Top 20 coastal and beach campsites & locations

If you've ever dreamed of waking up to the sound of crashing waves, sipping your morning coffee with salty sea air on your face, or stargazing by a beachside campfire — this one's for you.

We've rounded up the top 20 coastal and beach camping locations in the UK that promise seaside serenity and outdoor adventure.

So pack your windbreaker, slap on some SPF, and let's hit the road to the coast!

Whitecliff Bay, Isle of Wight

Perched on a clifftop with access to its very own secluded sandy beach, Whitecliff Bay is a coastal camper's dream. Think golden sands, chalk cliffs, live entertainment, and beach BBQs — plus the view of the sunrise? Unreal.

Best for: families, couples, and anyone craving a slice of island life.

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Croyde & Woolacombe

If waves are your thing, head to Croyde Bay. This North Devon gem is a surf mecca with campgrounds just steps from the beach. Woolacombe is nearby, with miles of golden sand.

Best for: surfers, adventures.

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St Ives, Cornwall

St Ives is located along the stunning North Cornwall coast and is home to our St Ives Bay resort. It is the perfect family-friendly touring, camping and glamping site, with spectacular views, private access to a 2-mile-long sandy beach, an indoor pool, a surf centre and plenty of family-friendly entertainment for you to enjoy.

Best for: adventurous families, surfers, beachgoers

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Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales

This coastal national park has secret coves, cliffside walks, and beaches like Whitesands, Barafundle, and Freshwater West. Some campsites have sea views that are so good, you might cry.

Best for: sightseeing and coastal adventures, St Davids or Newgale are a must-visit for unbeatable scenery and epic sunsets.

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Mersea Island, Essex

A hidden treasure on the Blackwater Estuary, Away Resorts' Mersea Island site offers salty sea breezes, seafood shacks, and unforgettable sunsets. Pitch up and enjoy laid-back island vibes.

Best for: chilled weekends, shell-hunting strolls, and oysters.

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Isle of Skye, Scotland

Rugged, remote, and ridiculously beautiful. Campers can pitch up beside lochs, cliffs, or beaches like Coral Beach. This isn't just a trip; it's a full-on adventure.

Best for: hikers, rock climbers and adventures.

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A shot of the back of two grey and yellow pitched up tent on some grass.

Newperran, Cornwall

Located along the stunning Cornish coat, Newperran is the ideal family-friendly resort for exploring, with plenty of amazing sandy beaches, surfing, a swimming pool and restaurant and much more to enjoy.

Best for: families, surfing, beachgoers.

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Gower Peninsula, Wales

Wales' first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — and still one of its best. Rhossili Bay is a stunner; wild camping spots abound along its clifftop paths and beaches.

Best for: nature lovers and walkers chasing wild coastal views.

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A bright sunny day overlooking our East Fleet Farm holiday park in Dorset. There are vast areas of countryside and a river to the horizon.

East Fleet Farm, Dorset

East Fleet Farm touring park is located in the peaceful Dorset countryside along the Jurassic Coast, only three miles away from Weymouth's golden sands. Right on the coast of the stunning Chesil Beach, you'll be welcomed by breath-taking views of the Fleet Lagoon:

Best for: families, couples, hikers, beachgoers.

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Holkham & Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk

Flat, sandy, and full of big skies, this stretch of the Norfolk coast is perfect for long beach walks and relaxed seaside camping. The dunes of Holkham Beach are pure magic.

Best for: families, hikers and explorers.

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Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides

Welcome to the Caribbean… of Scotland! Luskentyre Beach is one of the UK's most beautiful, and camping near its white sands and teal waters is an unforgettable experience.

Best for: adventurers, (wild and remote — bring your own gear and be prepared!)

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Camber Sands, East Sussex

Dunes, dunes, and more dunes! This beach is a southeastern favourite, with soft golden sand and a laid-back vibe. Ideal for quick weekend escapes from London.

Best for: the perfect family beach getaway.

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Thurso Bay, North Coast 500 – Scotland

A wild and windy coastal spot perfect for hardy campers and surfers. Thurso is right on the NC500 route, offering dramatic views and the chance to see orcas!

Best for: road trippers, surfers, and wildlife watchers.

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Bamburgh & Northumberland Coast

Historic castles, empty beaches, and wild northern skies. Bamburgh Castle looms over one of the UK's prettiest beaches. There are plenty of low-key, peaceful campsites nearby.

Best for: history, dog walks, and dramatic drone shots.

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Shell Island, Gwynedd, Wales

A magical tidal island with huge sandy beaches, wild dunes, and sprawling campsite areas. When the tide's in, you're marooned — amazing.

Best for: families, couples, and even campfires. It is one of the few places where you can still have open fires on the beach.

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Achmelvich Bay, Highlands

Turquoise waters, white sands, and rugged backdrops. A Scottish showstopper with plenty of hiking and stunning views for you to explore.

Best for: adventures, hikers.

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Newgale Beach, Wales

Long, pebbly and powerful — perfect for wild swims and wave-watching from your tent. The stunning coastal retreat is located in a lovely part of West Wales.

Best for: swimmers, hikers and even families that love adventure.

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St. Bees, Cumbria

The start of the world-famous Coast to Coast walk, St. Bees is home to a charming beach with plenty of stunning clifftop clifftop paths to explore. The village is also home to plenty of family-friendly amenities.

Best for: families, hikers.

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Scarborough – Cayton Bay, Yorkshire

Surfy, scenic, and close to one of England's classic coastal towns with plenty of fish and chips to enjoy.

Best for: families and surfers.

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Aberafon, Llyn Peninsula

A stunning secluded beach with plenty of charm. Kayak, paddle, or just relax with sea views from your pitch.

Best for: families, watersport.

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Final Thoughts: Find Your Perfect

Pitch whether you're craving a remote sandy escape or a lively holiday park with music and marshmallows, the UK has a beach campsite with your name on it.

And with Away Resorts stepping up the game for seaside stays, your next adventure could be a clifftop glamping tent, a touring pitch by the dunes, or a forest-fringed site just minutes from the surf. So what are you waiting for? Grab your gear, chase the tide, and make this your most unforgettable coastal camping season yet!