jane

Although the above photo was taken in the aussie outback people are often asking about places to camp in the UK. So I thought I would start this page, in the hope that it may be of some use to someone somewhere. Not all the sites here are wonderful, as that depends what you expect and want from a campsite, but they are all ones that I have used; location and convenience to the diving venue has been the most important factor.

I cant remember all the places I have camped in the last couple of years (probably dozens) but I have put basic info here of the ones I remember with links so people can find out current prices. At the bottom I have included places that I have camped but not necessarily for diving. Some of these are only small places and fairly remote ie the outer hebridees, and so do not have websites but I have put any info I have.

WHEN HUNTING FOR SITES THIS IS A LINK I HAVE OFTEN USED AS I LIKE THE WAY THE INFORMATION IS ORGANISED
UK Campsites

CAMPING AND DIVING

BABBACOMBE/TORQUAY (Apr 06)
Although possibly nearer to Torquay, Widdicombe Farm Park  is about a 15/20min drive to Babbacombe Bay. Just off the main round it was very easy to find. Although you have to go round the roundabout and double back up the dual carriage way you can see it from the main road. They have a notice about taking only families and couples so beware. Being on my own I thought they were going to refuse to have me at one point!
camping for Babbacombe

A site that is new this year (07) and is slightly nearer to babbacombe is Manor Farm Campsite. It is definately more scenic with views over the hills and surrounding countryside. Although tucked away down some winding country lanes it is well signed from the main round going towards Torquay. There is no website at present for it but the address is Manor Farm Campsite, Daccombe TQ12 4ST Tel: 01803 328294. Reasonable rates and it has a showerblock with laundry and washing up facilities.

EYEMOUTH (June 06)
I didnt actually camp in Eyemouth itself as the site there was booked up. It only has 12 pitches and i forgot to book, so stayed here at Ord House Country Park camping Berwick/Eyemouth
Its just on the edge of Berwick but the right side for Eyemouth and probably about 20mins away down the main road so very convenient. Nice place - lots of facilities if you like/need that sort of thing ie flowers and hair dryers in the shower block!

HORSEA
Just down the road from Horsea this small family run campsite is very convenient. Horsea Island is about 10-15mins away. Ellerslie Camping Caravan Park, Down End Road, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 8TS

ILFRACOMBE
About 10/15 minutes drive from Ilfracombe harbour this is a superb site. Incredibly well organised. I arrived very late one evening and all the information I needed and where to pitch had been left in a leaflet stand outside the office.
camping for Ilfracombe

KYLE of LOCHALSH (Aug 06)
Convenient for diving the Port Napier this site is just 5mins down the road from Kyle. It is spotless and incredibly well organised right down to photographic instructions on how to use the showers! I would guess the ‘warden’ was probably in the forces at some time. The only draw back being the midges…loads of em. camping at Kyle of Lochalsh

LITTLEHAMPTON
Convenient site easy to find just off main road, bout 10mins from Littlehampton and harbour, bit pricey but they all are in that area camping in Littlehampton

LYME REGIS (Oct 06)
Five minutes from the harbour in Uplyme this is ideally located and signed from the main road. Although they reduced the price to £8 as I was on my own the shower costs 20p for only 4mins and takes nearly 1min to warm up the first time so you need at least two goes! The hair dryer is also 20p if you needed one but you could bend down and use the hand dryer. The other electric socket was also 20p and on a timer. So you need lots of 20p’s! camping at Lyme Regis

NDC CHEPSTOW
There are numerous campsites in the the Wye Valley which is only a stones throw from Chepstow however they did seem a little too far ffom the NDC. There are a few other small ones around but this was about the closest I could find and was about 15/20mins away from the NDC. It is very small having only 20 pitches, open April-Oct. Very friendly family run site kept very clean and tidy. Woodlands View Caravan and Camping Site, Woodlands View, Sling, Coleford Gloucestershire GL16 8JA Tel: 01594 835127

NEYLAND/MILFORD HAVEN, PEMBROKE
This site is actually in a place called Herbranston to the west of Milford Haven but was the nearest site to Neyland that I could find at the time. However it doesnt take long to get to Neyland marina about 20mins. Its a lovely quiet site with the beach through the gate at the bottom of the field! Great for divers who have their families with them and can leave them on the site for the beach etc. Was tricky to find the place the first time! They are very laid back here and its difficult to catch them in order to pay…..second time I went I just left some money in the letterbox! camping for Neyland/Milford Haven, Pembroke

OBAN (Diving Sound of Mull)
I believe their is another site in Oban that has specific facilities for divers, but they were full. This site has a small area next to the road that you can use should you arrive late. You can go in the main field but this was convenient as it was dark and late and I just wanted to throw the tent up and go to bed. As it turned out I was glad I stayed on this particular patch as I was perched up on the banks that looked over the sound and had a fantastic view, although it meant I had a bit of a walk to the shower block! Good site and not too pricey about 5mins south of Oban on the coast road, 2mins from Puffin Divers if you are using them. You can actually see their boats from the site.
camping in Oban

