5 of the Best – Camp Sites Next to the Sea

Are you the type of caravanner, motorhomer or camper  looking for a holiday park type place to pitch up?

A site where entertainment is laid on every second of every day and night and where the sound track of amusement arcades and gaming machines is a given?

If so, then read no further, there’s nothing for you here.

If on the other hand you are the type of person looking to wake to the sound of birdsong and sighing ocean rather than traffic and blaring music then come on in. The camp sites listed here are for those who want to find a peaceful little corner, surrounded by nature and beauty and where the hustle and bustle of the everyday world seems a million miles away.

Sango Sands

Durness, Scotland, IV27 4PZ

www.sangosands.com

Blessed as we are in Britain with thousands of miles of coastline, there are no shortage of camp sites by the sea. However, little gems such as this one are not found everywhere. Perched on low cliffs above a beautiful beach, Sango Sands camp site gives you seemingly endless ocean views with a dramatic mountain backdrop. Sango Sands is beloved by outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking unspoiled natural wilderness in which to recharge the batteries; a place where puffins nest in the cliffs and whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals frequently cruise by.

If you can tear yourself away from the white sands and turquoise ocean, Smoo cave, the largest sea cave in Britain, is close by – steeped in local legend and myth. Accessed by a flight of steps and floodlit at all times, the inner cave can also be explored by boat after crossing the waterfall pool. Or perhaps you fancy your chances at pitting your caber tossing skills against a burly Scotsman at the Highland Gathering, held annually in Durness in July? Perhaps something more energetic – surfing, kayaking, hiking, golfing, cycling, coasteering? Otherwise you could just stroll along to the restaurant and bar next to the camp site and take in the ocean views as you sip a choice Scottish whiskey. Decisions, decisions…

Open: April to October, however you may come here for free out of season if you don’t require electric hook-up, water or hot showers (can be provided for £6 per person per night).

Facilities: Electric hook-ups, hard standing or grass pitches, toilets, shower block, dish-wash area, laundry, pets welcome, adjacent bar and restaurant.

Price: £6.20 per adult per night, first child £3.80, second child £2.20, pets free.

Arthur’s Field (also known as Treloan Coastal Holidays)

Treloan Lane, Gerrans, Roseland Peninsular, Cornwall, TR2 5EF

www.coastalfarmholidays.co.uk

Release the inner hippy and gather round the communal camp fire to listen to music, poetry and stories or just share a glass of wine. Or if you’re not feeling sociable toast your marshmallows around your own personal, brazier contained camp fire.

There is one heck of a happy vibe going on at this eco-friendly, award winning camp site with its panoramic views across the sea. Set on a working organic farm which proudly boasts never to have used chemicals in its long history, Arthur’s Field is an idyllic little oasis. Featuring regularly in both ‘The Guardian’ and ‘The Telegraph’ lists of ’10 Best Family Campsites’, it offers plenty to keep the kids amused. Chickens, rabbits, ferrets, pigs and goats are fed twice daily with the help of the campsite kids, there is a large grassy play area, organised eco and art workshops (grown-ups can play too) and guided walks to search for wild food.

Paths lead down to the three secluded and quiet beaches which are safe for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, rock pooling or quiet contemplation. White washed, olde worlde fishing villages full of centuries-old unaltered charm, abound in this part of Cornwall if you want to go exploring or are in search of a quaint little tea-room.

There are 101 little touches at this camp site which make you feel relaxed and welcome from the moment you arrive – the biggest problem is going to be returning to normal life after this.

Open: All year.

Facilities: Some hard standing, hook-up, dish-wash area, toilets, showers, laundry service, pets welcome, camp fires allowed (braziers supplied), workshops and eco/art activities on offer, children’s play area.

Price: From £13.50 per night (pitch + 2 adults).

Cae Du Camp Site

Rhosllefain, Tywyn, Gwynedd, Wales, LL36 9ND

www.caeducampsite.co.uk

If you like your camp sites with bells, whistles and full comfort frills then this isn’t the place for you. If on the other hand your idea of heaven is absolute beach-front, spectacular sunsets, cruising dolphins, seclusion and falling asleep to the sound of the waves then you have just found the camp site of your dreams.

Type ‘Cae Du’ into a search engine on the Internet and prepare to be swamped with rave reviews which feature every superlative in the English language. You will also come across several photographs which will have you instantly rushing to pack your caravan/motorhome/tent and head off right now. Writing any sort of review seems pointless – you really have to see this place to realise what it is and just how tucked away you are. There is no electricity here so once the sun has gone to bed starlight and camp fire glow will be all you see.

The approach to Cae Du can seem a little daunting if you are in a caravan or larger motorhome but the few moments of jaw clenching are worth what awaits at the bottom. Boy, are you in for a treat!

Open: March to October.

Facilities: Showers, toilets, laundry, dish-washing, firewood, camp fires allowed, fresh eggs from farmhouse on site, dogs allowed

Price: From £10 per night for 2 adults.

Cnip Grazing

Cnip Village, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides (known as the Western Isles to locals)

Tel: 01851 672265 (No website)

You are going to be totally convinced on arrival at this stunning bay that you have somehow taken a wrong turning and ended up somewhere exotic. Are these dazzling white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters really part of Britain? Rest assured the ferry didn’t wander off course – this truly is Britain and the Isles of Harris and Lewis which make up the Western Isles chain are one of its best kept secrets.

There’s nothing here at the crofting community owned Cnip (pronounced neep) camp site– unless you count the seals playing in the bay, the impossibly white sheep and a few sea-birds. So why come? Well, if you fancy a back to basics camp site all to yourself (highly likely) in the most stunning of locations, far removed from the fast paced modern world then there is nowhere better.

Lewis and Harris, although technically different islands, are actually all part of one land mass and are steeped in history dating from Neolithic man, full of rugged wilderness and breathtaking beaches and scenery at every turn of the often empty roads. Standing stones, the home of Harris tweed, centuries old preserved villages, provocative ruins, whale and dolphin watching cruises  – all can be explored.

A villager will some to collect your camping fees or you can call at the house.

Open: All year.

Facilities: Very basic situated in a block open to the public – hot showers, toilets

Price: From £7 for 2 adults per night.

Beadnell Bay Caravan Site

Chathill, Northumberland

www.beadnellbaycaravanpark.co.uk

This camp site offers the best of both worlds – a large sweeping bay of golden sand for beach bunnies and a wealth of things to see and do all on the doorstep. Those feeling the need for physical activity can choose from windsurfing, sailing, scuba diving, body boarding, cycling, tennis, golf and horse riding – all catering for absolute beginner to seasoned pro.

The whole selling point of this camp site, which has featured in ‘The Telegraph’ ‘Best Coastal Campsites’ top 20, is tranquility and escape. In fact they boast you won’t find any “bars, amusement arcades or karaoke machines” here.

Explore castles both preserved and romantically ruined, take a boat trip to Farne Island to see the birds and seals or stroll across to Lindisfarne and Holy Island – places of both legend and historical significance.

There are only 6 caravan pitches with hook-up here so you will need to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Open – April to October

Facilities – toilets, showers, laundry, electric hook-up

Price – from £9 per person per night