- Portsmouth
Family glamping near Portsmouth
95% (487) • 105 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Portsmouth
Radcot Leisure on Thames
1. Radcot Leisure on Thames
89%
(305)
103km from Portsmouth · 50 units · Tents, Glamping
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Abbey Home Farm
2. Abbey Home Farm
94%
(218)
117km from Portsmouth · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£9
/ night
The Barn KT9
3. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
78km from Portsmouth · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
4. Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
87%
(39)
100km from Portsmouth · 51 units · Glamping
We are a family run farm situated in the beautiful Frome valley. The farm has a range of interests from the traditional Jersey milking cows to a community of workshops used by local craftsmen. The cafe serves cream teas from Easter to the end of September and pizzas are sold in evenings during the summer months.
Ours is a small family run camp site with the River Frome on one side, next to the medieval buildings of Stowford Farm. The river is suitable for fishing, boating, swimming and paddling. Historic Bradford-on-Avon is only a 5 minute drive and the City of Bath 15 minutes. For those who enjoy more rural pleasures, 200 metres from the campsite Farleigh Hungerford boasts the only river swimming club in the country, and you can become an instant member for a very small fee.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£110
/ night
Brig's Farm
5. Brig's Farm
97%
(157)
130km from Portsmouth · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£13
/ night
Beech Estate Campsite
6. Beech Estate Campsite
97%
(185)
107km from Portsmouth · 57 units · Tents, Glamping
Tent pitch camping and wild glamping in a Sussex woodland hideaway
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£27
/ night
Teddy's Farm
7. Teddy's Farm
99%
(154)
34km from Portsmouth · 95 units · Tents, Glamping
Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Dernwood Farm Wild Camping
8. Dernwood Farm Wild Camping
95%
(65)
91km from Portsmouth · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Tomkins Farm
9. Tomkins Farm
96%
(164)
77km from Portsmouth · 42 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Charisworth Farm
10. Charisworth Farm
97%
(99)
78km from Portsmouth · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A spacious campsite in a traditional parkland setting, with campfires allowed and farm animals to meet
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£24
/ night
Riverside Farm experience camp fire
11. Riverside Farm experience camp fire
84%
(25)
129km from Portsmouth · 43 units · Tents, Glamping
Wild farm camping in an idyllic 60 acre grade 1 listed country estate conservation farm and pleasure grounds in central Hertford. Large free camping meadow includes fire pits next to the river and ancient woodlands. Stunning valley views. Paddle swim boat fish in our crystal clear chalk streams , explore our woodland areas , with hammocks swings and huge 1960s army parachute shelter.
NEW Goldings mini beach , sand area next to our crystal clear shallow paddling area .
Loads of fun with friendly lambs, piglets, donkeys and mini cows to pet and feed. Your stay includes a farm tour with farmer Morag and the team, walk our baby mini pygmy goats, ALL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF YOUR STAY (no extra costs) such as arts and crafts are available, plus play areas, with zip wire, fishing, boats, swimming and paddling in our crystal clear chalk stream. We have 60 acres of grade 1 listed farmland, woodlands, a canal, river and meadows to explore. We are 5 minutes from Hertford north train station which has trains every 35 mins to Central London. Close to all the amazing activities, museums, bars, restaurants and shops of historic Hertford. Close to Hertfordshire Zoo, Harry Potter World, and loads of attractions.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£68
/ night
Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
12. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
97%
(122)
48km from Portsmouth · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Wild Boar Wood Campsite
13. Wild Boar Wood Campsite
97%
(68)
76km from Portsmouth · 9 units · Glamping
Wild woodland glamping in the heart of Sussex with fires
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£96
/ night
Homemade Holidays
14. Homemade Holidays
100%
(19)
141km from Portsmouth · 2 units · Glamping
A hidden paradise of organic vege, swimming pond, wild areas and views, next to a large ancient woodland, footpaths and the Jurassic coastline near Lyme Regis.
Two unique and comfortable off grid yurts (each sleep 5), with extra sleeping spaces available on request. Dog friendly. Kid heaven! No smoking please in the yurts. Beware fire risk in other spaces.
Buzzard Yurt on the hillside at the top of the paddock, with its large terrace and stunning views across the Axe valley.
Kingfisher Yurt, nestled down by the wild swimming and kayaking pond, amongst the oak trees.
