Think of the British countryside and you might imagine rolling green hills, sudden rain showers, and sheep, lots of sheep. But camping in the UK? It’s way more common than you might guess. If you’ve ever wondered whether Brits actually go camping, here’s the quick answer: absolutely. From families escaping the city to friends chasing music festivals, there’s a real love for pitching tents and braving the great outdoors—even when the weather gets a bit wild.
Camping isn’t just a backup plan for budget travel. For a lot of Brits, it’s the main event. Thanks to thousands of campsites dotted all over England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you don’t have to go far to find somewhere to camp. Some spots are so popular they book out months ahead, especially during school holidays. It’s not just traditional tent camping, either—glamping pods and campervans are everywhere now, too.
- Camping Traditions in the UK
- Popular Campsite Types and Destinations
- Who Goes Camping (And Why)?
- Top Tips for a British Camping Adventure
Camping Traditions in the UK
Camping has been a thing in the UK since the early 20th century, and not just as a cheap way to sleep outdoors. The first official campsites started popping up back in the 1910s, with the Camping Club of Great Britain (now the Camping and Caravanning Club) kicking off in 1901. Since then, the British obsession with the outdoors has only grown—today, a quick Google search finds over 4,000 official campsites all across the country.
Weekend getaways, half-term escapes, and the classic summer holiday; Brits have turned camping into a yearly tradition. Some families have been returning to the same spot for generations. Don’t be surprised to see everything from huge family tents to neat solo bivvies, with campers huddled around a kettle or tucking into beans on toast (it’s a classic).
Weather is a big part of the experience. Brits love telling stories about camping in torrential rain or unexpected heatwaves. No matter the forecast, waterproofs and wellies are staples on every packing list. And while American campers might dream of s’mores, the classic British campfire treat is usually toasted marshmallows or simply a cup of tea brewed over a camp stove.
- Wild camping (camping outside a designated site) is allowed in parts of Scotland, but you usually need permission just about everywhere else.
- Bank holidays and school breaks see a spike in site bookings, so planning ahead is a must.
- Many sites have strict quiet hours and rules about fires to help keep things family-friendly.
Check out these stats from the Camping and Caravanning Club (2024):
| Year | Nights Spent Camping (Millions) | No. of Campsites |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 13.5 | 3,400 |
| 2020 | 9.2 (COVID year) | 3,900 |
| 2024 | 17.7 | 4,200 |
It’s clear: camping isn’t just a backup plan for a rainy holiday— it sits right at the heart of a proper British adventure. If you see folks queueing at a tiny seaside fish-and-chip shop in August, chances are most of them are camping UK style just down the road.
Popular Campsite Types and Destinations
When folks talk about camping in the UK, it’s not a one-size-fits-all deal. Some people love the classic tent under the stars, others swear by campervans, and the glamping crowd wants a comfy bed (and maybe even Wi-Fi). The options have exploded in recent years, with sites catering to all sorts of campers—from wild campers chasing total freedom to families wanting pool access and playgrounds.
If you’re after traditional camping, you’ll find plenty of campsites with pitches for tents and campervans. Some offer just the basics (a water tap and a toilet), while others come with hot showers, electric hookups, and well-stocked little farm shops. Glamping’s taken off, too, so if you fancy a yurt, tipi, or pre-pitched pod, you’re spoiled for choice. National Trust and Camping and Caravanning Club sites are dotted all over, often in top-notch locations.
The camping UK scene is full of hotspots. The Lake District is famous for its landscapes and has nearly 200 official campsites. In Cornwall, sites near St Ives and Newquay put you right by some seriously good beaches. The New Forest in Hampshire is perfect if you like wild ponies and ancient woods, and Snowdonia’s campsites let you wake up practically at the foot of a mountain. Scotland’s been voted one of the best places in the world for wild camping, especially up in the Highlands where you can sometimes camp for free under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
| Region | No. of Campsites | Type Popular Here |
|---|---|---|
| Lake District | ~200 | Tents, campervans |
| Cornwall | ~150 | Tents, glamping pods |
| New Forest | ~100 | Woodland pitches |
| Scottish Highlands | ~80 | Wild camping |
It’s not all about rural escapes. Some campsites near London or Edinburgh are a hit with people wanting a nature break but still close to a good pub. If you’re bringing the family or trying it for the first time, bigger sites run by big clubs tend to have better facilities and staff to help out if you get stuck.