ORKNEY(Diving Scapa Flow) (Aug 06)
Note: - Small canisters of camping gas of any sort are difficult to get hold of and I was told this may be the last year that it will allowed to be transported to Orkney due to new regulations about what lorries may carry. Therefore make sure you bring ample supply. The only two places that I found did any gas at all were the Coal Merchants called Sutherlands in Victoria St, Stromness (they only did the blue calor gaz canisters) and a hardware shop in Kirkwall also in a Victoria St, did the screw type Colemans canisters. There is also a shop that does outdoor sports and camping gear in Kirkwall that do the blue calor gaz canisters.
Stromness (Aug 06)
Point of Ness Caravan and Camping site, Alfred St, Ness Point, Stromness. Nice site when the weather is good looking out to sea. Easy to find if you are coming off the Scrabster ferry port/harbour. Just come off the ferry turn left and drive through the town on the twisting flag stoned street and keep going. As you come to the end of the houses and the road bends sharply to the right you will reach Ness Rd straight in front of you. A bargain at £4.20 a night, 20p for 15min shower. Nice clean site with laundry facilities and even a lounge! Town is in walking distance 10-15mins.camping at StromnessOther sites on Orkney not related to diving venues are listed below.

POOLE
There are not a lot of sites very near to Poole, most seem to be clustered on the outskirts of Weymouth. I have used this one several times and found it hs gone a bit in price over the last couple of years but very convenient being only about 10-15mins away from the centre of Poole. camping for Poole

PORTHKERRIS (May 06)
Whether you are diving with Porthkerris divers (who are based in the bay here), doing a shore dive here or diving with other local operators this is a great place to camp right by the sea. The map on how to find it can be found on the Porthkerris divers web site. You have to pay for showers in the shower block but they can be used even if you are just a day visitor. camping at Porthkerris

SCRABSTER/THURSO (Aug 06)
Thurso is the nearest site to Scrabster if you are catching the ferry to Orkney from here and need to stop the night before. Scrabster to Stromness is not always the cheapest route so its good to check. Situated on the edge of the town it is easy to find as you go through Thurso on the A9 towards Scrabster and it on your right and would be easy to find even in the dark. There is also a very convenient Lidls and a petrol station opposite the site. Thurso Caravan Park, Scrabster Rd, KW14 7JYThurso Tel 805514

SWANAGE (Apr 06)
Woodyhyde - about 5-10 mins from centre of Swanage on R/H side of the main road from Corfe going towards Swanage
camping in swanage
I’ve used it several times and I think its probably the cheapest on the south coast but like most things you get what you pay for. Whilst I just want somewhere to stick my tent and a shower, other people may find this site a little basic! ie shower block is a little draughty, dish washing is outside etc etc. Just depends what you want.

WEYMOUTH/PORTLAND
There are no camp sites on Portland but these two sites are the nearest to Weymouth town and only about 10-15mins away depending on the traffic through the town. They are also probably the nearest for Portland but allow 20-30mins to get to the harbour again depending on the traffic. They have become quite expensive over the years. West Fleet Holiday Farm Camping Park is the one I have always used but Sea Barn Farm Camping Park is literally only next door and some faciltiies are shared ie the clubhouse so they may be owned by the same person. They get incredibly busy on bank holidays and although they are large sites I’ve known them cut the stubble in the neighbouring field to accommodate august bank holiday campers!
camping in weymouth - west fleet
camping in Weymouth - sea barn
Bagwell Farm Touring Park was the only camp site in the area open all year round and is only a few minutes up the road from the others above. It is very large, well kept and laid out in rows, but quite expensive. In November (06) it was £8 but this rises to 15.50 in the summer so for one person is quite pricey camping in Weymouth

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CAMPING AND NOT DIVING

FORT WILLIAM
In walking distance of Fort William an excellent site and well placed for the tourist walk up Ben Nevis. It is quite expensive but has a big laundry.
camping in Fort William

GLEN COE (April 08)
Situated near Glen Coe looking out over Loch Leven this is probably the most scenic site I have every stayed on. Wanting to explore the area around Glen Coe more thoroughly I needed a site in the area. The site at the head of Loch Leven just through Glen Coe village were charging outrageous prices a real rip off. This site is a little further on (about 5 mins), on the B863 that runs down to Kinlochleven but is in an absolutly beautiful spot. camping near Glen Coe

INVERNESS(near)Aug 06
Placed just a few miles south of Inverness this is convenient for that area. However it is quite expensive for a single camper at £10 a pitch. The toilets are rather scruffy and don’t appear that clean although the hand basin area looks completely brand new. It does have one washing machine and a dryer, also a microwave and a couple of toasters. Auchnahillin Caravan and Camping Centre, Daviot East, Inverness-shire IV1 2XQ camping Inverness

ISLE OF MULL
Although there are a few sites on Mull wild camping is generally excepted as long as you are considerate so I didnt use any of the sites here. Camping on the beach at CALGARY with beautiful views out to sea there were public toilets and a tap nearby as its a popular place for visitors.
LOCH NA KEAL was also a beautiful place to camp and watch the sun go down over the water. Make sure you have drinking water with you or your stomach is not upset by that from the burns and streams that run into the loch

