The UK’s lush countryside and rich heritage, dotted with vibrant local food and drink festivals, provide an ideal setting for camping. Set up your tent amidst verdant parks and picturesque farms, and explore the wild landscapes whilst sampling the best culinary delights the region has to offer. Whether you opt for a traditional camping experience or a luxurious glamping treat, these campsites offer unparalleled access to the heart of the local food and drink scene. This guide will help you discover some of the best campsites across the UK that are strategically located to give you the most authentic and exciting local food and drink festival experience.
Sussex: Love Supreme Jazz Festival and Fairfields Farm campsite
Sussex, located in the beautiful South East of England, is home to some of the most lauded food and drink festivals in the country. The Love Supreme Jazz Festival not only enthralls music enthusiasts but also food lovers with its wide array of food stalls offering everything from vegan burgers to fresh oysters.
Just a short drive from the festival site, you’ll come across Fairfields Farm campsite. This family-run campsite, located on a working farm, offers spacious tent pitches and luxury glamping cabins. Being in a farm itself, you’ll get a first-hand experience of farm-to-table dining.
East Anglia: Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival and Haw Wood Farm campsite
East Anglia is a haven for foodies, with its Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival acting as a magnet for those who love to indulge in local cuisine. The festival, held in late September, showcases the region’s best food producers and chefs, offering a chance to sample some of the finest locally sourced produce.
Haw Wood Farm, situated a short drive away, is your perfect camping base to explore this festival. It features an on-site café offering locally sourced breakfasts, thus starting your food exploration right from your morning meal. The campsite also offers wild camping spots for those seeking a more rugged experience.
Lake District: Taste Cumbria Food Festival and Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Estate
Famed for its stunning lakes and fells, the Lake District also hosts the Taste Cumbria Food Festival. This annual event showcases the best of Cumbrian produce, from artisan cheeses to locally brewed ales.
Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Estate is a great choice for festival-goers. With its beautiful lake views, it offers a range of accommodation options including traditional tent pitches, camping pods, and luxury caravan homes. The on-site restaurant also serves local dishes, allowing you to continue your culinary exploration even after the festival ends.
South West England: Exeter Food Festival and Crealy Meadows Caravan and Camping Park
In the heart of Devon, the Exeter Food Festival is a three-day event that showcases the best of South West England’s food and drink. From traditional cream teas to local ciders, the festival is a paradise for food and drink lovers.
To stay close to the action, we recommend the Crealy Meadows Caravan and Camping Park. The campsite offers a range of accommodation options, and its location next to Crealy Adventure Park makes it an excellent choice for families. The on-site shop and restaurant showcase local produce, so you can continue to enjoy local flavours during your stay.
Wales: Abergavenny Food Festival and Greenacres Campsite
The Abergavenny Food Festival in Wales is a major event in the UK’s food festival calendar. From masterclasses with top chefs to tastings of the best Welsh produce, the festival provides a delightful experience for food lovers.
Greenacres Campsite is an excellent choice for those attending the festival. This family-run site offers a peaceful setting amidst the Welsh countryside. With an on-site farm shop selling local produce, you can continue to enjoy the best of Welsh food even after the festival.
Remember, wherever your food and drink festival journey takes you across the UK, the experience will be all the more memorable if you immerse yourself fully in the local culture and scenery. Base your exploration from one of these top campsites, and you’ll not only be treated to the finest local cuisine but also the wild beauty of the UK’s great outdoors.
Scotland: Edinburgh Food Festival and Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park
The vast landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Scotland are ideal for food enthusiasts. In the heart of Scotland’s capital, the Edinburgh Food Festival is a much-awaited annual event. The festival attracts food lovers from across the globe, offering a range of gastronomic delights from traditional Scottish dishes to innovative street food. The live music and vibrant atmosphere add to the overall experience, making it a must-visit event for every foodie.
Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park, situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, makes for a convenient base to explore the festival. This club site, spread across 200 acres of parkland, offers a variety of accommodation options from traditional tent pitches to luxurious static caravans. The on-site restaurant serves a variety of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The campsite also offers a range of facilities, including a games room, a TV lounge, and a children’s play area, making it a family-friendly option. Plus, the surrounding countryside and close proximity to Edinburgh’s historic sites provide plenty of opportunities to explore the local culture and scenery.
Yorkshire: York Food and Drink Festival and Sheriff Hutton Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Yorkshire, a county in the North East of England, is known for its food, drink, and rich history. The York Food and Drink Festival, held annually in September, is considered one of the best food festivals in the UK. It features a plethora of food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and live music. This festival is a haven for foodies who are eager to try local dishes and international cuisines.
The Sheriff Hutton Camping and Caravanning Club Site is a picturesque campsite located in the heart of Yorkshire, making it an ideal base for festival attendees. This club site is located in the charming village of Sheriff Hutton, with its historic castle ruins adding to the scenic beauty. Offering both camping and glamping options, the site welcomes tents, caravans, and motorhomes. For those who want a wild camping experience, the site offers a ‘wild canvas’ area where campers can pitch their tents amidst nature. The addition of a fire pit in this area adds to the overall rustic experience. The on-site shop stocks local produce, allowing campers to continue their culinary journey even after the festival ends.
The UK’s food and drink festivals provide a unique opportunity to immerse in the local culture and savour the best of regional cuisine. Supplementing your food festival journey with a camping experience enhances the adventure, providing a closer connection with the local environment and community.
From the verdant pastures of Sussex in the South East to the rugged landscapes of Scotland, these campsites offer a diverse range of experiences. Whether you prefer the traditional camping experience, desire the luxury of glamping, or crave the adventure of wild camping, there’s a campsite for you. With the added convenience of on-site facilities like restaurants, shops, and play areas, these campsites ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
So, pack your tent, ignite your taste buds, and get ready for an unforgettable journey of culinary exploration across the UK’s food and drink festivals.
