UK Beach Camping Tips And Tricks

Picture this: you wake up at the crack of dawn, unzip your tent and are greeted with breathtaking views of the ocean and the breeze of the fresh, sea air. Sounds like bliss, right? Beach camping provides travellers with a new lease of life, with an abundance of space and a great sense of freedom as you explore the local grounds. Do you fancy settling down to the sound of the crashing waves? Here are our beach camping tips and tricks to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

We’ve all thought about it, but can you camp on the beach? Beach camping holidays make for the ultimate summer getaway, whether you’re travelling with family or friends. Just make sure you check the tides to ensure that you don’t get swept away in the night! Beach camping is one of the best family getaways – with plenty of activities to take part in and iconic scenery. There’s a great selection of campgrounds to choose from, with seaside pitches and ocean views.

Proper beach camping is a form of wild camping. Rules on legality vary across the UK but it is generally illegal in England and Wales. However, if you follow the right guidelines and get the landowners permission, there are many great spots for beach camping in the UK.

Our beach camping tips and tricks will have you ready and raring to go in no time. First up, where can you camp on UK beaches?

Wondering where to go beach camping in the UK? Here are a few of the hottest spots you can visit:

1. Beach View Holiday Park, Suffolk

This first spot is a family-owned holiday park located on the coast of Suffolk. With a perfect mix of glamping, holiday lodges and camp sites, there’s a spot for every kind of camper. This is a great location for exploring the coastal area of Suffolk, nestled beside the beach with fantastic views of the sea.

2. Smugglers Cove Boatyard, Aberdovey

Smugglers Cove looks across the water, with a whole host of hidden gems to discover in the area. This site is an eclectic, sustainable camping ground that has a little bit of everything to offer its visitors. The site is set along the coastal footpath, around 100m from the boatyard, with three individual camping spots that are tucked beneath the trees – making it the ideal beach camping spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

3. Ocean Pitch, Croyde, Devon

Set just 50 yards from one of the UK’s best surfing spots, the Ocean Pitch seaside campsite offers outstanding views of the beach – it’s so close to the coast that you can smell the sea air and view the waves from the comfort of your tent. You can also book one of their bell tents for a more luxury experience, with extra surfboards and wetsuits available to hire. But don’t forget your swimsuits as this is the perfect spot for a bit of swimming.

4. Lepe Beach Campsite, Southampton

Experience stunning views of the Solent at this beach camping location, which backs onto Lepe Country Park with a large picnic area, climbing frame and swings for your little ones – making it the ideal family spot. You can even head down to the café and shop on the waterfront for some delicious afternoon tea and homemade cakes.

5. Sango Sands Oasis, Durness, Sutherland

Situated in one of the most northern spots in Britain, Sango Sands is a wild, remote beach camping spot that offers breathtaking views and secluded scenes. From this location, you can see the sun rise and set over the ocean – it’s unmissable. Pitch up on the cliff-top and head down to one of two sandy beaches using the set tracks and enjoy a day taking in the Scottish sea air.

• Be prepared for all weather conditions. It’s no secret that the UK’s climate is unpredictable – a warm, sunny day can soon turn cold as the evening draws in, particularly when you’re pitched up under the cool sea breeze. Any travel accessories left outside can be turned wet with condensation, so make sure you bring any valuables into the tent at night. And make sure you always pack extra layers and a waterproof jacket to throw on if the weather turns.

• Understand the tides. There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night in a drenched tent because you forgot to check the tides. So before you pitch up, make sure you’ve done your research. Check the tide charts and figure out when the low and high tides occur so you can plan your trip accordingly.

• Leave no trace behind. As with any form of wild camping, you should leave no evidence of your visit behind as you may incur a fine. So pick up all of your rubbish, pack away everything you bring and clear up the space you use to keep the local wildlife and environment safe. Also make sure that you don’t pitch up your tent on fragile sand dunes and protect the ecosystem.

• Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated. The combination of the sea air and sun can lead to dehydration, so make sure you bring plenty of water to keep you hydrated across your trip. Re-usable water bottles are the best option, though.

• Pack comfortable footwear. Sandy beaches make for some great walks, but they are typically quite uneven on your feet – which can lead to damage in the long run. So make sure you bring along a pair of reliable walking boots or hiking shoes to have the proper support you need to explore the local area.

• Pick your spot. Avoid camping in the middle of the beach and stick to open areas next to the rocks or on the edge of the beach for more protection and shelter from the wind.

• Don’t light a fire unless you’re confident that you’re in a secluded place and no-one will be able to see it – you want to make as little impact to the surrounding area as possible. And if you do light one, make sure you clean it up afterwards!

• Pack light. All of your belongings should fit into one rucksack. Check out our guide on how to pack light for travel for some tips.

And there you have it – our guide on how to camp on the beach in the UK. Are you ready to get going? Use our beach camping tips and tricks to get planning your next trip – but don’t forget to pack the right gear. Check out our selection of men’s, women’s and kids’ outdoor clothing to get the whole family up to speed.