Camping on the coast is one of the best ways to explore the world around you; there are so many opportunities to stumble over stunning views, and even see amazing wildlife in their natural habitats.
Here at Winfields, we’re passionate about making it easier for more people to explore the outdoors in a way that suits them. Whether you’re a newbie to coastal camping, or an old hat, this guide is an excellent way to pick up some tips and tricks to make your travels easier. Plus, we’ve got some amazing coastal campsite recommendations for you to choose from.
Keep reading to find out more about English coastal camping…
Fortunately for those of us living in, or visiting, the UK, there are plenty of coastal areas to explore. In fact, it tends to come with the territory when you’re an island! From north to south, there are some fantastic English coastal campsites perfectly located for an adventure. So, whatever your interests, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy when you holiday by the coast, including:
In this guide, we’ve had to make some hard decisions, as there are dozens of incredible coastal campsites across the width and breadth of the English coastline. The following beachside campsites are simply a small selection of what’s on offer when you camp on the English coast. And, to make picking your holiday destination a little easier, we’ve split this guide into northern and southern coastal campsites.
Located a short 15 minutes from Blackpool town, Ream Hills Holiday Park is a wonderful campsite with plenty of useful amenities for the whole family. With easy access to the M55, this is the perfect home base to help you explore what the North-West has to offer.
For starters, if you’re camping near Blackpool, you can’t go without a trip to Blackpool Beach Resort (previously Blackpool Pleasure Beach). Founded in 1896, this park is the perfect place for thrillseekers, with roller coasters and amusements for all the family.
Fun fact: Blackpool Beach Resort has the largest collection of wooden roller coasters in the UK with four – The Big Dipper, Blue Flyer, Grand National, and Nickelodeon Streak.
With a sandy coastline, the Blackpool beaches are perfect for a family day out. You can build sandcastles, take a dip in the sea, and enjoy a sweet treat while looking out over the Irish Sea. Or, don’t forget to check out Blackpool Pier, and make time to take a trip up the iconic Blackpool Tower for the ultimate day out.
If you’re all beached-out, or don’t want to deal with the sand, you could choose to spend your day picnicking by the onsite lake and spend a day relaxing by the water. With picturesque views, and calming water, this could be just what you need to recharge before you head home.
Or, fancy spending your holiday in a little more luxury? With access to gorgeous glamping spaces, and even a hot tub, Ream Hills is perfect as a staycation treat near the English coast.
You could even spend your holiday inside a specially converted 1977 Westland Lynx XZ676 helicopter! Kitted out to fit up to two adults and two children, this novel glamping spot is fully set out with a small kitchen area, flatscreen TV, and even WiFi. If that’s not a conversation starter after your trip, then we don’t know what is.
Fancy a coastal camping trip up to the Lakes? Then you should consider heading to Church Stile Farm and Holiday Park. Situated in the heart of Wasdale on the west of the Lake District, this is a fantastic spot to take in the stunning landscapes of this Cumbrian National Park.
There are plenty of opportunities to fit in a coastal walk into your holiday using this campsite as your main base. A short 15 minute drive will bring you to the picturesque Seascale, a seaside town made popular by the Victorians (and the installation of a railway). Nowadays, this is a beautiful sandy beach nestled on the western edges of the Lake District, perfect for a gentle coastal walk for couples and dog walkers.
Plus, if you’re a fishing enthusiast, or enjoy getting out on the water, the (newly as of the millennium) renovated wooden jetty is a fantastic hub of fishing, beach casting, or more adventurous pastimes like water skiing, and even surfing.
Alternatively, you could take a few days to relax on the campsite and spend quality time as a family. With a kids playground and grassy area for ball games available onsite, they can happily burn off their energy whilst you lounge nearby.
Top tip: heading out on a camping trip with the whole family? Make sure you have plenty of room to keep everyone happy with a new Family Tent from Winfields Outdoors.
Then, when you’ve had your fill of surf and rest, there’s still plenty for you to explore in the local area. A scant five mile trip will take you to Wasdale Head at the base of Scafell Pike (England’s highest mountain), or you can head one mile over to the stunning beauty and peace of the Wastwater (England’s deepest lake). Wasdale is a lesser-known but incredibly beautiful part of the Lake District, so make sure you add this gem to your list of coastal campsites in England to visit in the summer.
Whitby is famed for its glorious beaches, excellent chippy teas, and of course, Whitby Goth weekend. If any of these appeal to you, then why not head over to Middlewood Farm Holiday Park and pitch up for a weekend of seaside adventures?
Nestled a short 10-minute walk from the beach at Robin Hood’s Bay, this site is one of the best ways to experience camping near the coast in the North East. This beautiful, historical fishing village sits along the Heritage Coast of the North York Moors, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied on your visit.
