Gazing in awe at the wonders unveiled by David Attenborough on Planet Earth, you might be considering a one-way ticket to the Arctic or Amazon. But you don’t need to venture far and wide to get your nature fix; the UK is blessed with some pretty brilliant sights to behold, right on your doorstep.
Camping is an unbeatable way to get outdoors and walk on the wild side, if only you know where to look. So without further ado, let us introduce you to some of our favourite natural UK wonders to see whilst camping in the forest…
Snow tunnels and caves Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland
Pack your thermals and head to the hills to explore a frozen paradise in the Cairngorms. Countless nooks and crannies drill through the mountainside overlooking Loch Avon, leaving ice caves and snow tunnels for the daring thrill-seeker to explore. Just be sure to bring sensible footwear! For more information on exploring the mountains, including ways to stay safe, visit the Cairngorms National Park authority.
After a chilly afternoon in the peaks, descend into the valley for picturesque camping near the town of Aviemore, sheltered by swaying foliage.
Trees as old as time The New Forest, Hampshire
Don’t be fooled by the name; The New Forest is home to some of the oldest trees in Britain – and even Western Europe – making this a magical place for families and couples who love the enchantment of woodland. Be sure to hunt down the ancient Knightwood Oak, which was planted over 1,000 years ago by William The Conqueror.
Want to escape civilisation? Pitch up in the natural Longbeech Campsite. Or, for a secluded spot with all the amenities, take a look at Ashurst Campsite.
Never-ending waterways Loch Lomond, The Trossachs
Stretching as far as the eye can see, Loch Lomond is the longest lake in Great Britain, giving you miles of shoreline to explore as you soak in the views from every angle. Wake by the water and enjoy canoeing, paddle boarding, mountain biking and more; it’s a world of adventure for families and outdoor enthusiasts who love to get active.
To make the most of the lakeside, forests and mountains, we recommend camping on the east side of the Loch; Cashel campsite is perfectly situated for all the area has to offer.
The tombstones of giants The Glyders, Snowdonia
Fancy a challenge? Scramble your way up the three peaks of The Glyders and be rewarded with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. Eat a picnic on the teetering Cantilever Stone at the top of Glyder Fach, before admiring the tombstone-like shards of rock scattered eerily along the head of Glyder Fawr.
It’s a great training ground for anyone preparing to ascend Snowdon, with plenty of scenic camping spots in nearby forests, such as Beddgelert.
A prehistoric phenomenon Stonehenge, Wiltshire
The splintered remains of past topography might explain the wonders of Glyder Fawr, but the best brains in the world are still baffled by Stonehenge. Perhaps one of the longest unsolved mysteries, the endless theories may cause a debate about whether we could call this a “natural” wonder. This prehistoric monument dates back to Neolithic times, and has become a pilgrimage destination for sun worshippers to mark the annual Summer Solstice. Not to be missed.
If you’re planning to visit this natural wonder, the ancient Savernake Forest is a superb place to camp. Just a stone’s throw away from the quaint town of Marlborough, it combines the best of both worlds for families and couples.
So there you have it – a snapshot of some of the UK’s greatest natural attractions… and we’ve only just scratched the surface. The curious traveller can find a wealth of astonishing beauty in the less-explored parts of the Great British countryside.
Whether you’re a child of the forest or you simply want a scenic, sheltered place to pitch, we have some astonishing camping destinations scattered across the UK. Find your ideal campsite to start your next adventure, and see the splendour of Britain for yourself.
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