55+ Stunning UK Coastal Campsites You Don’t Want To Miss
There are some incredible beaches in the UK and choosing to stay on coastal campsites on your UK beach holidays is a great way to make the most of them.
We have mostly focused on small UK campsites by the sea that are located next to or within a few minutes walk of a lovely beach and have fantastic reviews.
You can find larger holiday parks in the UK next to the sea in popular UK staycation destinations (check Haven, Parkdean Resorts and Park Holidays) but the coastal campsites we have listed are, for the most part, more rural and rustic.
This means that you won’t find swimming pools and kids clubs with endless entertainment, but with so much beautiful nature to explore, you won’t be stuck for things to do.
We have not been to all of these UK coastal campsites (although they are all now on our list!). This post is purely to provide a roundup of UK campsites on a beach to help you narrow down the search.
These UK beach campsites get very busy so advanced booking is highly recommended.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and book or buy something, we may earn a small commission but this is at no extra cost to you.
Totally new to camping? Check out our top tips for beginner campers and our tips for camping with kids.
Want to know our best camping/outdoor purchases?
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We saw them last summer at almost every campsite in France and had to get one for ourselves. See here for our Quechua Air Seconds 4.2 air tent review.
Lightweight packable jackets – as you can never fully rely on the British weather, we recommend packing some lightweight rain coats just in case.
Our lightweight TOG24 packable waterproof jackets come in handy during the summer. We each have one. See here for the men’s, women’s and kid’s jackets on Amazon. Or sometimes you can find great deals on the TOG24 website.
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Looking for some UK beach inspiration? Check out these recommended UK beaches!
New to camping or campervanning? Here are some posts you may find helpful:
Coastal campsites in Suffolk
Much of the Suffolk coastline is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is completely unspoiled.
Holidaying in Suffolk is like taking a step back in time with Victorian seaside towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh maintaining their charm. And talking of charm, you can’t get much more charming than the quaint holiday village of Thorpeness.
The Suffolk beaches are mostly shingle with a bit of sand here and there and if you get away from Aldeburgh and Southwold, they are a lot quieter than much of the UK.
Campsites in Suffolk on the coast
- Cliff House Holiday Park (on Dunwich Beach with lodges and camping pitches with electric hookup for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans).
- Beach View Holiday Park (near Thorpeness Beach with lodges and camping pods and pitches with electric for motorhomes, campervans and caravans).
As we are from Suffolk, we have lots of recommendations for visiting Suffolk:
- Things to do in Suffolk
- Things to do in Suffolk with kids
- Suffolk campsites
- family-friendly Suffolk pubs
- a guide to Framlingham Castle
- Stunning Dunwich Walks to explore the beauty of the Suffolk Coast
Norfolk coastal campsites
Norfolk is just up the coast from neighbouring Suffolk, but the beaches in Norfolk are completely different. Here you can expect wide expanses of sand, particularly on the north Norfolk coast. Don’t miss the colourful beach huts at Wells-next-the-Sea or the chance to go fossil hunting in Hunstanton (don’t miss nearby Norfolk Lavender).
Fun day trips with kids in Norfolk would be to the enchcanting Bewilderwood and Roarr! Dinosaur – one of the best dinosaur parks in the UK – or a day out in the county capital, Norwich, making sure not to miss Norwich Castle.
Campsites in Norfolk on the coast
- Manor Farm Campsite (by East Runton beach with camping pitches for tents, caravans, motorhomes and campervans).
- High Sand Creek (by Blakeney Point with camping pitches for tents, campervans and motorhomes but not caravans).
- Pinewoods (by Wells-next-the-Sea with lodges and camping pitches for caravans, motorhomes and campervans only – no tents).
- Walnut Farm (by Waxham and Horsey Gap with lodges, yurts, cottages and pitches for tents, motorhomes, campervans and caravans).
- Camp Elwood (by Holkham Beach. This is a pop up campsite only from 26th July – 9th August 2021 with bell tents and camping pitches for tents, campervans and motorhomes).
Coastal campsites in Essex
The Essex coast has some lively seaside resorts like Frinton-on-Sea, Southend on Sea and Clacton on Sea as well as rustic salt marshes and oyster beds.
Head to Mersea Island and in particular the West Mersea Oyster Bar for some of the best oysters in the country (closed until March 2023).
Campsites in Essex on the coast
- Fen Farm (on Mersea Island with pitches for tents, motorhomes, caravans and campervans).
- Lee Wick Farm (by Lee over Sands with cottages, glamping pods, 3 pitches for campervans / motorhomes/caravans and 3 pitches for tents).
- Chigborough Farm (on the Blackwater Estuary near Maldon with floating log cabins, glamping tents and camping pitches for Camping and Caravan Club members only).
- Osea Leisure Park (on the Blackwater Estuary near Maldon with lodges, glamping pods, safari tents, treehouses and pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans).
Coastal campsites in Kent
The Kent coast offers great variety from the shingle shores of Whitstable which is perfect for foodies to the sandy beaches of Botany Bay and Broadstairs.
