The UK’s Favourite Camping Destinations Revealed – With the Lake District and Cornwall Topping the List

Sunday 14th April 2024

The shores of Loch Ness, Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire and the foot of Ben Nevis are among the UK’s top 20 idyllic camping destinations.

A poll of 750 regular campers revealed where they would most want to reconnect with nature, with the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales ranking highly. 
 
While the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and Lake Windermere also made the top 20. 
 
It emerged 79 per cent enjoy a camping holiday up to four times per year, with 91 per cent ‘eager’ to explore more of the UK.

Darren Whittington, deputy director general of The Camping and Caravanning Club, which commissioned the research, 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 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.

According to 35 per cent, two to three campers make up the ideal party number, with two per cent preferring to go alone.

And proving to be a popular family getaway, 34 per cent enjoy the camping experience with their partner and children.

It also found 31 per cent found their love of camping from going with their family when they were a child.

Other reasons those polled, via OnePoll.com, turned to camping include having a love for the outdoors (46 per cent), and considering it to be more cost-effective than other accommodation (29 per cent).

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 per cent enjoy it the most during the summer months.

When quizzed on coastal versus countryside, it was a close result, but the peaceful green space just took the win with 33 per cent of the vote (vs 31 per cent).

To encourage campers to share their favourite moments spent in nature, The Camping and Caravanning Club has launched a search for the best camping and outdoor photography, with prizes worth over £5,000.

Darren Whittington added: “Whether it's watching a breathtaking 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:

1. Lake District
2. Cornwall
3. Scottish Highlands
4. Peak District
5. Devon
6. Loch Ness shores
7. Yorkshire Dales
8. Lake Windermere
9. Jurassic Coast, Dorset
10. The Cotswolds
11. Snowdon
12. Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
13. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
14. Pembrokeshire
15. Ben Nevis
16. Norfolk Coast
17. Three Cliffs Bay, the Gower
18. North York Moors
19. Scottish Lowlands
20. North York Moors

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