Things To Do When Camping

What Can You Actually Do While Camping in the UK?

To the uninitiated, camping in the UK can seem well, boring. They envision people sitting round in little camping chairs reading the newspaper whilst the kids run riot and disturb others on site. Then when it rains, everyone retreats inside to sit in a cold tent having a miserable time with each other. We’re not going to lie, there are campsites that feel like that and if you’ve looked at the other sections to this guide, you will know how to give these sites a miss.

To the rest of us campers, we know that it’s about being out in the fresh air away from the usual hustle and bustle of life. Whether that is a family staycation at a resort campsite, you’ve committed to a festival tent hire and having the time of your life with thousands of others at one of the numerous festivals in the UK or just wanting to get outdoors without the faff, knowing what’s available to do can turn a decent camping trip into a proper adventure.

Hiking and Walking Across Britain’s Footpath Network

The UK’s footpath network is genuinely brilliant, you can usually walk straight from your tent into proper countryside within a matter of minutes. Going for a walk is perfect for families wanting to tire out the kids, couples escaping for quiet time or anyone who just fancies getting out and exploring without driving anywhere first. Best bit? It’s completely free! You can pretty much take a packed lunch and have a full day out without spending a penny.

Understanding routes and rights – Britain has over 140,000 miles of public footpaths, bridleways and trails with Rights of Way crossing private land legally, so ignore “trespassing” signs if you’re on marked paths. If you’re on a bike ensure you only use bridleways and byways as footpaths are for walking only.
Choosing your walk – Families should choose short flat walks with interesting features like streams, woodland or ruins. Occasional campers usually look for scenic routes with pub stops. Serious hikers can tackle long-distance trails like Coast to Coast or the Pennine Way in sections
Navigation essentials – A traditional Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Explorer map of the area is a must. You can use the OS app on your phone, however remember that phones do take unexpected tumbles into streams and puddles whilst walking more often than you think!
Trail etiquette – Use your brain and be mindful of others. Always close gates behind you (even if you found them open), keep dogs controlled near livestock, always take all litter home including banana peels, step aside for horses and say you must say hello to other walkers, it’s an unwritten rule that must be followed!

Beyond Walking: Other UK Outdoor Adventures

Water-Based Adventures – If you’re camping on the coast or near a lake, you’ve got brilliant opportunities to get properly wet. Water activities are perfect for burning off energy on a lazy afternoon, and they’re often free or very reasonably priced. Even if you’re not the sporty type, there’s something quite magical about messing about by the water. It’s one of those simple pleasures that makes camping special. Just don’t forget your towel!

Kayaking and canoeing – Loads of campsites offer equipment rental, particularly in the Lake District, Scottish and Welsh coast. If you’re a beginner and there is a professional instructor or guided tour available, use them! They will impart valuable knowledge and confidence for the next time you’re on the water.
Fishing opportunities – Coarse fishing (rivers and lakes) and game fishing (salmon, trout) however both need an Environment Agency rod license which you can buy online or at Post Offices. Remember you need landowner permission to fish rivers and lakes, so check for local angling clubs. Sea fishing can be done from pretty much anywhere on the coast and without a license.
Coastal activities – Rock pooling is great for kids (and big kids), just for note, it is best at low tides (keep an eye on the tide times). Beachcombing is another great activity to pass the time, you can find all sorts of fun items like shells, driftwood in interesting shapes, sea glass, bits of boat, even fossils like sharks teeth. Make it into a fun competition, who can find the most interesting thing that afternoon.

Wildlife watching across UK campsites – Sometimes you forget just how much wildlife is in the UK. Red squirrels on Brownsea Island, Capercaillie in the Scottish Highlands, grey seals at Blakeney Point (or pretty much anywhere along the coast), various birds of prey that simply fly over your campsite. There are over 3000 nature reserves across the UK managed by the likes of Wildlife Trust, RSPB and NNR, plus a whole host smaller local reserves. So pack some binoculars and keep an eye out to see some of the incredible wildlife that this country has to offer.

Historical exploration within day-trip distance – Castles, megalithic sites like stone circles, Roman villas, Iron age hillforts, battlefield and archaeological sites. The UK has a rich history, so rich that it’s impossible to list the total number of preserved historical sites (seriously, nobody actually knows!). And we’re unbelievably lucky to have so many world-class preserved sites, many are backed by organisations such as Historic England and the National Trust that are open to the public to visit. This means you’re never more than a short drive or walk away from a remarkable piece of the past.