You can also find traditional British seaside charm at Margate with its famous vintage theme park, Dreamland.
There are so many lovely places to visit in Kent including the lovely little coastal town of Broadstairs and award-winning wineries like Chapel Down.
There are steam train rides at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and fabulous castles in Kent including one of the most beautiful castles in the world, Leeds Castle.
Campsites in Kent on the coast
- Kingsdown Camping (on the cliffs of Kingsdown Beach with pitches for tents, small campervans and motorhomes – check size restrictions).
Sussex coastal campsites
Sussex is home to perhaps one of the most famous British seaside resorts, Brighton which is one of the best beaches near London and perfect if you are looking for day trips from London by train.
If you are looking for huge expanses of golden sand, you must visit Camber Sands and while there, pop in to the small town of Rye, one of the most beautiful towns in the country.
Also take a walk along the clifftop at Seven Sisters Country Park.
Campsites in Sussex on the coast
- Freshwinds Camping (set a little back from Pett Level Beach with glamping accommodation and camping pitches for tents and small VW campervans only).
- Normans Bay (on Normans Bay beach with safari tents and pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans).
- Stud Farm South Downs (near Saltdean beach with bell tent glamping and pitches for tents and campervans only).
- Brighton Caravan Club Site (Caravan and Motorhome club site near Brighton beach with pitches for caravans and motorhomes only).
Hampshire
Along the Hampshire coast you will find a mixture of sand and stone beaches. The beautiful New Forest National Park also stretches all the way down to the coast.
Winchester is the county capital of Hampshire and is lovely to explore on a day out.
If you can’t get abroad this year, the Isle of Wight is bound to give you that holiday island feel.
Campsites in Hampshire on the coast
- Lepe Beach Campsite (on Lepe Beach with pre-erected tents or pitches for tents only).
- Stubcroft Farm (on Bracklesham Bay with pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans).
- Grange Farm Camping (on the Isle of Wight with cottages, static caravans and pitches for tents, campervans, caravans and motorhomes).
Dorset coastal campsites
Dorset is famous for its Jurassic coastline where people come hunting for fossils (on the beaches between Charmouth and Lyme Regis).
The iconic Durdle Door is one of the most famous stone arches in the world. Take the short but stunning and very family-friendly walk from Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove or visit the sandy beaches of Poole, Weymouth and Swanage.
Campsites in Dorset on the coast
Eweleaze Farm (on a private beach with lodges, bell tents and pitches for tents only).
Devon coastal campsites
Devon has a north and a south coast. The south coast Devon beaches are predominantly sandy with Dawlish Warren beach being a hugely popular beach in Devon.
The north coast of Devon is more rugged and rocky with beaches like Tunnels and Barricane. You will also find Woolacombe beach which is widely recognised as one of the best beaches in the country.
As well as the fabulous beaches in Devon, there are lots of things to do in Devon with kids. Visit the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, take a steam train ride on South Devon Railway, learn to surf at one of the best surf schools in the country.
If you have any energy left, go for a walk in Dartmoor National Park or Exmoor National Park.
Campsites in Devon on the coast
- Ocean Pitch Campsite (on Croyde Bay with glamping pods and pitches for tents and small campervans only).
- Freshwall Camping (on Croyde Bay with glamping pods and pitches for tents and small campervans only).
- Camping @ Croyde Bay (on Croyde Bay with pitches for tents and campervans).
- North Morte Farm (by Rockham beach with holiday homes and pitches for tents, campervans, caravans and motorhomes).
- Cofton Park (near Dawlish Warren Beach with lodges, static caravans and pitches for tents, caravans, motorhomes and campervans).
Cornwall coastal campsites
Cornwall is as close as you will get to the French Riviera without being in France. The coastline is dotted with beautiful fishing villages (Looe, Mousehole, Polperro and Megavissey) and sandy beaches (Kynance and Porthcurno).
Some of the most famous sights in Cornwall are St Michael’s Mount, the Eden Project, the Minack Theatre and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Don’t forget to head to Land’s End if you have time.
Cornwall is also a fantastic destination for foodies with lots of fabulous seafood restaurants (of course you will find Rick Stein there) and for surfers (Fistral Beach, Porthmeor and Polzeath).
Campsites in Cornwall on the coast
- Bay View Farm Camping (by Seaton beach with static caravans, glamping pods and pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans).
- Treen Farm Campsite (by Porthcurno beach with pitches for tents and campervans – no large motorhomes or caravans).
- Bedruthan Steps (on the clifftop at Bedruthan Steps beach with pitches for campervans, tents and caravans).
- Chy Carne Holiday Park (on Kennack Sands with static caravans and pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans).
- Lower Pennycrocker Farm (a short walk from Buckator beach with glamping pods and pitches for tents, caravans and campervans).
Welsh Coastal Campsites
The Welsh coastline is simply stunning with a coastal path following almost the entire 870 mile coastline.
Rhossili Bay has been voted best beach in the country. Other Welsh beaches with fabulous stretches of golden sand for families are Abersoch and Borad Haven.
