Wildlife-watching campsites in Isle of May National Nature Reserve

The towering cliffs of this spectacular nature reserve are packed with seabirds.

95% (21 reviews)
95% (21 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Isle of May National Nature Reserve

Dog-friendly getaways

Under £50

12 top campsites in Isle of May National Nature Reserve with wildlife watching

100%
(8)

Cleghorn Farm

15 units · Glamping, Tents250 acres · Lanark, Scotland
*PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE ONLY OPEN FOR CABIN BOOKINGS UNTIL NEXT SPRING. THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR MIDWEEK AND WEEKEND BOOKINGS. WE REQUIRE AT LEAST 48 HOURS NOTICE FOR CABIN BOOKINGS* Cleghorn Farm is a mixed farm just north east of the market town of Lanark. Comprised of 250 acres of fields and woodland and bounded to the south by Mouse Water, it is a beautiful spot to get away from it all without having to leave it all behind if you don't want to. The fields are grazed and cultivated but the woodlands are much as they were at the end of the last ice age with spectacular walks along Cleghorn Glen with the chance to see badgers, bats, deer and all manner of birds among the towering pine and beech trees. The Mouse Water (pronounced moose) tumbles down along the edge of the farm and has some glorious pools for swimming, shallows for paddling and some spectacular water falls before it joins the River Clyde.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
Cooking equipment
from 
£10
 / night
100%
(4)

Otter Moss Accommodation

4 units · Glamping12 acres · Brampton, England
Otter Moss Accommodation offers a variety of upscale camping options suitable for couples, families, and groups. Nestled within a picturesque 12-acre former farm, the majority of the site surrounds a spacious meadow. Additionally, the site boasts a charming small lake featuring three islands and a rowing boat for leisurely water activities. Situated at the northern edge of the stunning Eden Valley, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Cumbrian Fells, with visibility extending to the Solway Firth and the Lake District on clear days. The Lake District is a convenient 40-minute drive away, while various sections of Hadrian's Wall are even closer, reachable within a 15-minute drive. Carlisle and the M6 motorway to Scotland are both just 20 minutes away, with the picturesque market town of Brampton also within a 15-minute drive and offering its own attractions. Local pubs are plentiful in the area, with a diverse selection available within a five-mile radius. Accommodation units at Otter Moss come equipped with heating, kitchen utensils, and stoves, ensuring guests' comfort and convenience. Each unit also includes firepits or barbecues, as well as bedding and towels for a hassle-free stay.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
£85
 / night

Available this weekend

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

Wildlife-watching campsites in Isle of May National Nature Reserve guide

Overview

Just a few miles off the coast of the charming fishing port of Anstruther, the Isle of May packs a lot into its petite size. The island has a history rich in stories of Vikings, pilgrims and smugglers but today it is best known for its seabirds. In early summer, the cliffs that ring the island heave with breeding birds, including razorbills, kittiwakes, guillemots and more than 40,000 pairs of puffins, while the shoreline is dotted with seals. Visitors can experience the dazzling, noisy spectacle from along the clifftop path and the sheltered visitor center. The island is a designated national nature reserve, which you can only visit as part of a day tour. While you can’t camp on the island, nearby mainland options include Silverdyke Caravan Park in Anstruther and Sauchope Links Holiday Lodge and Caravan Park in Crail.

When to go

The Isle of May is open to visitors from early April through the end of September: it remains closed over winter in order to protect the large number of seal pups born around its shores. May and June are the best months to see breeding seabirds, which number up to a quarter of a million at the peak of breeding season.

Know before you go

  • Boat trip options include journeys by ferry and rigid inflatable boat (RIB). Note that the RIB is open to the elements (waterproofs are provided).
  • Once onshore, you are free to explore independently until departure time. Your tour operator will provide maps of the island.
  • Rangers greet visitors at the pier and can answer your questions.
  • There is an accessible restroom in the island’s visitor center.
  • While most trips depart from Anstruther, RIB tours also depart North Berwick.
  • During winter, you can watch the seal pups via live camera feed at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick.

Top regions near Isle of May National Nature Reserve

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Cool Camping is now Hipcamp. Camp your way by discovering and reserving unique tent camping, caravan parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping getaways. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.