Pitch Perfect – 5 Of The Best UK Campsites Near The Sea

One of the many joys of owning a touring caravan is having the freedom to head off to the coast with your very own holiday home in tow, packed with all your home comforts.

There’s nothing nicer than pitching up near the sea and sitting outside your caravan with a cup of tea, watching the sunset, knowing that you can be up and on the beach within minutes of waking up in the morning.

Living here in the UK we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to amazing coastline; wherever you are in the UK, you’re never more than 70 miles from the sea, so with over 19,000 miles of coastline and over 1,400 accessible beaches, we thought we’d narrow it down a bit and show you 5 of our favourite campsites near the sea.

Brighton Pier, UK during sunset England

1. Brighton Club Campsite – East Sussex

The Brighton Club Campsite is ideally situated on the East Sussex coast as you get the best of both worlds; the beautiful south downs with their distinctive chalk cliffs, wildlife and history, or the bright lights of the famous coastal town of Brighton, just 2 miles down the road with its pebbled beach and arcades, independent shops, cafes and bars.

The staff are super helpful here and there are over 150 touring pitches and plenty of facilities. There are lots of buses into Brighton and access to safe, easy cycle paths.

2. St David’s Lleithyr Meadow Club Campsite – Pembrokeshire

Situated close to beautiful Whitesands Beach, which is popular with both surfers and wildlife enthusiasts, St David’s Lleithyr Meadow Club Campsite has great facilities and lots of space.

It’s just a mile from the beach so it’s ideal if you love being in the great outdoors. From water sports to angling, birdwatching to walking, you have a dramatic stretch of the Pembrokeshire coast on your doorstep.

You can head into St. David’s, the UK’s smallest city by population, either by bus or on one of the many cycle routes in the area. The city is famous for its cathedral and its restaurants, or you could try a bit of coasteering, head out to the nearby Ramsey Island, or if you’re feeling fit you can climb up Carn Llidi.

Slapton Sands beach near Torcross Devon England UK with canoes

3. Star Bay Club – Devon

Devon and Cornwall are well-established as popular holiday destinations, and the Start Bay Club, situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, doesn’t disappoint.

Less than a mile away from the beautiful Slapton Sands, which is on a narrow strip of land with the sea on one side and a nature reserve on the other, there’s plenty to do; from canoeing and surfing, angling to birdwatching. Or, if history is your thing then you can learn how the beach was used in rehearsals for the D-Day landings in 1943.

There are plenty of facilities and most of the pitches are hardstandings.

4. Yellowcraig Club Campsite – East Lothian

Up on the East Lothian coast, about half an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, Yellowcraig Club Campsite is a great choice for a family holiday. You’ll have gorgeous sandy beaches with sweeping dunes on your doorstep and endless rock pools, so there’s plenty to do for all ages.

Situated just outside the charming seaside town of North Berwick, with its famous law (it’s a big hill), seabird centre and unique shops and restaurants, there’s something for everyone. You can tackle some of the John Muir Way or take a boat trip to Bass Rock to see the puffins.

Reflections of St Mary's Lighthouse near Whitley Bay in Northumberland

5. Old Hartley Club Campsite – Tyne And Wear

Situated on a rugged cliff top, with views over the bay to St Mary’s lighthouse, Old Hartley Club Campsite is the perfect base for a seaside trip. You’re within easy distance of Newcastle if you fancy a big city, or you can stay more low-key with Whitley Bay just down the road.

You could visit the nature reserve on St Mary’s Island or head up the coast to the wild beaches and rugged castles of the Northumberland coast. The campsite has plenty of facilities with a pub nearby, plenty of cycle routes and lots of opportunities to partake in that classic British seaside staple – fish and chips!


Wherever you choose for your next beach holiday, you’ll have a great adventure. Take a look at some of our other favourite holiday destinations in our blog about the best caravan holidays in the UK or, as we’re lucky enough to have Yorkshire on our doorstep, so are a little bit biased, hear our recommendations for some of the best campsites in Yorkshire.

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