Lake District tops list of best places in the UK to go camping, study finds
The Northern favourite was followed by Cornwall, and the Scottish Highlands - as two-thirds of campers prefer to take a trip in the summer months, the research found
by Sarah Lumley · The MirrorOutdoorsy Brits have shared their top 20 favourite camping spots around the UK – with the Lake District, Cornwall, and the Scottish Highlands topping the list.
The Peak District and Devon round out the top five idyllic places to set up camp – while the Yorkshire Dales, the Cotswolds, and Dorset's Jurassic Coast, also ranked highly.
It comes as a survey of 750 adults, who go camping regularly, found that nine in 10 (91%) are keen to explore more of the hidden gems the UK has to offer. Luckily, it seems they will have plenty of chances – as 79% of those who enjoy the outdoor pursuit do so as many as four times a year.
One in three (34%) like to make it a family trip, with their partner and their children, while 35% agree the optimum number of people for a camping excursion is two to three.
However, 2% of those polled prefer a solo camping trip – with 46% saying they enjoy camping, as they love the great outdoors.
The research was commissioned by The Camping and Caravanning Club, whose deputy director general, Darren Whittington, said: “The UK is home to thousands of beautiful camping locations, and watching the sun set and rise in these areas of natural beauty is a joy to behold.
“Camping provides an opportunity to become immersed in the incredible outdoors, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
“It’s also proven to have a positive impact on your physical and mental wellbeing. Being closer to nature, observing wildlife, and enjoying scenic landscapes, can be incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating.”
The study also revealed that enjoying the fresh air, spending quality time with loved ones, and disconnecting from usual routines, are among the favourite things about escaping to the outdoors – along with walking in the woods, stargazing, and going to the pub.
It emerged 31% found their love of camping from going with their family when they were a child – but three in 10 (29%) simply consider it to be more cost-effective than other forms of accommodation, according to the research, carried out via OnePoll.com.
The average camper will set up camp for four nights at a time, but one in 10 opt for a much longer break – lasting between seven and 10 nights. Unsurprisingly, the weather seems to be the main deciding factor when choosing to go camping, as 68% enjoy it the most during the summer months.
And when quizzed on coastal versus countryside, it was a close contest – but the peaceful green space just took the win, with 33% of the vote (vs 31%).
Darren Whittington, from The Camping and Caravanning Club, which has launched a search for the best camping and outdoor photography spot, with prizes worth more than £5,000, added: “Whether it's watching a breath-taking sunset, hearing the sound of rain on the tent, or sharing stories and laughter with friends, camping creates lasting memories that enrich the soul.
“Overall, camping offers a unique opportunity to escape the demands of modern life, reconnect with nature, and create cherished memories that can last a lifetime.”
THE UK’S TOP 20 CAMPING LOCATIONS:
- Lake District
- Cornwall
- Scottish Highlands
- Peak District
- Devon
- Loch Ness shores
- Yorkshire Dales
- Lake Windermere
- Jurassic Coast, Dorset
- The Cotswolds
- Snowdon
- Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire
- Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland
- Pembrokeshire
- Ben Nevis
- Norfolk Coast
- Three Cliffs Bay, The Gower
- North York Moors
- Scottish Lowlands
- Dartmoor National Park