Each has exclusive use of their own homemade, separate, fully equipped kitchen, a cosy chill-out area with books and games, and private indoor shower. Each yurt pitch has its own compost loo and campfire area. Extra wood at low cost, freezer space and additional tent space all available. Buzzard also has a rustic indoor loo (close to daytime spaces.) Shared games/pool/music room with a piano and guitars.
Homegrown vege and eggs often available from the organic smallholding.
Welcome to join in with growing, harvesting, juicing, preserving, cooking, egg collection etc. Detox and unwind from the digital world - though you'll find wi-fi /ethernet cable in daytime spaces😉
Wild swimming in our natural swimming pond, which has a selection of kayaks and boards. Great for building open water confidence and paddle practice.
Woodfired hot tub £50 one day, £75 for two. Msg me to book. Fresh spring water (no chemicals). Relax and enjoy the views.
Dog friendly, but please let me know. Please pay for any damage to bedding or fittings, thanks 🐾
Next to Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, famous locally for its magical bluebell display.
Please msg for details of great local walks, eating out etc.
Seaton Wetlands, Tramway and new Jurassic Centre...Fossil hunting..Lyme Regis museum and aquarium...Beer Quarry Caves, Pecorama model train gardens...crazy golf...Sidmouth Folk Festival...Beavers on the River Otter...wolves, bears, lynx and more at Escot Park.
By booking either yurt you take full responsibility for your group's safety.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£115
/ night
The Old Airfield
15. The Old Airfield
85%
(143)
44km from Portsmouth · 114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Glassenbury Camping
16. Glassenbury Camping
99%
(65)
115km from Portsmouth · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco camping in the heart of the High Weald and Kent's castle country
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£13
/ night
Hale Farm
17. Hale Farm
100%
(152)
91km from Portsmouth · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£14
/ night
Coppet Hill
18. Coppet Hill
100%
(88)
123km from Portsmouth · 18 units · Tents, Glamping
Wildlife-friendly camping and glamping with private loos at each pitch, 15 minutes' drive from the coast
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£65
/ night
Beau and Bell at South Farm
19. Beau and Bell at South Farm
100%
(23)
76km from Portsmouth · 10 units · Glamping
Summer bell tent camping on a South Downs farm in Sussex
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£115
/ night
Caalm Camp
20. Caalm Camp
100%
(27)
85km from Portsmouth · 6 units · Glamping
Caalm by name, calm by nature. This blissfully chilled-out Dorset hideaway promises a relaxing stay for all
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£156
/ night
95% (487) • 105 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Portsmouth
Radcot Leisure on Thames
1. Radcot Leisure on Thames
89%
(305)
103km from Portsmouth · 50 units · Tents, Glamping
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Abbey Home Farm
2. Abbey Home Farm
94%
(218)
117km from Portsmouth · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£9
/ night
The Barn KT9
3. The Barn KT9
97%
(271)
78km from Portsmouth · 22 units · Tents, Glamping
A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
4. Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
87%
(39)
100km from Portsmouth · 51 units · Glamping
We are a family run farm situated in the beautiful Frome valley. The farm has a range of interests from the traditional Jersey milking cows to a community of workshops used by local craftsmen. The cafe serves cream teas from Easter to the end of September and pizzas are sold in evenings during the summer months.
Ours is a small family run camp site with the River Frome on one side, next to the medieval buildings of Stowford Farm. The river is suitable for fishing, boating, swimming and paddling. Historic Bradford-on-Avon is only a 5 minute drive and the City of Bath 15 minutes. For those who enjoy more rural pleasures, 200 metres from the campsite Farleigh Hungerford boasts the only river swimming club in the country, and you can become an instant member for a very small fee.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£110
/ night
Brig's Farm
5. Brig's Farm
97%
(157)
130km from Portsmouth · 21 units · Tents, Glamping
Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£13
/ night
Beech Estate Campsite
6. Beech Estate Campsite
97%
(185)
107km from Portsmouth · 57 units · Tents, Glamping
Tent pitch camping and wild glamping in a Sussex woodland hideaway
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£27
/ night
Teddy's Farm
7. Teddy's Farm
99%
(154)
34km from Portsmouth · 95 units · Tents, Glamping
Family-friendly pop-up camping in the heart of the New Forest.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Dernwood Farm Wild Camping
8. Dernwood Farm Wild Camping
95%
(65)
91km from Portsmouth · 17 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Tomkins Farm
9. Tomkins Farm
96%
(164)
77km from Portsmouth · 42 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Charisworth Farm
10. Charisworth Farm
97%
(99)
78km from Portsmouth · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A spacious campsite in a traditional parkland setting, with campfires allowed and farm animals to meet
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£24
/ night
Riverside Farm experience camp fire
11. Riverside Farm experience camp fire
84%
(25)
129km from Portsmouth · 43 units · Tents, Glamping
Wild farm camping in an idyllic 60 acre grade 1 listed country estate conservation farm and pleasure grounds in central Hertford. Large free camping meadow includes fire pits next to the river and ancient woodlands. Stunning valley views. Paddle swim boat fish in our crystal clear chalk streams , explore our woodland areas , with hammocks swings and huge 1960s army parachute shelter.