If you love history, there are a huge number of castles in Wales to explore (Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech being just a few). See here for our guide to what to do on a family holiday in North Wales.
If you are into hiking, you must visit Snowdonia National Park, the largest national park in Wales with the highest mountain in England and Wales.
There are a huge number of fabulous coastal campsites in Wales to choose from.
Campsites in Wales on the coast
- Three Cliffs Bay (on Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula with glamping pods and pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans).
- Dunes at Whitesands (near Whitesands Beach with camping pitches for tents, campervans and small motorhomes).
- Little Haven Campsite (a short walk to Little Haven and Broad Haven beaches with pitches for tents and small campervans only – also has ensuite facilities at the campsite).
- Aberafon Camping and Caravan Site (on a private beach with cottages and pitches for tents, campervans and caravans).
- Whitesands Camping (on Whitesands Beach with pitches for tents and small campervans / small motorhomes. No caravans).
- Pencarnen Farm (on Porthsele Beach with static caravans, shepherd huts and pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans).
- Darfan Rhos Caravan and Camping Site (on Lligwy Beach on Anglesey with pitches for tents, motorhomes, campervans and caravans).
- Point Farm Campsite (overlooking Dale Bay with pitches for tents and small campervans / motorhomes – no caravans).
- Penrhyn Farm Camping (on clifftop overlooking the sea with static caravans and pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans).
Yorkshire coastal campsites
Yorkshire is perhaps more famous for its rolling green hills of the Yorkshire Dales but it also has some spectacular beaches, including Filey Beach which was voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world in 2018.
It is also known for its Roman and Viking heritage. Must visit places are the City of York with the stunning York Minster.
Take a wander through the Shambles, believed to have been the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.
Or how about a steam train ride on beautifully scenic routes through the North York Moors National Park?
Camspites in Yorkshire on the coast
- Wold Farm Campsite (Private access to Bempton Cliffs with glamping pods and bell tents and pitches for tents, caravans, motorhomes and campervans).
- Bay Ness Farm Campsite (by Robin Hoods Bay with pitches for tents, campervans, caravans and motorhomes).
- Hooks House Farm (short walk to Robin Hoods Bay with a cottage and pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans).
Northumberland coastal campsites
The Northumberland coast is rugged and designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle (a fantastic Harry Potter filming location) are a couple of the most impressive castles in England.
Kids will love driving across the causeway to Holy Island – just make sure to check the tide times.
For family-friendly walks, head inland to Kielder Water and Forest Park in Northumberland National Park where you can find a Gruffalo Trail.
Brush up on your Roman history at HousesteadsFort and take a walk along Hadrian’s Wall with various points for learning all about the Roman’s in Britain.
Campsites in Northumberland on the coast
- Dunstan Hill (a short walk from Embleton Bay, a Camping and Caravan club site with pitches for campervans, motorhomes and caravans – no tents).
- Budle Bay Campsite (near Budle Bay with huts and pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans).
Scotland coastal campsites
Scotland is home to some of the most incredible beaches in the country with pristine white sand and turquoise waters that look like they belong in a tropical destination.
Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris in particular is one of the most spectacular beaches in the country.
If you are driving famous North Coast 500 route taking you through the Highlands and Islands, there is a good chance you will stop in at some of these campsites.
The Scottish coast is vast and beautiful with pop into Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The Highlands Glenfinnian Viaduct for the Harry Potter train.
There is such a huge choice of Scottish coastal campsites.
Campsites in Scotland on the coast
- Highfield Holidays (by Tralee Bay Beach with glamping accommodation and pitches for caravans, motorhomes, campervans and tents).
- Kinloch Campsite (coastal campsite in northern Isle of Skye with pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans. Perfectly positioned for visiting the Isle of Skye with kids. See also our guides to visiting the dinosaur footprints beach and visiting the Fairy Glen).
- Cnip – (possibly as remote as you will get on Traigh na Beirigh on the Isle of Lewis with pitches for tents, campervans and caravans).
- Clachtoll Beach Campsite (on Clachtoll Beach with pitches for tents, campervans, caravans and motorhomes).
- Dunnet Bay (Caravan and Motorhome Club site on Dunnet Beach with pitches for caravans, motorhomes and campervans only).
- Culzean Castle (Camping and Caravanning Club site on Maybole Beach with pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans).
- Camusdarach (near Camusdarach Beach with self-catering cottages and pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans).
- Salen Bay Campsite (on Salen Bay with pitches for tents, campervans, caravans and motorhomes).
- Sands Caravan Park (near Big Sand Beach with pitches for tents, campervans, caravans and motorhomes).
- Badrallach (on the banks of Little Loch Broom with self-catering accommodation and pitches for tents and vehicles under 6m).
- Sango Sands Oasis (on Sango Sands Durness with pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans).
- Rosemarkie (Camping and Caravanning Club site right on Half Moon Bay with pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans).
Map of Coastal Campsites in the UK
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