Luxury camping in Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve: Best Luxury Campsites

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.

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Top-rated campgrounds

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.

99% (290)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. 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

2. Stretton House Campsite

92%

(12)

40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

If you like the sound of having farm shops and ice cream farms nearby, as well as access to lots of walking and cycling trails, Stretton House Campsite should be a fine pick for you. It has a strict no noise policy after 10pm, meaning that you should get a peaceful night's sleep too. This site is in the grounds of the 400-year-old Stretton House surrounded by the Cheshire countryside with handy transport links nearby and outdoor activities in no short supply… that includes things like alpaca walking, golf or Manley Mere’s watersports haven (a 20-minute drive away for the latter). You’ll have your pick of two fields, both with car parking by the pitch free of charge and dogs allowed. The facilities include separate male and female toilet blocks, pay per use shower block, mobile phone charging facilities, free wifi and chemical toilet disposal and a drinking water standpipe. You’ll have permission to start up a barbecue or firepit too (subject to the correct safety measures). When you’re ready to get going, the friendly owners will be willing to help out however they can and suggest possible days out, which may include fishing or walking at Pickmere Lake (10 minutes’ drive), visiting an ice cream farm (within 10 minutes’ drive of the site) or going to the local golf course (five minutes’ drive). For food, there’s a farm shop just two minutes’ walk away from the site where you’ll be able to get your hands on local produce. Pubs aren’t far away either – there is one pub five minutes' walk away, and another 15 minutes' walk away. Festival goers are very welcome, and the Creamfields Festival site is five minutes’ drive away. Please respect the quiet hours (no noise is permitted after 10pm) and environment, as the owners' home is on the grounds (and stick to the field's facilities only). No waste accepted onsite. All rubbish must be taken home at the end of your stay.

3. Over-the-Moon Luxury Shepherds Hut

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(24)

1 unit · Glamping · Ruthin, Wales

A shepherd’s hut on a smallholding in rural north Wales

4. wildwood quarry retreat

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(1)

2 units · Glamping · Wales

Quiet semi rural location close to the ancient township of Caerwys and within walking distance of Offas Dyke Path and local hillforts . Easily accessible off the A541 Mold-Denbigh road , 7 mins from J31 on A55 . A short 20-25 minute drive to the beach resorts of Talacre , Rhyl , Abergele and Prestatyn. The historic towns of Denbigh and Mold are only a 15 minute drive away as is Holywell and Flint . An ideal base to relax and unwind or if you wish to park up for the duration there is plenty of local walks from our gate to lakes and nature reserves in the area. On site you will have ensuite facilities in our luxurious Quarry Wagons with a covered outdoor veranda deck and an outdoor bath tub to relax and unwind under the dark skies. You will also have your own campfire and picnic area right outside and parking is provided adjacent to your unit . We have a secluded private hillside woodland with further areas to explore without even leaving the site . We are brand new for 2024 and will have 2 units onsite this year and plans in place for another 2 soon . In total we will have 4 camping pitches with direct connection for water , electric and lpg gas for all your heating cooking and bathing needs

5. Marbury Camp and Lodge

97%

(15)

23 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · England

Small, simple family run camping and glamping site on the Cheshire / Shropshire border with local market towns a stones throw away. Around an hour away from Manchester, Liverpool, Chester and Birmingham, but most definitely far enough away for a break from city life. Great pubs within 30 mins walking distance and close to Cycle Routes, Walking Routes, Farm Shop Cafes, Markets, Supermarkets, a Gin Distillery (open to the public), three wedding venues, a kids tree top adventure amusement park, just to name a few. If camping isn’t for you, book one of our 4 glamping pods complete with central heating, a shower/WC, TV and cooking facilities. Small licensed shop on site. For the best rates, call 01948 502250. Hollyhurst Road, Marbury, SY13 4LY

6. Woodman's Huts

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(58)

3 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes

7. Cross Farm Retreat

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(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.

8. Peaks and Pods

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(25)

5 units · Glamping · North Yorkshire, North East England

Luxury pods with extra special touches, sandwiched between the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales National Park

9. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%

(149)

47 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Millom, England

Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep

10. 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.

