Latest news with #Pitchup
The Sun
24-05-2025
- The Sun
Tiny campsite on the edge of a National Park named the best value in the UK
THE UK's best value campsite sits on the edge of a National Park and even has a river running through it. Caldbeck Camping on the outskirts of the Lake District National Park, scored full marks as the best campsite in the UK. 6 6 looked at individual reviews, judging the value largely on the quality and cleanliness of on-site facilities, as well as location. The site has simple facilities including a hot water supply to showers, clean toilets and a sink area. Guests have previously commended the site for the picturesque river that runs next to it and its proximity to a small village with shops and a welcoming pub. The campsite costs £9 per night per adult or £5 per night per child while an electric hookup is an additional £6 per night. The pitches are quite spacious and each benefit from their own picnic table. Some of the pitches are also large enough to accommodate bigger groups and there are quiet zones for those seeking some peace and quiet. Alternatively, there is also a bell tent available to stay in, for two people, from £65 per night. The tent has parking next to it and inside there is a double bed, private toilet and a secluded garden with a cooking area. The campsite is near the quaint village of Caldbeck which lies on the edge of the Lake District and is named after the river Cold Beck which runs through the village. The village has a strong industrial past and it has become well-known due to being the home of John Peel, the famous huntsman. Most beautiful British campsites Campers can head to the village or beyond and explore all that the Lake District National Park has to offer. One scenic part of the National Park nearby, is High Pike. High Pike is one of the most northerly of all the lakeland fells and is surrounded by wilderness. There are some paths to the top of the fell and evidence of mining in years gone by, is evident. 6 6 At the summit, rather unusually, there is a stone bench. On the way back from a hike up to High Pike, there is another small village near Caldbeck that people can visit. Hesket Newmarket, which is only 1.5 miles to the west of Caldbeck, also has a pub and a village store. The most popular campsites in the UK have also been named. Plus, the little-known tiny campsites that cost from just £2.50 a night. 6
Daily Record
24-04-2025
- Daily Record
Scottish wildlife centre crowned 'most child friendly' campsite this summer
Scotland's most child-friendly campsite has been named. The top prize went to a Perthshire wildlife cente. On April 23, shared its 20 top-rated campsites and glampsites for families across the UK and beyond. Pitchup is the biggest search and booking platform for outdoor accommodation around the world. According to the experts, the sites featured on the list are "tried, tested and confirmed as topping the ratings specifically for child-friendliness". The only Scotland site to feature in the top 20 is Auchingarrich Wildlife Park in Perthshire . Coming in at number 10 on the overall list, Auchingarrich Wildlife Park received a child-friendliness rating of 9.7 out of 10. The campsite is surrounded by habitats for meerkats, lemurs, goats, pigs, donkeys, and more. There is a wild- camping -style paddock set aside for guests, with views over the ponds and the surrounding Perthshire countryside. Visitors are able to buy tickets, giving them unlimited access to the main wildlife park during the day. In terms of things to, guests can pop in and meet the animals whenever they wish. There is also a soft play barn, an outdoor play area, mini golf, and ride-on tractors. The campsite features a café that is open throughout the day for mains, snacks, hot drinks, and sweet treats. There is a kids' menu on offer, as well and ice creams. Guests are also welcome to use the campsite's barbecue area for outdoor meals. Meanwhile, Comrie and Crieff are both about 10 minutes' drive away for supplies for self catering. Auchingarrich Wildlife Park has received very positive reviews from visitors. It has an overall rating of 9.6 out of 10 on One guest shared: "Camping was great, felt like was sleeping in with the animals because the campsite was close to the wildlife park! Loved hearing all the animal noises at night and in the morning. "Was different from camping in a proper campsite! Staff were great and helpful! "The wildlife park was great, loved seeing all the animals and some I hadn't seen before. Will defo be back camping or just for a visit to the park." A second posted: "We really enjoyed our stay here! The owners were incredibly kind and accommodating, and the park itself was lovely! "Animals to see and interact with at the organised times, and a lovely shop and cafe on site. We imagined it would be an incredible place to visit with children as there is lots to keep them entertained." Another wrote: "Amazing location with plenty outdoor activities for children. Great interactions with domestic and wild animals. "Beautiful surrounding with mountains and forest, much to explore." Elsewhere, topping overall list is Hill Farm Camping in Essex. Situated a mile from the village of Great Bardfield, the 18-acre site scored a perfect 10 for child-friendliness. See below for the full list of the top 20 child-friendly campsites. Further details can be found on the website .
