Beautiful Britain

As we approach the end of the year, it's time to start planning your 2019 breaks and we've got plenty of ideas to inspire you

Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

Everyone who goes to Skye, feels the island pulling them back long after they've returned home. The fairy pools will captivate you, simply because they are so magical. Many of them are perfect for those who enjoy wild swimming and there's nothing more reviving than a cool dip followed by a warming mug of something (perhaps a dram of Scottish single malt wouldn't go amiss either).

Where to stay
Skye Camping & Caravanning Club Site
Loch Greshornish, Edinbane, Portree,
Isle of Skye IV51 9PS
W campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
Price £25.70 per night (members)
OPEN 1 April to 6 October

We think you'll be really struggling to find a site in a better location than this (but accept the challenge, if you wish). Quiet, scenic and alluringly wild.

Leeds Castle, Kent

Bit confusing, this. I thought the editor was trying to shoehorn in another Yorkshire reference but, in fact, this castle is in Kent. One of the most exciting things about the castle is its complex maze created by 2400 yew trees planted in a crown formation.

Once you get to the middle, explore the grotto with its weird and wonderful stone formations – some of which are grotesque faces. Once out of the maze, make your way to the restaurant with views across the terrace.

Where to stay
Bearsted CAMC Site
Ashford Road, Hollingbourne,
Maidstone, Kent ME17 1XH
W caravanclub.co.uk
OPEN 15 March to 6 January
PRICE £26.40

After you've visited Leeds Castle, you might want to plan time to visit some of Kent's other attractions, including Margate and Whitstable – both of which have experienced a big revival over recent years.

Peregrine Path, Monmouth

This gorgeous cycle path starts in Monmouth where Henry V was born and weaves through pretty countryside, passing little shops and pubs. The trail ends in Ross-on-Wye and also takes in Symonds Yat Rock if you want to take it up a gear and you might even spot some of the nesting peregrine falcons.

Where to stay
River Wye Caravan Park
Symonds Yat West, Ross-on-Wye
Herefordshire HR9 6DA
T 01600 890672
W riverwyecamping.com
PRICE £22
OPEN March to October

Situated in the middle of the Peregrine Path, this site attracts cyclists and walkers. There's no need to cook here, with plenty of great pubs close by.

Marbury Country Park, Cheshire

The lime avenues and arboretum are what give this country park its real 'WOW' factor, but it's got a fascinating story and if the trees could talk, you can only imagine what they would say. Once home to Marbury Hall, built in 1850 and modelled on a French chateau – it later became a POW camp, until it was demolished in the 1960s. Today, you can get lungfuls of clean air on an invigorating autumn walk and take a dip at the open-air pool.

Where to stay
Boundary Park Caravan Site
Chelford Road, Ollerton, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 8TA
W campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
OPEN March to October
PRICE £8
OPEN March to October

This site offers a secluded location without all the bells and whistles you'll find at bigger campsites – ideal, if you want to get away from it all.

Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire

If you're not aware by now, the editor is from Yorkshire, and if he had his way, all the top places in Britain would be there! But, the Bolton Abbey Estate is a genuine contender, with its incredible Augustine ruins dating back to 1154, and its famous stepping stones across the tranquil andpicturesque River Wharfe. We wouldn't recommend the crossing if you suffer from giddiness (or have had a couple of Lambruscos with lunch). Likewise, it's probably best to leave your van on site, rather than contend with the estate's famed 2.8m-wide, stone arch on the B6160 road! The ed calls this hidden gem of a valley 'The Yorkshire Shangri-La', he also highly recommends the estate's lovely tea room.

Where to stay
Bolton Abbey CaMC Site
Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AN
T 01756 710433
W caravanclub.co.uk
OPEN 15 March to 4 November
PRICE £28.40

If you want to be close to Bolton Abbey, you might as well be in it – figuratively speaking. This site is in the heart of the estate, so why not leave your car on the pitch and employ Shanks' pony instead?

Lands End, Cornwall

If you've never made the pilgrimage to Britain's most south-westerly point then it's time you did. Certain parts of it have become very commercialised (though these attractions are perfect for children), but there's still plenty of rugged beauty to be found away from the main drag. It's alive with seabirds, seals, dolphins and basking sharks.

