There is something for everyone
Glamping stock image(Image: LDR Service)
As the sunny weather arrives and people start thinking about ways to spend their days in the sunshine, thoughts may be turning to staycations and nearby campsites and holiday parks.
Fortunately for us here in Bristol, being so close to the countryside – and not too far away from a beach or two – there are plenty of picturesque places and beauty spots we can set up camp and enjoy some sun, peace, and relaxation.
We’ve compiled a little list of holiday parks and campsites that are an hour or so (or less) away from Bristol.
These included surf breaks, woodland escapes, adventure holidays, and simple camping, as well as a bit of luxury (hot tubs and yoga anyone?)
The Wave
Inside one of the safari tents at The Camp at The Wave(Image: The Wave)
Address: Washingpool Farm, Main Road, Easter Compton, Bristol, BS35 5RE
If you’ve a passion for surfing, or fancy trying something a bit different but don’t want to venture down to the beach to do so – then you may be interested to know that The Wave in Bristol boasts its own campsite.
Bristol’s inland surf centre has a site with glamping style tents kitted out with comfortable beds, a kitchenette, woodburners, private toilet and a large balcony – and they’re suitable for families, couples and groups of friends alike.
Located in the heart of some beautiful countryside, just a short walk away you will find the rolling waves of the surf centre, as well as the Clubhouse, home to a surf shop and cafe-bar which serves an array of food and drink.
There’s even a roof terrace to take in some summer views across the landscape, and a lake walk, among more.
You can book surf lessons as well as a break away from the hustle and bustle. Find out more here.
Avon Valley Camping
Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park(Image: Paul Gillis / Paulgillisphoto.co)
Address: Avon Valley Adventure Park, Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, BS31 1TP
If you’re looking for family adventure without journeying too far – and want more than a day out – then you can book a camping or glamping holiday at Avon Valley Adventure Park this summer.
Open on selected dates in 2025, from May until the end of August, all stays include free entry to the Adventure Park from arrival to departure.
You’ll camp within the grounds of what is dubbed ‘one of the West Country’s best family fun days out’, with farm animals, outdoor play areas and more to enjoy.
Alongside grass pitches, the campsite boasts extensive glamping options at ‘Base Camp’, home to pre-pitched ‘Explorer Tents’ and Nordic Bell Tents with wood fired hot tubs.
There are also motorhome and campervan pitches. Plus, new for this year, you can also book an Adventure Pod with a private hot tub.
What’s more, the ‘On the Deck’ bar is open to campers in the evening as soon as the daytime park guests have left the site.
This boasts food and drink, including locally sourced beer – and you’re welcome to take anything back to your tent to enjoy.
Brook Lodge Farm camping
Address: Brook Lodge Farm, BS40 5RB
Dating back to the 1730s and located in the historic hamlet of Cowslip Green, Brook Lodge can be found just off the A38 and boasts easy access to Bristol, Bath, Wells, Glastonbury and the Mendip Hills.
There’s a babbling stream which winds its way along five acres of grass park, with trees, an abundance of flowers and wildlife, and trout fishing at the world famous Blagdon Lake – just two miles away.
On site you will find 29 touring caravan, motorhome and tent pitches, all with electric hookup, as well as 25 grass pitches, seven hard stand pitches, and a separate paddock and bell tents to hire.
There are washing facilities, fire pit rental and firewood, a small shop, and children’s play area too. Find out more and book here.
Myrtle Farm Holidays
Address: Summer Lane, Banwell, BS29 6LP
Located on the outskirts of the village of Banwell, near Weston-super-Mare, Myrtle Farm’s campsite boasts panoramic views on 3.5 acres of land for caravans, motorhomes, campervans, trailers and tents to pitch up.
On site you’ll find a purpose built shower, toilet and kitchen block with underfloor heating, a kitchen area with facilities, and even a secure dog exercising area for your four legged friends.
Firepits and barbeques are allowed on one of the designated camping areas.
There’s even a holiday barn you can hire, with its own parking, private garden and BBQ. Find out more here.
The road through Cheddar Gorge (Image: Ryan Searle)Bucklegrove Holiday Park
Address: Wells Road, Rodney Stoke, Cheddar, BS27 3UZ
Nestled in the heart of Somerset, at the foot of the Mendip Hills, Bucklegrove boasts landscape views out across the Cheddar Valley – and you can even see as far as Glastonbury Tor.
There is a range of accommodation types to choose from – lodges with hot tubs, holiday homes, woodland cabins, motorhome and tent pitches.
What’s more, the holiday park’s facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, toddler pool, pool table room, outdoor play area, and its own bar and restaurant.
And you’re close to attractions including Wookey Hole, Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury and Wells. Further afield you’ll find Weston-super-Mare, Brean Sands, Longleat Safari Park, and more.
Find out more here.
Owley Woods Glamping
Location of Owley Woods glamping site near Cheddar(Image: Google Maps)
Address: Owley, Cheddar, BS27 3YR
Surrounded by wildlife and perfect for some peace and quiet, Owley guests stay in ‘not just tents’ but Owley Belles, fully equipped with everything you need for your stay – and plenty of character.
The site is also surrounded by spectacular walks, including the adventurous Gorge Walk, where you are treated to incredible views.
What’s more, Cheddar Caves, Cheddar Village (and its tea rooms) are just a 15 minute walk or five minute drive away.
Basecamp at Mendip Activity Centre
Mendip Base camp has been voted as one of the best campsites in the south west(Image: Mendip Activity Centre and Mendip Basecamp)
Address: Mendip Activity Centre, Sandford, BS25 5PQ
An award-winning off-the-grid family adventure campsite in North Somerset, Basecamp is surrounded by ancient woodland and is perfect for ‘families, small groups and adventurers’.
You can pitch where you like and bring your well behaved dogs, so all the family can get involved.
The team also says that fire pits are encouraged and connecting with nature is a priority.
On site, you’ll find flushing toilets, hot showers, a pop up shop, licensed cafe bar, USB charging, washing up areas, and the activity centre itself has more than 20 activities to take part in – from target and rock sports, to watersports, tobogganing, snowsports, frisbee golf, a Nerf battle arena, bat detecting, orienteering, and more.
When it comes to accommodation, you can choose to bring your own tent or campervan, or stay in a safari tent or Nomadic bell tent, for extra comfort.
Find out more here.
Campwell Woods
Address: Cherry Wood, Oakford Lane, Marshfield, Gloucestershire, SN14 8FE
Described as a “magical handcrafted eco-village nestled on the side of a wild wooded valley near Bath, and founded on green woodworking and sustainable woodland management”, Campwell Woods is home to log cabins, yurts, a cob roundhouse and a shepherd’s hut with wood burning stoves and firepits.
There’s a wood-fired sauna for up to 10 people, a unique off-grid and eco-friendly facility treehouse with compost loos, warm showers and kitchens, and activities such as wood carving, wild swimming, foraging, yoga, and more, on site.
The site sleeps up to 22 people, making it great for groups, teams, couples, family and friends – and dogs are welcome too.
There’s also another village which sits in the heart of a fifth-generation working farm in Wiltshire – the site where it all began. This boasts two cabins, a yurt and eight bell tents, as well as a wood-fired hot tub and more, and activities including sheep herding.
Find out more and book here.