THE LAKE DISTRICT - WASTWATER AND LANGDALE
One of my favourite places for the weekend. Both the sites I use are National Trust sites and provide good basic facilitles. Wastwater is open for use but not manned all year. The only draw back to these sites for some people is that you cannot park your vehicle next to your tent (though you can usually get your tent near your car as parking is generally round the outside of the grassed area)
There is another small camping area near the pub at Wasdale Head but it is just an area of grass and I dont know whether how the pub reacts to campers using the toilet all the time, obviously restricted to opening times only!
camping at wastwater
camping at Langdale

ORKNEY (Aug 06)
Note: - Small canisters of camping gas of any sort are difficult to get hold of and I was told this may be the last year that it will allowed to be transported to Orkney due to new regulations about what lorries may carry. Therefore make sure you bring ample supply. The only two places that I found did any gas at all were the Coal Merchants called Sutherlands in Victoria St, Stromness (they only did the blue calor gaz canisters) and a hardware shop in Kirkwall also in a Victoria St, did the screw type Colemans canisters. There is also a shop that does outdoor sports and camping gear in Kirkwall that do the blue calor gaz canisters.
>KIRKWALL (Aug 06)
Pickaquoy Caravan and Camping Site, Pickaquoy Road, is just on the edge of Kirkwall next to the Leisure Centre which where you pay as they seem to run the site! There is no reception office on the site itself. At £4.20 for one person you cant get much cheaper. It has a building housing a laundry, dishwashing area toilets/showers and lounge. Additional toilets/showers were in a portacabin as well when I visited however out of the 3 showers, 1 was out of order, 1 was flooded with scummy water and the third looked like it was also well on its way to being blocked by hair. (Yuk!) camping at Kirkwall
>EVIEDALE (Aug 06)
Eviedale Campsite is in the centre of the hamlet of Evie next to the main road. A small site with basic facilities but nice and clean. Although a good price at only £4.50 for a single person they then added on £1.50 for the car!

OUTER HEBRIDEES - ISLES of LEWIS AND HARRIS
Unable to find the two sites that I had read about so I camped wild whilst here. Most of the island is so remote and uninhabited no one is bothered. Wild camping is generally excepted in Scotland as long as you do so with care and consideration.>CALANAIS Visiting the Standing Stones here I heard there was a field you could camp nearby. There didnt seem to be one but the people at the visitors centre visitors centre said most people just camped up the road by the loch, which is what I did. Fantastic view!There are toilets at the visitors centre and also a very useful outside tap (bit hard to spot as its the same colour as the little stone wall it is set into and quite low down…L/H side of the path as you look towards the visitors centre)
>BERNERAY Another fantastic place for wild camping. The beaches have incredibly white sand and I camped amongst the rocky tops of the cliffs here with all the grazing sheep and the rabbits that came out at dusk.

For people who are camping wild, in the middle of Stornaway town are some toilets where you can have a shower for a £1!

SKYE (Aug 06)
(none of these places has a web site so I have tried to include some extra info)
Skye is my favourite place in the UK so I’ve probably used most of the sites that there are unless any new ones have popped up this year. All the sites charge per person and are very cheap ie this year I was charged £4.00 at Portree. Nice not to ripped off for a change because you are on your own!
Free wild camping is usually acceptable on unenclosed land but there are places on Skye where it is difficult to tell as fences/walls have disappeared and some landowners have naturally become very hostile when people have mistakenly camped on their land. So probably best to stick to the sites but up in the mountains is usually always okay.
>PORTREE is a small town fairly central but coastal and the site is within 5-10mins walk of this. Its called Torvaig Camping Site, Staffin Road, Portree, Isle of Skye IV51 9HU.The site has a reasonable size shower block that is cleaned regularly and a water tap. Other than that it is just a grassy area some of which is on a slope. You can usually always find a bit of space here even at peak holiday time and fees are collected in the morning. They are quite laid back about it. Open April to October.
>UIG called Uig Bay Camping and Caravan Site Tel 542477 again only 4.00! Basic clean facities and a laundry just along the shore from the pier probably used mainly for people going on and off the CalMac ferry for the Hebridees which is why I was staying so I could catch an early crossing over to the Isle of Lewis.
>GLENBRITTLE The site itself is by the sea but the midges can be a bit of a nuisance. Glenbrittle Camp Site,Carbost, Isle Of Skye, IV47 8TA,01478640404 Very basic facilites so dont expect flowers and piped music in the shower block! They obviously decided not to waste paint on the breeze blocks when they built the shower block…..who cares….its a fantastic place to be! It does have a small shop selling basics including milk and bread which is useful as you are miles from anywhere! Absolutley beautiful place right on the edge of the Black Cullins and ideally placed for climbing, many of the routes start behind the site or at various points just down the road.
>LOCH GRESHORNISH Good reasonably priced site for a single person. Easy to find located on the A850 running between Portree and Dunvegan. Loch Greshornish Caravan and Camp Site, Borve, Arnisort, Edinbane, Isle of Skye IV51 9PS