Campsites with swimming in Central England
From Shakespeare to Robin Hood—these storied landscapes are Britain's heartland and prime for camping adventures.
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Campsites with swimming in Central England guide
Overview
From the honey-stone cottages of the Cotswolds to the lowland forests of Nottinghamshire—Central England serves up ever-changing landscapes. In the north, the rugged valleys and gritstone tors of the Peak District National Park provide ample options for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Stopover in the historic cities of Lincoln, Cambridge, and Oxford; cruise along scenic canal ways; or head to the coast for a summer camping holiday in Skegness. Late spring through early autumn offers the best weather for tent camping, but many glamping sites and caravan parks stay open year-round.
Where to go
Derbyshire and the Peak District
Derbyshire is the green belt of the Midlands, and the Peak District National Park provides 1,438 square kilometres of hiking terrain. Follow weatherworn trails through the hills and valleys, go rock climbing up dramatic limestone crags, or cycle between historic villages. After a day of activity, check into a glamping pod or pitch your tent at a farm campsite, and don’t forget to reward yourself with local specialty, Bakewell Pudding.
East Midlands
If woodland walks and forest hide-outs sound like your kind of adventure, the East Midlands should be high on your to-do list. Discover the legends of Robin Hood in the forests of Nottinghamshire, enjoy glamping in the woods, or explore hiking and biking trails in the Lincolnshire Wolds. This is also where you’ll find the Midlands’ only beaches—Skegness and Mablethorpe are popular choices for summer campers.
West Midlands
Birmingham is the gateway to the West Midlands, but once you tire of big city life, there are plenty of places to escape the crowds. Discover England’s industrial heritage and sample some real ale in the Black Country, go glamping in the Shropshire Hills, or enjoy woodland strolls through the Wyre Forest and the Golden Valley. The region’s star attractions lie to the south—Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon and Warwick Castle, which even has a medieval-themed glampsite.
South Central England
From Gloucestershire in the west to Cambridgeshire in the east, the central counties are famous for their university cities and idyllic Cotswolds countryside. In Oxford and Cambridge, you’ll find historic architecture and time-honored pastimes like river punting. Camping, however, is anything but traditional. Check into a glamping pod, tipi, yurt, or gypsy caravan; escape to a country campsite with a hot tub; or park your campervan on the banks of the River Thames.