Our UK campsite experiences have morphed from trips in a vintage Bay T2 campervan packed with two children and two dogs to just the two of us in a modern VW Transporter. We’ve discovered sites that focus on stunning views, fantastic walks and places to pitch up which provide peace and calm. Here are a few of my favourites:

 North Morte Farm Caravan and Camping Park. Morthoe, Woolacombe.

This is a gem. My advice is not to book a pitch with a hook up because you want to be off grid in the fields with the stunning views of the ocean. You can buy cold beers and hot coffee from the site shop and delicious pastries for breakfast. The walk up the South West Coast Path to Illfracombe is challenging but so worthwhile. If you fancy an easier day, head down to Woolacombe beach and save some energy for the climb back up the steep hill. However, if all you do is sit and enjoy the undulating landscape of the site and soak up the view then you will be very happy. 

Nicholaston Farm Camping and Caravan Site. Penmaen, Gower, Swansea.

Although it might not have the elevation of the nearby Three Cliffs Bay the views are still wonderful and the proximity to the glorious beach is a massive bonus. It is a short walk down through the woods and across the dunes to one of the most magical beaches in the UK. The facilities are top notch with fridges and freezers, free Wi-Fi and decent showers. If you fancy a walk to the pub you can go through the woods to the Oxwich Bay Hotel which has a large seating area outside or walk up over the moors to Reynoldston village and watch the ponies on the common land whilst having a good lunch at the King Arthur Hotel/pub.   

Riverside Caravan Park. Crickhowell, (Brecon Beacons).

This one has underfloor heating in the toilets – what more do I need to say. I went once in a cold October and spent a glorious half hour in the middle of the night sitting on the toilet warming my frozen feet up. The other joys of this campsite are the proximity to many stunning climbs including my favourite Table Mountain that looks down imperiously on the campsite. There are gentle strolls along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal or easy bike rides up to Brecon. It is the perfect location for The Green Man Festival and did I mention the underfloor heating in the toilet/shower block?   

Cloud Farm Campsite. Lynton, Devon

We had a fun journey getting here. My old T2 van screeched its way up Porlock Hill before being rewarded with wonderous ocean views, ending with a narrow bumpy track down to the riverside site owned by The National Trust in the Lorna Doone Valley. It was worth it. This is a warm, friendly site in the heart of Exmoor National Park. Read up on the history of the novel Lorna Doone before you go and this will make you feel very smug when sharing the story with fellow campers. There are lovely, gentle walks along the banks of Badgworthy Water, if you are feeling really fit why not walk to Dunkery Beacon. A short twenty-minute hop will also take you to a lovely café/shop in Malmsmead with a dreamy seating area by the water.