Explore a range of small shops and restaurants for treats for you (and family back home) before taking a casual walk along the coastline. Spend your day keeping an eye out for the local wildlife that call this place home: from sea birds like gannets and oystercatchers, to rock pools filled with little fish and marine life, there’s plenty for you to see.
Come at the right time and you may even spot some bottlenose dolphins or the seal colonies that inhabit the area!
Or, a short 15 minute drive (or 20 minute bus ride) will see you arrive at the glorious seaside town of Whitby. From here you can spend your day exploring the local coastal walks, relaxing on the sand, or even braving the sea for a swim. Further inland, head up to marvel at Whitby Abbey, or treat yourself to a spot of fish and chips at one of several restaurants in town.
Fun fact: the Gothic architecture of Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula!
Being so close to town gives you plenty of options for the evenings – and with a pub, pizzeria, and shop within five minutes’ walk away, you’ll never have to worry about forgetting any essentials, or having camp food for four nights in a row!
If you’re looking to spend time in nature, and get away from the clutter and chaos of city living, then Doxford Farm Camping could be the one for you. Set into 500 acres of working farmland, there’s always something happening for you to watch – from lambs frolicking in the spring, to the autumn harvest. Plus, there’s something endlessly satisfying (and somewhat soothing) about watching things happening around you whilst you’re relaxing and simply taking in your surroundings.
If you’re not content to kick back for the whole holiday, there’s still plenty going on in the local area for you to explore. For coastal walks, you have three beautiful sandy beaches within a 15-minute drive: Embleton Bay, Low Newton-by-the-Sea, and Beadnell Bay.
All three of these beaches are just a snapshot into what the Northumberland coast has to offer holidaymakers. Embleton Bay for example, is popular for paddling and feels like it can stretch for miles at low tide. Plus, it’s overlooked by the awe-inspiring ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, maintained by English Heritage.
Of course, Alnwick may already be familiar to you for another reason. Only a short 10 minute drive from this coastal campsite is the astoundingly beautiful Alnwick Castle. But, this location is known for much more than the years of history it’s lived through – as a popular filming destination!
If you’re a Harry Potter superfan, or love the drama of Downton Abbey, this castle is a must-visit as the filming location for these smash hits.
Moving down the country, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to amazing coastal campsites. From camping on the Jurassic Coast, to exploring the western edge of Cornwall, or heading over to the South East to Mersea, or pitching in Kent – well known for being the ‘Garden of England’.
And there’s plenty for you to explore. Visit countless charming seaside towns, or dip further inland to visit the New Forest, Dartmoor, or the Kent Downs for a chance to connect with nature. In this section, we’ve picked out four coastal campsites that swing from east to west to give you some inspiration for your next camping holiday.
Starting in the South East, we’ve picked out one of the many excellent Mersea Island campsites for you to explore. Fen Farm Camping and Caravan site has everything you could want from a Mersea Island home base.
Situated close to the sea, Fen Farm is a wonderful coastal campsite for a quiet family retreat. Explore the local coastline around you on East Mersea, or take a short drive over to West Mersea for some amazing views and sandy beaches to play on and explore.
Looking for something more adventurous? There are two main water sports companies on the island, where you can learn to sail or windsurf, or head out on a paddleboard or kayak to explore the coastline. Or, if you’d rather stay on dry land, you could take a wander around the whole island. At only 13 miles in total, this is a superb way to see the wildlife that call Mersea Island home.
Even if you’d rather stay onsite, there’s plenty to see or do. Grab some binoculars to go birdwatching, or let the kids burn off some energy at the onsite playpark. In the evening, take some time to watch the clear skies – and, since off-ground gas or charcoal BBQs are allowed, definitely don’t forget to bring the marshmallows!
This amazing Mersea Island campsite has grown organically since the 1910s, when the land was bought by the Lord family – so why not continue in the footsteps of thousands and head there for your camping holiday?
Top tip: take advantage of every second of your trip with a fantastically quick to pitch Inflatable Tent from Winfields Outdoors.
Settled on the Dorset coast, Rosewall Camping is the perfect base to explore what the South has to offer. This coastal campsite is south-facing, meaning you get spectacular views over Weymouth and the nearby beach.
And, when it comes to beaches, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice. A short 15-minute walk will bring you to the nearby beach, for the more casual holiday-goers. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, a 25-minute drive will see you at Chesil Beach. Whilst not necessarily one for the sunbathers, this shingle beach is stunningly beautiful and perfect for casual coastal walks with the family.
Safety note: if you plan on swimming at Chesil Beach, we recommend swimming lengthways, and staying close to the shore. This area is known for strong rip currents, which can be very dangerous if you get caught in them.