11. Logfire Holidays

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(2)

3 units · Glamping · Afonwen, Mold, Wales

Emily Rose and Finch are set in our field garden, surrounded by farm land, high in the Clwydian range. Our hilltop setting affords far-reaching valley views and access to fabulous walks along Offa's Dyke from the doorstep. This is a perfect spot for nature lovers, star gazers and those wanting peace. The North Wales countryside and coastlines are waiting to be explored - think castles and beaches. Snowdonia and Liverpool can be reached in under an hour so why not add city sights and adrenaline fuelled mountain adventures to your holiday activity list, then return to laze in a hammock, picnic under the apple trees, and enjoy evenings around the fire-pit.

12. Y Llew Bach Cottage

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(1)

1 unit · Glamping · Gwytherin, Wales

Y Llew Bach is a our one bedroom 300 year old cottage ideal for couples and friends. The double bed is upstairs and we have a small double sofa bed for 1 adult or 2 children downstairs. Next door, open 4 nights a week is our quiet country pub The Lion Inn serving amazing homemade food and takeaway pizzas. Deep in the Welsh countryside situated on The Pilgrims Way, we offer spectacular views within easy reach of Snowdonia and the Welsh coast. Local attractions include Zip World, Betws-Y-Coed, Conwy, lots of castles and Beautiful beaches. We offer lots of home comforts, including a super comfy double bed with TV/DVD player on the mezzanine level where although there is restricted headroom, the view is definately worth it! Downstairs there is a small sofa bed and tea and coffee making facilities, fridge, microwave and toaster, plates and cutlery provided and ensuite shower room. Towels and bedding also provided. Easy to find, we have one parking space next to Y LLew Bach and plenty of space for another car opposite. We're surrounded by fields, sheep, cows and the odd pheasant and we're very dog friendly. Please note there are no shops in the village, though there is a little hut Y Cwt which stocks fresh eggs, milk, yogurts, ice cream and cakes and is just a short walk from thr cottage. The nearest small shop is 10 minutes away in the local town of Llanwrst offers a supermarket, take aways and cafes, a lovely river and even a swimming pool!

13. Tipsy Tree Glamping

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(17)

4 units · Glamping · Cheshire, North West England

Quirky eco-friendly glamping ideal for a rural road-trip

14. Copy House Hideaway

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(67)

2 units · Glamping · Lancashire, North West England

Luxury shepherd's huts with wood-fired hot tubs and an adjoining log cabin for extra space

15. Sunbank Accommodation, Llangollen

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(4)

3 units · Glamping · Wales

Sunbank Yurt and Thistlebank Yurt, Llangollen, North Wales, set on a wooded hillside commanding spectacular views from every window over the Vale of Llangollen, the River Dee and the Shropshire Union Canal. Dog friendly with a secure field to exercise. A wonderful glamping retreat, making a great base to explore N Wales...1 hour from Snowdonia..

16. The Shepherds Hut at Hafoty boeth

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(1)

1 unit · Glamping · Llangollen, Denbighshire, North Wales

A little shepherd’s hut with big views on a smallholding in north Wales

17. Nook Cabin

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(8)

1 unit · Glamping · Bronington, England

Located near Bronington, Whitchurch (Shropshire) SY13 3HT Tucked away two bedroom log cabin. Off the beaten track, in natural peaceful surroundings. Located near to 2000 acres of wild peat bog for walking in English nature. Cabin is fully equipped for cooking. Shower and toilet facility included. Two rooms with one double bed each. Tranquil setting for anyone looking for a peaceful gateway, and unwinding away from life's stresses and strains.

