Whatever you look for in a campsite, when it comes to the National Trust’s pitches there can be few comparable sites. From unspoilt beaches and craggy cliffs to spectacular mountain ranges and river banks teeming with wildlife, there really is something for everyone. So why not while away the long days of summer and get back to nature at the heart of some of the most spectacular landscapes in England, Northern Ireland and Wales?
Here’s our top pick of the pitches on offer:
Castle Ward, Co. Down
With space for up to 30 caravans and plenty of room for tents too, Castle Ward has over 800 acres just waiting to be explored. Dramatically set overlooking Strangford Lough, make time to marvel at this quirky mid-Georgian mansion, home of the Ward family since the 16th century. It’s an architectural curiosity - part classical, part gothic. Discover the shores of the Strangford Lough, where the water is so clear that you might spot a grey seal. Or, take in stunning viewpoints on a walk through the winding woodland and parkland. There’s even the chance to meet the horses, hens and pigs of Castle Ward in the farmyard.
For more information please call 028 4488 1204
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Situated in the heart of Robin Hood country, Clumber Park is the northern gateway to Sherwood Forest. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, campers at Clumber will be spoilt for choice. Walkers will enjoy the 4 mile route around the serpentine lake; taking a moment to pause on the 18th century classical bridge - perfect for bird spotting. There are over 200 species living here, or really get close to the action with a spot of pond dipping on the banks. Cyclists can tackle the waymarked routes through the park and with bike hire on site you needn’t worry if you’ve forgotten to bring the bikes. Enjoy sleeping in the great outdoors without the hassle of putting up a tent by staying in one of our Pods. Our new pods provide comfy, spacious and secure accommodation for up to 5 people. Each pod has a decked area and is comes complete with electric lights, a heater and electric socket. Or for a unique camping experience stay in our traditional 22ft Mongolian Yurt, which has room for up to 8 people and comes complete with double bed and some furniture.
Pods are £40 per night Sun – Thurs and £45 per pod Fri, Sat and Bank Holiday Mondays.
Yurt, £100 per night
Please call for more information 01909 544917
Please note that camping is not permitted on the Pod site.
Downhouse Farm, Dorset
Set on the Trust’s Golden Cap Estate, within 200yds of the beach, Downhouse Farm is part of England’s first natural World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coastline. Stretching from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland in Dorset, this coastline traces almost 185 million years of the earth's history. Discover rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods - rich with fossils - offering everyone the chance to walk back in time and, if you are lucky, pocket a piece of it! Nearby attractions also include Brownsea Island and Corfe Castle. Dramatically located in Poole Harbour, Brownsea is home to some of the rarest wildlife in England with woodland, heathland, wetland and shoreline. While at Corfe Castle there’s the chance to explore over 1,000 years of turbulent history that includes Civil War, torture, and treachery!
For more information on Downhouse Farm please call 01308 421232
For more information on Brownsea Island please call 01202 707744
For more information on Corfe Castle please call 01929 481294
Dolaucothi Estate, Wales
Set in the attractive woodland of the Dolaucothi Estate in South Wales this twin-level site is within a 100yds of the River Cothi. Campers will enjoy getting back to nature with the abundance of wildflowers and birds, including the rare Red Kite. The River Cothi is also one of the best spots in the world for sewin (sea trout) fishing, so don’t forget to pack your rod! A visit to the nearby gold mines is another must-do. Guided tours reveal the complex of pits, channels, adits and tanks left by the Romans nearly 2, 000 years ago. While the story of the mine, which continued work up until 1938, is revealed in the main yard, where 1930s mining machinery and an exhibition, bring the history of gold and gold mining to life. And to round off your day there’s the opportunity to try your luck at gold panning.
For more information please 01558 650707
Etherley Farm, Surrey
This small campsite can be found at the foot of Leith Hill, the highest point in south-east England. Well worth the climb, the hill is crowned by an 18th-century Gothic tower, with panoramic views north to London and south to the English Channel. A short distance away, there’s a chance to experience the opulence and glamour of Edwardian upper classes and life in the roaring twenties. Home to the Society Hostess, the Hon. Mrs Ronald Greville, Polesden Lacey is complete with all the trappings of her celebrated house parties; read invitation cards which give a glimpse of her high-society life and see her treasured visitors’ books which read like a who’s who of the glamorous and wealthy. The extensive grounds include a croquet lawn that can still be played on today and stunning formal gardens.
The 5 caravan sites are for Camping & Caravan Club members only. Unlimited tents.
