Four great National Trust destinations for camping
00b23c24-0e0e-4a61-9a88-e631d4228443
Wakehurst Place & Kew Gardens
Haywards Heath, East Sussex
The country estate of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Wakehurst Place is one of the National Trust’s most popular sites. The gardens hold international significance, as they have conserved seeds from ten percent of the world’s plant species. For those not interested in the science though, the real reason to go is to wander around the sheer beauty of the grounds, containing natural woodlands and lakes, and the stunning Elizabethan house.
Camp at: Heaven Farm
Situated in the East Sussex countryside, Heaven Farm is a perfect retreat after a long day's exploring. With its own tearooms, farm museum and nature trail, there’s lots to keep families busy. There’s also a craft shop selling pottery – perfect to pick up a few gifts. Of course if you’ve had a busy day taking in all that East Sussex has to offer you can always just retreat back to the quiet and spacious campsite and just soak in the beauty of the countryside. Contact the site directly for prices.
Cragside House
Morpeth, Northumberland
Originally the home of Lord Armstrong, the Victorian inventor, Cragside was the first house in the world to be lit by electricity. A wonder of its age, it is still full of his incredible gadgets – many of which still work. The beautiful grounds are also home to one of the largest rock gardens in Europe, which leads down to the Iron Bridge and the formal garden. There’s also an adventure play area and a labyrinth in the rhododendron forest that children will love.
Camp at: Clennell Hall Riverside Holiday Park
Set in the stunning Northumberland National Park, Clennell Hall is a great place to visit for a quiet country break. The campsite itself is fairly basic with laundry/washroom facilities and electricity and gas, but that’s all part of its charm. Here you’ll be fully immersed in nature, surrounded by gorgeous countryside and fascinating fauna. The park has fishing opportunities and a children’s play area, and dogs are welcome provided they are on a lead. Go at the right time and you’ll also find an abundance of country shows and fairs. Prices start at £24 for a pitch (two adults, electricity included).
Chartwell
Westerham, Kent
The family home of Winston Churchill serves as a tribute, and a window into the family life of the author, artist and former Prime Minister. The rooms remain largely unchanged, filled with books and pictures that demonstrate his varied interests and furniture chosen by his wife Clementine. The lakes in the garden were created by the family, as was the Marycot, a playhouse he designed for his youngest daughter. Outside, the house is encased within exquisite hillside gardens, beyond which woodland provides a play area for children, and there are plenty of trails to go for long country walks.
Camp at: Oldbury Hill Camping and Caravanning Club
Oldbury is a well-equipped campsite just off the M25/M26 intersection but don’t worry, once you’re there you’d never know. It sits on the hill of a former Iron Age fort, accessible by two circular walks in the midst of mature woodland, with the Crown Point Inn just half a mile away. There’s a lot to see and do nearby, from Sevenoaks shopping centre and leisure facilities to the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, so the whole family will be kept entertained. Prices start from £21.15 for a pitch (two adults, electricity included).
Fountains Abbey
Ripon, North Yorkshire
Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire offers a rare opportunity to experience over 900 years of England’s heritage in a day. The incredible Cistercian Abbey dates from the 12th century, and is not to be missed. Lying alongside it are a medieval deer park, a Jacobean Hall, and a Victorian Church, not to mention the 18th Century Water Garden, decorated with Neo-classical statues. A visit to Fountains Abbey provides a truly rich experience, filled with history and beauty.
Camp at: Woodhouse Farm
Explore the Yorkshire Dales from the family owned Woodhouse Farm, offering extensive facilities including a restaurant serving locally sourced produce and a shop. In addition there are two fishing lakes, cycle tracks and children’s play forts. There’s plenty to do both on the campsite and nearby, or you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the countryside. Prices start from £16 per pitch (four adults, electricity included).