Forbes
21-04-2025
- Forbes
What You Need To Know About Solo Camping, According To A Wilderness Expert
Woman resting laying on hammock at camping site Solo traveling has taken off in recent years, with more Americans than ever before considering taking a trip by themselves, according to Skyscanner statistics. While most people conjure up images of having a solo glass of wine in Paris or taking a singles cruise in the Caribbean, camping can be an even more transformative experience for solo travelers. 'The best part of solo camping is that you are fully in control of your itinerary,' explained Tom Pool, solo camping expert at Pitchup. 'Want to climb that hill in the distance? Want to cook a meal your usual campmates would turn their noses up at? Want to do absolutely nothing and sleep all day? Everything you do is completely up to you.' 'One memorable experience from a solo camping trip was waking up at the foot of Tryfan in Wales very early in the morning when I made a split-second decision to just get up & 'seize the day'. Moments later, I was hiking up the mountain, leading to a full day of adventuring and amazing sunrise views,' he added. 'Had I been with others, we would have had to make a group decision, and the adventure may have been different.' If you've been considering taking a solo trip this summer, it might be worth looking into a solo camping experience. Here's what you need to know in order to make the most of your solo camping trip: Having a restful solo camping trip doesn't just happen. You have to be in the right mindset and make proper plans in order to ensure you make the most of your time. Here's what Pool recommended: Plan ahead 'Practice setting up your tent by yourself ahead of time,' Pool suggested. 'It can be tricky without an extra set of hands, so make sure you're confident in your ability to build your shelter.' You're in charge of your own enjoyment Pool also pointed out that you are in charge of your own enjoyment. 'Bring a creative outlet, like a book, journal or musical instrument, for downtime after a day of exploring,' he suggested. 'Inspiration can strike anywhere!' Be social… if you want to be Don't be afraid to say hello to other campers or feel free to keep to yourself. 'Solo camping can be a great way to meet new people from all walks of life, but it's equally rewarding to embrace the peace and quiet,' he said. 'Ultimately, you define your own type of adventure.' Learn to read a physical map 'Learn to read a map in advance, especially if you're planning to go hiking, in case there is limited cell service,' Pool suggested. 'You are 100% responsible for your own safety, so it's crucial to be able to navigate in all situations.' Pool really urged would-be solo campers to understand that the most important rule of solo camping is preparation. 'You can't rely on anyone else to remember the essentials, from a flashlight to a lighter to make a campfire,' he said. If you've been thinking of planning your own solo camping trip, here are a few things that Pool urges potential solo campers to keep in mind: Not bringing a spare battery pack You might think you have enough juice to get you through—but you never know what can happen. Pool strongly suggested solo travelers bring an extra fully-charged battery pack, so at least two in total. Not creating a packing list in advance 'Don't leave packing until the night before (especially for your first solo trip),' he said. 'I'd recommend taking more than you need—it's always better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.' Not considering the season 'For packing, think about the season and what you actually need,' said Pool. 'For example, you probably won't need full waterproofs and jackets for a couple of days in France in high summer! The more experience you get, the more you'll be able to refine this list, and the quicker you'll be able to pack and have it down to a tee.' Relying only on credit card You might think you'll be fine with the gear you pack or with your credit card—but Pool suggested bringing extra cash and carrying it with you at all times. 'You never know when you may need cash for an emergency snack or a couple of coins for parking in case there is no phone signal,' he said.