NEW Goldings mini beach , sand area next to our crystal clear shallow paddling area .
Loads of fun with friendly lambs, piglets, donkeys and mini cows to pet and feed. Your stay includes a farm tour with farmer Morag and the team, walk our baby mini pygmy goats, ALL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF YOUR STAY (no extra costs) such as arts and crafts are available, plus play areas, with zip wire, fishing, boats, swimming and paddling in our crystal clear chalk stream. We have 60 acres of grade 1 listed farmland, woodlands, a canal, river and meadows to explore. We are 5 minutes from Hertford north train station which has trains every 35 mins to Central London. Close to all the amazing activities, museums, bars, restaurants and shops of historic Hertford. Close to Hertfordshire Zoo, Harry Potter World, and loads of attractions.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£68
/ night
Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
12. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
97%
(122)
48km from Portsmouth · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Wild Boar Wood Campsite
13. Wild Boar Wood Campsite
97%
(68)
76km from Portsmouth · 9 units · Glamping
Wild woodland glamping in the heart of Sussex with fires
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from
£96
/ night
Homemade Holidays
14. Homemade Holidays
100%
(19)
141km from Portsmouth · 2 units · Glamping
A hidden paradise of organic vege, swimming pond, wild areas and views, next to a large ancient woodland, footpaths and the Jurassic coastline near Lyme Regis.
Two unique and comfortable off grid yurts (each sleep 5), with extra sleeping spaces available on request. Dog friendly. Kid heaven! No smoking please in the yurts. Beware fire risk in other spaces.
Buzzard Yurt on the hillside at the top of the paddock, with its large terrace and stunning views across the Axe valley.
Kingfisher Yurt, nestled down by the wild swimming and kayaking pond, amongst the oak trees.
Each has exclusive use of their own homemade, separate, fully equipped kitchen, a cosy chill-out area with books and games, and private indoor shower. Each yurt pitch has its own compost loo and campfire area. Extra wood at low cost, freezer space and additional tent space all available. Buzzard also has a rustic indoor loo (close to daytime spaces.) Shared games/pool/music room with a piano and guitars.
Homegrown vege and eggs often available from the organic smallholding.
Welcome to join in with growing, harvesting, juicing, preserving, cooking, egg collection etc. Detox and unwind from the digital world - though you'll find wi-fi /ethernet cable in daytime spaces😉
Wild swimming in our natural swimming pond, which has a selection of kayaks and boards. Great for building open water confidence and paddle practice.
Woodfired hot tub £50 one day, £75 for two. Msg me to book. Fresh spring water (no chemicals). Relax and enjoy the views.
Dog friendly, but please let me know. Please pay for any damage to bedding or fittings, thanks 🐾
Next to Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, famous locally for its magical bluebell display.
Please msg for details of great local walks, eating out etc.
Seaton Wetlands, Tramway and new Jurassic Centre...Fossil hunting..Lyme Regis museum and aquarium...Beer Quarry Caves, Pecorama model train gardens...crazy golf...Sidmouth Folk Festival...Beavers on the River Otter...wolves, bears, lynx and more at Escot Park.