Find Russ on Google+
Oldbury is a well-equipped campsite just off the M25/M26 intersection but don’t worry, once you’re there you’d never know. It sits on the hill of a former Iron Age fort, accessible by two circular walks in the midst of mature woodland, with the Crown Point Inn just half a mile away. There’s a lot to see and do nearby, from Sevenoaks shopping centre and leisure facilities to the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, so the whole family will be kept entertained. Prices start from £21.15 for a pitch (two adults, electricity included).
Fountains Abbey
Ripon, North Yorkshire
Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire offers a rare opportunity to experience over 900 years of England’s heritage in a day. The incredible Cistercian Abbey dates from the 12th century, and is not to be missed. Lying alongside it are a medieval deer park, a Jacobean Hall, and a Victorian Church, not to mention the 18th Century Water Garden, decorated with Neo-classical statues. A visit to Fountains Abbey provides a truly rich experience, filled with history and beauty.
Camp at: Woodhouse Farm
Explore the Yorkshire Dales from the family owned Woodhouse Farm, offering extensive facilities including a restaurant serving locally sourced produce and a shop. In addition there are two fishing lakes, cycle tracks and children’s play forts. There’s plenty to do both on the campsite and nearby, or you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the countryside. Prices start from £16 per pitch (four adults, electricity included).
Find Russ on Google+
Recent Updates
Caravan showers: all you need to know
In this guide, we’ll discuss the different types of showers, how they work, and how to fit an external shower point to your caravan ...
Caravan towing: all you need to know
Towing a caravan may seem daunting initially, but a few simple tips can make the journey enjoyable and ...
All you need to know about towbars & towballs
Flange, detachable, swan neck, retractable – towbar technology choice is bewildering. Don’t worry. We’ll ...
Caravan WiFi: everything you need to know
Caravan holidays are the ultimate way of getting away from it all, although we sometimes need a link to the ...
Caravan insurance: all you need to know
Navigating the world of caravan insurance can feel like a daunting task. Fear not, as this comprehensive ...
Buying a caravan: what you need to know
Let us guide you through some of the complicated things to think about when first looking at buying a ...
Caravan awnings: a buyers' guide
Caravan awnings are a fantastic addition to any caravan as they are one of the simplest, quickest and most ...
Caravan electrics: avoid tripping out
All caravan owners have overloaded their mains supply at some time. Here’s how to master caravan electrics ...
Caravan heating systems: a quick guide to caravanning warmth
When winter is here, you’ll be glad of a decent caravan heating system if you’re out touring. Here’s how the ...
Caravan damp: a complete guide
There's little more guaranteed to strike fear into the heart of a caravan owner than the word 'damp'. But if ...
Other Articles
Caravan jockey wheels: the definitive guide
A well-functioning caravan jockey wheel can make all the difference to manoeuvring away from the towcar, especially if you don't have a caravan mover ...
Caravan cooking recipes
Caravan cookery inspirational ideas. No need to stress out in the kitchen with these quick and easy ...
Caravan bike racks: a complete guide
Exploring the beautiful surroundings while on a caravan trip is undeniably one of the greatest joys of the ...
A guide to solar power in your caravan
Not that many years ago, mains electrical hook-up on campsites was considered a bit of a luxury, and, for ...
The ultimate guide to caravan layouts
Choosing the right layout or floorplan of your caravan is an all-important part of the buying process – find ...
A guide to seasonal caravan pitches
Our in-depth guide to finding and securing seasonal caravan pitches on your favourite campsite ...
Caravan weights and payloads: a quick guide
The terminology of caravan weight – MIRO, MTPLM, noseweight, kerbweight, payload, weight plate upgrade – is ...
The ultimate guide to caravan motor movers
Caravan motor movers: everything you need to know about remote control caravan manoeuvring ...
Caravan cleaning: All you need to know
Whether you’re taking the caravan out for the first time or it’s just in need of a spruce up, our guide will ...
18 essential items for camping with your dog
Camping is for the whole family – including our four-legged members. Here's what you'll need to keep your dog ...