The Guardian
05-04-2025
- The Guardian
20 of Europe's most beautifully located campsites
lists more than 5,500 campsites in 67 countries. One of the most scenic is the remote Šenkova Domačija farm near Zgornje Jezersko in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, close to the border with Austria. This heritage farmstead dates to 1517 and is surrounded by pastures and peaks. The farm has 25 pitches (including 10 for tents) in a meadow under old ash trees, plus a communal campfire and kitchen, a shop and restaurant serving breakfast and dinner. Campers can ride horses on short guided hacks or longer treks into the mountains, or tackle the trails on £16.93 for a tent and two adults, open 1 April-30 September, In north-central Bulgaria, Pitchup recommends Camping Veliko Tarnovo, a British-run site that has an outdoor pool on an elevated garden terrace overlooking miles of countryside. There are 30 pitches demarcated by trees and shrubs, equally divided between tents, caravans and motorhomes, plus a campers' kitchen and a coffee shop serving light snacks. The nearest village, Dragizhevo, is a 10-minute walk away for bars and shops, and the historic city of Veliko Tarnovo is a 20-minute drive. Campers can hike to nearby waterfalls, including Kapinovski falls, Hotnitsa falls and the series of Krushuna £14.68 for a tent and two adults, open 2 May-30 September, The small hilltop site of Etno Kuća pod Okićem is part of a farm dotted with fruit trees that sits under the ruined fortifications of the 13th-century town of Okić. The farm is on the edge of the Žumberak and Samobor mountains, about 45 minutes from Zagreb. There is a via ferrata climbing route close by, and the mountains are home to bears, wolves, spotted salamanders and goshawks. The family-friendly Pitchup site has a playground and football pitch, and the owners run guided excursions for £29.37 for a tent and two adults, open 1 April-31 October, James Warner Smith of Hipcamp, who is also the editor of the Cool Camping guidebooks, recommends Camping Menina in the upper Savinja valley, for its canoeing and rafting access. This is a big, family-run, riverside campsite surrounded by forest. The Savinja River feeds the camp's lake – there is swimming and paddleboarding on the lake and aquatrekking and bellyaking (kayaking on your belly) down the river. There is also an adrenaline park, sports park, a shop, a pancake house, restaurant and spa. Although there are 200 pitches, they are well spread €10 a pitch plus €12.50 adults, open year-round, Paul and Helen Webster, the authors of Wild Guide: French Alps, recommend Camping d'Alpage les Jorets in Savoie for its spectacular setting 1,740 metres above sea level. 'This friendly, rustic campsite is perched in an improbable position on a high meadow with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc,' they say. 'But be sure to drag yourself away from the view and explore the surrounding scenery on foot. The campsite is accessed by a steep unsurfaced track, forbidden to campervans and motorhomes (it is suitable for tents and small vans only). Many campers choose to walk in from the nearby Col de la Lézette (15 minutes).' There are two shower blocks with hot water and a refuge-type chalet for socialising. €10.20 for a pitch plus €7.60 adults, open 13 June-5 October, The Wild Swimming Spain guidebook focuses on the country's most beautiful rivers, lakes and waterfalls – and their nearest campsites. The authors, Lola Culsán and John Weller, recommend Camping La Serradora near the village of Peralejos de las Truchas, in rural Guadalajara. 'It is surrounded by enormous pine forests, with red cliffs nearby,' they say. 'There is an excellent restaurant and bar, while the village shop is a great source of information about local hiking.' And the swimming? 'The nearby Río Tajo was spring green, fresh and zingy. We were far, far from the madding crowd, immersed in the wild. We found a spot where it opened out and slipped into the pure, clear water.' Canyoning, river tubing and rafting are also on €22 for two adults, open April-October, While the majority of Huttopia's campsites are in France, it has a few scenic outposts. At Huttopia de Roos, campers can pitch their tents by the Overijsselse Vecht river – and dive straight in. A branch of the river, with no current, runs through the campsite, and there is a shallow area with a small sandy beach, so it is safe for children. There are pontoons in deeper areas for stronger swimmers to jump off, and the banks are dotted with sloes, hawthorns and oaks. Facilities include a cafe and bar, and there is kids' entertainment in the €20 a night for two, open 17 April-26 October, Mountain vistas of the Monti Sibillini national park provide a backdrop to Natura Camping in Le Marche (formerly Camping Ruffella Belvedere). 'This tents-only campsite has direct access to Lake Fiastra, perfect for swimming and kayaking,' says Michele Tameni, author of Wild Swimming Italy. 