18. Llwyn Onn Glamping, North Wales.

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(3)

4 units · Glamping · Wales

ADULTS ONLY SITE. Welcome to our home Llwyn Onn (Ash Grove), where we offer Guest House and Glamping accommodation set in the beautiful North Wales countryside. Llwyn Onn Glamping is located off the A5 close to the village of Rhydlydan, with the picturesque village of Betws-Y-Coed, eight miles away offering a range of walks, small shops and dining out options. Our glamping pods and shepherd huts are sited in four distinct large areas separated by hedges, trees and surrounded by dry stone Our four resident Alpacas, Yogi, Booboo, Ranger and Django love to meet our guests and our free roaming chickens provide us with a supply of fresh eggs. Our setting in the rolling moors of the Hiraethog provides incredible views across the Snowdonia National Park to Snowdon and it's mountain range. Our site's proximity Corsydd Nug A Merddwr SSSI and our lake to the front of the house, means there is an abundance of wildlife which visits or calls Llywn Onn home.

19. Malhamdale Glamping

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(6)

4 units · Glamping · Malham, England

Year-round pod glamping in the Yorkshire Dales near Malham Cove and Gordale Scar

20. Snowdonia Glamping Holidays

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(14)

3 units · Glamping · Betws Y Coed, Wales

Hillside glamping in the Conwy Valley, in stylish glamping barns or a pair of luxury shepherd's huts with a wood-burning sauna.

Camper favorites in and near Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Tipsy Tree Glamping

100%

(17)

4 units · Glamping · Cheshire, North West England

Quirky eco-friendly glamping ideal for a rural road-trip

Copy House Hideaway

100%

(67)

2 units · Glamping · Lancashire, North West England

Luxury shepherd's huts with wood-fired hot tubs and an adjoining log cabin for extra space

Sunbank Accommodation, Llangollen

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(4)

3 units · Glamping · Wales

Sunbank Yurt and Thistlebank Yurt, Llangollen, North Wales, set on a wooded hillside commanding spectacular views from every window over the Vale of Llangollen, the River Dee and the Shropshire Union Canal. Dog friendly with a secure field to exercise. A wonderful glamping retreat, making a great base to explore N Wales...1 hour from Snowdonia..

The Shepherds Hut at Hafoty boeth

100%

(1)

1 unit · Glamping · Llangollen, Denbighshire, North Wales

A little shepherd’s hut with big views on a smallholding in north Wales

Nook Cabin

100%

(8)

1 unit · Glamping · Bronington, England

Located near Bronington, Whitchurch (Shropshire) SY13 3HT Tucked away two bedroom log cabin. Off the beaten track, in natural peaceful surroundings. Located near to 2000 acres of wild peat bog for walking in English nature. Cabin is fully equipped for cooking. Shower and toilet facility included. Two rooms with one double bed each. Tranquil setting for anyone looking for a peaceful gateway, and unwinding away from life's stresses and strains.

Llwyn Onn Glamping, North Wales.

100%

(3)

4 units · Glamping · Wales

ADULTS ONLY SITE. Welcome to our home Llwyn Onn (Ash Grove), where we offer Guest House and Glamping accommodation set in the beautiful North Wales countryside. Llwyn Onn Glamping is located off the A5 close to the village of Rhydlydan, with the picturesque village of Betws-Y-Coed, eight miles away offering a range of walks, small shops and dining out options. Our glamping pods and shepherd huts are sited in four distinct large areas separated by hedges, trees and surrounded by dry stone Our four resident Alpacas, Yogi, Booboo, Ranger and Django love to meet our guests and our free roaming chickens provide us with a supply of fresh eggs. Our setting in the rolling moors of the Hiraethog provides incredible views across the Snowdonia National Park to Snowdon and it's mountain range. Our site's proximity Corsydd Nug A Merddwr SSSI and our lake to the front of the house, means there is an abundance of wildlife which visits or calls Llywn Onn home.

Malhamdale Glamping

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(6)

4 units · Glamping · Malham, England

Year-round pod glamping in the Yorkshire Dales near Malham Cove and Gordale Scar

Snowdonia Glamping Holidays

100%

(14)

3 units · Glamping · Betws Y Coed, Wales

Hillside glamping in the Conwy Valley, in stylish glamping barns or a pair of luxury shepherd's huts with a wood-burning sauna.

