Bell tents in Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve

This inviting tract of beach and vegetated dunes forms the central swathe of the Sefton Coast, a long line of sand between Liverpool and Southport. The Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, alongside several other reserves, protect the area’s dune grasslands and Corsican pinewoods, which rise behind the beach and offer diverse habitat for endangered creatures like natterjack toad. Caravan campers fare better than those with just tents along the coast thanks to touring parks at Formby and Ainsdale—tent campers should try heading a bit inland for the best bets.

98% (115) • 52 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve

Moss Rose Campsite

1. Moss Rose Campsite

99%

(61)

28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Pilling, Preston, England

We have a family friendly Quiet campsite in the heart of Lancashire on our family run farm. Our site is situated in a species rich meadow field with large mown Pitches surrounded by wild flowers and meandering pathways linking the site together. We are surrounded by a young trees & woodland with the back drop of the Pennines. We offer both glamping and traditional non EHU camping on our site, with lovely hot showers, clean toilet facilities, fresh water point, pot wash area, phone charger lockers, communal freezers, elsan disposal point, microwave, coffee/hot chocolate machine, and our little honesty shack with all little camping essentials to might need whilst staying with us. We also hire out picnic benches and fire pits to help enhance your camping experience. We have a lovely little woodland walk, with a meandering mown path, that winds through our woodland/conservation area. Perfect to walk your dog, and let your kids explore. Adjoining the campsite, we have a padock with super frindly sheep that love to say hello. We sell little bags of sheep feed, just incase you'd like to give them a little treat. In the middle of the site, we have a little tots play area, perfect for keeping you're small kids entertained. We are a Quiet family site, with a Reduced Noise policy from 9 pm, and Quiet Time from 10 pm to 8.30 am. Latest check in time is 8PM, unless prearranged with the campsite. Our site has close links to the A6 and m6 J33. We are only 13 miles from the Historic city of Lancaster, the Bright lights of Blackpool and the jubilee city of Preston. 4 miles from the first fair trade market town of Garstang and 45 mins into the Lake District. There is also lots of interesting activities to do locally.

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from

£18

/ night

Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

2. Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

96%

(60)

40 units · Glamping · Preston, Lancashire, North West England

Lakeside rural tranquility and the 'kiss-me-quick' fun of the seaside – you can have the best of both worlds at Stanley Villa Farm's cute camping pods

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from

£60

/ night

Cross Farm Retreat

3. Cross Farm Retreat

100%

(4)

4 units · Glamping · England

Cross Farm Retreat, is a glamping site set within lush, wild fields and picturesque gardens across 5 acres, offering beautiful views of the Pennine Hills and the iconic Stoodley Pike. Located 2 miles from Todmorden and just 4 miles from Hebden Bridge, both easily accessible via an idyllic stroll along the nearby Rochdale canal. Our glamping site offers a tranquil escape where you can re- connect with nature and embark on adventures along abundant walking and cycling trails, including the renowned Pennine Way and Gaddings Dam. Cross Farm invites you to Retreat, Restore and Revive.

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from

£100

/ night

Watkinsons Farm Glamping

4. Watkinsons Farm Glamping

2 units · Glamping · Lathom, England

A peaceful, small scale glamping site in West Lancashire with woods, meadows and endless space to explore

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from

£80

/ night

Brayshaw View Glamping & Camping

5. Brayshaw View Glamping & Camping

100%

(3)

46 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · England

Nestled in the heart of breathtaking countryside, Brayshaw View Campsite offers a peaceful retreat with stunning panoramic views, fresh air, and the perfect spot to unwind. From scenic hiking trails to charming local villages, explore the best spots to visit, whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, there’s something for everyone. Discover Local Places Uncover hidden gems, charming villages, and scenic spots waiting to be explored. Experience the best of the local area, from historic landmarks to breathtaking nature trails. Pendle Hill Gisburn Forest Settle Malham Bolton Abbey Pendle Hill Gisburn Forest Things to Do Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy outdoor activities, experiences, and family-friendly fun to make the most of your stay. Skipton Boat Trips Skipton Castle Ingleborough Cave Ingleton Falls White Scar Caves Vertical Skills Thornton Hall Farm Skipton Boat Trips Skipton Castle Places To Eat & Drink Enjoy a taste of the local area with welcoming pubs serving hearty meals and refreshing drinks. Whether you’re after a traditional pint or a homemade bite to eat, you’ll find a warm atmosphere and friendly service. Crow Trees Inn The Plough Bike Hire & Training Explore the great outdoors with bike hire and training options for all levels. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous ride or a leisurely cycle, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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from

