100 Top Campsites: Family Fun

Families come in all shapes and sizes so it follows that family campsites do likewise.

Here we’re defining a family as a couple of adults and younger children – perhaps up to the age of about 12 – so that means sites with good facilities, playgrounds and maybe even a swimming pool.

HENDRA HOLIDAY PARK
CORNWALL
Newquay, Cornwall TR8 4NY
01637 87577
hendra-holidays.com
No matter where you choose to make your pitch at Hendra, you’ll have access to a host of bars, restaurants and takeaways, dedicated kids activities, indoor and outdoor play areas, amusements, a nature trail, table tennis and pitch ‘n’ putt. There’s also Segways, archery and Bowlingo available and family evening entertainment.  What steals the show though is the Oasis Fun Pools Complex – a choice of indoor and outdoor pools, with water cannon, waterfalls, flumes and toddlers’ pool. All this and still only two miles from the bustling seaside resort and golden beaches of Newquay. The camping facilities are serviced by award-winning toilets and showers, dishwashing, a laundry, and well-stocked supermarket. The choice of touring fields mean that depending on your preferences you can pitch-up close to all the action or find your own little space somewhere quiet and relaxed.

TREVORNICK HOLIDAY PARK
CORNWALL
Holywell Bay, Cornwall TR8 5PW
01637 830531
trevornick.co.uk
For a family holiday at the beach look no further than Trevornick Holiday Park. Located just a few steps from the sandy dunes that lead to Holywell Bay, with its dog-friendly beach, and only a short distance from Newquay – surf and beach capital of Cornwall! The site has seven touring and camping fields and six different pitch types. Some pitches have lakeside views and there are both dog-friendly and dog-free pitching areas. This site has all the facilities you could possibly need as a family, and more. There are toilets, showers, family bathrooms, a laundry and farm shop. There’s Fodders Café and Restaurant for food, a takeaway, ice cream parlour, lounge bar and entertainment venue. For daytime fun you can explore the nature trail, hire bikes and surfboards, or head into the Holywell Bay Fun Park. Entry is free and here you’ll find over 20 rides and attractions. After all that activity why not head to the Tranquillity Spa where you can experience a range of relaxing and pampering treatments, including some specifically tailored for children.

WHITEHILL COUNTRY PARK
DEVON
Stoke Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7PF
01803 782338
whitehill-park.co.uk
A great site for younger family members, with an outdoor pool, paddling pool, a playground with toddlers’ play area, table tennis and plenty of open space. The Shire Craft Centre is great for making a mess with paint and craft materials. There are trails through acres of bluebell woods and in peak season there’s archery, a climbing wall, scavenger hunts and pony rides.        

RUDA HOLIDAY PARK
DEVON
Moor Lane, Croyde Bay, Braunton, Devon EX33 1NP
0844 335 3450
parkdeanholidays.co.uk
Situated on the beautiful Croyde Bay in north Devon, this site has easy access to the beach and in summer has an on-site surf school. A huge range of leisure facilities is available on the park – the Cascades adventure pool with 70m slide, plus rapids, waterfalls and underwater geysers, tennis courts, pool tables, indoor soft play and nightly entertainment.

PERRAN SANDS HOLIDAY PARK
CORNWALL
Perranporth, Cornwall TR6 0AQ
01872 573551
haven.com
This clifftop holiday park is spread across high sand dunes with great views of the sea. There’s an extensive grassy touring area with plenty of facilities to match – an indoor pool with flume and outdoor fun pool, a sports court, kids’ clubs and evening entertainment. You can even take paddle boarding and surfing lessons on the park.

FRESHWATER BEACH HOLIDAY PARK
DORSET
Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4PT
01308 897317
freshwaterbeach.co.uk
What could be better than a campsite right on the coast? Well how about a campsite with it’s own private beach? Pack your bucket and spade, for at Freshwater Beach, it’s just a short walk from your tent to the gently sloping beach, where the kids can while away a few hours every day, while you lie back and soak up the sun. Pack a picnic and if the weather’s kind you won’t have to get in the car all week. The site is also the home of the Jurassic Fun Centre with 10-pin bowling, indoor swimming pools and water slides, hot tub, sauna, steam room and restaurants. Also on the campsite there is a games room, pool, three bars (one with entertainment), a restaurant, takeaway service and outdoor swimming pools. The campsite has a licensed shop selling groceries and basic camping accessories. Next to the campsite is a large golf course and driving range and visitors to the complex can also enjoy pony trekking during the season.

NORDEN FARM TOURING CARAVAN & CAMPING SITE
DORSET
Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5DS
01929 480098
nordenfarm.com
Part campsite, part petting zoo, Norden Farm is a family-friendly destination with farm animals including cows, sheep, pigs, llamas, and goats. This working farm on the Isle of Purbeck is within walking distance of Corfe Castle (National Trust) with its 1000-year old ruins and quaint village. For an extra animal overdose, nearby Weymouth Sea Life Park has aquatic ones aplenty.

