THE UK’s best campsites have been revealed, providing campers with a great idea of where they should be pitching their tents this summer.
The list was produced by camping experts Pitchup, who based their rankings on the experiences of previous guests at the sites.
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In order to come up with a definitive list, 200,000 customer reviews from last year were considered.
To feature in the list, the campsites must have achieved an average rating of 8/10 or above across at least 20 reviews in 2023.
Pitchup said that this process enabled them to keep the lists simple and that relying solely on customer feedback ensures the list is both unbiased and reflects real user experiences.
They said: “We want to say a huge congratulations to the winning sites.
“Their outstanding average rating is the result of months of glowing reviews on Pitchup.com, showing that they provided a truly exceptional guest experience.”
First on the list is Strattons Farm Campsite in Norfolk, which had a score of 10/10 from 57 different reviews across 2023.
Guests were impressed with its variety of activities and its friendly hosts.
Pitchup said: “Strattons Farm Campsite is the best of the best.
“Family-friendly and impeccably maintained, this Norfolk site ticks a lot of boxes: spotless facilities, plenty to do (including a fishing lake, swimming pool and play area) and helpful, welcoming hosts.”
A night at the site is pretty affordable too, with a pitch for either a touring caravan or a tent holding up to six people available from £22, working out at around £3.60 per person.
In second place is Sychpwll Centre in Powys, Wales, which scored 10/10 from 56 reviews.
Guests loved the number of country pubs with good food and drink close by while the wildflower meadow surrounding the pitches and a beautifully decorated communal kitchen/diner add to its charm.
A pitch for two in either a tent, campervan or motorhome is available from £26.
Next on the list was Suffolk’s Brick Kiln campsite, described as a “peaceful” adults-only site than enforces a no music rule to ensure the tranquillity isn’t broken.
Three camping tips from an expert
David Scotland owns camping equipment retailer Outdoor World Direct and knows all about how to make a camping trip run smoothly.
When visiting any campsite this summer it’s important to make sure you’re not making simple mistakes that could ruin your holiday.
Check your tent
David recommends putting your tent up a couple of weeks before you’re due to travel to give you enough time to repair or replace any damaged parts.
He told Sun Online Travel: “You’d be surprised how many people turn up with broken tents.”
Test the ground
Picking a good spot to pitch your tent is difficult, with lots of things to consider.
One of those should be the condition of the ground you’re putting your tent on top of, according to David.
He said: “Once you’ve found the perfect spot, test the ground with your pegs before you commit to camping there to make sure the ground is soft enough.”
Don’t nap in your tent
It may seem the perfect place for it, but a nap in a tent could end badly, if it’s done at the wrong time of the day.
David explained: “If the sun’s shining and it’s hot inside your tent – don’t do it!
“One of our friends nodded off in his tent during a heatwave at Glastonbury and ended up at the medical tent with heatstroke.”
Instead, he recommends finding some shade outside or somewhere well ventilated.
Firepits are available, as is a communal barbecue, while disposables can also be purchased on site.
Pitches start from £30 per night.
The fourth best campsite in the UK is Woodcroft Farm in County Durham, which has luxury cabins that were seen on Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes.
The site is found in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and cabins come with comfy beds and ensuite bathrooms with a walk-in shower.
They also have kitchenettes for meal prep, however several local pubs serving food can be found in the nearby villages of Frosterley and Stanhope.
Camping pods can be booked from £99 a night for two.
Finally, rounding off the top five is Cragg Farm Camping Pods, found in Cockermouth in Cumbria.
The site sits on the edge of the Lake District with views of the Northern Fells.
Their cabins can be booked from £80 a night for two people.
Meanwhile, this unique campsite in Wales is another highly rated place for a summer getaway.
And these ten campsites in the UK are all right next to beaches.
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