The top 5 coastal campsites for motorhomes

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From secluded coves and clifftop views, to bustling seaside resorts, here's our pick of the top coastal campsites.

For secluded beaches - Campsites in Northumberland

Dunstan Hill Camping & Caravanning Club Site, Northumberland

Dunstan Hill, Dunstan, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 3TQ
Tel: 01665-576310 Web: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
Open: 21 March - 4 November

Embleton Bay is a vast sandy beach backed by dunes. A unique feature is the 40 wooden beach bungalows from the 1930s sitting among the dunes. The sands of the bay lead all the way along the coast to the well-known Dunstanburgh Castle. Access to the bay is quite restricted and it is this that keeps the beach from being over-visited. Best access is from Low Newton-by-the-Sea, where The Ship Inn, which serves good food, can be found. There’s plenty of space to park and you can walk down to the beach from here. Dunstan Hill is 3.6 miles from Low Newton and has all the usual C&CC site facilities.

For four-legged friends - Campsites in Norfolk

Pinewoods Holiday Park, Norfolk

Beach Road, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk NR23 1DR
Tel: 01328-710439 Web: www.pinewoods.co.uk
Open: 15 March - 2 November

The coastline between Wells and Holkham is a massive stretch of sand backed by pinewoods. At low tide, large pools of water remain which are perfect if your dog likes to swim. Dogs are not allowed on the first 200 yards of the main Wells beach but are permitted from any of the Pinewoods entrances. A great circular walk starts by accessing the beach to the left of the café in the main beach car park and walking two-and-a-half miles to Holkham, returning through the woods. Or, there’s plenty of motorhome parking at Lady Ann’s Road in Holkham. The Victoria Hotel at the top of this road welcomes dogs.

For all the fun of a traditional seaside resort - Campsites in Lancashire

Blackpool South Caravan Club Site, Lancashire

Cropper Road, Marton, Blackpool, Lancashire FY4 5LB
Tel: 01253-762051 Web: www.caravanclub.co.uk
Open: 15 March - 4 November

Blackpool’s Central Beach is a hive of activity, with a busy promenade. The beach is sandy and, thanks to new Spanish-style steps running along the coastline, access is easy. The beach has deckchair hire, donkey rides and ice cream kiosks dotted along its length. There’s a Sea Life centre on the promenade and the famous illuminations (run from 30 Aug to 10 Nov, 2013). Buses to Blackpool run from Tesco Retail Park which is a 20-minute walk from the Club site. Blackpool South has part hardstanding pitches, and the usual Club-standard facilities. Please note that this site is members only.

For stunning coastal views

Salthill Caravan Park, Galway

Salthill, Galway, Ireland
Tel: 00353-91-523972 Web: www.salthillcaravanpark.com Open: 22 March - 29 September

You can’t get a campsite with much better coastal views than this, which is bordered on three sides by a bay. Salthill’s pitches now include fully-serviced hardstanding motorhome bays with views of Galway Bay, which are new this year. From the park, there’s a coastal pathway that leads to Salthill town and on to Galway city, and a bus service passes the campsite gate every 30 minutes. A hotel and pub are located 200m away and a shop is only two minutes’ walk. The campsite benefits from a games room, playground, laundry and toilet/shower facilities.

For stepping straight onto the sand - Campsites in Cornwall

Pentewan Sands, Cornwall

Pentewan, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 6BT
Tel: 01726-843485 Web: www.pentewansands.com
Open: 1 March - 2 November

It’s all about location here. Pentewan sits on a half-mile stretch of glorious coast in Mevagissey Bay. The beach is literally on your doorstep, spacious and, best of all, beautifully sandy. A number of premium campsite pitches are located a few feet from the beach and have stunning views (these get snapped up quickly though, so advance booking is advised). Pentewan has everything you could need on-site so you never have to leave that gorgeous beach. There are two pools, a supermarket, bar and restaurant, and even a beach bistro. The site also has its own watersports and sailing centre nearby.

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