UK’s most Instagrammable campsite locations revealed

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When you’re planning the perfect UK caravan or campervan getaway for this spring or summer, you’ll want to head somewhere you can show off to your friends and family.

In fact, social media is playing an increasing role in influencing where people spend their holidays, with the most buzzworthy locations often enjoying a boost in visitor numbers.

Campsites are no different, with the most photogenic spots likely to attract attention in 2025. With this in mind, outdoor camping gear firm Lexrope has been scouring the web to find the most Instagrammed pitches in the country to help give you some inspiration for your next stay in a caravan, campervan or motorhome.

Founder of the company Andy Halliday said: “These Instagram numbers reveal significant patterns in how people select camping destinations today. Locations with strong visual appeal do more than just attract photographers – they see higher visitor numbers than equally good but less photogenic sites.”

The top five sites identified by the research are:

1. Dale Farm Rural Campsite, Derbyshire

With 3,967 Instagram posts over the last 12 months, this site in the heart of the Peak District offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside that naturally draw photographers. The site’s rustic charm and traditional working farm buildings – combined with luxury amenities for visitors – make it the top location for keen photographers.

2. Shottisham Campsite, Suffolk

Not too far behind, with 3,927 posts, this site’s surrounding woodlands and meadows make an ideal backdrop for stunning social media content, while close proximity to both the coast and the countryside offer even more opportunities for the perfect shot.

3. Balloch O Dee, Dumfries and Galloway

This off-grid campsite in the Galloway Hills is particularly well-suited for amateur stargazers. Its remote location, far from the lights of the city, creates spectacular opportunities for shots of the Milky Way at night. 

4. Wooda Farm Holiday Park, Cornwall

For those who prefer sea views, Wooda Farm’s dramatic location overlooking Bude Bay is the perfect place for panoramic seascapes, while also being in close reach of some of the country’s most picturesque beaches.

5. The Hideaway at Baxby Manor, North Yorkshire

For eco-minded travellers seeking something different from their campsite, The Hideaway’s quirky ecopods and bell pod accommodation options offer distinctive social media content. However, even if you’re bringing your own campervan, North Yorkshire’s stunning natural beauty still makes for an instantly-recognisable Instagram snap.

 

Image credit: Pixabay/LN_Photoart

Camping New Forest surprises with early opening

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Any caravan or motorhome enthusiast planning an early-season trip to the New Forest this spring will have more site options to consider, as Camping New Forest has announced that several of its sites in the area are opening sooner than expected.

Guests can now visit Ashurst, Roundhill, Hollands Wood, Ocknell, Holmsley and the adults-only campsite Longbeech, which are open for campers, caravanners and motorhomes.

“We’re thrilled to welcome guests back earlier than expected this year,” said Denis Dooley, chief executive of Camping New Forest. “This season marks a new chapter for Camping New Forest. Whether guests are returning regulars or first-time visitors, they’ll find even more ways to relax, reconnect, and make lasting memories in the heart of the New Forest.”

Visitors can also take advantage of a range of new offers and activities across the brand’s sites.

Among the new additions for the 2025 season is a £150,000 refurbishment of the Holmsley site, which is one of the brand’s most popular destinations. This has benefited from a full renovation of the on-site shop and takeaway area, as well as the addition of a brand-new children’s play area.

Meanwhile, Camping New Forest is also launching new ‘Camping Community’ events for this year, which will bring like-minded camping and caravan enthusiasts together for a curated New Forest experience with reduced pitch fees and discounted entry to local attractions.

The first takes place at Roundhill Campsite from May 12th to 16th and includes a guided walk, visits to Exbury Gardens, a scenic Beaulieu River cruise and access to the Beaulieu MotorMuseum.

 

Image credit: Camping New Forest

Easter motorhomers warned of dangers of overpacking

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With the long Easter weekend nearly upon us, anyone planning a getaway in a motorhome over the holiday has been warned to take care when loading up their van in order to avoid the risks of fines.

Specialist motorhome insurance provider Safeguard has reminded holidaymakers of the dangers of overpacking, which can lead to much more than just a cluttered and messy vehicle.

The provider noted that in fact, if you’re stopped by the police and found to have unsafe or unsecured loads, you could be hit with a £300 fine, as well as three points on your licence.

Mark Sheppard, senior trading manager at Safeguard, warned that an overloaded vehicle could also invalidate your insurance policy, so it’s important to plan carefully when packing to avoid these risks.

