Many Brits have held off on booking a summer holiday due to the coronavirus crisis, but it’s not too late for a staycation in the great outdoors whilst the weather remains mild.
With changes to quarantine rules and Foreign Office advice for international travel changing pretty much every week, there’s still uncertainty around trips abroad.
Luckily in Manchester, we’ve got plenty of picturesque destinations not too far with some amazing campsites just a few hour’s drive away.
Camping has become more popular than ever in the UK after a greater focus on getting outdoors, with specialists CoolCamping reporting a 750 percent increase in traffic to their site this summer.
Now the experts there have put together a guide to the most gorgeous camping sites for a stylish and quirky stay.
The team analysed over 100 of the top UK campsites to see how often they had been tagged on Instagram to collate 25 of the most scenic spots.
In first place is the dreamy Lusty Glaze Beach in Cornwall - a private beach site offering luxe bell tents, champagne and a host of activities including jet skiing, surfing and yoga.
But we’ve narrowed it down to seven campsites closer to Manchester to make for an easier getaway.
Humble Bee Farm, Yorkshire
Hidden away among the Yorkshire wolds, Humble Bee campsite is an eclectic mix of wigwams, bell tents and yurts.
It's surrounded by beautiful fauna and flora which not only looks the part but also helps to protect the area’s wildlife and promote biodiversity.
The site is a great choice for kids and wildlife lovers of all ages, with plenty of opportunities to interact with the animals on the farm and even collect fresh eggs from the hens. The owners also provide plenty of luxury touches including a bottle of bubbly and breakfast packs.
Drive time: 2hr13
Catgill Farm Camping & Glamping, Yorkshire
Another Yorkshire beauty is Catgill Farm, a camping and glamping site located by the historic Bolton Abbey.
The site offers the perfect mix of a traditional camping atmosphere alongside more modern and luxurious touches, such as hot tubs among the trees and kitted out timber pods for sleeping in.
The location not only provides stunning views but plenty to do – from wandering down to the old Abbey to visiting the tea rooms or taking a ride on the vintage steam train.
Drive time: 1hr23
Aberafon, Gwynedd
This Welsh campsite is undoubtedly one of the most well-located campsites in the entire UK.
Aberafon is sandwiched between the beach and the mountains on Llyn Peninsula, with views to suit everyone from every angle. Adventurous types can enjoy wild swimming or for the more traditional swimmers, there are sandy beaches suited to a relaxing paddle.
Other water activities include sailing and kayaking, or stick to the land (and the air) by paragliding from the mountains.
Drive time: 2hr18
Stanley Villa Farm, Lancashire
While this cool glamping site in Lancashire is located just 15 minutes from Blackpool, it enjoys a tranquil lakeside location. The colourful ‘bugs’ - as the accommodation is referred to, are fully insulated and well-equipped.
They are also the ideal location for enjoying your own private campfire. In the centre of the site there is a 5-acre manmade lake offering fishing opportunities for everyone from complete beginners to experienced anglers.
Drive time: 1hr
Dale Farm Rural Campsite, Derbyshire
Located in Derbyshire, Dale Farm is well and truly in the heart of the Peak District, with Chatsworth House, Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve and all the charms of Bakewell nearby.
The site is located on a working farm, and presents a traditional and tranquil experience, with only 30 pitches in total. It's also one for animal-lovers with lamb, sheep and Highland cattle to be found on the farm. In line with the traditional nature of the site, campfires are allowed.
Accommodation includes a trio of luxury bell tents equipped with luxe amenities including king-sized beds, candle chandeliers and wood burner fires.
Drive time: 1hr20
Sykeside Camping, Cumbria
This Lake District beauty offers panoramic views and thrilling hiking adventures. No matter where you pitch up at Sykeside, you're sure to find an incredible mountain view to marvel at from your tent. The Lakes are within easy walking distance - and Cool Camping recommend checking out the unsung Brothers Water which is just a short walk from the site.
The friendly campsite has been running for 35 years now, and run by the current owners for a decade. The site has plenty of facilities to enjoy, including a well-stocked shop and the much-loved Barn End Bar.
Drive time: 2hr
Graig Wen, Gwynedd
The bohemian site is located in the south-west corner of the Snowdonia National Park in what is arguably one of the best camping locations in all of Wales. It's situated within 45 acres of its own wild woods and meadows.
The site is definitely a nature lovers' paradise, with wildlife abundant and measures taken by the owners to ensure campers and wildlife can live happily side by side. Their efforts have earned the site accolades such as the Green Snowdonia Award for Most Sustainable Campsite. The site boasts an array of quirky accommodation options from kitted out yurts to a new shepherd's hut.
Drive time: 2hr30
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.
