The UK’s Most Socially Distanced Camping Spots to Pitch this Summer Revealed

19 August 2020

As we experience a summer camping boom, a list of the most unsung places in the UK to head to for a socially-distanced pitch has been published.

And as it seems the UK’s campsites are set to be heaving this summer – indeed, a survey of 1,007 UK adults published by Decathlon, revealed that almost half of Brits (45%) have either booked or are considering booking a camping trip this year – this is very much needed.

Northern Ireland topped the list as the most socially-distant camping destinations in the UK, with just 5% of campers heading there this summer. This is despite a ferry connecting the rest of the UK to Northern Ireland via Birkenhead, meaning visitors needn’t fly, and it being home to both incredible countryside and Giant’s Causeway, one of the UK’s most breath-taking natural scenes.

Just 7% are planning on pitching in the West Midlands, meaning campers wanting to make like the Peaky Blinders and camp out in the wild of the Black Country, or visit historic Stratford-upon-Avon, will find they have more space to camp.

Amazingly, only 8% intend to head to the East Midlands – an area which includes parts one of England’s most stunning national parks, the Peak District, where waterfalls, unforgettable views and unique moorland are combined.

The North East – home to stunningly wild beaches and beautiful sights like Bamburgh Castle and the Angel of the North – are also likely to offer quieter camping spots this year, with just 9% intending to pitch up.

Surprisingly, just 11% intend to camp within the South East – meaning many will be able to enjoy campsites near beautiful beaches such as Brighton and Hove, or beauty spots like High Weald and the Kent Downs, away from the crowds.

To assist would-be campers in finding a spot that will allow them to enjoy the great outdoors in more relative isolation, Decathlon has teamed up with Ordnance Survey to produce the Beat The Crowds Camping Calculator, which campers can use to identify less popular areas, based on who they are travelling with and what kind of nature they would like nearby.

According to the data, those avoiding the crowds should steer clear of the South West, home to the beautiful beaches of Cornwall and Devon, as 1 in 4 (25%) British campers are intending to pitch up there this year.
Wales is another spot that is proving extremely popular amongst campers, with almost the same number – 23% – of visitors intending to head there this year.
And Scotland is also expecting an influx of campers, as 1 in 5 (20%) intend to visit.

The busiest weekend for campsites this month is predicted to be the third weekend in August, when 25% of summer holiday campers intend to pitch up.
The research shows that campsites near beaches (52%), the countryside (49%) and lakes (40%) are proving to be the most popular this year.

While those located near hiking and swimming spots nearby towns and cities (24%), mountains (28%) and tourist attractions (29%) are the best bet for those looking for a more socially-distanced camping experience.

Chris Allen, Mountain Sports Market Leader at Decathlon UK, comments: “One of the best things about camping is getting out into the peace and quiet of nature, but understandably, the UK’s campsites are proving extremely popular amongst staycationers this year, so we wanted to produce a tool which will allow those wanting to go camping to identify areas where they will be able to camp in quieter surroundings and know they can do so while not having to worry about crowds which might inhibit their abilities to maintain social distancing.

“It’s really surprising to see destinations like Northern Ireland and the East Midlands at the top of the list of where campers are less likely to head this year. Northern Ireland is home to some incredible scenery and what many believe to be one of the wonders of the world, while the Peak District National Park, some of which falls within the East Midlands, is one of the first places I would consider camping in the UK. The South East with its fantastic beaches looks to be a particularly good spot for those wanting a coastal location this year.”

Nick Giles, Managing Director Ordnance Survey Consumer, comments: “Lockdown has inspired so many of the UK population to get out into the great outdoors, which is fantastic to see. But it’s understandable that many will want to do so while avoiding the crowds.

“At OS we want to make the outdoors enjoyable, accessible and safe. We live in a country packed with incredible places to explore, from hiking trails, cycling paths and mountain biking routes which we can use to get away from it all. Our advice would be to look at the areas surrounding where you’re staying, plan ahead, and you can find some amazing places and routes which you can follow to get away from it all.”

Decathlon has 45 stores in the UK and sells a variety of sports equipment, clothing and accessories perfect for those who want to get active or excel their performance.

For more information, visit www.decathlon.co.uk.

The Most Socially-Distant Places In the UK To Camp This Year: