From the wind-battered cliffs of the Scottish Highlands to the tranquil cycle paths of the Cotswolds, the United Kingdom is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist wanting to conquer new routes, or a family looking for a leisurely bike ride amidst picturesque landscapes, camping and cycling can create the perfect getaway.
This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey through the best campsites in the UK for a cycling adventure. We’ll delve into the heart of the British countryside, exploring the rich tapestry of forests, national parks, and farms that offer a stunning backdrop for your cycling expedition. Here’s a sneak peek into what you can expect on your next adventure weekend.
1. The Wild Forest Route: New Forest National Park
The New Forest National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With miles of quiet, car-free cycle paths winding through dense forests and wide-open heaths, it’s an idyllic setting for your next cycling adventure.
Roundhill Campsite
Nestled deep within the national park, Roundhill campsite offers a true wild camping experience. Surrounded by free-roaming ponies and deer, this campsite provides a unique opportunity to get back to nature. The site offers a range of facilities, including showers, a dedicated area for caravans, and a campfire for those chilly evenings. Cycle routes from this campsite lead you through the sprawling forest, along serene waterways, and into quaint villages.
2. The Farm Ride: Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a region renowned for its rolling hills, charming villages, and peaceful country lanes, making it a perfect location for a family cycling trip.
Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
Situated in a serene valley, the Holycombe campsite is an oasis of tranquillity. Here, you’ll find facilities suitable for both camping and caravan stays. The site is located on a sustainable farm, providing a unique experience for families. Cyclists can embark from the campsite on a journey through the stunning Cotswolds landscape, passing through picturesque villages and alongside historic sites.
3. The Coastal Cruise: Norfolk
Norfolk is a great destination for a cycling adventure, with its flat landscapes and quiet roads. Its coastal region offers stunning views and a variety of routes for all abilities.
Deepdale Backpackers & Camping
Deepdale is a family-friendly campsite that offers a variety of accommodation options, including both camping and caravans. The site has excellent facilities, including showers and a well-stocked shop. From the campsite, cycling routes will take you along the awe-inspiring Norfolk coast, through nature reserves, and into bustling seaside towns.
4. The Highland Challenge: Scottish Highlands
For those who relish a challenge, the Scottish Highlands offers an unrivalled cycling experience. With dramatic landscapes and challenging climbs, it’s a paradise for experienced cyclists.
Glenmore Campsite
Located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Glenmore Campsite offers an unforgettable camping experience. With stunning views over the Loch Morlich and surrounded by towering pines, it’s a site that truly captures the wild beauty of the Highlands. The campsite has modern facilities, including showers, a restaurant, and a shop. Cycling routes from the campsite show off the best of the Highlands, with steep climbs and thrilling descents.
5. The Club Experience: The Caravan and Motorhome Club
For those who prefer a little more luxury with their camping and cycling experience, The Caravan and Motorhome Club has numerous sites across the UK, all offering excellent facilities and easy access to cycle routes.
Sandringham Estate Caravan Club Site
This site offers a royal camping experience on the grounds of the Sandringham Estate, the Queen’s country retreat. Here, you’ll find top-notch facilities, including showers, a shop, and a restaurant. The site is perfectly placed for exploring the Norfolk countryside by bike, with a variety of routes ranging from tranquil woodland rides to challenging road circuits.
So, get your bikes ready, pack your camping gear, and embark on a unique adventure. Whether you’re in the wild forests, the quaint countryside, the mesmerising coasts, or the challenging highlands, this cycling escapade around the UK’s best campsites is sure to inspire all cycling and camping enthusiasts.
6. The Mountain Biking Mecca: North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire is home to some of the finest mountain biking trails in the UK. Whether you’re a novice or a proficient cyclist, the diverse terrain offers thrilling rides for all skill levels.
Yorkshire Dales Caravan Park
Yorkshire Dales Caravan Park is a splendid choice for cyclists wanting to explore the region’s fantastic mountain biking trails. The park is nestled amidst beautiful open countryside, boasting stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The dog-friendly site offers first-class facilities including modern showers, a caravan area, and a well-stocked shop. You can conveniently begin your cycling adventure from the park, exploring the exhilarating Yorkshire Dales with its steep hills, rocky descents, and flowing single-track trails. Whether you choose a gentle family ride or an adrenaline-fuelled off-road adventure, North Yorkshire is a cyclist’s dream destination.
7. The Lake District Lovers: Lake District National Park
The Lake District National Park is a haven for cyclists, with its vast network of bridleways, byways and quiet lanes, providing an array of cycle routes to cater to all abilities.
Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park
Overlooking the picturesque Derwent Water and with stunning views of the surrounding fells, Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park offers an unforgettable camping experience. The park provides a range of facilities, including showers, a dedicated area for caravans, a shop, and a restaurant. Cycle routes from the park offer a rich variety of landscapes, from tranquil woodland paths to challenging mountain terrain. Whether you prefer road cycling, mountain biking, or a leisurely family ride, the Lake District National Park promises an awe-inspiring backdrop for your cycling adventure.
In Conclusion
The UK offers a wealth of fantastic campsites for a cycling adventure weekend. Whether you prefer the tranquil cycle paths of the Cotswolds or the challenging climbs of the Scottish Highlands, the combination of cycling and camping offers an exhilarating and refreshing way to explore the wild beauty of the UK.
From the wild camping experience at Roundhill in the New Forest National Park to the luxury of the Sandringham Estate Caravan Club Site, there is something for everyone. The caravan parks in North Yorkshire and the Lake District provide excellent facilities for both camping and caravanning, making them ideal for a family holiday. With breathtaking views, peaceful surroundings, and diverse cycle routes, these campsites provide a fantastic base for your cycling adventure.
These carefully selected campsites are sure to offer a unique and unforgettable cycling experience for all, from the dedicated mountain biker to the leisurely family cyclist. So grab your bikes, pack your gear, and get ready for an exhilarating adventure weekend. Whether you choose to explore the wild forests, the quaint countryside, the mesmerising coasts, or the challenging terrains, the UK’s best campsites for a cycling adventure weekend are waiting for you to discover. The open window of opportunity to explore the UK’s most beautiful landscapes by bike and experience the great outdoors like never before is indeed too good to miss!