“Ideally, you should aim to distribute the weight of your items evenly around your motorhome to prevent its handling and efficiency from being negatively affected,” he explained. 

“Once you’ve taken care of that, you’re ready to hit the road with confidence and can start planning your holiday.”

With thousands of motorhome and caravan enthusiasts set to hit the roads over the coming Easter weekend, Safeguard also offered a range of other tips to ensure any trips go as smoothly as possible.

These include performing a full inspection of your vehicle, both inside and out, before setting off, as well as researching all the rules of the road. This is especially important if you’re heading outside the UK, as there may be regulations, such as low-emission zones, you’ll need to comply with.

 

Image credit: Safeguard

New motorhome parking aims to boost Cleethorpes tourism

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Council bosses in north-east Lincolnshire are looking to encourage motorhome tourism in the area with the opening of a new dedicated site for overnight leisure vehicle parking in Cleethorpes.

At the moment, overnight parking is prohibited in all car parks operated by North East Lincolnshire Council, but the authority hopes the new space will tap into the booming demand for UK motorhome holidays.

The Thrunscoe Land Motorhome Parking site will allow visitors to stay for up to 48 hours at a cost of £12 per night and has capacity for up to ten motorhomes. 

While it will not have all the facilities that may be expected at a full holiday park, it does offer an Elsan disposal point for access to water and chemical toilet disposal. The council hopes the short-stay site will encourage more visitors to the resort, which in turn will contribute to the local economy.

Councillor Hayden Dawkins, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and the visitor economy, said: “The motorhome industry has grown rapidly in recent years and we are delighted to be able to offer motorhome enthusiasts somewhere to park overnight when they are visiting our resort.”

He added that this type of short-stay offering has already proven highly popular all over the UK and Europe by providing larger parking areas for motorhomes, while also freeing up spaces in car parks for regular vehicles.

Cleethorpes offers a range of attractions to visitors to the seaside resort, including its beach, Victorian pier and the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, which runs along the seafront.

 

Image credit: Unsplash/Lucas Favre

Caravan and Motorhome Club showcases best global road trip locations

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For fans of motorhome travel who want to explore beyond the UK and Europe, a self-guided fly-drive trip can offer the perfect way to see some of the world’s most enchanting locations. The Caravan and Motorhome Club has added some must-see destinations to its package offerings, with recommended itineraries that take in the best of North America, Africa and Australasia.

It has curated five new self-drive routes designed for independent travel. Booking via the Club will get you flights, motorhome hire and a one-night hotel stay on arrival – but everything else is up to you.

The Club can offer as much help as needed, such as finding the best campsite or excursions, or you can go your own way and explore the world’s finest motorhome destinations at your own pace.

USA – California 

A trip to the USA starting in Los Angeles allows you to explore some of the magnificent sights of the western states, such as California’s famous wine regions around San Francisco, the natural wonders of Yosemite or Death Valley National Parks, and the glamour of Hollywood.

Canada – Rocky Mountains

Further north, a trip to Canada’s Rocky Mountains from Calgary takes in scenic drives, hot springs, hiking and walking in some of the country’s most picturesque environments. A boat tour on Lake Minnewanka, riding the gondola to Sulphur Mountain and hiking around Burgess Shale to see ancient fossils are some of the highlights of this road trip.

Australia – Great Ocean Road

Famed as one of the world’s greatest driving routes, taking the Great Ocean Road westwards from Melbourne to Adelaide will let you enjoy vineyards, rugged coastlines and stunning national parks. A trip from Victoria to South Australia takes in fine cuisine, charming towns and nature such as Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade.

New Zealand – North and South Island

A two-week trip to New Zealand starting in Christchurch on the South Island gives you enough time to take in the best the country has to offer. The Club suggests visiting the city’s Botanic Gardens and whale-watching or swimming with dolphins at Kaikoura before taking a ferry to the North Island to visit Wellington, the nation’s capital, and ending in the biggest city, Auckland.

South Africa – Cape Town and beyond

The final itinerary recommended by the Club starts and ends in Cape Town, at the very southern tip of the continent. After enjoying the view from Table Mountain, try some award-winning wines at local vineyards (after you’ve parked up for the night, of course), explore the ancient Cango Caves and see the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. 

Image credit: Unsplash/Weyne Yew

Pack these must-have items to make camping with kids easier

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Packing up the kids into a caravan or motorhome for a family getaway is no doubt something many people will be doing as the Easter break approaches. But if you want to reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises, there are a few must-have tools and accessories you need – especially if it will be the little ones’ first time on a camping or caravan trip.