By booking either yurt you take full responsibility for your group's safety.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£115
/ night
The Old Airfield
15. The Old Airfield
85%
(143)
44km from Portsmouth · 114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Glassenbury Camping
16. Glassenbury Camping
99%
(65)
115km from Portsmouth · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Eco camping in the heart of the High Weald and Kent's castle country
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£13
/ night
Hale Farm
17. Hale Farm
100%
(152)
91km from Portsmouth · 38 units · Tents, Glamping
A family-run, working farm in East Sussex offering spacious, traditional camping with no set pitches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£14
/ night
Coppet Hill
18. Coppet Hill
100%
(88)
123km from Portsmouth · 18 units · Tents, Glamping
Wildlife-friendly camping and glamping with private loos at each pitch, 15 minutes' drive from the coast
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£65
/ night
Beau and Bell at South Farm
19. Beau and Bell at South Farm
100%
(23)
76km from Portsmouth · 10 units · Glamping
Summer bell tent camping on a South Downs farm in Sussex
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£115
/ night
Caalm Camp
20. Caalm Camp
100%
(27)
85km from Portsmouth · 6 units · Glamping
Caalm by name, calm by nature. This blissfully chilled-out Dorset hideaway promises a relaxing stay for all
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£156
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
D
Dom
November 2025
4 nights at Homemade Holidays
Absolutely amazing Holiday, Jan was super helpful and we will definitely be back
See more
A
Alex
November 2025
Group trip
Morag went above and beyond to make myself, my partner and my pals comfortable although only there for a night we had an unforgettable evening and morag most definitely aided in that- thank you so much ❤️
See more
C
Christine
September 2025
With kids
My recent glamping trip in a bell tent was absolutely great, perfectly blending tranquil nature with a comfortable double bed; soft blankets and pillows and the spacious and thoughtfully decorated bell tent ready and waiting for us. We were able to immediately relax and enjoy our surroundings. It was the perfect escape for anyone who has had a long week at work and loves camping with a touch of luxury.
The sun was shinning and it was wonderful to lie hammock! I'm already looking forward to my next visit!
See more
S
Shila
August 2025
With kids
We loved camping in the bell tents. The views were amazing. We loved that the sheep and donkey roam around the campsite area. The kids activities were a lovely touch and my son enjoyed taking the goat for a walk. We will be back some day!
See more
H
Hubert
August 2025
With kids
I had the most amazing camping experience here after not camping for 10 years, and it couldn’t have been better! 🏕️ The view is absolutely stunning, and the bell tent was a great size – clean, comfortable, and really cosy. The toilets and showers are quite basic, but honestly perfect for this kind of stay.
The host was super helpful with excellent communication throughout, which made everything easy and stress-free. I especially loved the firepit, and wood was available, which made the evenings extra special. 🔥✨
Overall, this place exceeded my expectations and gave me the perfect return to camping. Highly recommended!
See more
D
Dave
August 2025
With kids
Lovely shepherd huts in a beautiful location. Plenty to explore or relax and take in nature. They were great hosts with a great farm shop
See more
P
Paolo
August 2025
With kids
Loved the camp, with many tents sufficiently far from eachother. For our young kids (2 and 4) has been very easy to make new friends. Great hot showers and dishwashing station. Great walks around the farm, to see animals or reach the nearby pub.
See more
Hayley
August 2025
With kids
Our first family glamping experience was incredible, thank you!
See more
S
Selma
August 2025
With kids
This is a place to feel connected to the land and to completely let go of all the pressures of modern living. Jan is passionate about bio diversity and I loved walking up to the yurt, brushing past lavender and sage and wild flowers full of bees and butterflies, picking an apple on the way - and having it for breakfast whilst looking over a most glorious sunrise view from Buzzard Yurt. Then a walk in the woods and chilling in the hammock reading and soaking up the birdsong and the sound of the buzzard up above. At night - lying on the deck looking up at a starry sky and sitting round the fire toasting marshmallows. A truly relaxing and healing few days. Thank you Jan.
See more
H
Hannah
August 2025
Group trip
Wow, wow, wow.
So we had a fantastic time at Kingfisher Yurt, relaxing under the Oak and Ash trees. Swimming pond was perfect.
Yurt was really comfortable and the kitchen was fab for dining and playing games, We hired the hot tub, which was also lovely.
Jan was a perfect host. We shall be back.
See more
Philippa
August 2025
With kids
Beautiful spot! I love that each plot has it's own BBQ and fire pit, this really made a difference to our stay. The games are a great touch and being able to walk to the cafe for a coffee and sausage roll in the morning was the icing on the cake. Honesty box for wood and coal, drinking water, clean (flushing!) toilets and showers, everything you could need. Can't wait to come back.
See more
E
Ellie-Jane
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Cattlestone Farm Adult Only
Absolutely amazing ! Welcoming and had everything and more! Been multiple times and plan on going back next summer!
