Britain's best camping spots

<p><strong>Best for: A brilliant base</strong></p> <p>An ideal base to explore the Peak District, Upper Booth Campsite is situated on a working hill farm on the National Trust&rsquo;s High Peak Estate in the heart of the national park. Excellent for walkers, there are both places for leisurely strolls or more challenging routes available, with campers also being able find out more about the sustainable land management of the farm from the Helliwell family. Nearby, visitors can find the Longshaw Estate, offering scenic views of the Derwent Valley and Peak District and the beautiful house and parkland of Lyme Park, filled with fascinating stories from the past.</p>

<p><strong>Best for: Beaches</strong></p> <p>Set on the National Trust&rsquo;s Golden Cap Estate within 200 yards of the beach, Downhouse Farm is part of England&rsquo;s first natural World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coastline. Stretching from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland in Dorset, the coastline traces almost 185 million years of the earth's history. Discover rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods, rich with fossils, offering kids and adults the chance to walk back in time and see what exciting objects they can discover. Nearby attractions include Brownsea Island and Corfe Castle. Located in Poole Harbour, Brownsea has some of the rarest wildlife in England and at Corfe Castle, there&rsquo;s the chance to explore over 1,000 years of history that includes the Civil War, torture, and treachery.</p>

<p><strong>Best for: Family adventure</strong></p> <p>This magical woodland holiday park is great for families, with pitches for 50 touring caravans, three motor homes and 10 tents, plus there&rsquo;s a small shop and play area on site. With this being an ideal place to discover the Priory, its beautiful grounds and over 300 acres of parkland, you&rsquo;ll be spoilt for choice for things to do here. Whether it be a lakeside walk, playing a game of croquet on the lawn or discovering the new children&rsquo;s adventure playground, the whole family will enjoy this camping holiday in Yorkshire.</p>

<p><strong>Best for: Walkers</strong></p> <p>Voted the nation&rsquo;s favourite in ITV&rsquo;s Britain&rsquo;s Favourite View, Wasdale campsite lies under England&rsquo;s highest mountain, Scafell Pike. It is located at the head of the beautiful Wastwater Lake, which is nearly three miles long and almost half a mile wide - making Wasdale one of the few campsites in the world that offers such a remote location for setting up camp. If you&rsquo;re looking to try something a bit different this year, why not try glamping out in one of the new camping pods? Locally sourced materials provide an attractive, dry and spacious camping area.</p>

<p><strong>Best for: Coastal calm</strong></p> <p>Perfect for beach lovers, the Highertown Farm campsite is a short walk from a secluded beach and set within a stunning coastal landscape that is a site of Special Scientific Interest. With newly installed solar water panels and composting toilets, Highertown is one of the National Trust&rsquo;s greenest campsites. Book lovers will particularly enjoy the scenery and may wish to take the Gribbin Head walk across the coast, which is famed for its association with Daphne du Maurier and the setting for many of her novels. The charming coastal villages and towns of Polperro, Fowey and Looe are also within reach.</p>

<p><strong>Best for: Dramatic scenery</strong></p> <p>With space for up to 30 caravans and plenty of room for tents too, Castle Ward in Northern Ireland has over 800 acres just waiting to be explored. Overlooking Strangford Lough, make time to marvel at the quirky mid-Georgian mansion, home of the Ward family since the 16th century. Discover the shores of the Strangford Lough, where the water is so clear that it&rsquo;s possible to spot a grey seal, or take in stunning viewpoints on a walk through the winding woodland and parkland with the family. There are brand new camping pods available, with sheep wool insulation and heating to keep things cosy and make any camping adventures that extra bit special.</p>

<p><strong>Best for: Nature lovers</strong></p> <p>Set in the attractive woodland of the Dolaucothi Estate in South Wales this twin-level site is right next to the River Cothi. Campers can get back to nature with the magical wildflowers and birds, including the rare Red Kite. The River Cothi is also one of the best spots in the world for sewin (sea trout) fishing, so don&rsquo;t forget to pack your rod. A visit to the nearby gold mines is another must-do. Guided tours reveal the complex of pits left by the Romans nearly 2000 years ago. The story of the mine is revealed in the main yard, where 1930s mining machinery and an exhibition bring the history of gold mining to life. To round off your day, you can try your own luck at gold panning.</p>

<p><strong>Best for: Hillside hideaway</strong></p> <p>Looking for camping without the crowds? This small campsite can be found at the foot of Leith Hill, the highest point in south-east England. Well worth the climb, the hill is crowned by an 18th-century gothic tower, with beautiful views north to London and south to the English Channel. A short distance away, there&rsquo;s a chance to experience the glamour of the Edwardian upper classes and life in the roaring twenties. Home to Mrs Ronald Greville, Polesden Lacey is complete with all the objects from her celebrated house parties. The grounds include a croquet lawn that can still be played on today and beautiful gardens.</p>

<p><strong>Best for: Wildlife wonders</strong></p> <p>Nestling on the banks of the River Ouse overlooking the last working mill on this river, Houghton Mill offers a great place to pitch up your tent. A delightful spot for wildlife enthusiasts, the meadows around the mill are home to many plants and animals. The undergrowth provides cover for mice and voles, while dragonflies and butterflies will dart about in the tall grasses, and near the riverside you might even be lucky enough to spot the unusual Banded Demoiselle. No stay is complete without a trip to the famous Mill which even featured in Chaucer&rsquo;s Canterbury Tales. Set over five storeys, it includes plenty of hands-on exhibits for all the family and you can buy wheat which is still ground on Sundays and Bank Holidays.</p>

<p><strong>Best for: Glamping</strong></p> <p>Want a camping experience that's a little more luxurious and comfortable? Great Langdale and Low Wray's National Trust campsites now offer luxury Mongolian yurts for glamorous campers. The yurts provide the perfect combination of back to nature living without losing the usual luxuries you would wish for on holiday. Expect comfy futon-style beds, warm duvets, cosy wood burning stoves, solar lighting and twinkling fairy lights for a wonderful glamping holiday. Families, friends, romantics and adventurers will love exploring the Lake District while staying in the unique tents. Book with <a href="http://www.luxury-yurt-holidays.co.uk/" target="_blank">Long Valley</a> or stay in a yurt or gypsy caravan with <a href="http://www.wildinstyle.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wild in Style</a>.</p>