Stories from the community

F

Faatimah

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Sunbank Accommodation, Llangollen

A wonderful, cosy space with great views! The directions were easy enough and quite straightforward to access the Yurt. The facilities were clean and well organised. We especially appreciated the electric blanket provided but with the log burner on, it was comfortably warm inside! The reading books and board game was a nice touch, too. I would highly recommend. A few suggestions: Some light directly outside of the Yurt would be helpful as it got quite dark and was hard to locate the door handle at times.

C

Charna

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Over-the-Moon Luxury Shepherds Hut

This is the second time I have been to Over The Moon and it was just as gorgeous as the first. Peaceful escape from the city, and Ruth is a lovely host 🙂 thankyou again for having us, I'm sure we will be back for a third visit ❤️

L

Lesley

October 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Marbury Camp and Lodge

Lovely campsite, toilets and showers were spotless, beautiful views, we’ll definitely be back

p

peter

October 2025

6 m Class A

Weekend Trip to Stretton House Campsite

Despite storm Amy, we had a decent stay. Although not needed, the Facilities were very good. Toilet blocks, shower block & chemical toilet waste disposal too. Paul was helpful when called upon for directions and a mini rescue due to downpour.

A

Andrew

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Marbury Camp and Lodge

Fantastic glamping pod, very quiet and peaceful site. Everything we needed and more! Recommended to everyone

B

Brett

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Marbury Camp and Lodge

Brilliant kept site, lovely surroundings and owners couldn’t do enough for you. Shower and toilet block was immaculately kept, lovely hot water shower. Defo book the flyer fire pits and magic fire dust my grandson loved it! Will defo be coming back

Richard

August 2025

4 m pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Moss Rose Campsite

Absolutely tranquil and family friendly site, second only to the amazing family run operation, which was so welcoming. Both John and Joe were interested in making our stay as comfortable as possible without being overbearing. They care for their site and their customers. We will definitely return like the many repeat customers they entertain, proving that they have got their product just right. Thanks again

E

Emma

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Moss Rose Campsite

Our second time here. Absolutely wonderful hosts, John would’ve put our tent up for us just to stop us arguing!! They’re always around, cleaning, helping and chatting. Never known hosts like that before, it’s so nice. Loved all the baby birds!! Will definitely be back, thanks for a wonderful stay. Love Emma, Matt, Chloe and Alyssa xxx

G

Google2

August 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Moss Rose Campsite

Such a great place to go camping, the owners are amazing people and are always more then happy to help with anything, they have good facilities with hot water, showers, pot washing station, cold drinking water. They also have a small nature walk on site and long meadow grass and wild flower between plots. The plots are nicely spread out with lots of room between other campers and the pots are a good size. 10/10 would highly recommend

M

Mark

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

Stayed for a couple of nights and had a great time, good facilities and one of the few campsites open to letting people enjoy a sensible camp fire. Staff were all friendly and helpful too

L

Leanne

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Stretton House Campsite

We loved staying on Paul’s land it was so much fun our kids loved toasting marshmallows over the open fire and if you don’t have one Paul has a online shop we’re u can buy everything and give in 10 mins and go and pick up the good thing is from ten it’s quite so u can get some rest Thank you Paul for a lovely stay defo book again

Becky

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Moss Rose Campsite

A fabulous campsite with a real family feel. Very friendly staff, clean facilities, lovely location, great supply in the honesty shop. My children loved playing in the play area which was central to part of the campsite. This meant they could happily make friends while we could keep a watchful eye and do other things at camp. Baby ducks! You can't go wrong.

Emma

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Over-the-Moon Luxury Shepherds Hut

Our stay at Over the Moon was absolutely perfect. Ruth was super friendly and gave clear instructions on how to find them, and replied quickly to any questions. The location is beautiful and incredibly peaceful. The hut had everything we needed and the bed was huge and very comfortable. We can’t wait to come stay again!

A

Amanda

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tipsy Tree Glamping

We loved our stay in the yurt. The hot tub was great and we loved being able to watch the cows while sitting in the sun. Really peaceful location with everything you need for a relaxing stay.

