Bauernhof Camping

As well as footpaths directly from the site, the rugged Sauerland region (half an hour’s drive) serves up numerous hiking trails. You can walk sections of the long-distance Rothaarsteig from the centuries-old Hanseatic town of Brilon (55 minutes, well-worth a visit), or more experienced hikers may like to take on the Kahler Asten (about an hour), a well-known peak topped by the Astenturm observatory. For those who fancy a taste of city life, Dortmund (40 minutes) has a rich shopping and dining scene as well as the landmark Dortmunder U – a former brewery now morphed into a cultural centre and museum. Kids getting bored with culture? Take them to the German Football Museum to see World Cup and European Championship trophies. There’s more for families to do locally too. There are kangaroos, anteaters and pink flamingoes to spy on at Tierpark Hamm (half an hour), a zoo where you can also feed the zebras and antelopes. Grimpinger Farm Wildlife Park and Adventure Land (55 minutes) makes a fun day out with alpacas and meerkats to meet alongside gentle carousel rides for younger children.