That’s why the experts at camping gear and accessories firm Lexrope have put together a checklist of must-haves for any family trip. Indeed, outdoor specialist at the firm Andy Halliday said he has seen countless trips cut short because families weren’t prepared for the realities of camping with kids.

He added: “The difference between a magical family memory and a camping disaster often comes down to preparation. Parents sometimes focus too much on the big items while overlooking the smaller essentials that can make or break a trip with kids.”

To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, pack these essentials in your caravan or camper.

Plenty of weather-appropriate clothing

We all know the British weather can be fickle, so it’s important to not only have the right clothing for all conditions, but also to bring plenty of spares to replace wet or soiled items. Mr Halliday recommends packing at least double the amount of clothes you think you’ll need, especially socks and underwear. Bringing along individual ziplock bags for clothing items is also a good idea to help keep everything dry and organised.

First aid kit

An unexpected emergency can bring an early end to any camping or caravan trip, but with the right supplies on hand, minor issues can be dealt with quickly and easily to prevent tears. As well as the basics such as plasters, antiseptic wipes, tweezers and children’s pain relief, a camping-specific kit should include items like anti-itch cream for insect bites, burn gel for campfire accidents and a tick removal tool.

Lighting 

Having multiple light sources is essential, especially for camping trips, but even if you’re caravanning, having backups in the event of losing power in the van is a good idea. What’s more, things like headlamps for hands-free activities can also be hugely useful for any unexpected late-night trips outside.

Rainy-day activities

If you do find yourselves cooped up in your caravan because the weather isn’t playing ball, it pays to have a variety of entertainment options on hand. Mr Halliday recommends packing playing cards, travel board games, colouring books and battery-powered speakers for music or stories. Forget these and the combination of bored kids and small spaces can quickly ruin a holiday.

Comfort items for sleeping

Young children can often find it hard to sleep in unfamiliar surroundings. Therefore, bringing along the comforts of home, such as sleeping mats or air mattresses, familiar pillows and beloved stuffed animals or blankets, can give kids everything they need for a good night’s sleep.

 

Image credit: Unsplash/Ben Wicks

Follow these top tips for a great van-to-camper conversion

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The vanlife trend is having a big moment, with more Brits than ever looking into how they can disconnect from their day-to-day lives and head off exploring in their own custom camper.

Even if you’re not planning to drop the nine-to-five completely, a van conversion tailored to your exact specifications is a great way to embrace the touring lifestyle – and demand for this is growing fast.

Indeed, according to specialist dealership Vansdirect, searches for ‘van-to-camper conversion’ have increased by 49 per cent in the last three months, while there are over a million posts on TikTok with the #vanlife hashtag as people show off their creations.

If you’re looking to create your own camper, the experts at the company have put together a few key things to keep in mind that will help make any van conversion a success.

Invest in quality insulation

Operations director at Vansdirect Gregor Mackie noted that even in the summer, the British weather can be temperamental. Poorly-insulated campers can lead to heat loss, condensation and damp, making for a miserable experience.

To avoid this, he recommends investing in high-quality insulation that offers good thermal performance, mould resistance and soundproofing. However, you shouldn’t stop there. Even with the best insulation material, it’s still important to use sealant or rubber seals around gaps to prevent draughts.

Look for multifunctional furniture

When space is limited, cleverly-designed, multipurpose furniture is essential. Mr Mackie recommends a convertible bed as one of the best ways to solve any issues. This is the item that takes up the most space, so making sure it can fold into a table, chairs, or a full living area during the day is a great idea.

It’s also important to think about storage. Magnetic shelves, wall hooks and hidden storage areas underneath or inside other furniture help keep your camper tidy and organised.

Make comfort a priority

Your camper is your home away from home, so you want it to be as comfortable as possible. A high-quality mattress for your bed/sofa is a must, with memory foam an ideal material, as this can be cut into any shape you need, as well as offering great support.

Mr Mackie also recommended blackout curtains for your windows. This helps create a darker, more restful environment for sleep, which is particularly useful in the summer, when daylight can last up to 16 hours.

Image credit: Unsplash/Manuel Meurisse

Partnership aims to connect wild campers with nature

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A new initiative has been launched that aims to encourage wild campers in the UK to connect with some of the country’s most biodiverse landscapes.

