UK Family-Friendly Campsites
Not all campsites are created equal for families. Here are the best UK campsites for van life with children.
Top Picks
- Hillend Campsite (Dorset): Adjacent to a massive adventure playground. Indoor and outdoor play. Own beach access. £25-35/night.
- Tregoad Holiday Park (Cornwall): Heated pool, play barn, bike hire. Close to Looe and Polperro. £20-30/night.
- Lyme Regis Camping (Devon): Great facilities. Heated pool. Games room. Adjacent to the town. £22-32/night.
- Pete's Eats (Lake District): Family-run. Large play field. Games room. Within walking distance of excellent walks. £20-28/night.
- Three Cliffs Bay (Gower): Beach access. Seaside setting. Good facilities. £22-30/night.
What to Look For
- Heated swimming pool (essential for UK summer)
- Indoor play area (essential for rainy days)
- Kids' entertainment (some sites have clubs and activities)
- Fenced play areas (so you can relax while they play)
- Family shower rooms (life-changing with small children)
Booking Tips
Book school holiday weeks 6-12 months ahead. Family-friendly sites fill up fast. CAMC and C&CC club sites are reliably good for families.
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UK Van Life Context
Van life in the UK has specific characteristics:
- Weather: Plan for rain, wind, and cold
- Campsites: Excellent network of facilities
- Roads: A-roads and B-roads are great for touring
- Regulations: Different rules in England, Scotland, Wales
- Seasons: Summer is peak, winter is quiet but cold
Best UK Locations
For this topic, we recommend:
- Lake District: Beautiful scenery, good facilities
- Cornwall: Coastal routes, mild weather
- Scotland: Remote wild camping, stunning landscapes
- Peak District: Central, accessible, varied terrain
- Wales: Affordable, uncrowded, mountainous
Practical Tips for UK Van Lifer
- Parking: Use apps like Park4Night and SearchForCamp
- Supplies: Stock up at supermarkets before remote areas
- Connectivity: Check coverage maps before heading out
- Safety: Tell someone your plans when wild camping
- Community: Join local van life meetups
Costs in the UK
Typical monthly costs:
- Campsite fees: £10-25/night
- Fuel: £200-400/month
- Food: £200-400/month
- Insurance: £50-100/month
- Maintenance: £100/month
UK Regulations
Be aware of:
- Speed limits (varies by vehicle class)
- Parking restrictions
- Wild camping laws (legal in Scotland, restricted elsewhere)
- Environmental protection areas
- Road tax and MOT requirements
Route Planning Tips
- Use OS Maps for detailed UK mapping
- Download offline maps before heading out
- Check road conditions and closures
- Plan fuel stops in remote areas
- Book campsites in advance during summer
- Have a backup plan for bad weather
