One of the most pleasurable ways of getting back to nature and embracing the outdoors is to go camping. It's adventurous, affordable and makes for happy, fun-filled memories for children to look back on when they're older.
And what could be better than a campsite where you can pitch your tent on a grassy clearing, shaded by trees and colourful borders? We recommend the best campsites in the UK that boast beautiful gardens to explore.
The best campsites in the UK with beautiful gardens
Penpont, Powys
This majestic 2,000 acre estate on the banks of the River Usk has low-impact living and sustainability at its core. Penpont grows its own organic fruit and vegetables, the land is fed entirely with green manure and garden compost, and rainwater is harvested from the stable roof for the campers’ hot showers and loos. Campers can pitch their tent wherever they like in the orchard or old rose garden among the mature trees and shrubs, or choose from two stunning pitches by the river. Children will love the climbing trees and getting lost in the Green Man maze.
Penpont Estate, Brecon, Powys LD3 8EU, penpont.com/camping
Camp Dartington, Devon
Just outside the boho market town of Totnes, you can camp on a medieval estate with fine views of Haytor on Dartmoor. At Dartington there are 26 acres of Grade II listed gardens to explore, filled with stunning sculptures, ancient trees and impressive plant species. There are showers and a washing up area in the campsite, and off-ground fire pits are welcome. Glamping pods are available if you don't wish to camp.
Upper Drive, Dartington Hall, Totnes TQ9 6EE. Tel 01803 847077, dartington.org
Speyside Gardens, Moray
A six-acre campsite in a beautiful Victorian walled garden near the River Spey. There's an on-site shop and children's play area, and keep your eyes peeled for the red squirrel feeders on the green. This campsite is perfectly situated for salmon fishing on the river, walking and cycling the Spey Way and, of course, sampling the local whisky distilleries.
Aberlour Gardens, Aberlour, Moray, AB38 9LD. Tel 01340 871586, speysidegardens.com
Pleasant Streams Farm Camping, Cornwall
Open for four weeks only in August, this magical campsite boasts pretty flower-filled borders, shallow streams and two small lakes with rowing boats. Children will love meeting the farm animals and searching for hidden rope swings. The site grows and sells plants (specialising in alpines and succulents) – look out for their stall at the top of the lane.
Pleasant Streams, Lower, Sticker, Barn PL26 7JL, cornwallfarmcamping.co.uk
Knepp Safaris, West Sussex
If wild gardens are more your thing, this campsite in a wildflower meadow on the edge of an ancient woodland should tick every box. Each pitch at this rewilding project has its own upcycled fire-pit and barbecue grill, and there are eco-friendly loos and hot water rain-showers on site, as well as two open air baths. Be sure to visit the rewilded walled garden, a unique Knepp experiment that has a mosaic of habitats and diverse plants within its Victorian walls.
New Barn Farm, Dial Post, Nr Horsham, West Sussex RH13 8NN, 01403 713 230, kneppsafaris.co.uk/stay/camping
Farm on the Hill Eco Campsite, Staffordshire
This campsite sits within 24 acres of woodland and meadow in the village of Prestwood on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. Small pitches have been mown into the meadow, surrounded by young trees, wildflowers and grasses. There's also a 'Secret Garden' – a private pitch surrounded by tall trees and hedges. This can accommodate between two and five tents of average size.
Manor House Farm, Prestwood Ln, Uttoxeter ST14 5DD, farmonthehill.co.uk
Alde Garden, Suffolk
In this secret garden, natural pathways meander through trees, shrubs, flowers and wildlife areas – you'll also find many friendly ducks and chickens. There's a range of communal facilities including a campfire, covered field kitchen, compost loo and jungle shower. There's also a raised herb garden for you to help yourself for dinner.
The White Horse Inn, Low Road, Sweffling, Suffolk IP17 2BB. Tel 01728 664178, aldegarden.co.uk
The Walled Garden Camping, Dorset
Pitch your tent within the grounds of the Walled Garden estate, where you'll find a Chilean arboretum, bog garden, acer walk, a rose garden, children's play area and a cafe. There's also a plant shop selling roses, seasonal plants, bulbs, alpines, climbers, trees and a variety of compost.
Moreton, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8RG. Tel 01305 263845, thewalledgardencamping.co.uk
Trewan Hall, Cornwall
Just outside the historic market town of St Columb Major, this campsite is spread over 36 acres of woodlands and gardens centred around the stunning 17th-century manor, Trewan Hall. They've won numerous awards for their commitment to sustainability, and their plants, shrubs and trees have been carefully chosen to be ecologically appropriate rather than ornamental. On site you'll find a heated swimming pool and children's play area.
St. Columb, Cornwall TR9 6DB. Tel 01637 880261, trewan-hall.co.uk