Brits planning camping holidays may want to head to Bristol, where you can find pitches from £4.50 a night per person, according to a new study. After a miserable July dominated by wind and rain, the news that sunshine and warmth is around the corner in the UK is welcome.
The better weather that's to come, along with the fact that inflation has pushed the price of breaks in hotspots such as Spain and Turkey up 20% in a year, means a camping holiday may be the perfect, cheap way to get away.
While you might have thought that borrowing a bit of field for a couple of days wouldn't be that expensive, often a pitch can cost well in excess of £30 for a single tent. Outdoor accommodation specialist Pitchup.com has dug into its booking data to find the areas in the UK which have the cheapest average costs for a night's sleep, so you can avoid getting stung.
If you are looking to head to a specific part of the country and then travel around visiting a number of different spots, then the breakdown could be a useful guide. If you're hoping to visit just one, then cheap individual sites can be found on the website.
Greater Bristol
Greater Bristol has taken the crown for the most affordable camping destination in the UK. The average Pitchup.com price for the perfect pitch for two adults is just £11.32.
You can book stays in terrifying pods that hang off the edge of a cliff in PeruThis includes the likes of their picturesque Dagger Wood Campsite, a 34-acre park on a family farm in Clutton, just outside of Bristol. When you book a space here, 10% of the proceeds go to the Woodland Trust, helping to combat climate change and plant over 30,000 trees annually. Those staying here can enjoy the lush green surroundings from seating areas or fire pits, food foraging workshops and fitness bootcamp activities. Prices start from just £9 for two adults for one night. Find out more and book here.
Orkney Islands
Tucked away in the northeastern coast of Scotland, the Orkney Islands has some fascinating attractions that will captivate the whole family. With Pitchup.com prices averaging at just £14.26 per night for two adults, the location offers budget-friendly bliss. Embrace an eco-friendly haven at Wheems Organic Farm Bothy and Campsite, nestled on South Ronaldsay in Orkney, just a short five-minute drive from St. Margaret's Hope.
It is a site that’s also big on eco-friendly travel and upcycling – there’s a bike shed for passing cyclists and meals can be prepped in the covered campers’ kitchen. Their honesty shop offers delightful organic produce, including fresh eggs and vegetables, and guests are welcome to pick herbs and salad leaves from the garden. Prices start at £15 for two adults for one night. Find out more and book here.
Caithness
As the third cheapest destination to explore in the UK Caithness boasts a perfect blend of affordability and adventure, making it an irresistible choice for budget-conscious travellers. From its rugged coastlines to ancient castles and mystical moors, the Scottish region offers an unparalleled experience, with the average pitch costing £18.67 per night for two adults.
The splendid Wick River Campsite, offers pitches in a quiet location right on the banks of the Wick River and only a 10-minute walk from the various shops, pubs and takeaways of Wick. This setting also gives travellers the opportunity to board wildlife-spotting boats, sample the delights of the Pulteney Distillery or take a bracing dip in the outdoor tidal pool. Prices start from £14 for two adults, for one night. Find out more and book here.
Worcestershire
Located in the heart of England, Worcestershire stands as the fourth cheapest destination to explore in the UK, welcoming people with its alluring countryside, historic landmarks, and cultural offerings. The average Pitchup.com price is just £19 per night for two adults.
This includes campsites such as the incredible Lickhill Manor Caravan Park, nestled in 65 acres around a seventeenth-century manor, this charming camping spot is a short riverside stroll from Worcestershire’s canal town of Stourport-on-Severn. Prices start at £19 for two adults for one night. Find out more and book here.
South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire is a beautiful destination with lots to offer – perfect for a family trip. Packed with stunning landscapes, and thriving communities, Yorkshire also has an array of heritage sites to discover. The average Pitchup.com price for a pitch in South Yorkshire is £19.32 per night for two adults.
If you're planning to venture into the countryside for relaxing walks or cycling along peaceful lanes, South Yorkshire's Broad Close Farm, is the perfect place to stay on a budget. Located just outside the village of Silkstone, you’ll be able to stroll (or pedal) straight out into woodlands or onto rural pathways. Prices start from £18 one night for two adults. Find out more and book here.