Before you book, always check if sites are family-friendly, dog-friendly, or offer the little luxuries you want. Some places fill up fast in school holidays, so grab your spot early—especially anywhere near the beach in summer.
Who Goes Camping (And Why)?
Grab a tent, hop in your car, and you’ll spot people from all walks of life at camping UK hotspots. There’s no “typical” British camper. Families take the kids for quick getaways, friend groups pack campsites at music festivals, and you’ll even see solo hikers pitching up for a night off the grid. Stats from the Great Britain Tourism Survey show that over 10 million camping trips happened in the UK just last year. That’s a lot of sleeping bags.
So, who’s actually driving those numbers? Millennial campers have surged in the past five years, but retirees who miss the old scout days are a solid second. Schools and scout groups still see a weekend under canvas as a rite of passage. Festivals also play a huge part. Glastonbury alone sells out over 200,000 tickets, and almost everyone camps.
Why do Brits love it? Here are the top reasons people go camping in the UK:
- Nature escape: Swapping city noise for bird calls and open skies.
- Budget-friendly breaks: Even with gear, a camping weekend can be way cheaper than a hotel.
- Family bonding: No WiFi, but loads of marshmallows and board games.
- Adventure: Wild swimming, hiking, or just campfire stories after dark.
- Events and festivals: For many festivals, camping next to the stage is part of the draw.
Still, it’s not the same everywhere. Check out how different age groups camped last year:
| Age Group | % of Camping Trips (2024) |
|---|---|
| 18-30 | 36% |
| 31-50 | 31% |
| 51-65 | 21% |
| 66+ | 12% |
If you’re new to all this, don’t sweat it—there’s no wrong way to be a British camper. Just make sure you book early if you want a spot at the busiest sites during school holidays or festival weekends.
Top Tips for a British Camping Adventure
Weather is the wildcard here. Britain is famous for rain that can arrive out of nowhere. The Met Office reports the UK averages 133 rainy days a year. Pack a proper waterproof—not just a thin poncho. Seasoned campers swear by bringing extra dry socks, too. Don’t gamble with cheap gear; a leaky tent can ruin a trip in 10 minutes.
If you’re new to camping UK style, it’s smart to book your pitch early. Some of the best sites fill up fast during bank holidays and August. Popular national parks like the Lake District, Snowdonia, and the Scottish Highlands are hotspots, but even coastal spots in Cornwall or the Norfolk Broads attract the crowds. Check reviews before you go; sites vary from basic fields to glamping with hot tubs.
Phones and tablets need juice, but not all sites have power. A portable battery pack is a lifesaver. And don’t forget old-school backup—paper maps. British signage isn’t always helpful if you’re hiking off-grid.
People in the UK love campfires, but you can’t just light up anywhere. Always check campsite rules and local fire bans. Some sites let you rent fire pits. It’s also polite to keep the noise down and leave zero litter behind; “leave no trace” isn’t just a slogan—it’s expected everywhere.
“The British countryside offers incredible variety, but always be prepared for four seasons in one day. Good prep makes all the difference,” says Ed Stafford, survival expert and TV presenter.
Don’t just survive—make it fun. Pack marshmallows for the fire, bring a deck of cards, and don’t forget tea bags. You’re in Britain, after all.
| Must-Have Gear | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Waterproof Tent | Keeps you dry during sudden rain |
| Portable Charger | For phones and GPS devices |
| Disposable BBQ or Camping Stove | No campfire? Still eat hot food |
| Wellies or Hiking Boots | Muddy fields are common |
| Paper Map | Sat nav isn’t always reliable in remote areas |
Remember, the best British camping trips mix a bit of planning with a go-with-the-flow mindset. Be ready for quick weather shifts, stay neighbourly, and you’ll fit right in with the locals.