The best farm stays in Macclesfield Forest

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Mere miles from bustling Macclesfield town yet with a surprising level of wild serenity, Macclesfield Forest is a small area of conifer forest in an enviable location on the Peak District National Park’s western edge. It constitutes part of the loneliest tract of land in Cheshire, including the county’s highest points, Shining Tor and Shutlingsloe, the latter being walkable from the forest. Meanwhile, the 190-mile Peak District Boundary Walk, bisecting the forest, is the area’s big hike, and there’s great nearby cycling too. Camp west in the gateway village of Sutton Lane Ends or south of Shutlingsloe at Wildboarclough.

93% (796) 1,436 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Macclesfield Forest

White Peak Camping

1. White Peak Camping

99%
(500)
Buxton, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping on a Peak District farm near the Monsal Trail
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Burrs Manor Wild Camping

2. Burrs Manor Wild Camping

86%
(172)
Buxton, England · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping in the Peak District National Park, near Buxton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Intake Farm

3. Intake Farm

98%
(65)
Alton, England · 7 units · Tents, Glamping
Quirky glamping and nearly wild camping on a farm in Staffordshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Crowdecote Campsite

4. Crowdecote Campsite

Buxton, England · 1 unit
A small Adult Only Campsite with 5 Hardstanding Winter Pitches ​The Site offers pitches with or without Electric Hookups ​The Toilet Block has both Male and Female sections, each consisting of 2 Toilets, 2 Washbasins and 1 Shower (Free-to-use) ​The pub is a 200m walk from the Site entrance ​Firepits are permitted provided they are raised off the ground sufficiently to protect the grass. The site is Dog friendly.
Electrical hookup
Pets
Sweet Knoll camping

5. Sweet Knoll camping

100%
(9)
Chapel En Le Frith, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Sweet Knoll Farm, with six acres of flat land, is ideal for camping with breathtaking views in the Peak District . It is great for walking, cycling, horse riding and caving. Next to a working farm, it is surrounded by sheep grazing and is next to the Pennine Bridle Way. Castleton a short drive away is famous for its caverns blue john and speedwell. The campsite has toilets and showers,washing up facilities indoor and outdoor.Fresh drinking water and picnic tables.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Stretton House Campsite

6. Stretton House Campsite

91%
(17)
England · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
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.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

7. White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

91%
(100)
Wardlow, England · 61 units · Tents, Motorhomes
What a little Derbyshire gem: back to basics Whitehouse Farm Campsite is a simple site in a most scenic setting five minutes’ drive from the pretty village of Tideswell. The site’s central location in the Peak District National Park means it’s a top spot for those who want to ramble or ride bikes – several circular trails leave from Tideswell and the traffic-free Monsal Trail is a five-minute drive away. And there’s plenty more activity if you require it too, as activity centres nearby can sort you out days of horse riding, abseiling, climbing and caving. All this activity isn’t mandatory, of course – this is an equally fine location for days pottering off to local pubs, pigging out on pudding in Bakewell or taking a leisurely stroll around the Chatsworth Estate, 20 minutes away. And if even that’s too much, you’d be welcome to spend some time loafing about on site: there’s heaps of space here, and as facilities have been kept quite minimal (just showers and toilets) there should be a good serving of peace and quiet to go with it all. Guests are welcome to light up a barbecue or campfire for cookouts and keeping warm; Tideswell’s the place for supermarket supplies, and it’s also handily got a fish and chip shop and a couple of pubs for days when your firelighting skills aren't up to much.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Chrome Hill Campers

8. Chrome Hill Campers

99%
(34)
England · 5 units
Far reaching views from one of the highest touring site in England, overlooking Chrome Hill in the picturesque village of Hollinsclough in Staffordshire The site only accepts campervans and has 5 pitches available. This is a new site and has new toilet and shower facilities, water and waste disposal points and also there is a secure paddock area for children to play.
Pets
Secret Wood Glamping

9. Secret Wood Glamping

95%
(22)
Derbyshire S18 7 Wf, England · 2 units
A private woodland and stream all to yourself, with one spacious bell tent and a hot tub beneath the stars
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Greystones Nawab Camping

