THE UK’S TOP CAMPING AND GLAMPING SITES

The AA Caravan & Camping Awards 2025–26 have once again set the benchmark for excellence across the UK’s camping, glamping and holiday park sector, recognising operators that are raising standards, innovating sustainably and delivering memorable guest experiences at a time when demand for high-quality outdoor stays shows no sign of slowing.

This year’s awards celebrate 13 standout sites across the UK, from coastal touring parks and woodland retreats to luxury glamping destinations, all selected following rigorous inspections by the AA’s expert team. Together, the winners reflect a sector that continues to evolve – balancing affordability with premium touches, and environmental responsibility with commercial success.

At the top of the honours list, St Helens in the Park, North Yorkshire, was named AA Campsite of the Year for England and crowned Overall Winner. The park impressed inspectors with its exceptional facilities, immaculate presentation and consistently high levels of customer satisfaction.

Set within a mature, landscaped environment, St Helens in the Park exemplifies how traditional camping and touring can be elevated through thoughtful design, attentive management and a strong sense of place. The accolade reinforces North Yorkshire’s position as a powerhouse for domestic tourism and highlights how well-run parks can thrive by focusing on quality, community and repeat custom rather than scale alone.

Elsewhere, the AA Glamping Site of the Year title went to Camp de Rêves in Guernsey, Channel Islands. The award recognises the site’s ability to deliver a high-end glamping experience while remaining rooted in its natural surroundings.

WHITEFIELD FOREST Touring Park, Isle of Wight – awarded AA Campsite of the Year for South East England

With demand for glamping continuing to grow among couples and families seeking comfort without compromising on the outdoors, Camp de Rêves stands as an example of how design-led accommodation and strong storytelling can differentiate a destination in a competitive market. Sustainability also took centre stage, with The Quiet Site in Cumbria awarded AA Sustainable Park of the Year.

Long regarded as a pioneer in environmentally responsible tourism, The Quiet Site continues to demonstrate that sustainability and commercial viability are not mutually exclusive. From renewable energy initiatives to waste reduction and nature-first planning, the park shows how long-term investment in green practices can enhance guest appeal while future-proofing the business.

The national campsite winners further highlight the geographic and operational diversity of the sector. Whitefield Forest Touring Park on the Isle of Wight and Old Hall Caravan Park in Lancashire were both recognised as National AA Campsites of the Year, reflecting excellence in customer experience, facilities and location.

Whitefield Forest’s woodland setting and strong connection to the island’s tourism offer underline the value of destination-led marketing, while Old Hall Caravan Park demonstrates how well-established touring parks can continue to evolve and compete through ongoing investment and attention to detail. Regional winners across England also showcased the strength of local operators.

Parks such as Love2Stay Shrewsbury (Heart of England), Alders Caravan Park (North East England) and Treloy Touring Park (South West England) illustrate how tailored offerings – from activity-led stays to peaceful rural escapes – can meet the varied expectations of today’s campers and tourers. Beyond the headline winners, the awards also recognised progress and adaptability within the industry.

HOPTON HOLIDAY VILLAGE, Norfolk – awarded AA Holiday Park of the Year, highlighting excellence in large-scale holiday park operations.

Eye Kettleby Lakes in Leicestershire took home AA Most Improved Campsite of the Year, highlighting the impact of targeted upgrades and responsive management. Hallsdown Farm Touring Park in Devon was named AA Small Campsite of the Year, proving that smaller operations can compete at the highest level through personal service and a clear identity.

Meanwhile, Hopton Holiday Village in Norfolk received AA Holiday Park of the Year, underlining the continued relevance of larger holiday villages within the wider outdoor accommodation landscape. With strong entertainment offerings, accommodation choice and coastal appeal, the park demonstrates how holiday parks can successfully cater to multi-generational audiences while maintaining quality standards.

Hosting the awards, Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, noted that British camping and caravan parks are “more inspiring than ever,” offering everything from peaceful rural retreats to dramatic coastal locations. His comments reflect a broader industry reality: guests increasingly expect more than just a pitch or pod – they are seeking experiences, authenticity and reassurance around quality.

All award winners are featured in the 58th edition of the AA Caravan & Camping Guide, reinforcing the continued importance of trusted third-party endorsements in influencing booking decisions. For park operators, recognition from the AA remains a valuable marketing asset, supporting both direct bookings and wider destination visibility.