Stargazing in Dark Sky areas – The UK boasts 21 designated International Dark Sky Places including Northumberland, the Brecon Beacons, Exmoor and Cairngorms, where light pollution is minimal and the night sky truly comes alive. Download stargazing apps such as Star Walk or SkyView to help identify constellations and planets. Try to plan your visit around the new moon for the darkest skies, when even modest binoculars can reveal Jupiter’s moons and the Andromeda Galaxy. On a clear night the sheer number of visible stars can be breathtaking and is a stark reminder of how rare truly dark skies have become.

Family-Friendly UK Camping Activities

What British Campsites Offer for Kids

If you’re looking for kid-oriented activities, larger resort campsites have this covered with various kids clubs and adventure playgrounds. Even smaller campsites usually have at least a basic playground to keep little ones occupied. Look for sites with the David Bellamy Conservation Award, you’ll typically get some extra eco-friendly kids activities too. British camping infrastructure for families is genuinely brilliant. It’s almost as if families have been camping on these islands for over 100 years or something!

Nature Reserves Near Your Campsite

If you’ve got a nature reserve nearby, it’s well worth a visit. These places are brilliant for getting kids (and grown-ups) connecting with the natural world. Many reserves provide free or cheap activity packs helping children spot local wildlife, colourful butterflies and birds, tiny pond creatures, wildflowers. Some reserves also run guided sessions and seasonal events where families can join activities like pond dipping, scavenger hunts, mini-beast safaris, and den building. These hands-on adventures spark curiosity and creativity while teaching kids about habitats, conservation and protecting nature. Much better than another hour on the tablet.

Junior Rangers at National Parks

Many UK National Parks offer special programmes helping children explore and connect with nature in fun and meaningful ways. The Junior Rangers scheme is particularly popular as young adventurers learn about wildlife, conservation and park ranger work through different hands-on activities. You’ll find these in the Lake District, Peak District, Snowdonia and several other National Parks, with each park offers different experiences: guided nature walks, wildlife tracking, creative workshops, environmental projects. Kids build confidence and genuine love for the outdoors. Most programmes run during school holidays making them perfect for camping weekends.

How Do You Survive Rainy Days When Camping?

Let’s be honest, British weather is bound to rain on you sooner or later. But a bit of drizzle only needs to dampen your hire tent and not your camping spirit. With the right attitude, you can turn a rainy day into part of the adventure. Here are a few smart ways to make the most of your trip when the skies open up.

Local museums and heritage sites – We’ve mentioned them earlier but seriously the National Trust and English Heritage properties are proper lifesavers for a wet day out. Wandering the inside of a stately home or castle is the perfect way to soak up some history instead of soaking outside and many offer family activities and café facilities. NT membership pays for itself if you’re visiting 3+ properties in a year, whilst English Heritage sites are often cheaper for single visits.
Decent traditional pubs – There’s nothing quite like settling into a warm pub while the rain trickles down the windows. Look out for signs saying “walkers welcome” or “muddy boots okay”, they’re a sure sign you’ve found the right spot. Many of these pubs serve hearty food all day and while you’re there, why not sample a pint from a local brewery and make it a proper British rainy-day experience?
Camping games – Honestly, who doesn’t love a good game of Uno or Travel Scrabble?! There are many, many different travel versions of games like Snakes and Ladders, Dobble or Chess that won’t eat up precious space in your bag. Dice games such as Yahtzee or Boggle pack even smaller, making them perfect for rainy day entertainment. And anyone who is festival camping needs to know that waterproof playing cards exist, so you can keep the fun going even if things are a bit damp.
Simple craft activities for kids – We know only too well that you need something to keep them busy (and sometimes yourself). Colouring books, origami paper, friendship bracelet kits or nature journals keep children happy when they can’t run around. Definitely avoid anything with tiny pieces (they’ll disappear in tent corners) or messy glue. And if they do end up driving you mad, stick some wellies on them and let them jump in some puddles. It’s only a bit of rain!

The Smart Camper’s Approach to UK Adventures

British camping offers incredible variety from festival fields, family-friendly parks, coastal pitches, and mountain campsites. The trick is matching activities to your group’s energy and fitness levels, whilst having solid backup plans for when weather inevitably turns. Whether you’re using camping equipment rental or your own kit, knowing what’s actually available and where to go, properly transforms any trip from “making do” to genuinely memorable. So plan smart, pack the essentials and you’ll handle whatever British weather and terrain throw at you.

You’ve Planned the Days. Now Sort the Nights.

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