£25

/ night

Plas yn Llangoed

6. Plas yn Llangoed

94%

(71)

16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Anglesey, North Wales

Camping pitches and bell tents on Anglesey Island with views across the Menai Strait to the mountains of Snowdonia

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from

£38

/ night

Hob Hey Hideaways

7. Hob Hey Hideaways

100%

(3)

9 units · Glamping · Halifax, England

A relaxing West Yorkshire getaway with bell tents on sprawling moorland

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from

£99

/ night

Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

8. Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

100%

(32)

8 units · Glamping · Cheshire, North West England

Lakeside glamping on the edge of Delemere Forest and a 10-minute train ride from Chester

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from

£96

/ night

Betws-y-Coed Bell Tent

9. Betws-y-Coed Bell Tent

100%

(2)

1 unit · Glamping · Betws Y Coed, Wales

A bell tent with a great location in Snowdonia National Park

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from

£58

/ night

Ty Farm Retreat Glamping

10. Ty Farm Retreat Glamping

1 unit · Glamping · Colwyn Bay, Conwy, North Wales

Wake up to spectacular mountain views. 27 acres of rolling hills, woodland, wildlife, streams and mini waterfalls to explore, venture into Snowdonia nearby or visit lakes, beaches and castles. The camp area enjoys panoramic views of the rolling hills, patchwork fields and Carneddau mountain range beyond. You will also see the sheep as they make there way down the field throughout the day. You can explore the grounds, search for mini waterfalls, listen to the streams and paddle in our natural plunge pool. There are also stunning walks directly from the property.

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Potable water

from

£101

/ night

/ night

Ty Farm Retreat Glamping

10. Ty Farm Retreat Glamping

1 unit · Glamping · Colwyn Bay, Conwy, North Wales

Wake up to spectacular mountain views. 27 acres of rolling hills, woodland, wildlife, streams and mini waterfalls to explore, venture into Snowdonia nearby or visit lakes, beaches and castles. The camp area enjoys panoramic views of the rolling hills, patchwork fields and Carneddau mountain range beyond. You will also see the sheep as they make there way down the field throughout the day. You can explore the grounds, search for mini waterfalls, listen to the streams and paddle in our natural plunge pool. There are also stunning walks directly from the property.

Pets

Showers

Potable water

from

£101

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

A

Anna

August 2025

2 nights at Brayshaw View Glamping & Camping

Amazing scenery and lovely owners! The tipis were big and spacious and decorated beautifully with fairy lights. The atmosphere and experience was perfect!

K

Kathryn

August 2025

2 nights at Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

Had an incredible few days at lloyds meadow, my husband did some fishing while I relaxed and crocheted, the campsite was clean and quiet, we even caught the meteor shower on Tuesday evening along with the northern lights. Sarah was an incredible host, always checking we had everything we needed, and very friendly.

b

birnambeekeeper

July 2025

With kids

1 night at Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

Friendly welcome and the bell tent was really nice. Good to be able to have a fire too. We did a little fishing on the stock pond and caught a few.

C

Claire

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

Friendly host and staff, bell tents lovely. Area well kept all the group had a great time.

D

Declan

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

Lloyds meadow what a beautiful place! As soon as we got here Sarah made us feel very welcomed showing us around and explaining everything that we needed, the bell tents were so clean and cozy. I can now see why the bed is award winning as I had the best sleep ever it was so comfortable! Little touches as ringing the bell for any help and bringing us fire wood whenever we needed it made us feel at home and welcomed. Lloyds meadow is the perfect get away and I would definitely highly recommend to anyone, it’s close to Chester town and has lovely bars and cafes nearby! Cannot fault in any way! Thankyou for having us, will definitely be coming back again! P.S we also made friends with the neighbours they were very welcoming also!!! ( the ducks & goats) xxx Beth and Dec

J

Jane

June 2025

2 nights at Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

The comfiest bed in this beautiful secluded site. The hostess Sarah takes the extra step to make sure your holiday runs smoothly. Ideal for couples or the solo traveller seeking a bit of luxury

J

Jonny

May 2025

With kids

1 night at Cross Farm Retreat

We had a wonderful stay in the bell tent. The bed was comfy and the tent is very warm and inviting. Kirsty is very kind and considerate and we had everything we needed to give my daughter her first introduction to camping.

