There is nothing like a camping trip to bring the family closer together, so try one of these 10 fabulous locations
1. Ruthern Valley, Cornwall
Close to Bodmin Moor, this secluded little camp is an idyllic escape for all the family. There are woods for making dens, beaches for building sandcastles, pigs and chickens to feed, and bikes that you can hire to ride along a nearby track. Tel: 01208 831395 or visit www.ruthernvalley.com
2. Burrowhayes Farm, Somerset
Located on a small farm, the camping field here stretches from behind the stables to the woods. There are horses and ponies, and escorted rides into Exmoor can be arranged for both children and adults. Tel: 01643 862463 or visit www.burrowhayes.co.uk
3. Safari Tented Lodges, Gloucestershire
Set in a wooded glade overlooking
the sea, book the whole site for a group holiday, or hire tents individually. The tents have wooden beds, mattresses, bedlinen
and barbecues. There are shared cooking areas as well as toilets and safari-style shower tents. Tel: 07985 169101 or visit www.tentedlodges.co.uk
4. Talton Lodge, Warwickshire
This campsite is in a Victorian walled garden with veggie patches, chicken coops, an orchard – even a babbling brook. The garden is a delight for children to run around in and there is a luxury tipi and
a luxury yurt to hire, as well as additional tipis for living and cooking in, plus a farm shop just up the lane. Tel: 07962 273417 or visit www.taltonlodge.co.uk
5. Rukin’s Park Lodge, North Yorkshire
With a glorious river and waterfall, this site will be heaven for children. Whether it is paddling in the rock pools, taking picnics amongst the fells or toasting marshmallows on wood fires by the river bank, this is an idyllic spot for all the family. Tel: 01748 886274; or visit www.rukins-keld.co.uk
6. Yurts, Lake District
In the heart of
the Lake District, Long Valley Yurts combine back-to-nature living with luxuries such as comfortable beds, and cosy wood burning stoves. Overlooked by the Langdale Pikes, this site is a spectacular location. Or you can try the smaller, but still wonderful, The Lovely Yurt Company, which is set
in 20 acres of private, ancient woodland overlooking Lake Windermere. Long
Valley Yurts, tel: 01539 731089; The Lovely Yurt Company, tel: 07811 224698 or visit
www.lakedistrictcamping.co.uk
7. Fisherground Campsite, Cumbria
This is a children’s paradise, with rafts on the pond, a treehouse and an adventure course. The laundry has a washing machine, three tumble driers and an ironing board (with an iron!). There is even a boot drier
if your children love playing outside, no matter the weather. Tel: 01946 723349 or visit www.fishergroundcampsite.co.uk
8. Yellow Wood Bush Camp, Powys
This is how camping should be. There are five acres of ancient woodland where
the owner, bush-camping specialist Paul, runs bushcraft courses; you can learn how to identify edible plants and light fires without matches. Tel: 07800 767519 or
visit www.bushcraftadventures.com
9. Gwern Gôf Isaf Farm, Snowdonia
Set in the heart of the mountains, and located on a traditional hill-farm close to the base of the well-known peak of Tryfan, this camp is ideally situated for exploring the surrounding peaks of the Glyders and the Carneddau. Tel: 01690 720276 or visit www.gwerngofisaf.co.uk
10. Lazy Duck Hostel, Inverness-shire
Claiming to be one of Scotland’s smallest camping zones, you will be guaranteed quiet here. There are ducks and geese, as well as a forest to explore and a wood-burning stove for cooking. Nearby, you can go sailing (or just paddling), try horse riding or even a spot of archery.
Tel: 01479 821642 or visit www.lazyduck.co.uk