The partnership between CampWild and Rewilding Britain will enable nature lovers to access designated rewilding sites that would otherwise be off-limits.

Campers will be able to choose stays that allow them to immerse themselves in some of the UK’s most remarkable rewilding projects for 24 hours, sleeping beneath starry skies and getting to witness the results of conservation efforts first-hand.

Every booking to a ReWild Space comes with an information sheet that not only lists the wildlife to look out for, but also provides details on micro-conservation activities visitors can engage in. These may include hand de-weeding recently planted trees or helping to remove invasive species.

Tom Backhouse, co-founder of CampWild, said: “Rewilding Britain is doing extraordinary work to help restore nature and this partnership is a pioneering step forward. For the first time, people will be able to experience these spaces up close – camping in places where biodiversity is returning, species are being reintroduced and landscapes are healing.

“It’s not just about access; it’s about connection. The more people connect with nature, the more they value and protect it.”

While wild camping is not permitted in many parts of the UK, it is legal in Scotland on the majority of unenclosed land. However, the new initiative will open up normally-private sites in other parts of the UK, such as the Yorkshire Dales, Devon and Cornwall. 

Sites are available for a range of accommodations, including traditional camping, vehicle rooftop tents and small and large campervans.

 

Picture credit: CampWild/Rewilding Britain

New book offers tips on building your own campervan

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For many people, completing their own van conversion is the ultimate goal for their hobby. Taking a starting vehicle and fitting it out to your exact specification means you get a home away from home that’s perfectly suited to your needs, with none of the compromises that you might have to settle for when buying from a dealer.

However, it can be difficult to know where to start with this. There’s a lot to think about if you want to create your own van conversion, from planning out a budget and choosing the right base vehicle to fitting it out safely with gas and electrics.

If you have questions, a new book could be the answer. Build a Campervan: The Definitive Guide is on sale now and promises to provide a complete tutorial in how to create your dream motorhome from scratch.

It offers practical tips on every step of the process, as well as ideas to give you some inspiration and real-world stories of people who have gone through the process – giving you a clear idea of what to do and what mistakes you need to avoid.

The book is by bestselling author Calum Creasey, who says: “There are few things that, when built by your own hands, hold the power to alter your life as much as a campervan.”

Calum is also the owner of conversion company Onwards Adventure Vehicles, so is well-placed to answer any questions or concerns you might have about embarking on your own campervan project.

For those wishing to look further into what vanlife can offer, his previous work ‘Vanlife – Culture, Vehicles, People, Places’ gives a fascinating insight into the freedom of life on the road, with essays, interviews and advice for anyone thinking of embracing this lifestyle.

Motorhome solar panel advice after near-miss incident

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A motorhome insurance specialist has offered his advice on attaching solar panels after an incident that narrowly avoided serious injury.

Dashcam footage captured the moment a solar panel came loose from a leisure vehicle and hit a family car, fortunately not harming anyone inside.

The incident occurred when Philip Palmer was driving his Jaguar XF on the A17 near King’s Lynn and the motorhome was travelling on the opposite side of the road.

Just missing the windscreen, the car was left with a broken splitter, undertray and wheel arch, with Mr Palmer, his partner and four-year-old son who were all riding inside the car unharmed.

The driver, who has managed to track down the motorhome owner due to the number plate on the dashcam footage, said he was mainly relieved.

He noted that had the impact been just a few inches higher, the incident may have ended very differently.

In response to the near-miss, Mark Sheppard, senior trading manager at insurance specialist Safeguard, has provided some information on solar panels for leisure vehicles.

He said: “There are two main types of solar panel available for motorhome owners: portable and flexible. It appears that the object which struck Mr Palmer’s vehicle was a flexible panel.

These are made from a thin and pliable material that allows them to conform to the shape of a motorhome’s roof.”

Mr Sheppard added that although solar panels are generally low-maintenance and built to withstand the conditions motorhomers put them through, it’s important to keep an eye out for any issues or malfunctions.

The installation process should also not be underestimated, as it can be complex and may require professional assistance in some cases.

He said: “According to our proprietary data for the UK from the past 12 months, installing solar panels is the fifth most popular modification our customers make to their motorhome.”

Leisure vehicle owners must inform their insurer if they plan to install solar panels, as they not only increase the value of the caravan or motorhome, and therefore affect insurance coverage, but may not automatically be covered by the policy.

Solar panels have become particularly popular in recent years, as owners look to adapt their vehicles to be more eco-friendly.