10. Greystones Nawab Camping

25%
(6)
Monyash, England · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes
PLEASE GET IN TOUCH BEFORE BOOKING TO ENQUIRE ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF ELECTRIC HOOK-UPS. The tent and motor home pitches are dispersed so the pitch number may not be the same as your allocated pitch (but these are all the same). Take it easy at this unique and tranquil getaway near to Buxton in the Peak District. Enjoy the beautiful countryside, which is well known for great walks, cycling and which is full of pretty little English villages to visit. There is a local pub a stone's throw away, and a donkey sanctuary next door. There are also many more pubs in the area serving delicious meals. Historic towns such as Bakewell, Matlock, and Tideswell are also close by.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
Marbury Camp and Lodge

11. Marbury Camp and Lodge

97%
(16)
England · 23 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
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 Electricity is 5 Euros per night.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Brook Farm

12. Brook Farm

93%
(22)
Ashbourne, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in a farmer’s field just south of the Peak District National Park
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Langley Wilding Campsite

13. Langley Wilding Campsite

100%
(2)
Ashbourne, England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Langley Wilding Campsite is set in a wildflower meadow, surrounded by woodland on Lodge Farm just outside Kirk Langley. It offers a simple eco-friendly getaway where you can enjoy peaceful surroundings, connect with nature and escape the bustle of everyday life. Our family farm is managed for nature restoration, providing a refuge for wildlife and people alike. Enjoy life’s simple pleasures: plenty of space, fresh air and waking up to birdsong. Langley Wilding Campsite is about slowing down and appreciating the small things that matter. Whether you're coming for a weekend break, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, you’re very welcome here.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Elm Tree Farm Campsite

14. Elm Tree Farm Campsite

Dronfield, England · 5 units
Elm Tree Farm Campsite is a small, adults-only campsite set on our working farm and livery yard in the beautiful village of Barlow, right on the edge of the Peak District. With just five pitches, it’s a countryside escape where you can slow down, switch off, and enjoy the simple charm of rural life. Wake up to horses grazing nearby, enjoy scenic walks straight from your pitch, then spend the evening relaxing in one of our hammocks with a glass of wine while the sun sets. It’s laid-back camping with nature, fresh air, and chilled country vibes. As we cater exclusively for fully self-contained units, we don’t provide toilet or shower facilities. We’d also recommend bringing self-levelling blocks, as the site has a gentle slope. We’re proud to be part of the Campervan and Motorhome Club, and membership is required to book a stay with us. Facilities include: Electric hook-up on every pitch Fresh drinking water Communal water tap Chemical waste disposal Just four minutes from the campsite, you’ll find a lovely private walk around one of our fields with incredible sunset views across the Derbyshire countryside. Despite our peaceful rural setting, several great spots are within walking distance: Pubs and Restaurants - The Peacock at Barlow – 6 mins - The Tickled Trout – 13 mins - The Peacock at Cutthorpe – 35 mins - The Royal Oak – 45 mins (best reached using a walking app to avoid the main road) Cafés - Hackney House Café & Deli – 5 mins - The Lakeside Café – 10 mins Walks and Local Highlights There are plenty of beautiful walking routes right from the campsite around the village of Barlow. You can also walk to nearby villages and spots including Dronfield and Cutthorpe. There’s always something happening locally too, from the Barlow Village Carnival in August to the Dronfield Beer Festival in June. At Christmas, the village comes alive with tractor runs and fun carol nights at The Peacock at Barlow. Great Places to Explore Nearby Chatsworth House Bakewell Castleton Ladybower Reservoir Mam Tor Eyam Bamford Edge Monsal Trail Stanage Edge Perfect For Couples Walkers Cyclists Dog owners Friend groups We’d love to welcome you to our little corner of Derbyshire and hope you enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere as much we do.
Electrical hookup
Pets
Hartington Hills, Peak District

15. Hartington Hills, Peak District

100%
(1)
Dovedale, England · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Well-placed Peak District camping near the Manifold Way and Tissington Trail, with a luxury yurt and hot tub in a private space
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Greener Pastures

