Go with the flow
Spending time by a body of water, whether it be a lake, a river or the ocean, is a great way to unwind, and get in touch with nature. Here's a selection of great campsites that offer just that, a chance to pitch up by the waterside.
Porth Beach Holiday Park, Newquay, Cornwall
You can drink in the views and watch the Atlantic waves roll in from this attractive park set in a sheltered bay adjacent to Porth Beach. It’s a stunning setting on the coast path close to Newquay – enjoy fabulous cliff walks or spend time surfing on nearby Fistral Beach.
Hill of Oaks & Blakeholme, Windermere, Cumbria
A secluded, heavily wooded park on the shores of Lake Windermere offering pretty lakeside pitches and picnic areas, woodland walks and excellent sailing and canoeing opportunities, with jetties for boat launching. The private pier provides a regular ferry service to Bowness.
Riverside Caravan & Camping Park, South Molton, Devon
A family-run park set alongside the River Mole, in 70 acres of landscaped parkland with 10 acres of woodland and riverside trails. Book one of the premium fully-serviced or large grassy pitches set beside the river or one of the three large, peaceful fishing lakes.
South End Caravan Park, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
Situated on Walney Island, a small island off the beautiful Cumbrian coastline, this family-owned park makes the most of its stunning location – it’s next to the sea and bird-rich marshes and enjoys fine views of the Lake District fells.
Sleningford Watermill Caravan & Camping Park, North Stainley, North Yorkshire
The old watermill and the River Ure make an attractive setting for this touring park within easy reach of Harrogate and the Dales. Premium riverside pitches, scenic waterside walks, canoeing and fly fishing and the chance to see otters and dippers add to the appeal.
Rushin House Caravan Park, Belcoo, County Fermanagh
Occupying a scenic location overlooking Lough MacNean this first-class park offers very generous, fully-serviced pitches on a terrace overlooking the lough, a slipway providing boat access to the water and, of course, fishing; there is also an access path to the lake for less mobile visitors.
Gruinard Bay Caravan Park, Laide, Highland
Lovely, small, beach-front park in a peaceful spot with views across Gruinard Bay to the Summer Isles and the mountains. Enjoy direct access to a sandy beach from where you can fish from the beach or rocks and you may catch a glimpse of the occasional otter or seal.
Riverside Camping, Caernarfon, Gwynedd
Set in the grounds of a former garden centre and enjoying a superb location along the River Seiont, Riverside Camping certainly lives up to its name – open your tent or caravan door to the beautiful sight and sound of the Seiont from spacious waterside pitches. Fish the river too, permits available.
Tyddyn Isaf Caravan Park, Dulas, Isle of Anglesey
A beautifully situated, and very spacious family park on rising ground adjacent to a sandy beach, with magnificent views overlooking Lligwy Bay, best enjoyed from the restaurant terrace. A private footpath leads directly to the beach and there are two superb sea-view Mediterranean beach huts.
Skysea Camping & Caravan Park, Port Eynon, Swansea
Set in an unrivalled location alongside the safe sandy beach of Port Eynon on the Gower Peninsula, this popular park is an ideal family holiday spot. Lush green sloping ground has been partially terraced to create excellent views of the beach, bay and surrounding cliffs.
Seal Shore Camping & Touring Site, Kildonan, Isle of Arran
In a truly magical location on the south coast of Arran with fabulous views across the water to Pladda Island and Ailsa Craig, this peaceful little site is set beside a sandy beach. Book early to bag a waterside pitch and expect to see seals and otters from your tent.
Naburn Lock Caravan Park, Naburn, North Yorkshire
Mature, hedged park set beside the majestic River Ouse and the river bus to nearby York leaves from a jetty beside the park. The towpath provides excellent walking and cycling opportunities, and there’s fishing from the private riverbank.
Dacre Lakeside Park, Brandesburton, East Yorkshire
A large lake popular with watersport enthusiasts is the focal point of this grassy site, which offers seasonal and touring lakeside pitches. Stylish Bert's Pizzeria & Café overlooks the six-acre lake used for windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing and fishing.
East Fleet Farm Touring Park, Weymouth, Dorset
A quality family touring park set on a working organic farm on the shores of the Fleet Lagoon, overlooking Chesil Beach and the sea, with direct access to the South West Coast Path. Wide range of pitches, excellent play areas for children of all ages, and close to beaches at Weymouth.
