Wondering Where to Camp in the UK? Start Here!
The United Kingdom—the UK—is so well known for the wonderful capital city of London that many visitors simply come to visit London, and perhaps check out Oxford, Cambridge or Stratford Upon Avon. But tourists rarely take the time to venture out of the cities and into the phenomenal countryside the UK has to offer. Those that do often wonder where to camp in the UK, and if there are scenic, wild areas that are worth spending a night under the stars in.
The short answer: There are plenty of places to camp in the UK! With such varied sceneries in a very small area, from London, you can reach most places within an afternoon’s car journey. Brecon Beacons and the Wales coastline were some of my favorite places in the UK. In such a large countryside, there are tons of great places to get outdoors.
Now, camping isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but there are plenty of other options to get away from it all. If you’re not the camping type, you can try renting a cottage in the countryside or even staying in an AirBnB to get a similar experience without camping out in a tent. But if the great outdoors is what you seek, stick around. I’ll show you the best options on where to camp in the UK below!
While I’m sharing the 3 best places to camp in the U.K., you may come across affiliate links I’ve added to products and services I use, recommend, and feel confident backing. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. It’s one way to help me keep this blog going, and I thank you for your support!
Can You Wild Camp in the UK?
Wild camping is a current trend sweeping the world, which is the idea of packing up your car (or hired car) with camping equipment and heading to the middle of nowhere to set up camp in an incredibly tranquil setting. Now, if you have a particularly small car, you might want to stop off and get a roof rack before venturing into the world of wild or free camping. You can view here for more information on getting the wild camping accessories you need.
There are some outstanding areas of natural beauty within the country of Yorkshire, but unfortunately, the majority of places in England don’t allow you to (legally) wild camp. However, in Scotland, you can pretty much camp anywhere for free and it’s legal.
Where to Camp in the UK
Here are the best spots I’ve found to go camping in the UK. I’m including places far from civilzation and those conveniently located near cities you might be planning on visiting for a well-rounded list that has options for every type of traveler!
1. BEDRUTHAN STEPS (ENGLAND)
These awe inspiring cliffs that wouldn’t be a miss on the dramatic Australian coastline, with clear blue waters (often filled with surfers) and soft white sand backed against a dramatic clifftop is a great place to visit. It’s located in a remote location between Newquay and Padstow, and while Bedruthan Steps is owned by the National Trust (meaning you can’t camp there), there are plenty of places nearby to set up your tent. It’s recommended to bring a torch if you’re walking around at night, as you could very easily fall down the sheer cliff drop with a wrong turn.
Camping by Corrour Bothy, Cairngorms, Scotland
2. CAIRNGORMS (SCOTLAND)
The Cairngorms National Park is home to a cluster of huge mountains, many of which are over 4,000 feet. You’ll need to take care if climbing and camping in this area, particularly if the weather conditions are poor. They often are in Scotland, but with the right weather, you’ll benefit from an exceptional view where the mountains stretch for miles in all directions.
As with all of Scotland, you are legally allowed to wild camp practically anywhere, so wherever you find a place that looks good to you, just pitch up.
Brecon Beacons
3. BRECON BEACONS (WALES)
The adventurous outdoor playground of the Brecon Beacon in Wales is where a number of elite military forces, including the Gurkhas and Royal Marines, undertake their wilderness training. This area is also great for mountain bikers and is one of the most prolific places to watch stars in the UK. You could head up onto Rhos Dirion for a summit sleep or pitch up alongside the river and nobody is going to mind in this area.
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