With many of us feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis, the thought of a holiday abroad this year may seem off the cards. However, there are plenty of other options if you still want to get away and make some fantastic holiday memories.
A camping holiday is a great choice if you’re looking for a break on a budget. There are a wide range of campsites across the UK that are set in picturesque locations – perfect for spending some time in the great outdoors with family and friends. Many of them are also very affordable, so you can have some time away from it all without breaking the bank.
Keep reading to discover some of the best budget campsites in the UK.
Cornwall
Of course we have to start the list with one of the most scenic places in the UK; beautiful Cornwall. There are plenty of cheap campsites in Cornwall where you can pitch a tent for as little as £10 per night. Consider what attractions in Cornwall you would most like to visit and search what campsite options are available nearby.
Mena Farm is a quiet yet conveniently located Cornwall campsite, just four miles from Bodmin. Prices are reasonable, starting from £16 per night for 2 adults. It’s family-friendly and situated in the Cornish countryside – perfect for outdoor adventures.
The peaceful location is five miles away from the Eden Project, one of Cornwall’s biggest attractions. There are also plenty of leisure facilities nearby including cycle hire (there’s an array of cycle routes right by the campsite), horse riding, and canoeing.
Devon
Next, we’re onto Devon, another much-loved UK holiday destination. It’s the perfect place for families, with plenty to see and do. Ruda Holiday Park is ideal if you’re camping on a budget, with prices available from £10 per night for 4 people.
Situated in Croyde, the campsite is a short walk from Croyde Bay, complete with a tropical indoor pool, play areas, a beach café, and kids’ clubs.
Croyde is well known for surfing, so if you fancy a bit of adventure, hire some surfboards and wet suits!
Dorset
If you’re thinking of having a little couples’ break, the Dorset Nectar Orchard campsite is a fantastic option. This adult-only campsite is situated on a cider farm with over 3,000 apple trees. On-site is a taproom serving ales and ciders, with options for cider tours and trails available.
Prices start from £32 per night for 2 adults and is a fun option if you’re looking for a cheap break in the UK. The site is just 15 minutes from West Bay Beach, so you’re still close to the beach and all that the Jurassic coast has to offer.
Kent
The If the thought of camping in a tent seems a little off-putting, a camping pod is a great alternative. Marlie Holiday Park in Kent has camping pods available from £32 per night for 2 adults and 2 children. Situated in a rural area, the holiday park is close to New Romney and Dymchurch beaches, so you can take in the sea views. There’s also a kids club, an amusement centre, and an adventure playground to keep the little ones entertained.
Wales
For a family campsite with sea views, Hendre Mynach Caravan and Camping Park in Wales is just a 15-minute walk from Barmouth Beach with wonderful sea views. Prices are available from £16 per night for 2 adults. The campsite is popular with an array of visitors from families to couples to solo travellers. Cycle route 8 runs past the campsite so is perfect for those looking to get out on their bikes.
The site is well equipped with a variety of facilities including a modern shower block and shaver, hair dryer, and straightener points. There’s even a shop on site and 24-hour reception staff.
Scotland
Camping in Scotland is perfect for nature lovers with its stunning natural beauty. The Ben Nevis Holiday Park has spectacular views with Great Glen Way just a 25-minute walk away. Prices are available from £23 per night for 8 people.
In addition to tent pitches, there is also the option for caravans, lodges, cabins, and huts if you’d rather have a bit more luxury.
There are plenty of scenic hikes to embark on, as well as attractions such as the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which has been featured in the Harry Potter films!
Northern Ireland
If you’re after breathtaking scenery, camping in Northern Ireland is another brilliant option. Glenmore Caravan and Camping Park prices start from £17.50 per night for 2 adults. The 95-acre site boasts views towards Rathlin Island, Islay, and the Mull of Kintyre and is set in one of the nine glens of Antrim.
The site is located between Ballintoy and Ballycastle, an ideal spot to appreciate some of the best views that Northern Ireland has to offer. There’s a bar and restaurant on site, complete with live traditional Irish music!
York
Explore the Yorkshire countryside from as little as £20 per night for 6 people with Beech Farm campsite. With surrounding greenery and just a 20-minute drive to the centre of York, you’ll get the best of both worlds.
The Northwood Trail is a short walk away or the Yorkshire Wolds is a 20-minute drive, making it an excellent base for getting those hikes in.
There is a nearby café, restaurant, farm shop, and playground, as well as a number of pubs a short drive away (or a 45-minute walk if you want to get your steps in!)
Cumbria
The Lake District is a hugely popular UK holiday destination with its stunning views, perfect for adventurous souls. Gill Head Farm is situated in the beautiful Penrith, with Keswick and Ullswater a stone’s throw away. Prices start from £26 per night for 2 adults, making it a great value holiday option.
There are a variety of outdoor activities you can do around the Lake District including hiking, horse riding, water sports, climbing, and wild swimming. To wind down at the end of the day, the nearest pub is just a 15-minute walk away.
Northumberland
We’re ending the list with the most low-cost option located in beautiful Northumberland. Prices at the Coast and Castles Campsite start from just £9 a night for 2 people. This dog-friendly campsite is just one mile from the beach, close to St Oswald’s Way, and has its very own bar on site. There’s also a play area to keep the kids occupied.
There are plenty of nearby attractions to experience including Alnwick Castle, Howick Gardens and Arboretum, and Dunstanburgh Castle.
And that concludes our list of some of the best budget campsites in the UK to help you plan a great value staycation this year.
If you want to equip yourself with great-value camping accessories on your much-earned break, head to halfords.com.
