Options for camping in the UK

Camping and caravanning are seeing huge popularity in 2009 as holidaymakers return to traditional British holidays.

The UK’s 5,000-plus holiday parks and campsites offer a huge variety of accommodation and facilities to choose from.

Your main choice is whether you want to take your own accommodation (a tent or touring caravan), or opt for the convenience of an existing caravan, lodge or cottage. If you can’t decide, there’s always the option of the ‘pre-erected tent’!

So where can you stay? Holiday parks tend to offer a ‘resort’ type experience where static caravans are the main accommodation available. Static caravans offer a ‘home away from home’ experience and can be luxurious with central heating and double glazing. Some parks have upgraded static caravans to Scandinavian-style ‘lodges’ to rival the finest ski chalets.

You’ll often find fields available for touring caravans and tents, usually with options for electric hook-ups.

Facilities at holiday parks are often very extensive, ranging from swimming pools and tennis courts to golf courses and even on-site water parks, while campsites tend to offer a more rural experience.