16. Greener Pastures

88%
(4)
England · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes
This isn’t a place for drive-in, drive-out holidays. It’s for staying, relaxing and enjoying nature. More 'nearly wild' in farming countryside, than manicured sectioned areas. Enclosed paddocks, no nearby roads, and only the gentle hum of a distant train from across the canal, this is countryside relaxation at its finest. Watch the canal boats drift by, or go for a walk or cycle on the network of paths beside them. If your feeling adventurous, take a paddleboard or canoe onto the water, or hire a longboat for the day. Walk to the nearby dog friendly, local pubs, or a short drive there are many options of restaurants, from country pubs to fine dining of all different cultures including takeaways. Or stay onsite with a BBQ, campsite cooking or firepit. Supermarkets, farm shops, garden centres, national trust, activity parks and many other off site places to visit within close proximity, such as historic Chester or the monkeys at Trentham Garden. You can book experiences with the animals we have on site, horses, alpacas, pygmy goats, sheep, rescue hens and our own dogs love a fuss. Your dogs are very welcome, including reactive and exempt dogs. We have enclosed 1 acre paddocks for you to stay. With a choice of paddock (in the fields when ground access permits) or hardstanding pitches (on the sheltered back yard - not enclosed), we can accommodate you whatever the weather. We are perfect for a technology detox, while we have electricity on site to charge your phones, there is no electric to the pitches. Use of a fridge freezer, small kitchen area with hot water, shower bay and mains water. *GROUND CONDITIONS and WEATHER: Please note the paddocks are fields. There is no hardstanding to them or inside them, so access and use is weather and ground dependant. If we have had a lot of rain, we will have mud and vehicles may not get through. You can still use them for walking (bring wellies). The hardstanding is our back yard looking over the fields and canal. You may be able to pitch a tent alongside, but the ground may also be effected by mud. In gales and high winds, we do not advise camping in tents. Please look through our photos. If in doubt, please get in touch before booking
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Shirleywich farm holidays camping

17. Shirleywich farm holidays camping

Uttoxeter, England · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes
7 acre private field for hire, great access from main road, ideal for campers, Motorhome or caravans, set in an additional 17acres, with stream, and access to the Trent and Mersey canal towe path walks with fishing access. Parking on site, private hire or shared separate plots, Maximum 3 caravans or Motorhomes at one time, with additional tents. Prices start from £19 per day, for Upto 1 structures 4 guests max or Motorhomes, pop up camping or Motorhome, toilet hire included, lots of local amenities. Minimum 1 day stay. Extra car £5 Extra pup tent pet £5 Extra awning £5 Wood bags £10 Free fire pit Rachael 07837654508 We are pleased to offer our pop up camping Motorhome and caravan field set in the beautiful fields of 7.5 acres with access and parking from the main road, set in our 17.5 acre private site, Bring your own tent! Or Motorhome - pop up / no frills camping optional barn hire at Shirleywich holidays fully- booked until September! We are pleased to offer for rental our 7 acre pop up camping field adjacent to our restored barn Complex, Dating back to 1604 set in 17 acres with canal and country field views. our beautiful complex is nested in a conservation area and consists of a Georgian farm house, 5 beautiful barn conversions, set in 17.5 acres land which runs to the canal and with ample, riding, our spot has many attractions, and offers a beautiful setting for private camping or teepees, caravans and motorhomes. we welcome any type of structures, and offer field only Private rental tents, Motorhome Or caravans towed. We offer a special rate for weekly or fortnightly as well as for monthly longer stays. We offer a low key private no frills site, with the option to have On site chemical toilet No shower or water facilities Bottled water provided Pit fires provided Optional wood purchase available Parking gates fenced over looking horse fields with canal access for fishing, canoe launch or kayak. Pets welcome On site fire pit, Attraction pack, gardening boxes, hamper can be included. In high demand new for 2024 Large groups welcome for private hire Locally sourced hamper Free fishing at canal access and pets at £5 per pet Please pick up any dog mess Please take your rubbish with you if the waste bins are full. Green and blue bins provided There's certainly ample space for family stays at Shirleywich Farm Holidays, where seven out of the site's 17 acres have been turned over to folks looking to pitch up – that's about 41% of the total, or just over five football pitches if sporting analogies speak to you more than figures do. Whichever way you run the numbers, this easily accessed site equals one stonkingly good spot for varied Staffordshire stints. Shirleywich Farm Holidays is a secure site, accessed via a lockable gate, and is just off the A51. These grounds are kept in tiptop shape by the site crew, who ensure the hedgerows are neat and the field in good condition. Also around are five old barns and a handsome farmhouse dating back to the 1600s. Pets large (horses) and less large (dogs) are welcome here, with lots of bridleways and pup-friendly paths on hand in the nearby Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The facilities here are on the low-key end of the spectrum: there's a gravel amenities area with a portable toilet, toiletry supplies and a chemical disposal point. Bring bikes, canoes and fishing rods along to Shirleywich Farm Holidays – the adjacent Trent and Mersey canal towpath and the river Trent, a few metres further away, should sort you out with bags of opportunities to put all three to use. Heading south along the water's edge, you'll soon reach Great Haywood, a village a couple of miles downstream where there's an independent café and small supermarket (five minutes' drive). Please see below more information on our site and barns, we currently have 5 star reviews and are super host status. We have the Stables sleeps 6-8 please see other listing and below THE SMITHY, Dating back to 1604 , history buffs can research the property and see the local sign at the rear of the site by the canal, which tells of the life of shirleywich farm over its many decades, our beautiful complex is nested in a conservation area and consists of a large double fronted Georgian farm house, 5 beautiful barn conversions, set in 17.5 acres of our own private land which runs to the Trent and mersey canal at the rear, and with ample, epic safe riding and hacking galore, our spot has many attractions, for anyone who wants to bring a horse or 2, with grazing and stabling available, pets are welcome as we are a farm with horses and dogs of our own. you are welcome to bring fishing, bikes, canoes etc,,, to take advantage of the spot and the canal at the rear, or a short trip to the river Trent down the wonderful private Trent drive which leads to ingestre and one of the worlds top riding stables, a short walk further brings you to the ingestre golf club, and then off onto the delights of shugborough hall, and Cannock chase, national heritage forest. Ideal for walkers, bikers, riders, or anyone who wants a break away in the beautiful English countryside, we are surrounded with fields, and countryside so you will not be disserpointed, excellent road connections to many neighbouring towns and heres just a few of the local attractions listed below, so if you are wanting a break away to relax or an adrenaline fun filled adventure holiday theres plenty to fill your boots with, from fine dining and spas, to zip wires and hardcore mountain bike trails, horse riding to hot air balloons, narrowboat trips to family days out, you will not be board unless you decide to, and appreciate the calm tranquility of our unique complex.
Pets
Campfires
Tipsy Tree Glamping

