03/03/2014
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The best UK camping destinations for extreme sports

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The UK is home to an astonishing variety of landscapes which makes it an ideal destination for extreme sports fans, and there are plenty of great spots up and the down the country for adrenaline junkies to get their thrills. From coastal cliff jumping to rock climbing up some of the country’s most extreme crags, we’ve found the best places in the UK that combine daring outdoor activities with great camping spots so you can have a truly memorable trip. If you want to heighten the comfort of your camping adventure then we also have a great selection of new and used caravans, perfect for longer trips away!


White water rafting in Perthshire, Scotland

Brave the raging waters for a spot of kayaking or white water rafting along Scotland’s longest river, the River Tay. Nae Limits in Perthshire has a fantastic outdoor water sports centre offering rafting, canoeing and kayaking for groups and families. With courses available for all skill sets you don’t even need to be able to swim to take part, but you do need to be willing to get very wet!

Camp at: Blair Castle Caravan Park

Blair Castle Caravan Park is only 15 minutes from the river activities centre and is a true Scottish gem. Set within the beautiful grounds of Blair Castle, the campsite provides amazing views of the Highlands that surround it and covers over 30 acres of parkland with 280 pitches. The facilities are some of the best we’ve come across and include a laundry room for washing and drying clothes, a large children’s play area, a games room, 5 very large and modern heated toilet and shower blocks and an internet gallery with wifi. Pitch prices start from £24 for 2 adults with electric.

Surfing in Newquay, Cornwall

Surf fanatics keen to catch some waves will get a rush on the world-renowned surfing beaches of Newquay. The best time to surf is in late summer and early autumn, although August is always popular with the arrival of the Boardmasters surfing competition and Boardmasters festival, perfect for sun, sea, surf and great tunes. There are also numerous surf schools available to give lessons if you’re just starting out. For a slightly quieter surf spot head to Holywell Bay - a 15 minute drive from Newquay, this lesser known beach has some equally great waves and plenty of clean sand to relax on afterwards.

Camp at: Hendra Holiday Park

Offering 700 pitches across 38 acres and set amongst open farmland on the outskirts of Newquay, Hendra Holiday Park is surprisingly peaceful despite its size. The well-spaced pitches benefit from a range of great amenities including a bar, restaurant, fish & chip shop, pizzeria, indoor & outdoor pool and even a gym – all of which are onsite! The shower and toilet facilities are immaculately kept, as are the shrubs and trees that line each of the pitch fields and prices start from a reasonable £17.65 per pitch for 2 adults and electric.

Coasteering in Abereiddy, North Pembrokeshire

What could be more exciting than navigating the stunning Pembrokeshire shoreline? Coasteering in Abereiddy lets you do just that. If you’re not quite familiar with coasteering it involves running, climbing, swimming and jumping to get around cliffs, rock faces, caves and pools giving participants a really unique view of the Welsh coast. Abereiddy is a particularly great spot for families as the route takes you through the calmer Blue Lagoon rather than the open ocean. Finishing with a 10 meter jump into the clear waters of the former quarry, the sport welcomes participants of all ages and levels.

Camp at: St. David’s Camping & Caravanning Club Campsite

St. David’s Camping & Caravanning is a short half hour drive from Aberiddy and the Blue Lagoon. The secluded campsite is set within the grounds of the Pembrokeshire National Park and has 40 firm grass pitches suitable for tents and caravans. Despite the rather outdated exterior, the toilet block is actually quite modern and regularly cleaned, and includes showers, toilets, basins and adjoining laundry services. The lack of more advanced amenities is made up for by the stunning views that the location provides. Pitch prices start from £21.25 for 2 adults with electric.

Rock climbing in Keswick & Ambleside, Lake District

If you’re a fan of climbing then head to the straight to Lake District between Easter and October for challenging routes with breath taking views. Keswick has plenty of exciting climbing routes that are perfect for beginners and intermediate climbers. Trails here focus around the Borrowdale slate mine and popular routes include The Little Chamoix, Shepherd’s Crag and Gillercombe which are all accessible from the roadside, plus there are plenty of charming pubs to eat at afterwards. The Keswick Mountain Festival also runs here from 15th-18th May. Climbers after a more adventurous route can head to Ambleside where the more difficult crags of Langdale offer a full mountain experience as well as easier 30 minute climbs.

Camp at: Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park

Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park is a brisk 25 minute walk from Keswick and a 20 minute drive from Borrowdale. Positioned above the Derwentwater, the site has some wonderfully scenic views across the Lake District and a high standard of amenities including a very well stocked shop selling fresh milk and bread and an onsite restaurant. Campers can also make use of the indoor heated ‘Campers Kitchen’ if they want to cook their own meals, providing wash basins, twin hobs and microwaves for a small fee as well the free use of toasters, kettles and wifi. Pitch prices start from £19.75 for 2 adults with electric.

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