From humble beginnings in the post-war years to all-inclusive and all-out family holidays, we've continued to enjoy our sunny beaches, brisk dips in the sea, ice creams, painful clamberings over pebbles, sandy sandwiches and many a happy memory along the 11,000 miles of British coastline.
With many people choosing to stay closer to home for their holidays, there has never been a better time to plan a staycation near the beach. So why not pack your camping gear, grab the sun cream and a bucket and spade and head to the beach for a Great British seaside camping holiday!
The UK is home to a host of beautiful coastal towns and villages to visit, and with so much shoreline to choose from, everyone is sure to find their perfect pitch. Whether your ideal holiday is a sunny spot on the sand with the children building sandcastles and splashing in the sea, a blustery walk along a scenic coastline, or a family holiday exploring rock pools and enjoying the best that traditional seaside entertainment has to offer, Britain has it all - well nearly!
Here are just a few of the stunning seaside spots you can visit when you go seaside camping in the UK.
South West England has some of the best beaches on offer, and with miles of beautiful coastline stretching out across the country, it is easy to see why people flock to this charming area year after year for their holidays. When it comes to a staycation in Devon or Cornwall, you'll be spoilt for choice - there is something for everyone.
The South West coastline is famous for more than its beauty. It has such a diverse range of striking scenery that ranges from rugged cliffs (perfect for hiking and taking in the scenery) to sandy or pebble beaches situated in sunny bays that capture the sun for lazy days on the beach.
If it's outdoor sports and activities that you're looking for, then it is hard to find a better place. The rural locations are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and more! For those who love to surf the area is well known for being among the best surfing spots in the UK with people flocking to beaches in Croyde and Bude to learn how to surf.
Filled with bustling working ports, sandy beaches and family fun you would expect from a seaside resort, the coastlines of the South East encapsulate a traditional seaside holiday perfectly. You can take a trip to the traditional seaside towns of Southend or Margate where you can sample the best in family fun, browse the eateries and quirky shops of the charming town of Whitstable or take in the sight of the iconic white cliffs of Dover.
No trip to the seaside would be complete without some good old-fashioned fish and chips or seafood, and the South East coast is the perfect place to go for some of the best seafood this country has to offer.
So whether you are planning a trip to Brighton for its sandy shores, sunny days and fantastic nightlife or looking for a more sedate trip where you can kick back and relax as you enjoy your time on the beach, there is a campsite in the South East waiting for you.
There is no doubt about it; Wales has such a diverse range of sights and scenery. You can spend your summer holidays in Wales for years to come and still never manage to see and experience it all.
In South Wales, places like Tenby and Barry Island are well known for offering fabulous holiday experiences in beautiful locations. But, you also have the option to seek out the quieter spots where you can rest, explore and make the most of a relaxing break.
The North Wales coast has been the place to go for many a holidaymaker for years. With great family orientated attractions, a fabulous mix of sandy and pebble beaches and some beautiful hidden natural coves to enjoy, its easy to see why. Perhaps consider a visit to the colourful, Italian-style resort of Portmeirion.
Scotland may not always be the obvious choice when it comes to choosing a beach camping holiday in the UK, but for a peaceful walking holiday or a relaxing break away from it all, Scotland makes a great choice.
The waters around Scotland are peppered with islands that surround mainland Scotland with its rugged scenery, beautiful lochs and historic towns and cities and some of the most exquisite natural beaches you can find. Once visited, you will never forget the stunning beauty of this area and many fall in love with all that Scotland has to offer.
If its sandy beaches that stretch for miles that you're looking for then Scotland's coastline has got you covered with beaches like the iconic St Andrews West Sands Beach or Balnakeil Beach. If striking coastlines with rocky landscapes that are perfect for hiking and exploring are more your style then take a trip to The Isle of Mull which is known for its interesting geology. For more information on some of Scotlands best beaches take a look at Visit Scotland. The tourist board website is packed with information and ideas for your holiday.
With famous beaches such as Whitby and Scarborough, there is always something to see and do. Scarborough even has the claim to fame of being the first British seaside resort.
Of course, the North of England has far more to offer than arcades and amusements. If you are looking for a beach holiday that is a little less traditional, why not visit the quieter sandy white beaches of Northumbria - perfect for appreciating the natural beauty that these coastlines have to offer.
The Northern England coastline has so much to offer; whether that's a traditional trip to the seaside or a relaxing trip to appreciate the beautiful natural world, then you can find the best campsite for you. For campsites in the North West, look for Blackpool, Southport and the surrounding areas. Or head to Yorkshire for a great mix of traditional seaside experiences and stunning scenery.
We are lucky to have such a fantastic coastline, and we are never far away from a beautiful beach or a seaside resort to make the most of a camping staycation. With so many people choosing to spend more time locally, there has never been a better time to plan your next camping trip.
When planning your staycation make a list of the things that are most important to you on holiday and then pick an area you want to visit. Then you can narrow down the campsites available using our online search tool. Don't forget to check the guidelines and rules of nearby beaches for things like whether they are dog friendly during the time you plan to go on holiday.
Then book, pack and head out on your seaside holiday where you will make memories to last a lifetime while taking a well deserved and relaxing break.
Included in our guides:
2023
Ladram Bay is a complete holiday village with 755 units, including many lodges and holiday homes for hire, and it even has its own beach...
Beverley Park is an amazing holiday centre catering for every need. It has been developed and run by the Jeavons family for over 50 years...
Included in our guides:
2020
Trevornick, once a working farm, is a busy and well run family touring park providing an extensive range of amenities, close to one of Cornwall’s...
Included in our guides:
2023, 2019, 2018
Caerfai Bay Caravan & Tent Park is about as far west as one can get in Wales. Located near St Davids, Britain’s smallest city, noted...
Included in our guides:
2022
Cayton Village Caravan and Motorhome Club Site is just three miles from the hustle and bustle of Scarborough, it is a peaceful, attractive haven. Originally...
The Alan Rogers Team
Content Writers
Every year our team of expert assessors visit hundreds of campsites throughout Europe, in search of the best.
Alan Rogers started with the specific aim of providing people with the necessary information to make an informed decision about their holiday destination. Today we still do that.
The information we provide now takes many forms, not just printed guides. One element that has not changed is our expertise.