18. Tipsy Tree Glamping

100%
(18)
Englesea Brook, England · 3 units
Quirky eco-friendly glamping ideal for a rural road-trip
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Castle Farm Holidays Shropshire

19. Castle Farm Holidays Shropshire

100%
(24)
Ellesmere, England · 5 units
Tucked against the Welsh border, these cosy pods are perfectly positioned to explore Shropshire's rolling hills, castles and attractive villages
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Chase Camping

20. Chase Camping

97%
(59)
Rugeley, England · 42 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Tent camping and bell tents for hire on a family farm within easy walking distance of Cannock Chase Forest
Pets
Showers
Potable water

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Macclesfield Forest camping guide

Where to go

Sutton Lane Ends & Langley

These two villages comprise the main gateway to the forest to the west, and fall under the same overarching parish. Only a few miles from Macclesfield, a balmy, bucolic vibe pervades. There are several atmospheric pubs and the only organised camping site close to the forest. Continuing east from Langley up Clarke Lane, you’ll quickly reach the Macclesfield Forest’s edge.

Trentabank Reservoir

This reservoir is the heart of Macclesfield Forest, home to the Peak District’s largest heronry, a nature reserve, and visitor centre. Birdwatch or spot other creatures including badgers, weasels, and red deer, get refreshments at the Leather’s Smithy pub, or take to the forest walking and cycling trails. A great walk runs through the forest and up to Shutlingsloe summit.

Tegg’s Nose Country Park

On Macclesfield Forest’s north side is this irresistibly pretty country park, occupying the site of a former quarry and the surrounding steep-sided moors. Climbing and abseiling are big here, and the one-hour Rock’s Trail highlights the area’s geology with a visit to Tegg’s Nose summit. There is also the challenging ‘Grit and Gears II’ mountain bike route, a tearoom, and a visitor centre.

Shutlingsloe

Cheshire’s second-highest hill, Shutlingsloe is linked by footpath across the moor near Macclesfield Forest. Views from the 1,670-foot top are superb—over the Peak District and across most of Cheshire—and the summit is also the highest point on the 190-mile Peak District Boundary Walk. England’s last wild boar was supposedly killed nearby—which is one theory behind the etymology of Wildboarclough, the village below the hill where you’ll find camping and a pub.

South West Peak

The South West Peak region of the Peak District National Park rolls away east of Macclesfield Forest, typically the national park’s least-visited region. It’s a zone loosely bounded by Macclesfield, Buxton, Kettleshulme, and Ilam, mixing barren plateau with fetching lower-lying pasture, while deeply scored cloughs divide the two. Long-distance hikes passing through include the Dane Valley Way and Churnet Way. Wildboarclough and the Manifold Valley make beautiful, quiet camping bases.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Macclesfield Forest holidays