The famous goats! Be sure to take them for a walk.

J

Joseph

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

Cannot fault our stay with Lloyds Meadow. 1st time we have glamped after years of camping and I don’t think I could go back to normal camping after such a wonderful experience here. Sarah was the best host we’ve ever had. Attentive, knowledgeable and nothing was too much to ask to ensure our stay was the best. We added the fire pit package and breakfast hamper which did not disappoint. Sitting out by the fire into the night, secluded and surrounded by nature & all of the wonderful sounds made for an unforgettable and addicting experience. (We will be back 100%)! We had a fishing peg on the stunning small lake just outside the tent entrance which also didn’t disappoint. Packed with Roach, Bream and some specimen Carp. All really good fun on light tackle. Let’s not forget the goats, who you can let out of the pen if you wish and they follow you around! What a great additional experience. There is also a pub which serves excellent food within a very short walking distance. The showers and toilets onsite were very clean & the best I’ve found on any site. Hats off to Sarah and Dan, who have created the perfect combination of real connection to nature, combined with the luxuries camping lacks sometimes. The beds in the tents are extremely comfy too. Thank you both & see you again soon. Emily and Joe.

J

Joe

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

Would highly recommend staying here. The site was perfect, and Sarah couldn’t have been friendlier or more helpful. Bbq, stove cooking breakfast, taking goats for a stroll, exploring the local walking routes, and setting up a wood fire at night - everything you could need.

Clarice

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Chilled Out Adult Only Glamping

Absolutely wonderful experience! Gorgeous glampsite, great cooking facilities. Wonderful views and walks! Sarah is a really lovely host, I would highly recommend this beautiful spot to anyone thinking of booking, we'd love to come back!

A

Aaron

April 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Stanley Villa Farm Fishing& Camping

The whole stay was fantastic. Staff were fantastic. Not far from things to do. Nice and chilled.

M

Matt

April 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Plas yn Llangoed

Lovely site, great location, facilities and pitches. Super friendly host. The communal kitchen / fire pit area is such a great idea.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Bell tents in Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve guide

Where to go

Sefton Coast

Reaching from Crossens near Southport 21 miles down to Crosby on the edge of Merseyside, Sefton Coast is one of the UK’s most important sandy coastlines. The unbroken, gold-brown beachfront and epic dunes behind, containing 40% of the nationally rare dune slack habitat, make this area special—and it’s all linked by coastal trail. Camping on the coast is difficult, but small-scale campsites can be found just a short way from the water.

Leeds & Liverpool Canal

This fully navigable 127-mile waterway between Liverpool and Leeds pulls off engineering feats a-plenty—negotiating the steep contours of the Pennines, for example—but just as it provides excellent narrow-boating, walking, and cycling, the canal’s camping possibilities are also impressive. The canal loops to within seven miles east of Ainsdale Sands near Downholland—look out for farm glamping near Lathom for a sleep in a fully furnished bell tent.

Ribble Estuary

North of Crossens and about five miles northeast of Ainsdale Sand Dunes NNR, the sand merges into the marsh and mudflats of the Ribble Estuary, one of England’s largest saltmarshes. Over half the estuary is protected as an NNR, and its south side has the best camping. It’s a brilliant area for wildlife-watching, especially for wildfowl.

West Pennine Moors

A locally popular but nationally little-known chunk of stark moorland, the West Pennine Moors swoop east of Chorley, 25 miles east of Ainsdale Sand Dunes. The handiest parts of this outdoor playground are Anglezarke and Rivington Moors, where two long reservoirs divide the higher ground from the conurbation to the west. The region offers great contrasts with the Ainsdale area’s flat, sandy coastscape, as well as charming campsites with several hiking routes into the wilder terrain beyond.