They also enable motorhomes and caravanners to go off-grid for longer periods of time, powering lights, heating and fridges without the need for electric hook-up.



Head for these beaches for the UK’s best stargazing staycations

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Nocturnal tourism, or ‘noctourism’, has been a growing trend in the UK in the last couple of years. For many people, heading into the wilderness to seek out dark patches of sky unspoiled by the bright lights of the city offers a chance to see the stars and galaxies above us in a way they could never get at home.

Some of the best places to do this are the UK’s beaches. These can provide an exceptional setting for noctourism, as remote coastal locations are often far from urban light pollution, making them prime spots for observing the night sky.

They’re also ideal destinations for caravanners and motorhome enthusiasts. What could be better than setting up camp on a secluded beach and listening to the rhythmic crash of waves while gazing up at a sky illuminated by countless stars?

To give you some inspiration, coastal holiday accommodation specialist Simply Sea Views has put together a list of the best beach locations in the UK from which to see the stars. Founder and coastal expert at the company Josh Williams said: “Exploring the beach under the moonlight and stars offers a completely different experience to daytime visits. Many people don’t realise just how magical the coast can be at night, especially in areas with low light pollution.”

The top five locations listed by the company are:

Ardalanish Beach, Isle of Mull

With its vast, open shoreline and absence of artificial light, Ardalanish Beach provides a stunning vantage point for stargazing. The clear night sky often reveals the Scorpio and Sagittarius constellations.

Kilickeon Beach, Isle of Mull

Not too far from the number one spot – so easy to take in during the same visit – Kilvickeon Beach offers one of the darkest skies on the Isle of Mull. It’s a prime location for catching meteor showers, spotting planets and even seeing the elusive Northern Lights. 

Scolt Head Island National Nature Reserve, North Norfolk

This remote island sanctuary provides an unspoiled setting for stargazing. Visit in the spring and autumn months, when atmospheric conditions are at their best, to see the Milky Way in all its glory.

North Shore, Holy Island, Northumberland

The rugged landscape of Holy Island makes for an incredible backdrop to an evening under the stars. The North Shore in particular offers excellent visibility, allowing visitors to take in the cosmos.

West Bexington Beach, Dorset

A peaceful retreat along the Jurassic Coast, West Bexington Beach offers dark skies perfect for stargazing. With the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore, it’s an idyllic spot to watch the constellations slowly move across the night sky.

 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Khamkéo

Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show 2025 a huge success

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This year’s edition of the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, which was held at the NEC in Birmingham last month, has been declared a success.

Many of the exhibitors reported a significant increase in sales compared to previous years and a particularly well-engaged audience.

Some 89,207 visitors attended the six-day event between February 18th and 23rd, exploring the latest leisure vehicle models and camping accessories.

The show had plenty to offer for everyone from first-time buyers to seasoned touring enthusiasts all contributing to the vibrant atmosphere.

Karen Dodd, marketing director at NCC Events, said: “It’s been encouraging to see such enthusiasm from both visitors and exhibitors.

“We’re delighted to have welcomed thousands of enthusiasts to the show, as well as introducing the benefits of ownership to those visiting for the first time, right at the start of their leisure vehicle and camping journey.”

Leisure vehicle manufacturer Adria UK found its expectations exceeded at the show, with sales up by 20 per cent on 2024.

Its managing director Slavica Sterk said the chance to engage with customers directly was invaluable, making it clear the event was the right place to showcase its caravans and motorhomes.

Bailey of Bristol was also in attendance, with its marketing director Simon Howard saying the show remains a key event in the industry’s calendar.

He added that sales levels were high despite challenging economic conditions and the brand would be back at the show again next year.

Ben Parkin, sales director at Coachman, said “We’ve seen positive engagement from visitors, leading to encouraging sales. It’s always valuable to be here and connect with customers in this environment.”

The Motorhome & Caravan Show will return to the NEC on October 14th and run until October 19th, 2025.

It will be an opportunity for the leading UK and European manufacturers to present their new 2026 season models and innovations.

That means potential purchasers can see what to expect ahead of anyone else and start to think about what they might be interested in buying.

The show is the UK’s largest leisure vehicle event, showcasing a wide selection of campervans, caravans and motorhomes before they are available on dealership forecourts.

It’s a unique opportunity to see so many models in one place, as individual locations simply can’t host them all.

Stepping inside leisure vehicles and comparing layouts in real life is the best way to refine your search and establish what would work best for your touring adventures.