Shore things

From the north of Scotland to deepest Cornwall, the Club boasts a selection of great campsites next to – or within easy reach of – glorious beaches. Here’s just a taster…

The United Kingdom is blessed with the most incredible coastline – more than 11,000 miles of it, according to Ordnance Survey! From vertiginous cliffs and windswept shingle, to dune-crested foreshore and vast expanses of golden sand, we are spoiled by the variety on offer. Starting in the north of Scotland and heading clockwise, here we offer a whistle-stop tour of Britain’s coast and some of the Club campsites from which to enjoy it!

Coastal classics

Dunnet Bay Beach. Photo by member Simon Cauley

Situated on the scenic North Coast 500 route, Dunnet Bay Club Campsite looks out to Dunnet Bay Beach, a glorious, dog-friendly stretch that can be reached from your pitch in a matter of seconds. Enjoy daily walks or runs along the two miles of sand, relax with a book or go paddling and swimming; it’s a superb, clean beach and spending time on it will almost certainly leave you feeling invigorated.

Heading south into England, we arrive at Berwick Seaview Club Campsite – ideally situated for exploring the historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and the unspoilt Northumberland coast. Overlooked by a Norman castle, Bamburgh Beach is not to be missed. The dunes open out into expansive golden sands, offering picturesque views across the water to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The sea here attracts watersports enthusiasts, while golfers are treated to a great course. Closer to the Club site, you’ll also find Cocklawburn and Spittal beaches.

Farther south, situated between Scarborough and Filey, with Bridlington and Whitby a short drive away, Cayton Village Club Campsite is a great base from which to explore the Yorkshire coast. With its long, sweeping sands and clear waters, Filey Beach (which turns into The Bay Beach at Hunmanby Gap) is perfect for sunbathing and family fun. To its north, the Filey Brigg peninsula forms a natural pier, with plenty of rock pools to explore. There’s also a sculpture trail along the promenade, and no shortage of fish and chip shops!

Heading still farther south into East Anglia we arrive at Sandringham Estate Club Campsite, close to the large rectangular bay known as The Wash. There’s masses to do on the doorstep of this site but, for beach time, Holkham, about a 40-minute drive away, is unmissable. The enormous stretch of sand is perfect for playing, while you might fancy picnicking in the dunes, splashing in the clear pools as the tide recedes or even horse-riding. Backed by dunes and a nature reserve, it also attracts birdwatchers throughout the year, while the quay at nearby Wells-next-the-Sea is a popular spot for crabbing and fish-and-chip lunches. Old Hunstanton Beach is another local gem worth seeking.

On England’s south coast, nestled in the glorious Sussex countryside, Fairlight Wood Club Campsite is close to the lively seaside resort of Hastings. To the east, Camber Sands boasts several miles of unspoilt sands, making it popular with families, while the Kitesurf Centre offers lessons in a variety of watersports. Just beyond, Dungeness Beach is a shingle-strewn seashore and home to a small community – you can see Prospect Cottage, former home of artist and filmmaker Derek Jarman, from Dungeness Road.

Beautiful south

The Isle of Wight

We now take a short ferry ride across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and Southland Club Campsite. (Remember Club members can save money on crossings with Red Funnel and Wightlink – see camc.com/ferryoffers.) The island’s many attractions include Compton Bay to the west – a terrific spot for fossil-hunting, with the possibility of finding dinosaur teeth and bones. At low tide you can also view Iguanadon ‘footprints’ at the base of the cliffs. For cyclists, the Tennyson Trail is a popular chalk route over the cliff tops. A garlic farm is within walking distance of the site.

Heading for England’s extreme south-west, our next focus is Trevedra Farm Affiliated Site, just three miles from Land’s End. It’s the perfect choice if you want to explore the furthermost reaches of Cornwall. The small, picture-postcard beach at Porthcurno, with its soft white sands and turquoise waters, is a real draw and popular with families.

No trip to Porthcurno is complete, of course, without a tour of Rowena Cade’s remarkable open-air Minack Theatre – set in the cliff-side, it offers unmatched views over the bay.

Crossing into north Devon, we arrive at Willingcott Club Campsite, conveniently situated for Woolacombe, considered one of Britain’s best surfing beaches. Inexperienced surfers can take a lesson at one of the schools in the area, or perhaps consider hang-gliding instead. Those who prefer a more relaxed pace can simply enjoy the three miles of sand and dunes, and views over to Lundy Island, which is home to a wide variety of birdlife, including puffins. The campsite offers direct access to the National Cycle Network route 27 and North Devon Cycle Network. Glorious Wales is our next stop, and Gowerton Club Campsite. This fantastic site offers access to the Gower Peninsula, where some of the country’s finest beaches can be found. Rhossili Bay, for example, boasts a remarkable three-mile stretch of golden sands, alongside cliff-top walks, an

Atlantic swell ideal for surfers and even a shipwreck. Adventurous types can explore the tidal island of Worm’s Head (be sure to observe the crossing notices), where seals bask on the rocks.

Back in England, Southport Club Campsite in Merseyside is within easy reach of Formby Beach, which is lauded for its long stretch of sand and rugged feel. Backed by pine woods and dunes, it’s a great spot for birdwatching, and there’s the opportunity to see red squirrels at the nearby reserve. Budding palaeontologists, meanwhile, will enjoy searching for fossils in the rocks at low tide. Nearby Crosby Beach – home to Anthony Gormley’s Another Place human sculptures – is also not to be missed.

We’ve barely scratched the surface in terms of the coastal delights on the Club's network – for more ideas see the panel on the right or visit camc.com/beaches.

Six more great beach sites

Beach near Hillhead, Devon. Photo by member Andrew Darkes

Hillhead Club Campsite, Devon

Close to several beaches including Man Sands, Hillhead offers great sea views – and its own swimming pool!

Blackpool South Club Campsite, Lancashire

The front at this ever-popular seaside resort is less than three miles from this level, open site.

Brora Club Campsite, Highlands

Offering easy access to a sandy beach, Brora is perfect for nature lovers – look out for the likes of Arctic terns, seals and dolphins.

St David’s Lleithyr Meadow Club Campsite, Pembrokeshire

Watersports fans will be in their element at beautiful Whitesands Beach, less than a mile from the Club campsite.

White House Beach Club Campsite, Suffolk

Some pitches at this excellent site overlook the sand and shingle beach, while the famous colourful huts of Southwold are nine miles to the south.

Godrevy Park Club Campsite, Cornwall

Upton Towans beach is a short walk away through the dunes, while the traditional seaside villages of Newlyn and Mousehole are great for day trips.