Best places to go camping in the UK this summer

Forget wild camping, when it comes to one of Europe’s largest rewilding habitats, the focus is firmly on wildlife camping. Surrounded by 3,500 acres of biodiverse terrain, campers at Knepp can do their own walking safari or sign up for one of the many guided options. From dawn and dusk excursions to butterfly, wild horse, white stork, and rewilding-focused exploration, and even a nightingale safari and super. There’s the usual glamping options available here, but the campsite has all you need – solar lighting, a handmade woodfired pizza and even a cosy room with armchairs and a wood burner, not to mention a wild swimming pond, yoga garden, Nordic spa in an upcycled horsebox, eco-friendly rain showers and two hot water outdoor baths.

Address: Knepp Estate, West Grinstead, Horsham RH13 8LJ
Website: knepp.co.uk

Walkmill Campsite, Northumberland

Best for: Dark skies, access to the coast

The goal of Walkmill’s owner, Claire, is to encourage “camping in a natural, non-commercial environment”, and on arrival to this peaceful river-encircled campsite, where salmon leap, otters swim and kingfishers dart about before you like shots of electric blue lightning, it’s fair to say it’s not just marketing spiel. Pitches are generously sized, and walks straight from the tent flaps abound, through woodland, along the waterway, and out to Warkworth and the Northumberland coastline, just a 30-minute stroll away. Facilities are understated, featuring eco-showers, firepits for hire, a small lounge area with maps of cycling and hiking routes, and a small onsite shop that stocks only local teas, coffees, meat, cheese, biscuits and ice-cream.

Address: Walkmill Campsite, Walkmill Nr, Guyzance, Warkworth NE65 9AJ
Website: walkmillcampsite.co.uk

Beirhope Alpacas, Scottish Borders

Beirhope Alpacas, Scottish Borders

Best for: Alpaca trekking, private pitches (some with own loos)

With alpacas in the name, arriving at this site that sits north of the English-Scottish border, it’s no surprise to see a growing herd of the Peruvian cud-chewing mammals – with whom walks and longer treks are offered daily. But what is unexpected is the bijou eight-pitch campsite that sits alongside it. Though it was originally owner Lynne’s intention to create a glampsite on her small holding, that actually evolved after her woolly residents moved in, and instead of the ubiquitous yurts, she decided to let guests bring their own tents, to allow everyone to indulge in the landscape she loves. Each pitch offers a unique perspective on the surrounds from the stargazer’s paddock, to a ‘super pitch’ which comes with its own eco loo and private kitchen area.