See more
M
Michele
August 2025
With kids
We had the best time in the Shepherd's Huts - it's such a magical place to stay, with beautiful views over the fields and even it's own little woodland walk. We spent two nights just us and our son, then my cousins pitched a tent on the third night. It was so peaceful to be surrounded by nature and have the place to ourselves. The huts were beautiful and cosy and the beds were comfy too. There was everything we needed to have a camping experience that felt both wild yet easy and with all that we needed. Thanks Abbey Home Farm!
See more
J
Jade
August 2025
With kids
Great little campsite! Richard welcomed us and asked if we needed anything. We asked for a firepit and logs which he brought over straight away. Showed us where everything was and we saw him round the site regularly.
We saw many animals from sheep to cows, to geese.
It was a quiet site when we first arrived midweek.
See more
R
Rachel
August 2025
1 night at Stowford Manor Farm Campsite
This is a lovely place to stay. The railway carriage was very comfortable and very well laid out, packing a lot of functionality into a cozy space. The grounds are beautiful and quiet. It’s just a short drive to several must see places like Bath and Avebury henge.
See more
P
Penny
August 2025
With kids
We had a wonderful time, excellent location by the river, pub and town. It was very quiet and we had enough space for our three families to run around and enjoy all the nature available! We hired the canoe and paddle boards which were fab. The beds were very comfortable and warm, toilets and showers were decent enough but did get messy quickly with all the usage. The wash up station was very basic and some of the outside benches were a bit tatty so because of that, probably an 8/10 BUT great for families.
See more
s
spencer
August 2025
With kids
We loved our experience with you and would definitely return.
Being on the hiking trails and also the maze on the doorstep are bonuses.
We liked the communal emerging area tent is also a great idea.
See more
K
Kelvin
August 2025
With kids
Teddy was an amazing host, and was so helpful on every occasion. I thouroughly enjoyed cooking the lamb sausages made at the farm. Well deserving of any campsite awards they earn.
See moreB
Benjamin
August 2025
With kids
Great spot. Teddy and Mrs Teddy (sorry!) were incredibly welcoming and helpful.
Massive fields. Load of space. Good showers and toilets.
👍
See more
K
Kamlesh
August 2025
Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9
Second time here. Fantastic place. Must try. Ever so helpful. Great access to Ashford Common.
See more
Family glamping near Portsmouth guide
Where to go
West Hampshire
The neighbouring port of Southampton is the gateway to the New Forest National Park. With its ancient forests, wildlife reserves, and wooded glades, it’s a paradise for campers. Choose from 5-star holiday parks with all the mod-cons, peaceful tent-only campsites surrounded by nature, or quirky glampsites hidden among the trees. All with access to the park’s network of walking, cycling, and horseback riding trails.
English Channel Coast
South coast beach resorts Brighton and Worthing are within day-trip distance of Portsmouth, but there are beach breaks right on the city’s doorstep too. Neighbouring Hayling Island is a family favourite windsurfing hotspot, with blue flag beaches and sandy shores. Bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts can also explore the Chichester Harbour AONB—take a boat cruise or bike tour for the best views.
South Downs
With more than 600 square miles of open countryside, the South Downs AONB provides plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds. Hike through rolling hills and river valleys along the South Downs Way, camp out at secluded backcountry campsites, and enjoy stargazing around a campfire. Don’t miss the twisted yew forest at Kingley Vale and the soaring white sea cliffs at the Seven Sisters.
Isle of Wight
Ferries from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight take less than 30 minutes, and England’s largest island has historic towns, beaches, and countryside all in easy reach. Explore nearly 500 miles of hiking and cycling trails, try windsurfing or parasailing along blue flag beaches, or visit the medieval Carisbrooke Castle. Camping on the island is just as fun—camp by the beachside, spend a night in a houseboat or vintage caravan, or time your visit for the annual Isle of Wight music festival.
When to go
Portsmouth is a year-round destination, whether attending a summer festival or browsing the Christmas markets in winter. July and August are busiest, with a steady flow of travellers arriving at the port, and it’s best to book ahead if visiting at this time. Each season has its highlight. Go hiking and wildlife-watching in the South Downs in spring, admire the fall foliage in the New Forest, or head to the beach in summer.
Know before you go
- Portsmouth has several camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up supplies for your camping trip.
- Portsmouth has public transport links to many of the surrounding towns and attractions, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
- Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment upfront. Be sure to check opening dates, as some campsites close in the winter months.
- Wild camping is illegal throughout Hampshire.