'The grassy beach area, with gentle inlets reaching into the lake, is fantastic. The genuinely welcoming owners and the easy-going vibe perfectly complement the wild beauty of the mountains, where hiking trails lead to waterfalls and ancient hermitages.' There is a bar serving food and barbecues for campers to €5 a tent plus €5pp, open after maintenance on 21 June (usually open 1 May) to 30 September, Ben Love, the author of Wild Guide: Scandinavia, has worked as a canoe guide in Iceland and Sweden. One of his favourite spots to pitch is the Þakgill campsite in south Iceland, which he describes as 'an amazing camping area in a flat valley bottom, surrounded by jagged rock slopes. You eat your meals in a cave fitted with a wood-burning stove, lit by wall-mounted candles.' Love adds that the campsite is protected from the wind, but basic cabins are also available to rent in wilder weather. The site is about 12 miles from Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland, and there are hiking routes for all £14 a night for over-11s, open until 30 September, For a beach break, Sam Firman and Nick Hooton, the authors of Wild Guide: Greece, suggest Camping Sofas, 12 miles from Parga in the region of Epirus in the north-west of the country. 'It is a charming, tranquil campsite with its own beach, a cool beach bar and delicious food served up by the delightful Eleni, Zacharias and family.' The site, which has been family-run since it opened in 1981, is set in a large olive grove. If campers tire of their own stretch of sand, there are several other beaches nearby, including picturesque Agia Paraskevi, which has an island within easy swimming €7.50 adults and from €3 for a tent, open late April to mid-November, 'Clifden Eco Camping in County Galway is among the dunes and inlets of Ireland's Atlantic coast and has its own private beach,' says Hipcamp's Warner Smith. The coastal campsite, which was the first certified climate-neutral accommodation in Ireland, offers a semi-wild experience, with spacious pitches, and the potential for spectacular sunsets and world-class stargazing. 'The area has some of the darkest skies in Europe,' says Warner Smith. There is a new beachfront sauna, and campers can hire bikes to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. The town of Clifden, Kylemore Abbey and Connemara national park are short drives €20 for a tent and one adult, €8 for each extra adult, open year-round, Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion Edwina Pitcher, the author of Wild Guide: Andalucía, lives in Cádiz and has walked and swum across much of Spain and Portugal. She recommends Camping Trevélez in the Alpujarras, Granada. 'Surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada and at around 1,550 metres above sea level, this is the highest campsite in mainland Spain and has extraordinary stargazing,' she says. 'It is a great base for hiking to mountain villages or snowy Mulhacén, peninsular Spain's highest peak, with several mountain lakes known as the Siete Lagunas.' There are 100 shady pitches (as well as wooden cabins and rustic houses) to stay in over winter, plus a pool, shop and bar/restaurant. From €6 for a tent plus €6 adults, open year-round, Kerry Walker and Luke Waterson, the authors of Under the Stars Europe, have unearthed some of the best camping and glamping spots across 22 countries. One of their favourite finds is Petzen Camping and Glamping, which 'occupies a 'dreamy spot on the shores of Pirkdorfer See … where the wooded mountains of southern Carinthia ripple into Slovenia.'Campers have views of Petzen (2,125 metres), the highest of the eastern Karawanks, and can swim in the lake's 'warm, placid waters' or the natural swimming pool. There is a restaurant serving regional food, a tree sauna, campfire area and playground; paddleboards and pedal boats are available to rent. Campers can bring their own tents or book a glamping tent or stilted sky from €7 plus €8.50 adults, open year-round, Estonia is a camper's paradise: more than 50% of the country is forested, there are more than 2,000 islands, and wild camping is allowed. And, say Walker and Waterson, state campsites are free. These sites, run by RMK, the Estonian body for forest management, are pretty wild, so they don't have showers, electric hook-ups or flushing toilets, but they usually have fire pits, picnic tables and compost loos. There are hundreds of sites to choose from in amazing locations, but Hirmuste Telkimisala on Hiiumaa, Estonia's second-biggest island, is hard to beat. Campers can pitch their tents on a beach backed by pine forests, and watch the sun set over the open year-round, Another area loved by Walker and Waterson is the Glaskogen nature reserve in Värmland, south-central Sweden, a forest with more than 80 lakes. Wild camping is allowed (you can stay up to two days in the same spot) but there is a 'wilderness campsite' offering a few more comforts at the tiny settlement of Lenungshammar. They describe it as 'a lush plot bounding two lakeshores', with tent pitches separated by trees. There are also more than 60 pitches for caravans and motorhomes in forest groves, all with their own fire pits and many next to the lake. The site has a sauna, shop, cafe and canoe/kayak rental, and there are nature trails to about £7.70, open year-round, Huttopia campsites are in locations by lakes, forests, rivers, seas and mountains, mainly in France. Its experts have selected Huttopia Noirmoutier as one of the best places to reconnect with nature. This beachfront campsite, on the Isle de Noirmoutier in the Vendée, is between sea, forest and salt marsh. The site stretches for nearly a mile along Sableaux beach, and it is 1.2 miles to the village. Onsite there is a food truck selling ice-creams and pizzas, a small