Campgrounds for backpackers in Central England

Pindale Farm Outdoor Centre

RFC Landing Ground

• Lincolnshire campsite in the grounds of a World War I airfield
• Sleaford 10 minutes' drive; Lincoln half an hour
• Barbecues/firepits/firewood provided, platform for pond dipping

Fordhall Organic Farm

• Private site on a working organic farm in the Tern valley
• Two miles from the town of Market Drayton
• Top spot for stargazing and bat spotting

Sealwood Estate

• Tranquil caravan, camping and motorhome site at the heart of the natio

Whittlebury Park

Tranquil Hill

• Scenic dog-friendly hilltop site just outside the Shropshire Hills
• A 25-minute drive from Ironbridge Gorge; half an hour from Shrewsbury
• Barbecues and campfires allowed; shops and pubs 10 minutes’ drive away

Seed Low Rake Camping

• Peaceful, simple site deep in the Peak District National Park
• A five-minute drive from Eyam; Buxton town centre 25 minutes
• Back to basics camping on quiet Derbyshire farmland

Wildwood Adventure Camps

• Wild camping in a 100-acre Derbyshire woodland
• A 20-minute drive from Matlock and Carsington Water
• Bushcraft class included; stag and hen parties are welcome

Lichfield Waterside Campsite

• Pop-up site with optional music events in Staffordshire countryside
• SnowDome and Statfold Country Park both 15 minutes’ drive
• Budget-friendly family camping with a three-acre lake for paddlesports

Jordans Youth Hostel

Woodleigh

• Wild camping with spectacular views of Gloucestershire’s Severn Vale
• A 25-minute drive to Highgrove Gardens, and 45 minutes to Bristol
• Access to the Cotswold Way, pubs, shops and neolithic ruins nearby

Jenners Barn Pop-Up Camping

• Back to basics site on a peaceful Cotswolds farm
• A 20-minute drive from Cirencester; half an hour from Witney
• Views of the river Coln; a mile from a nature reserve and café

Wykeham Hall Camping

• Back to basics site on a family-run farm in the Lincolnshire Wolds
• Half an hour's drive from the coast and 40 minutes from Lincoln
• Off-grid stays with dark skies at night; close to the Viking Way

Gold Acre

• Close to the historic town of Ludlow
• A mile from Croft Castle and Parkland
• Sustainable and low-impact approach

Ye Olde Swan

• Lively family-friendly island site on the Thames
• A 20-minute drive from hikes, bikes and sights of the Cotswolds
• Easy stroll from traditional English pub-restaurant on the Thames

YHA Clun Mill

• In the grounds of a restored watermill, half a mile from Clun
• Walking and cycling haven deep in the Shropshire Hills
• Toilet, shower, self-catering kitchen, and drying and laundry room

YHA National Forest

• Family-sized bell tents five minutes' drive from Swadlincote
• Next door to an adventure park, with easy access to National Forest
• Restaurant on site for breakfast and supper, plus well-stocked bar