Paddle boarding and wild swimming have become immensely popular activities, especially for those seeking a blend of adventure and relaxation. With the UK offering a plethora of stunning rivers, lakes, and coastlines, it’s no surprise that waterfront campsites are in high demand. Here’s a guide to some of the best campsites across the UK where you can enjoy these activities.
Central England
Pillaton Hall Farm, Staffordshire
A large family-friendly campsite with a lakeside setting, Pillaton Hall Farm offers an adventure play area, a shop, and a cafe. Paddleboarding is available for children aged 13 and above during the summer, and open-water swimming is available for children aged eight and up, provided they are NOWCA registered.
Byecross Farm Campsite, Herefordshire
Located by the river, this idyllic campsite offers kayak and canoe hire on-site. It features a small shop and café, and glamping options are available. Campfires are permitted, making it perfect for a relaxing riverside retreat.
Tressack Campsite, Herefordshire
Set on the River Wye, this medium-sized campsite offers canoe hire and campfires. Wild swimming and toddler paddling are popular activities here. The village of Hoarwithy is nearby, providing a great base for exploring the region.
Inflatable paddle boards are a popular choice for many visitors due to their portability and ease of use.
Lenches Lakes, Worcestershire
A picturesque lakeside campsite perfect for wild swimming and fishing. The site offers glamping options and a bar, with campfires allowed in designated areas.
Barefoot Campsites, Oxfordshire
This back-to-basics campsite on the River Thames is perfect for wild swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Composting toilets and basic shower facilities emphasize an eco-friendly approach.
Spring Lakes Watersports Campsite, Derbyshire
Ideal for active families, this resort offers paddleboarding, wakeboarding, kayaking, and an aquapark. The site also includes a café and is located near Nottingham.
Castle Farm Campsite, Northamptonshire
A basic but charming campsite on the River Nene, offering swimming and paddling access. The village of Fotheringhay is within walking distance, providing historical attractions.
Eastern England
Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle, Norfolk
Set on the River Waveney, this campsite offers boat hire and wild swimming. En-suite accommodation is available, and campfires are permitted, making it a tranquil spot on the Norfolk Broads.
Outney Meadow, Suffolk
Located on the River Waveney, this medium-sized campsite offers canoe hire and wild swimming. The market town of Bungay is within walking distance.
Waterclose Meadows Campsite, Cambridgeshire
This National Trust campsite on the River Great Ouse is perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking. The nearby villages of Houghton and Wyton offer additional attractions.
Yorkshire and Northumberland
Pool Bridge Farm, near York
A small farm campsite with three adult swimming lakes, just five miles from York. This site is known for its tranquil atmosphere and stargazing opportunities.
Masons Campsite, North Yorkshire
Set on the River Wharf near Bolton Abbey, this large campsite offers wild swimming, fly fishing, and river access for paddle boarding and canoeing.
Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park, North Yorkshire
Located on the River Ure, this campsite is popular for canoeing, fly fishing, wild swimming, and paddle boarding.
Knight Stainforth Hall Camping and Caravan Park, Yorkshire Dales
A large campsite with river access, perfect for exploring the Yorkshire Dales. The market town of Settle is nearby.
Ravenscleugh Farm, Northumberland
A small, family-run farm campsite with a wild swimming lake. The site offers dark skies for stargazing and a peaceful retreat.
Lake District
Keswick Camping and Caravanning Club Campsite
Situated on the shores of Derwentwater, this large campsite is great for paddle boarding, kayaking, and swimming. Keswick is within walking distance.
Coniston Hall Campsite
A tranquil campsite on the western shores of Coniston Water, perfect for a peaceful camping experience.
Tarn Foot Farm, Ambleside
A small, basic campsite near Loughrigg Tarn, offers a serene lakeside camping experience.
Waterside House Campsite, Ullswater
A large, family-run campsite on the northern shores of Ullswater. The site offers paddle board and kayak hire and campfires.
South West England
Stowford Manor Farm, Wiltshire
A small, family-run campsite on the River Frome, perfect for swimming. The farm offers cream teas made with cream from their own Jersey cows.
Frome Meadow Campsite, Dorset
A tranquil summertime campsite near the River Frome, ideal for wild swimming and family-friendly paddling.
Cornish Tipi Holidays, Cornwall
A medium-sized lakeside campsite with tipis and tent pitches. The site offers a quarry lake for swimming, boating, and paddling.
Wales
Digeddi Wildlife Campsite, near Hay on Wye
A spacious, basic campsite on the River Wye, perfect for swimming and paddle boarding. Campfires are allowed, and pitches are well-spaced out for privacy.
Dol Llys Farm, Mid-Wales
A family-run campsite on the River Severn offers a tranquil setting for swimming and paddle boarding.
Fforest Fields, Mid-Wales
A large campsite with two lakes for swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking. The site also offers glamping options and numerous hiking and biking trails.
Llyn Gwynant Campsite, Snowdonia
A large lakeside campsite in Eryri National Park, offering boat hire, swimming, and paddle boarding. The site has a café and bar.
Cae Du Farm Holidays, Snowdonia
A beachfront campsite perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. The site also offers self-catering cottages.
Glanlynn Lakeside Caravan and Camping Park, Snowdonia
A large campsite on the shores of Lake Bala, offering paddle boards and kayak hire. The site has a shop and play area.
Spring Valley Lakes, South Wales
A large activity center with two lakes for swimming, paddle boarding, and scuba diving. The site also offers various other activities and glamping options.
These campsites offer a range of facilities and settings, catering to different preferences and levels of comfort. Whether you prefer a basic, back-to-nature experience or a well-equipped site with plenty of amenities, there is something for everyone to enjoy the beauty of the UK’s rivers and lakes.