shop, and bikes and paddleboards for hire. Pitches are among the pines or by the €17.90 for two, open 3 April-30 September, Another Walker and Waterson favourite is Waldcamping Thalheim, in a birch forest in the Ore Mountains near the Czech border. Campers can pitch their own tents or small campervans (no motorhomes) or book a tipi, covered wagon, tree tent or even a bed in the forest. The owners describe the camp as 'wild, romantic and rustic', with furniture made from tree trunks, a large communal fire pit and an upcycled sauna. There are signposted trails to viewpoints, a swimming lake, a 12-mile walk, and workshops such as herbal €9 adults, plus from €3 a tent, open 30 April-6 October for camping, year-round for some glamping, Camping Arolla in the Val d'Hérens lays claim to being Europe's highest campsite, at 1,950 metres above sea level. The view, as you might expect, is sensational. 'Meadows lift the gaze to pine and larch forests and the ragged, glacier-snared summits of the Valais Alps,' say Walker and Waterson. 'The eco-aware site makes the most of its natural surrounds and grandstand vista, with grassy pitches elevated above the glacial stream of Borgne d'Arolla.' There is a choice of camping or glamping (including tents suspended between the trees), a shop selling organic local produce and fresh bread, and a help-yourself herb garden. Hiking is the name of the game here, from short walks to alpine huts for lunch, to long-distance trails such as the Chamonix to Zermatt Haute route or the Matterhorn about £6.40 for tents, plus £7.70 adults, open 1 June-26 October, The Salema Eco Camp is a short walk (or a free transfer) from a surfing beach, Praia da Salema, on the Algarve's south-west coast. Walker and Waterson recommend pitching your tent under the 'lofty pines', while glampers can choose from tipis, safari tents and lodges. There is a shop selling picnic and barbecue food, a restaurant serving local dishes and a rental service for surf gear and mountain bikes. The camp is a regenerative tourism project helping to restore the local ecosystem and is working towards zero waste: it has its own wastewater treatment plant and composting system. There are weekly butterfly tours and workshops on topics such as plant propagation. From €7 for tents, plus €6 adults, open year-round, For a campsite with a difference, Love recommends Camping Charlottenlund Fort – 65 pitches within a 19th-century fortress. The fort is on the Øresund (strait), with a beach on one side and a forest on the other, and only 25 minutes by bike into Copenhagen. The kitchen and bathrooms are in the old casemates (chambers from which guns were fired), and there is a cafe selling bread and pastries. The fort was built in 1887 and was part of Copenhagen's sea fortification until 1932. It is now a protected monument. From a bench at the highest point, visitors can see Sweden across the £7 for a tent, plus £13.50 for adults, open 11 April-19 October,
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
The award-winning campsite with gorgeous sea views an hour from Greater Manchester
Now that the weather is getting better and with the Easter Holidays fast-approaching, many families will be planning camping trips in the weeks ahead. To mark the start of the camping season, the website has revealed it's gold-rated campsites, including one with incredible sea views just an hour's drive from Greater Manchester. Pitchup offers more than 3,600 sites across the UK to book, but only 26 of these have achieved 'gold status'. It means they have achieved a full 10/10 in the previous year's customer reviews. READ MORE: Life in the 'boujee' South Manchester suburb that's one of the best places to live in the UK READ MORE: The tiny south Manchester park with amazing blossom displays The list includes 20 in England, five in Wales and one in Scotland. Several sites within easy reach of Greater Manchester have achieved the status, although one stands out for its incredible coastal views. Scar Close Camping and Glamping is nestled in the grounds of a 36-acre hobby farm in the Arnside and Silverdale Area National Landscape. It offers breathtaking views across Morecambe Bay The campsite is surrounded by sloping hills, grassland and woodland, making it the ideal rural retreat, while the coast is just a 20-minute drive away. The site features pitches for five tents, as well as three glamping units and two cottage units. The campsite is perfectly located to explore the Morecambe Bay area. It's also within easy reach of the Lake District, with Lake Windermere a 40-minute drive away. One Pitchup reviewer described it as a 'perfect peaceful getaway with all the comforts of home'. Another wrote: 'Fantastic camp site. We loved our short stay.' Another campsite which achieved Pitchup's gold status is Draughton Heights Campsite in North Yorkshire, around an hour and 15 minutes' drive from Greater Manchester. It's located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales making it an ideal spot to explore this national park from. The site has 30 tent pitches and three one-bedroom camping pods. There are lots of walking trails nearby and the site has three lakes, which attract an array of wildlife. One visitor described it as 'excellent' on Pitchup, while another said: 'really smart site in a beautiful location.' For more of the latest What's On news, click here.