For more information please call 01306 621423
For more information on Polesden Lacey please call 01372 452048
Highertown Farm Campsite, Cornwall
Perfect for beach lovers the Highertown Farm campsite is a short walk from a secluded beach and set within a stunning coastal landscape that is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. With newly installed solar water panels and composting toilets Highertown is one of the Trust’s greenest campsites. Literary aficionados will particularly enjoy the scenery and may wish to take the Gribbin Head walk across the coast- which is famed for its association with Daphne du Maurier and the setting for many of her books. Also within easy reach are the charming coastal villages and towns of Polperro, Fowey and Looe. Lanhydrock, is also close by and as one of the most complete 19th century country houses in England, it offers the definitive upstairs,downstairs experience.
For more information please call 01208 265211
For more information on Lanhydrock please call 01208 265950
Houghton Mill, Cambridgeshire
Nestling on the banks of the River Ouse overlooking the last working mill on this river, at the edge of the picturesque village of Houghton, Houghton Mill offers a delightful pitch. The perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts, the meadows around the mill are home to many plants and animals. The undergrowth provides cover for mice and voles, while dragonflies and butterflies will dart about in the tall grasses and near the riverside you might even be lucky enough to spot the unusual Banded Demoiselle. And no stay is complete without a trip to the famous Mill which even featured in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Set over five storeys, the Mill includes lots of hands-on exhibits for all the family and there’s even a chance to buy wheat which is still ground on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
For more details please call 01480 466716
Highertown Farm Campsite, Cornwall
Highertown Farm Campsite is a small, basic campsite with fine views of the South East Cornwall coast. A pleasant 3/4 mile walk from a secluded beach, the campsite and Lansallos are set next to a stunning coastal landscape that is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The campsite is ideal for couples, families and individuals who want a quiet rural campsite with close access to the South West Coast Path and the beautiful beaches and coves of Lantivet and Lantic Bays. It is also within striking distance of the coastal villages and towns of Polperro, Fowey and Looe and attractions of Lanhydrock, the Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan.
For more information please call 01208 265211 or email highertownfarmcampsite@nationaltrust.org.uk
Nostell Priory Holiday Park, Yorkshire
This picturesque woodland holiday park is perfect for families, with pitches for 50 touring caravans, three motorhomes and ten tents. There’s also a small shop and play area on site. Ideal for discovering the Priory; why not enter a world of opulence and luxury this summer? Grand staterooms designed by Robert Adam, complete with Chippendale furniture and fine plasterwork, will whisk you back to Regency England. The grounds are just as spectacular, with over 300 acres of parkland to explore; you’ll be spoilt for choice! Whether you’re taking in a lakeside walk, trying your hand at croquet or experiencing the new children’s adventure playground one thing is for sure, it’ll be time well spent!
Advanced booking is advisable
For more information please call 01924 863938
Stourhead, Wiltshire
Within a short walk of the world-famous 18th-century landscape-garden this pitch is the perfect hideaway. Hidden away in a secluded valley the 18th century landscape covers over 100 acres and is set around a huge lake. Scattered with classical and gothic buildings, you won’t want to forget your camera. From discovering the circular temple dedicated to Apollo, to cooling off by the natural spring and grotto, it’s little wonder Stourhead has been attracting visitors for centuries. Likewise, the Palladian villa is just as entrancing; uncover one of the finest examples of a Regency library- complete with Chippendale furniture and weighty tomes; you can easily imagine what life was like for the wealthy Hoare family.
Please note this site is for Caravan Club members only. For more information please call 01747 840061
For more information on Stourhead please call 01747 841152
Upper Booth Campsite, Derbyshire
Upper Booth Campsite is situated on a working farm on the High Peak estate in the Peak District National Park. The site nestles in the western end of Edale alongside Crowden Brook as it tumbles down from the Kinder plateau.
Upper Booth Campsite and camping barn make an ideal base for walkers to explore the hills and moors of the High Peak.
For more information please call 01433 670250
Wasdale, Cumbria
Recently awarded the title of Britain’s Favourite View in the ITV show of the same name, Wasdale campsite lies under England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike. It is situated at the head of the beautiful Wastwater Lake, which is nearly three miles long and almost half a mile long - making Wasdale one of the few campsites in the world that offers such a remote and dramatic location for setting up camp. So whether you’re looking to pitch up your new tent or take your camper van out for its first summer trip, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed with Wasdale - 16 million visitors to the Lakes can’t be wrong! And if you’re looking to try something a bit different this year, why not try out one of our camping pods? Locally sourced materials provide an attractive, dry and spacious camping area.
For more details please call 019467 26220
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