleham Camping Club provides an ideal base from which to venture into Surrey and Outer London for fun-filled family days out. The campsite is well-suited to family camping trips, and is equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Children are also catered for with a large playground and sandpit, as well as various seasonal activities organised by staff.
Tent and touring pitches (excluding electrical hook-ups) are £10 for adults and £5 for children per night (under 5s go free); Ready-Tents are start at £150 for 2 nights.
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Embers Polesden Lacey
Best for: a rural retreat with character
Set in the grounds of the National Trust Polesden Lacey Estate, campers at this site are treated to stunning views of both the historic house and the rolling Surrey Hills. Suitable for tents primarily, the pitch price includes complimentary access to the House and Gardens during opening hours. There are also 1,400 acres of woodland teeming with local wildlife to explore.
Pitches are £22.50 per adult and £7.50 per child per night. Under 3s are free.
emberscamping.co.uk/campsite/embers-polesden-lacey
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Elmley Shepherds Huts
Best for: a romantic getaway
Located within a rambling nature reserve in Kent, Elmley Shepherd Huts are ideal for couples looking for a weekend of glamping in a tranquil, natural landscape. There are 5 huts and 1 cottage to choose from, each with its own unique character and charm. All huts are equipped with luxurious double or kingsize beds and many feature floor-to-ceiling windows - what better way to soak up the views of the wilderness and marshes than from the comfort of your bed?
Prices start from £75-£100 per night.
elmleynaturereserve.co.uk/stay-at-elmley-accommodation
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Horsley Camping and Caravanning Site
Best for: fishing holidays
The focal point at Horsley Camping and Caravanning Site is the charming Horsley Lake, where day and season fishing passes are available to purchase. Other local wildlife who regularly visit the tranquil, tucked-away campsite include deer, foxes and rabbits. There's also plenty of local attractions to visit, including National Trust properties, the stunning RHS Wisley Gardens and Bocketts Park Farm - something for all the family.
Prices start from £7.35 per person per night.
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/surrey/easthorsley/horsley
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Nethergong Camping
Best for: young explorers
Nethergong is a young wildlife enthusiast's paradise. The campsite is abundant ponds, marshes and lakes, and is home to many species of local wildlife including frogs, dragonflies, owls and waterbirds. Pond dipping and paddling in some of the more shallow ponds is encouraged, with the small shop on site providing nets to help little explorers investigate creatures in their natural habitat. Campers can pitch up in several grassed camping areas, or if glamping is more your style, there are several wagons and bell tents available to book.
Tent pitches are £25 per night, minimum stay 2 nights; Wagons are £75 per night; Bell tents are £80 per night.
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Thriftwood Holiday Park
Best for: camping and caravanning with all the facilities
Suitable for tents, touring caravans and motorhomes, Thriftwood Holiday Park has all the facilities and an ideal location to ensure you're never stuck for things to do and days out during your stay. The site boasts a heated outdoor pool, games room, club house and bar/lounge, as well as being situated close to London and the surrounding areas which means attractions including Chessington World of Adventures and Leeds Castle are never far away.
All pitches are £25 per night , except June-August when they are priced at £35 per night.
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The Secret Campsite
Brickyard Farm Town Littleworth, East Sussex, BN8 4TDBest for: quiet family woodland escapes
Contrary to its name, The Secret Campsite in East Sussex is not so secret, particularly following the featuring of their 'Tree Tent' on George Clarke's Amazing Spaces. A tent-only campsite, this tranquil, family-orientated site has large pitches set in spacious meadows, ensuring ample and opportunity to explore the diverse array of animals and plants the car-free site has to offer. Campfires are encouraged, with a fire pit provided with each pitch and locally-sourced firewood supplied to campers by the site.
Pitches are priced at £18 for adults and £9 for children (aged 5-16) per pitch per night, under 5s are free. The Tree Tent is £120 per night for 3 people; The Gridshell is £115 per night for 2 people.
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Vintage Vacations
Best for: vintage glamping
Vintage Vacations hosts an impressive collection of authentically restored 1950s American Airstream caravans, all located on a small working farm in Ryde on the Isle of Wight. Fully-restored with fridges, cookers and showers (amongst other fittings), the silver American caravans are the perfect place to experience the carefree feel of holidays past. To achieve the quintessential all-American vibe, why not play a vintage board game or CD supplied in each caravan.
Prices for each caravan vary according to berth and length of stay.
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Harry's Field
Best for: tranquil forest breaks
Harry's Field captures the very essence of the New Forest. Abundant in space and serenity, the small but perfectly proportioned site welcomes tents, trailers and camper vans. Set in the stunning natural landscape of the New Forest, wildlife such as ponies and deer are never far away. Explore the area by following one of the many walking trails just a short walk from your pitch. Facilities are also aplenty on site, including a small shop, hot showers and toilet facilities.
The site is open from the 4th-29th August. Tent pitch is £14 per night, Camper Van pitch is £16 per night. Prices are £6.50 for adults, £3 for children (aged 3-15). Prices vary on bank holidays.
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Alderstead Heath Caravan Club Site
Best for: walking and cycling trails
Alderstead Heath Caravan Club Site welcomes club members and non-members alike. Conveniently located just within the M25 and near the historic Pilgrim's Way walking route, there is plenty to see and do in the local and wider area. Walking trails around the North Downs are easily accessed, and are ideal for walkers and cyclists to take in the pleasant country views. The picturesque campsite offers pitches for camping and touring, and also features an outdoor play area.
Pitch prices vary according to month and pitch type.
caravanclub.co.uk/club-sites/england/south-east-england/surrey/alderstead-heath-caravan-club-site
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Highclere Caravan and Camping Park
Best for: a rural base for touring the South
If you're looking for a well-connected base to pitch up and explore the South of England, Highclere Caravan and Camping Park is ideal. The site provides a child-friendly environment, with hard-standing and electric hook-ups available. With excellent public transport links 1 mile from the campsite, campers can opt to stay local and visit attractions in and around Buckinghamshire, or venture further afield by catching a train to Wembley and Central London.
Tariffs for caravans range from £23-£30 per night per caravan (inclusive of electricity), tent tariffs range from £15-£30 per night depending on tent size and month (exclusive of electricity). Electric hook-up is £3 per night.
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Osney Lodge Farm
Best for: vast, green open spaces
Osney Lodge Farm campsite is the perfect place to pitch-up, sit down and let the world go by and is suitable for tents, caravans and motorhomes. The laid-back approach to camping that Osney adopts is evident by their large, peaceful, all-grass site, whilst still providing essential facilities including on-site toilets, waste disposal and fresh drinking water. The site boasts of a 'red sky at night' sunset which, if you're lucky, can be viewed over the surrounding countryside from the comfort and convenience of your camping chair.
Prices start from £12 per night for tents and £15 per night for caravans and motorhomes.
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Blackberry Wood Campsite
Best for: novelty glamping adventures
Blackberry Wood in Ditcham, Sussex accommodates both campers looking to pitch up in secluded, woodland glades, and glampers looking for a truly unique glamping experience. Alongside 20 tent camping pitches, Blackberry Wood also has a collection of novelty places to stay in, including the fairytale-style Tree House, a restored 1965 Search and Rescue Helicopter and a retro 1965 Routemaster Double-Decker bus. All-aboard for a glamping experience like no other!
In high season, camping tariffs start from £17 per night, The Tree House is £245 per night including all guests, and other glamping accomodation ranges from £60-£118 per night.
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