TREVALGAN TOURING PARK
CORNWALL
Trevalgan, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 3BJ
01736 791892
trevalgantouringpark.co.uk
Trevalgan Touring Park is located two miles from St Ives town centre, surrounded by open farmland and set between the gorse, bracken and heather-covered hills of the Cornish coastline. The site is perfect for family seaside holidays with St Ives being so close and offering a choice of sandy beaches, some dog-friendly and some ideal for families with lifeguards, cafés and toilets. The camping pitches are mainly level, with electric if required, and accepting tents up to eight metres. Facilities on site include family rooms and a baby bath, and outside area for balls games and an indoor games room with table tennis, air hockey and pool table. There’s a regular bus service from campsite to St Ives in main season. There are many walks from Trevalgan Touring Park to St Ives or Zennor and some join up with the South West Coast Path. These walks offer great views, an abundance of flowers and a variety of wildlife to see, including birds, seals and even dolphins.

KILN PARK HOLIDAY CENTRE
SOUTH WALES
March Road, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7RB
01834 844121
haven.com
When staying on Kiln Park, as well as have tons of facilities close at hand you’ll also find yourself in a renowned coastal location. The sandy Tenby South Beach sits alongside the site and the town itself is just a 15-minute walk. Activities on site include an outdoor pool with splash zone and fun slide, crazy golf, mini ten pin bowling, along with kids’ clubs and evening entertainment.

SANDY BALLS HOLIDAY VILLAGE
HAMPSHIRE
Godshill, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 2JZ
0844 693 1050
sandyballs.co.uk
A handy online tool allows you to pre-book various family activities if you’re staying at this fully-featured New Forest campsite. Among the things available are pools, sauna, whirlpool and gym, as well as horse riding, arts and crafts, archery, table tennis, falconry, Segways, golf, mini jet skis and kayaking (off site). Bring or hire a bike to explore the many forest trails.

CALLOW TOP HOLIDAY PARK
DERBYSHIRE
Buxton Rd, Ashbourne DE6 2AQ
01335 344020
callowtop.co.ukCallow Top offers heated outdoor swimming and paddling pools alongside a pub/restaurant, cafe/bar, fishing lake, cycle hire and children's play area.

HOLGATES SILVERDALE HOLIDAY PARK
LANCASHIRE
Middlebarrow Plain, Cove Road, Silverdale, Near Carnforth, Lancashire LA5 0SH
01524 701508
holgates.co.uk
As well as surrounding hills and open areas to explore, the campsite benefits from family-friendly amenities, including a leisure club with heated swimming pool, spa and toddler pool along with sauna and steam rooms.

LINCOLN FARM PARK
OXFORDSHIRE
High St, Standlake, Oxfordshire OX29 7RH
01865 300239
lincolnfarmpark.co.uk
Super facilities, including a leisure centre, pool, games room and playground, as well as a mini-farm make this a great kids’ park

STANWIX PARK
CUMBRIA
Greenrow, Silloth, Cumbria CA7 4HH
01697 332666
stanwix.com
In a scenic part of the Lake District, Stanwix offers tons of facilities and entertainment. There is ten-pin bowling, tennis and golf, along with a restaurant, bar and two swimming pools.

PARK CLIFFE CAMPING & CARAVAN ESTATE
CUMBRIA
Birks Road, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3PG
01539 531344
parkcliffe.co.uk
Set in 25 acres on the eastern shores of Windermere, Park Cliffe is all about space and lakeland beauty. There’s plenty for children to enjoy, from the adventure playground and games room to a small stream perfect for paddling in. The whole family can climb the hill behind the site, Moorhow, to enjoy a picnic and admire the view.

HUMBLEBEE FARM
YORKSHIRE
Flixton, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO11 3UJ
01723 890437
humblebeefarm.co.uk
Set in a tranquil location close to coastal resorts including Scarborough, Filey, Whitby, Bridlington and Flamborough, the 0.25 acre campsite is surrounded by undulating hills and wildlife. It’s ideal for countryside walks around the working farm, or along the cliff tops. The site is secluded but is a short drive from takeaways, pubs, restaurants, visitor attractions and much more. Events take place throughout the year, including  lambing and calving weekends, Cowboys and Indians, stargazing and Halloween. And if the youngsters are still looking for something to do, there’s a children's play area that will keep them occupied. The campsite is also very peaceful – music is banned and mobile signals are patchy at best - although there is now Wi-Fi available if you need your online fix. Firepits are also available at a charge for that authentic campfire experience.