P

Phil

August 2025

5 m Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Stretton House Campsite

Great set up, can’t fault it. Showers and toilets are clean. Field is spotless. Great little dog play area and a big teepee full of hay for the kids to play

A

Alice

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Moss Rose Campsite

We’ve just got back from 3 nights camping at Moss Rose. The owners are so friendly and helpful, the pitches are big and surrounded by lovely long grass. While the loos and showers are small they are very clean and shower hot and powerful. (I think there are plans to add more) The little play area in the middle is the central point for all children and great for keeping an eye on them from your pitch. The best think about the site is the lovely friendly atmosphere This was our second visit and definitely won’t be our last.

Jodi

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Moss Rose Campsite

I stayed at Moss Rose as a female, first time, solo camper, and I couldn't have chosen a better place to feel completely safe, relaxed, and build confidence for future solo escapades. So much so, that after my 3rd (officially booked) night, I was so happy that Kel & Joe had space for me to stay an extra night! The site itself is just perfect for me, feels "wild" in it's beautiful rural surroundings, with pitches mown into well defined areas separated by long grasses and wildflowers - but with the amenities of clean showers, toilets, fridge, freezer, coffee machine, microwave etc. So whilst I didn't need to use any of these, I can definitely pack lighter next time I stay knowing I don't have to haul as many toiletries, cooling, and charging equipment. I definitely enjoyed browsing in, and donating to little Stan's Honesty Shack for wood, kindling and other bits and bobs - he has it all covered! As hosts, you won't find friendlier that Kel, Joe, & John. It's so apparent how much they love what they do, and how much they invest in their guests loving their experience too. I can't wait to come back, wish I'd have found this little gem of a site and of a family before the end of the season x

Darleen

August 2025

2 nights at Llwyn Onn Glamping, North Wales.

Such a hidden gem! Llwyn Onn is set in a beautiful location close to Betws-y-Coed, surrounded by fields & a majestic view of Snowdon. The sunsets were magical & we were lucky to see a meteor shower 1 night. We stayed in The Hut, which was perfect, very clean & well kept with a floor to roof glass viewing pain overlooking Snowdon, so if the weather isn’t great you can view in comfort. It was equipped with everything you need for a perfect nights sleep, we loved the comfy mattress & fluffy pillows. warm blankets are provided. Needed for sitting around the campfire toasting marshmallows! This was our highlight along with the friendly, very cute Alpacas..Boo-boo, Ranger & Django! A very well equipped separate kitchen making it easy to prepare food & a very clean & well kept communal bathroom area made our trip very comfortable & we can’t wait to go back! So much green space, fresh air & stunning 360 views, such a healing place. Book here & you won’t be disappointed.

J

Jasmine

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Marbury Camp and Lodge

Lovely hosts and a really well kept campsite. Loved the big tree when it was all lit up at night. Great stay and will go again. Thanks!

J

Jennifer

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

Really nice campsite with good facilities. It was quite busy but it wasn't too noisy. Staff were friendly. I was on a hardstanding pitch and my only gripe was, the grass that we had allocated for the pitch wasn't really quite wide enough to secure my awning as well as I would have liked. The awning just about fit on. We had some sandwiches made by the guy in the cafe to take on our walk which were good. Lacking veggie options though.

Dog-friendly getaways

Greener Glamping

100%

(6)

2 units · Glamping · Denbighshire, North Wales

An off-grid two-yurt glamping site in the Welsh Berwyn Mountains

Damson View Glamping

100%

(55)

5 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

Self-contained glamping pods in the Lake District's beautiful Lyth Valley

Balwen Shepherds Hut

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(2)

1 unit · Glamping · Montgomery, Wales

Large shepherd’s hut ideal for families and friends to enjoy a beautiful corner of Wales. Fitted with everything for your convenience but also enough simplicity to connect with nature and the sounds of the countryside. Surrounded by fields you feel that you’ve disconnected from the chaos of society and can relax in tranquillity. There is private parking for around three cars next to the hut.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Luxury camping 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.