We’re officially a nation of happy campers! Stargazing, digital detoxing and toasting marshmallows voted favourite activities

Tuesday 4th August 2026
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New research shows that Brits are a nation of outdoor enthusiasts, with nine in ten (90%) describing themselves as happy campers. 

The poll of 2,000 Brits found fresh air (74%), beautiful scenery (65%) and stargazing (55%) are among the things we love most about sleeping under canvas.

With four out of five (83%) Brits planning a camping trip this summer, cooking outdoors on a barbecue or gas stove (49%), watching the sunset (41%), waking up surrounded by nature (41%) and getting away from social media (34%) are also high on the list.

And while we enjoy the sound of morning birdsong (26%), cosy sleeping bags (25%) and toasting marshmallows (17%), the research also found that the experience of camping can help Brits reconnect with each other.

More than a third (34%) said camping brings people together more than any other type of holiday, while a third (32%) believe it encourages better conversations than staying in a hotel.

Brits also said their favourite people to pitch up with are their partners (63%), children (46%), friends (37%), pets (17%) and parents (12%). With nearly one in ten (9%) saying they enjoy a night under the stars by themselves.

But it is not all plain pitching, as the biggest camping bugbears include bad weather (58%) and insects and bugs (53%).

The study, commissioned by The Camping and Caravanning Club to celebrate its 125th anniversary, found that while the scenery and fresh air are a major draw, it is often the people we spend time with that make camping truly special.

Sabina Voysey, Director General of The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “While destinations and travel trends may have changed over the decades, the things people love most about camping have remained remarkably consistent, spending time outdoors, sharing experiences with loved ones and creating memories that last a lifetime.

“Whether it is waking up to birdsong, cooking breakfast outside, stargazing at night or simply having proper conversations without the distractions of everyday life, camping offers something many people are clearly craving.

“It is simple, sociable and memorable, and this research shows why so many people continue to see camping as one of the best ways to spend quality time with the people who matter most.”

The Club worked alongside a psychologist, who said the closest bonds often occur when things do not go to plan.

Psychologist Dr Sophie Mort said: “Camping creates the perfect conditions for building and strengthening relationships because it encourages people to spend quality time together without many of the distractions of modern life. When we’re away from screens, work pressures and daily routines, we’re more likely to have meaningful conversations, share experiences and form deeper connections with those around us.

“And more than that, so many of us are burned out, stressed out and even talked out right now. Camping gives everyone a task - putting up the tent, unrolling the sleeping bags, getting the stove going for tea - so people can be together without the pressure of more talking and dissecting.

“It's often in those low-stakes, side-by-side moments that conversation starts to flow naturally, connecting us in a way we didn't expect - proof that some of the best bonding happens when nobody's trying too hard to make it happen.

“This is probably also why camping can feel easier for people who find socialising stressful. Working on a task alongside someone takes the spotlight off direct conversation, so it's a much lower-pressure way to connect than sitting down and being expected to talk.”

The research also found that camping remains one of the few holidays where Brits genuinely switch off, with nine in ten (92%) saying they spend more than two hours less on their phones when in the incredible outdoors.

Almost half (46%) said camping helps them switch off more than other types of holiday, while more than a third (35%) said it makes people feel more connected to nature and said it helps them appreciate simple pleasures (35%).

Some of the top reasons why people feel like they struggle to connect included busy work lives (68%), family commitments (53%), living far apart (47%), lack of free time (46%) and social anxiety (22%). 

In terms of happy campers, Leicester topped the list of UK cities with canvas enthusiasts (94%), ahead of Leeds and Belfast (93%), Manchester (92%), Truro (92%), London (92% and Nottingham (92%), which also scored highly.

To explore the Club’s latest offers, visit www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/offers. 

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For more information or images contact us.  

Notes for Editors

1. The Camping and Caravanning Club is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2026. The Club remains committed to inspiring the camper in everyone and currently represents the interests of 572,000 members.
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2. The Club has delivered a high NPS score this year of 81% across its Club Site network and 90% for its Service Centre. 
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3. Club members receive up to 30% off every Club Site stay and get exclusive access to privately run, smaller sites. 
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4. Get involved: for the latest news, information and inspiration from The Camping and Caravanning Club, and to engage with those who’ve enjoyed holidays with the Club, visit www.facebook.com/campandcaravanning,  www.instagram.com/campandcaravan and www.youtube.com/@campandcaravanning.