ANDREWSHAYES HOLIDAY PARK
DEVON
Dalwood, Axminster, Devon EX13 7DY
01404 808523
andrewshayes.co.uk
Andrewshayes’ location means you can enjoy the best of both the Devon countryside and Jurassic Coast. The site is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the edge of the Blackdown Hills. It’s just six miles to the fossil-rich coast at Seaton, and eight miles to Lyme Regis. As well as plenty of open space the site has a heated indoor pool with retractable roof that can be opened in the warmer weather to create and outdoor pool. Use of the pool is included in the pitch fee. The site also has a bar and takeaway that is open Friday and Saturday nights and daily in the school holidays. Other family-friendly features include a games room with air hockey, pool table and video machines, plus a toddler soft play room, outdoor play areas and nature trail. Pitches on the site are terraced to allow for countryside views. Facilities include family shower rooms, a full wet room for disabled guests and a laundry.

SANDS CARAVAN PARK
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Gairloch, Wester Ross IV21 2DL
01445 712 152
sandsholidaycentre
Some campsites are worth visiting for their spectacular location, some for their excellent facilities and others for their relaxed atmosphere. Sands campsite enjoys all three and that makes it a must-visit site. Set in a beautiful spot on the West Highland coast, a two hour drive from Inverness, this is about as remote as it gets. The 55-acre site itself is pretty informal – basically you can put your tent up wherever you like. That means you can choose a sheltered spot in amongst the dunes or pitch on more open ground with views across the water to Skye. Either way, the wonderful beach is just a couple of minutes’ walk away. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the sea water round here is relatively warm, making it perfect for the kids to have a paddle. You can also hire kayaks from the site shop – or a bike if you prefer to stick to dry land. Kids love the freedom they get on this site – the play area is full of youngsters from first light until sundown, and, being so far north, in the summer that can be as late as 11pm. Facilities on the site are more than adequate, with three heated toilet/shower blocks, a games and TV room and an indoor cooking and eating area. The excellent Barn Café is open all day and does a wide range of tasty snacks and meals, including takeaway pizzas.

WATERMOUTH COVE PARK
DEVON
Watermouth, Berrynarbor, Near Ilfracombe, North Devon EX34 9SJ
01271 862504
watermouthcoveholidays.co.uk
A great site for families, with its own private beach where the stream flows into the Cove overlooking Hangman’s Hill.

COFTON COUNTRY HOLIDAY PARK
DEVON
Starcross, Nr. Dawlish, South Devon EX6 8RP
01626 890111
coftonholidays.co.uk
A family-friendly and family-run site in a glorious corner of Devon. Packed with facilities and close to super beaches.

HOLIDAY RESORT UNITY
SOMERSET
Coast Road, Brean Sands, Somerset TA8 2RB
01278 751235
hru.co.uk
Holiday Resort Unity in Brean Sands is the perfect place for a fun-filled holiday. It’s just a short walk to the beach, which is beautifully sandy and stretches for miles – there’s plenty of space for everyone. The park offers a wide range of facilities and has spacious pitches with electric. There are three different fields to choose from – one a stone’s throw from the main attractions and the other two a short walk away – perfect for those wanting a quieter break but with all facilities close at hand. And what a choice of facilities you have! On site there are several places to eat, a well-stocked supermarket, amusement arcades, ten pin bowling, a fishing lake and a choice of three entertainment venues. Next door is Brean Leisure Park which features Brean Theme Park with over 40 rides and attractions, Brean Splash indoor and outdoor Waterpark, Brean Golf Club, and Brean Play - an indoor soft play centre.

SETON SANDS HOLIDAY VILLAGE
EAST LOTHIAN
Prestonpans, Longniddry, East Lothian  EH32 0QF
0871 2310867
haven.com
Just minutes from blissful beaches, this Haven park is close to Scotland’s capital city and overlooks the Firth of Forth. Small and quiet, this beautifully landscaped park provides a peaceful setting. This is a site packed with facilities and things to do. The heated indoor pool with paddling area, sports court, amusements and crazy golf will keep youngsters occupied from dawn to dusk, not to mention the kids’ clubs for all ages. There is live entertainment and good food and drink available at the Café Bar & Grill.

SOUTHERNESS HOLIDAY PARK
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
Sandy Lane, Southerness, Dumfries DG2 8AZ
0844 335 3670
parkdeanholidays.co.uk
Southerness Holiday Park sits on the Solway coast in the south west of Scotland, roughly midway between Dumfries and Dalbeattie. It’s operated by Parkdean Holidays and features a huge range of family-friendly activities, both indoor and outdoor. The camping area is flat and has electric hook-up available for tents. The 25m indoor pool, complete with  huge flume and relaxing spa, is excellent and the sort of thing that can be a life-saver if the weather’s not great and there are kids’ clubs to keep the youngsters occupied as well as an amusement arcade and soft play area. A short stroll through the dunes from the site takes you straight onto the sandy beach, which stretches for two miles and boasts views across the Solway Firth to the Cumbrian Hills. Southerness makes an excellent base for exploring a part of the country that is often neglected by tourists.

