You can go on full two week holidays where you relax and explore to your heart's content day after day. But, you can also choose to have lots of shorter trips where you get away for a few days or even the weekend. This is the beauty of camping. Once you have your gear, you can holiday as many times as you like.
A weekend camping trip is a perfect way to relax and recuperate after a long week. You could take your family for a short holiday, or you could go by yourself, taking some much needed time to relax and recharge your batteries.
When planning a short weekend camping holiday, you don't want to go too far. Luckily, there are lots of options for wonderful camping trips right here in England. Here are some areas you can visit for a lovely weekend camping trip in England.
Fishing port of Polperro, Cornwall
The Captivating Cornish Coast
The coastline of Cornwall has been dubbed the Cornish Riviera for good reason. These long stretches of sandy beaches are sheltered spots which makes them the perfect suntrap even in the UK with our changeable weather and what seems like a constant threat of rain.
Cornwall is known for many other things in addition to its sublime coastline. This has been the tourist destination of choice for many years for lots of people. There is a lot to see and do, and no matter your interest there, Cornwall has something to offer. There are plenty of outdoor pursuits and walking opportunities. If you fancy a day trip or two, then you can visit castles, historic landmarks and more.
Take a look at these campsites in Cornwall when you are planning your next weekend camping trip.
Trevedra Farm Caravan and Camping Site
▲ Trevedra Farm Caravan and Camping Site
You can't get much further south than Lands End and Trevedra Farm Caravan and Camping Site is situated close by with beautiful views of the dramatic coastline. You can even see as far as the isles of Scilly! The campsite is a family labour of love and has been run by the same family since the 1930s. You can choose between touring caravan and tent pitches for your weekend break.
Ilfracombe is a fantastic place to visit and has everything you could need for a weekend camping trip. There are beaches, beautiful towns and villages and even the occasional tourist hotspot or two. If you fancy a trip here, then take a look at Hele Valley Holiday Park. This park is located in a secluded wooded valley and is only a mile away from a beautiful beach containing plenty of caves, including a genuine smugglers cave. The park itself has a bar, shop, pool and takeaway food available. What more could you want for a weekend camping trip!
Minehead is one of the must-visit places on the North Somerset coast. The sandy beach stretches for miles, and the town is perfect for a relaxing meal and some souvenir shopping. If you fancy a walk, it is also close to the Quantock hills or out onto Exmoor. Or, you can head up the steep North Hill that overlooks Minehead and is popular with walkers and families. The Minehead Camping and Caravanning Club Site is situated only a mile and a half from Minehead, and there is plenty on offer onsite and nearby.
The stunning Lake District is one of the more popular destinations in England for short breaks and longer holidays. There is so much to see and do. If you want a weekend break where you relax and recuperate, we can think of no better place. The Lake District is one of the more beautiful parts of the country, with tranquil lakes and a stunning backdrop of lush green hills to add to the impressive landscape.
The Lake District is popular for hobbyists too. Almost any outdoor hobby or activity you can think of is available to take part in here. You can fish, sail, kayak, cycle, walk or even swing from the trees at an adventure park! This is a place where the more active can really enjoy themselves and get back to nature whilst challenging themselves to do something new.
If you want a more sedate weekend break, then don't worry, you don't have to take your mountain bike or exercise clothes! You can go for a lovely stroll through beautiful scenery or visit one of the historic houses or sites in the area too.
Take a look at these fantastic camping options, or choose one for yourself here.
Coniston Park Coppice Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
▲ Coniston Park Coppice Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
Coniston Water is just one of the beautiful lakes in this region. This is the perfect location if you want to try your hand at boating. You can hire a motorboat or rowing boat and head out onto the lake. Coniston Park Coppice is a stone's throw away from Coniston Water and the perfect base for a weekend camping retreat. You don't even have to go far to experience adventure! The park has a mini adventure playground for children, and in the local area, you can go rock climbing, cycling or walking. This is primarily a touring caravan site, but there are a couple of tent pitches you can book too; just make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Skelwith Fold Caravan Park is wonderfully situated within the mature grounds of a country estate. The natural wood and shrubbed area offer a natural feel where you will feel at home alongside the abundant wildlife in the area. This is a touring caravan and privately owned static holiday park that is perfect for families. Your children can explore the nine acres of woodland and then play in the onsite play area. Other facilities include an onsite bar, shop and takeaway food options.
▲ Braithwaite Village Camping and Caravanning Site
Braithwaite Village Camping and Caravanning Site is located deep in the heart of the Lake District National Park, near Keswick, a delightful market town. The caravan park is situated between Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake, offering wonderful outdoor pursuits opportunities. The caravan park has 150 touring pitches and a few tent pitches you can book. Whilst there you can make the most of the outstanding facilities, including a play area, bar, and the ability to go for a swim in the lake.
The rolling hills of The Cotswolds offer a unique look into life in the heart of England. This area is much larger than you might think and covers almost 800 square miles. This contains five separate counties, so you are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a location for a holiday. This is an area that is full of quintessentially English villages and towns to explore.
If you are looking for what to do, you are spoilt for choice. The beautiful rolling hillsides offer some fantastic walking and cycling opportunities. You could even opt for something a little more exciting and go mountain biking, hire a canal boat or go on a horse trekking excursion. There are lots of museums and theme park attractions on offer for family activities, or you could take in a little history and visit one of the many castles and historic houses available.
Take a look at these campsites available in the area or take a look at all of the campsite and caravan park options available online here.
Bourton-on-the-Water Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
▲ Bourton-on-the-Water Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
Situated high up in The Cotswolds, you can find the magical location of Bourton-on-the-Water Caravan and Motorhome Club Site. This caravan park is lucky enough to be located within an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is nestled within beautiful and tranquil scenery and is perfect for a short weekend break. There are touring caravan pitches available, and this is the ideal place for a quiet stay away from all the trappings of a busy life. There are not many busy facilities to worry about; instead, you can enjoy a bbq and relax in nature.
▲ Cirencester Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
Cirencester Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site is situated within the Grade I listed parkland of the Bathurst estate, making it a truly beautiful and exciting place to visit. This is an area that is wonderful for walks that are right on the doorstep of your caravan or motorhome. So, if you want to relax at your caravan, you can! However, if you fancy a trip out to somewhere a little busier, then the historic market town of Cirencester is close by. This gives you plenty of opportunities for things to do for the whole family. The caravan park boasts great facilities including a play area, swimming pool and a handy shop.
The Cotswolds has much to offer, and you can access as much as you want if you stay at the Chipping Norton Camping and Caravanning Club Site. This provides the perfect base for exploring all the pretty towns, villages and stunning scenery of The Cotswolds. This is a difficult to spot caravan park which is off the beaten track, but for a weekend relaxing camping trip, this seems perfect! If you want to travel to some nearby beauty spots, you are spoilt for choice with Stow on the Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water and Batsford all being nearby. This is another reasonably quiet caravan site focusing on a few well-maintained facilities rather than being a bustling caravan park with lots of attractions. For a calm and relaxing break, we can't think of anything better!
Get the market-leading campsite guide Visit our shop
For the latest advice and top tips for travelling Visit our Travel Advice Hub
Author
Peter Stannett
Content Writer
Peter is a key part of our creative team; he's a multifaceted individual with a deep love for cooking, travel, and music.
While he does a stellar job of keeping our content fresh, focusing on SEO and monitoring website traffic, his heart truly belongs to the world of culinary delights, exploration, and his guitar.
You don't have to go far to have a great holiday. There are lots of great holiday experiences to have right here in England. Choosing a camping staycation is becoming more and more popular, and it is easy to see why.