Where to stay
Seaview Holiday Park
Sennen, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7AD
T 01736 871190
W seaview.org.uk
PRICE £36
OPEN April to September

Billed as a destination for a 'good old-fashioned holiday', this laid-back holiday park offers plenty of room for children to play and its location is perfect for exploring the rest of Cornwall.

Cot Valley, Cornwall

When it comes to Cornwall, it's very hard for us to pick our favourite place, but this sub-tropical valley is stunning and makes us want to jump right into the picture.A lot of people have taken to calling it a dinosaur egg beach because the stones are so big and round. It's a haven for birdwatchers, but with major tides this isn't a swimming spot. Just enjoy the power of nature from a safe distance.

Where to stay
Sennen Cove Camping & Caravanning Club Site
Higher Tregiffian Farm, St Buryan, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 6JB
W campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
OPEN 1 April to 4 November
PRICE £25.70 (members)

Perfect for families, it's great for summer holidays, but it's also a calming retreat off season in the ideal location to explore all of wonderful Cornwall.

Dedham, Essex

If you recognise any of the views here, you won't be alone. This Essex village is right in the middle of Constable country, and, while the man and his paintbrush are long gone, the scenery still retains its bucolic beauty. The River Stour passes by the village, carrying with it all your worries.

Where to stay
Colchester Holiday park
Cymbeline Way, Colchester, Essex CO3 4AG
T 01206 545551
W colchesterholidaypark.com
OPEN All year
PRICE £22

A clean and tidy site that's proud to be located in Britain's oldest recorded town. Explore Essex at your leisure and return for a quiet evening in the caravan.

Derwent Water, Cumbria

Derwent Water is dreamy in all seasons – atmospheric, calming and when it's early morning before the tourists arrive, ethereal, too. If you want to see it in its entirety, you can enjoy a 10-mile walk passing through glorious countryside with plenty of photo opportunities and picturesque picnic pit stops.

Where to stay
Castlerigg Hall Lake District Caravan & Camping Park
Keswick, Cumbria CA12 4TE
T 01768 774499
W castlerigg.co.uk
OPEN 7 March to 4 November
PRICE £29.95

This site gets consistently good reviews and, within 30 minutes, you can be in Keswick itself with a choice of great places to eat, or in the heart of the Lakes.

Trentham Estate, Staffordshire

This expansive estate recently underwent a large-scale transformation, winning the gardens multiple awards, and it's easy to see why. The Italian gardens were designed by a Chelsea gold-medal winner and the lake was created by Capability Brown. Today's visitor can expect to enjoy peaceful walks, and you're welcome to take your dog – something not offered by all attractions of this calibre. There's also plenty for children, including play parks and a fairy trail. The shopping village on site is the place to go for retail therapy.

Where to stay

Hales Hall Caravan & Camping Park
Oakamoor Road, Cheadle, Staffs ST10 4QR
T 01538 753305
W haleshallcaravanandcampingpark.com
Open 1 March to 31 October
Price £25

Alton Towers is nearby, so, of course, is Trentham. It's also a great site for those who like a pint because there's a pub on site. What's not to like?

Southwold, Suffolk

Candyfloss-coloured beach huts, traditional fish and chips and the presence of Adnams Brewery makes this pretty town a great location for foodies, as well as those seeking the salty sea air. We love its relaxed vibe, thriving arts scene and, of course, the beach walks.

Where to stay
Southwold Camping
Ferry Road, Southwold,
Suffolk IP18 6ND
T 01502 722486
W southwoldcamping.com
OPEN 1 March to 30 November
PRICE £33

Run by Waveney Council, you're just 15 minutes' walk into Southwold and close to the beach, which makes it popular all through the main caravanning season. It's a simple set-up with helpful staff.

Glencoe, Scottish Highlands

For unbeatable mountain views, Glencoe, with its jagged landscape, should be on your 'to see' list. Many people head to Chamonix for skiing, but, in the winter, the snowfall here can be even better, so why not hit the slopes at Glencoe Mountain Resort or just enjoy some apres-ski at the bar? In the warmer months, walk for miles and then warm up with a pie and pint in the iconic Clachaig Inn.

Where to stay
Invercoe Touring Park
Glencoe, Argyll, Scotland PH49 4HP
T 01855 811210
W invercoe.co.uk
OPEN All year
PRICE £25

Generous pitches and epic views (you can pitch lochside, if you get there at the right time) make this a popular site with many people returning year after year.