CROWS NEST CARAVAN PARK
YORKSHIRE
Gristhorpe, Filey, North Yorkshire YO14 9PS
01723 582206
crowsnestcaravanpark.com
This coastal campsite is located between Scarborough and Filey and is in a great position to visit the two seaside towns with their lovely sandy beaches. Filey is just three and a half miles away and is a traditional Victorian seaside town with a five-mile stretch of sandy beach, with rock pools and a variety of birds and wildlife. Surfing, fishing, yachting, golf, walking and bird watching are some of the activities that can be enjoyed. There are a choice of pitches on site – standard pitches feature a hardstanding base, alongside a grass area for awning or car and there is electric hook-up and a shared water point. The super pitches are all-weather and include electric, direct water hook-up, grey and chemical waste disposal, TV connection and lighting. Other facilities include a toilet and shower block with family bathrooms and a disabled shower room, an indoor pool, supermarket, play area, fish and chip shop and a family bar with pool tables and entertainment. There’s a bus stop at the end of the site’s drive and dogs are welcome.

CLIPPESBY HALL
NORFOLK
Clippesby, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR29 3BL
01493 367800
clippesby.com
A 34 acre park set in extensive woodlands, with 110 pitches in a mix of tents and caravans. The camping facilities here are spread over eight areas and the facilities are outstanding, including a solar-heated outdoor pool, mini-golf, tennis and adventure playground. It’s very much a family-friendly place to camp, with a variety of different types of pitch sympathetically integrated into the surrounding environment – from secluded woodland nooks to open, family friendly grassy areas. It also has its own pub, the Muskett Arms, which has an extensive and good value food menu.

KELLING HEATH
NORFOLK
Sandy Hill Lane, Holt, Norfolk NR25 7HW
01263 588181
kellingheath.co.uk
Kelling is a thriving holiday park, packed with quality facilities and activities with a real community feel. Camping pitches here are surrounded by natural countryside and you can walk for what seems like miles through woodland without actually leaving the site. Set a mile from the north Norfolk coast in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kelling Heath is an environmentally aware 250-acre park offering a wide range of activities for all the family. As well as the usual amenities, which are all of a high standard, the site has a Village Square complete with store, bar and restaurants. For the children, there are two adventure play parks while you can sign up for the health and fitness club, which has a swimming pool, spa, sauna and steam rooms, plus an outdoor pool. You’ll even see red squirrels on-site.

DRAYTON MANOR  CAMPING & CARAVANNING CLUB
STAFFORDSHIRE
Drayton Manor, Near Tamworth, Staffordshire B78 3TW
024 7647 5036
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
This Camping and Caravanning Club site is right next door to Drayton Manor theme park and you can sit by your tent, watching the rides and listening to the screams of the terrified thrill-seekers. You won’t need to use your car to go to the park from the site as you can just walk – it’s that close. The site can take 90 units and accepts caravans, campervans and tents and there’s also the option of Ready Camp safari tents. The facilities are excellent and family-friendly. As well as being ideal for families wanting to make the most of the Park’s attractions, it should also prove to be a useful base to discover more of the local area, including Snowdome in Tamworth, the National Forest and Lichfield Cathedral.

PLASSEY HOLIDAY PARK
NORTH WALES
Eyton, Wrexham, North Wales. LL13 0SP
01978 780277
plassey.com
Just a few miles outside of Wrexham, this fantastic holiday park and campsite has got everything you could want for a family break – from fishing lakes to swimming pools and even its own golf course.

BUCKLEGROVE HOLIDAY PARK
SOMERSET
Wells Road, Rodney Stoke, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3UZ
01749 870261
bucklegrove.co.uk
A great attraction for the family in Somerset is Wookey Hole. Originally the home to the world-famous caves, this attraction also now benefits from a circus, old penny arcade, a prehistoric valley with life-size dinosaurs, a Fairy Garden, mirror maze and handmade paper mill. There are several choices of play area too, one for toddlers, a play barn and Pirate Play Area. Bucklegrove itself has two heated indoor pools, with a smaller toddler pool. There’s a play area for children under 12 and the family-friendly bar offers meals and takeaway.

ALTON, THE STAR
STAFFORDSHIRE
Star Road,
Cotton,
Nr Alton Towers,
Stoke-on-Trent,
Staffordshire
 ST10 3DW
01538 702219
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
The big attraction here is the Alton Towers theme park, whose main gate is just over a mile away from the site. As well as the location near Alton Towers, a big appeal is the well-equipped children’s playground, which is located right in the heart of the site. If you want to explore more than just the theme park, the site is ideal as a base for visiting the Peak District National Park and attractions like Carsington Water.