Another option, a mere 20-minute drive away, is Durdle Door. One of the most famous, and most photographed, locations in Dorset, Durdle Door is an iconic landmark of the Jurassic coast. Formed when the sea cut through Portland limestone some 10,000 years ago, this is an absolute gem – and should definitely sit at the top of your list of places to visit.
Further afield, this coastal campsite is within an hour of some of the best beaches along the South coast – including Bournemouth beach, Sandbanks, and Studland Bay, where you’ll be able to look out over Old Harry’s Rocks.
So, if you’re planning on camping on the Jurassic Coast, Weymouth is an excellent spot. This is a fairly central spot along the coast, and has some great places for people looking to join the South West coastal path. What are you waiting for? Grab some new Hiking Boots and get exploring!
Moving further west, there are loads of amazing spots along the Devonshire coastline, including this one nestled close to the beautiful Woolacombe Bay. Lee Meadow Farm is a family-friendly coastal camping and glamping site with plenty of brilliant features you can take advantage of on your holiday.
The first of course, is the location. With an easy walk to the beach at Lee Bay, you can have your beach day without having to hop in the car. Plus, Lee Meadow Farm spans across 27 acres and has extra large pitches, so there’s plenty of room for the whole family!
Alternatively, this coastal campsite is set just one mile from the glorious sandy Woolacombe beach. A short 10 minute drive will bring you to this charming and beautiful area of North Devon, and provides easy access to Exmoor National Park and the South West Coastal Path.
Fun fact: Keep your eyes peeled – on clear days, you may even be able to spot the Bristol Channel.
If you plan to spend the day at Woolacombe beach, make sure you visit Baggy Point and Morte Point. Bracketing the bay, these two spots overlook the beach, and are some of the best places for a casual coastal walk.
If you’re a keen surfer looking for a break, make sure to bring your board. Woolacombe is famed for its surf, because of the water and wave quality – and there are plenty of places in town to book some lessons if you’ve never braved the waves. Of course, you can always go traditional too – this sandy beach is perfect for sandcastle competitions, sunbathing, and taking the plunge into the sea.
Top tip: for a fun family activity, head over to Grunta and explore the rockpools to see what wildlife you can find. Although, make sure the kids have sturdy Footwear to avoid slips and trips.
If Cornwall is on your list to visit, why not check out this coastal campsite near St Ives? Trevalgan Touring Park is ideal for tents, campers and caravans, with plenty of pitches for you to choose from. Whether you’d prefer somewhere with an electric hookup, hardstanding pitches, or simple grass, there’s something for you right on site.
From here, there’s plenty of access to the South West Coastal Path – for those of you only doing a short section, or taking on the whole trek and want a place to relax before getting started.
Top tip: visiting this coastal campsite by car? Make sure you stop off at the Eden Project for an incredible day spent amongst different biomes and plants from around the world.
You’re also perfectly situated just 10 minutes away from the picturesque town of St Ives. This harbour town is the ideal spot for a day out, and with plenty of activities you’ll be sure to find something to please everyone. For example, head over to Porthmeor Beach for a day spent in the surf, or take the kids to Porthminster for a more relaxed seaside adventure.
Get a break from the sunshine with a visit to the Tate, or see the shore from a different perspective when you take a boat trip from the harbour to visit Seal Island – home of a grey seal colony, and even a century old shipwreck!
Back at camp, want to keep the kids occupied and burning off any extra energy? Send them over to the onsite playground with a giant pirate ship and net climbing pyramid – or they can nip to the onsite shop for a treat after a long day playing in the sand.
Whenever you’re trying to sort a campsite, the option of wild camping tends to be raised. Now, this isn’t for everyone, but it is a fantastic way to get back to basics and close to nature.
However, it is definitely worth noting that (technically) wild camping is illegal throughout England. The only exception is Dartmoor, which allows for you to pitch your tent across the National Park (although you still need to follow the rules and preferably camp in certain areas on the map).
This being said, wild camping is possible as long as you stick to the following rules:
Remember, the ban on wild camping is for a reason. This protects you and your family from wild animals, and is an essential measure to preserve the local surroundings – especially when it comes to more fragile areas like beaches.
As we’ve said throughout, and as we greatly believe, camping along the coast is one of the best ways to spend a family holiday. Now you’ve got the idea – do you have the gear? To help you out, we’ve pulled together some of our best tips (and kit reminders) for camping on the coast to make sure you have a great time.
Ready for your new trip camping on the Jurassic Coast? Or have you been tempted by the gothic Whitby Abbey? Whatever you choose, make sure you have the best Camping supplies when you shop at Winfields Outdoors.
The Best Family Camping Tents 2024 | The Ultimate Guide to the Peak District | Inflatable Tent & Air Tent Buying Guide
Make sure you have the best camping equipment for your little one ahead of your next outdoor adventure. Here’s the Winfields guide to shopping for camping chairs for children.
