Campgrounds for backpackers in Central England

The Oak Inn

• Touring pitches behind a 17th-century village pub in Defford
• A 10-minute drive from Upton upon Severn; 25 minutes from Worcester
• Pub with food, local ales and beer garden; farm shop across the road

Thames Meadow Camping

• Back to basics grass pitches half a mile from the Thames Path
• A 20-minute drive from Witney and 25 minutes from the Cotswolds
• Working farm within walking distance of three pubs; campfires welcome

The Paddocks Pop-up Campsite

• Simple, peaceful paddock pitches in Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park
• Next door to a donkey sanctuary; five minutes’ drive from the beach
• Village pub a short walk away; barbecues and firepits allowed on site

Weston Lawns Fisheries

• Scenic fishery park in the rural West Midlands
• A mile from Bedworth and its station; Birmingham 30 minutes' drive
• On-site café, bar, day fishing and animals to feed

Shirebrook Staff Sports and Social Club

• Family-friendly and dog-friendly site part of a friendly social club
• A 20-minute drive from Sherwood Forest and Clumber Park; walks nearby
• Social club activities, pool table and bar; farm park next door

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

Milton Keynes Youth Hostel

The Grassy Shire

• Tranquil pop-up meadow site on a farm in the gorgeous Welland Valley
• A half-hour drive to Rutland Water, and 15 minutes to Uppingham
• Wild camping field surrounded by woodland, close to shops and pubs

Ash Hill Camping

• Traditional Oxfordshire farm on the edge of the Cotswold Hills
• Blenheim Palace 20 minutes' drive; central Oxford 40 minutes
• Well-behaved dogs allowed; half a mile from the village pub

Atherstone Stables Caravan Park

• Peaceful and well-kept site within a mile of Atherstone town centre
• A 10-minute drive to Twycross Zoo and 20 to Drayton Manor Theme Park
• Shop on site and River Sence fishing a short stroll from the grounds

Ayurveda Hoddesdon

• Pop-up wild campsite edging the River Lee Navigation in Hertfordshire
• A 15-minute walk to Rye House Kart Raceway and RSPB Rye Meads
• Pitches in private woodland; bike rides and walks direct from the site

Bainland Country Park

Barn Farm

Bidston Farm Camping

• Peaceful dog-friendly site at a farm on the Lincolnshire coast
• A 10-minute drive to Mablethorpe; 15 minutes to Donna Nook seals
• Back to basics pitches 10 minutes' walk from the nearest beach

Birchcanoes

• Small, rural and simple site by the River Wreake
• Sustainable approach using reclaimed materials
• Electric car charging point, a play area, hammock space and free wifi

Black Hall Wigwams

Bluebell Farm

• Small family-run working farm a mile from Upton Upon Severn
• Countryside base a couple of miles from the M5
• Semi-wild camping with toilet, electric shower and chemical disposal