As the sector looks ahead to the 2026 season, this year’s winners provide a clear snapshot of where the industry is heading: towards higher standards, stronger sustainability credentials and guest experiences that turn first-time visitors into loyal advocates. For holiday park owners and operators, the message is clear – investment in quality, people and purpose continues to pay dividends.

EVOLVING FACE OF OUTDOOR LUXURY

Glamping is a Growth Opportunity for Holiday Parks, Caravan Parks & Campsites...

Glamping holidays are undeniably different from any other kind. From treehouses and cabins to yurts, huts and safari tents, each location offers a unique slice of outdoor living.

Each site offers its own unforgettable moments — the delighted laughter of children dashing around the picnic table, the thrill of letting go on a river swing, or the gentle hum of conversation and the soft clink of bottles around a flickering campfire.

For holiday park operators, glamping represents far more than a pretty view or quirky accommodation style — it’s a powerful, profitable evolution of the outdoor leisure market.

THE RISE (AND STAYING POWER) OF GLAMPING
What began as a niche luxury trend has now become a cornerstone of the UK holiday park offering. Glamping has matured into a mainstream, multi-generational travel experience that blends comfort, adventure, and sustainability. In the wake of the pandemic, when travel restrictions reshaped holiday habits, British staycations surged — and glamping was perfectly positioned to meet the demand for safe, nature-rich escapes.

That momentum hasn’t slowed. According to VisitBritain, interest in outdoor accommodation remains high, particularly among younger families and couples who value experience over excess. Glamping is no longer a temporary craze; it’s the new benchmark for outdoor luxury — and a serious business opportunity.

Park owners who once relied solely on touring pitches or static caravans are now finding that glamping units not only attract new audiences but extend the season and strengthen year-round revenue. For many, it’s a diversification strategy that futureproofs their park while elevating guest experience.

It's a powerful, profitable evolution of the outdoor leisure market.

BUSINESS BENEFITS FOR PARK OPERATORS
For those managing or developing holiday parks, the business case for glamping is strong.

Increased Occupancy and Higher Margins:
Glamping units typically command higher nightly rates than traditional camping or touring pitches. Their premium feel justifies the price point, while their comfort and weather resilience mean they’re occupied for longer stretches of the year.

Longer Seasons:
With insulated pods, eco-cabins and heated safari tents, operators can open earlier in spring and stay open later into autumn. All-weather glamping means less reliance on the fickle British summer.

Appeal to New Demographics:
Glamping attracts a broad mix — from young couples seeking weekend getaways to multi-generational families looking for shared experiences. Many guests are first-time campers drawn in by the promise of luxury touches like en-suite bathrooms, hot tubs, and proper beds.

Upselling Opportunities:
Once guests are on site, there’s scope to increase revenue through optional extras — hot tubs, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, spa pods, or guided activities. Glamping lends itself perfectly to personalised experiences.

A Strong Marketing Edge:
Visually striking and social-media-friendly, glamping units make perfect marketing material. Eye-catching imagery of stylish lodges or twinkling nights under canvas resonates across social media and online booking platforms, helping parks stand out in a crowded marketplace. For parks aiming to refresh or reposition their brand, glamping can instantly enhance visual appeal and storytelling power.

MODULAR AND OFF-GRID designs combine sustainability with modern convenience.

TYPES OF GLAMPING UNITS & WHAT’S TRENDING
The modern glamping landscape is wonderfully diverse. Operators can now choose from a wide range of structures to suit their landscape, budget, and guest profile.

Safari Tents & Lodges:
Spacious, durable and visually impressive, safari tents remain one of the most popular choices for parks seeking a balance between luxury and authenticity.

Pods & Shepherd Huts:
Compact and efficient, these offer year-round comfort with minimal maintenance. Perfect for couples’ retreats or smaller sites.

Yurts & Tipis:
These structures deliver a strong connection to nature, ideal for parks promoting wellness or off-grid stays.

Treehouses & Elevated Cabins:
Offering a real wow factor, these premium options can command top-tier rates and create social-media buzz.

Modular & Off-Grid Designs:
The latest trend is flexibility. Many new glamping solutions incorporate solar panels, compost toilets, and rainwater harvesting — appealing to guests who value sustainability.

Luxury Touches:
Modern glamping is about more than quirky shapes — it’s about finish and feel. Think en-suite bathrooms, kitchenettes, underfloor heating, Wi-Fi, and private hot tubs. Guests increasingly expect the comfort of a boutique hotel combined with the adventure of the outdoors.

Design Trends:
Natural materials, earthy tones, and minimalist luxury are shaping the new look of glamping. Operators are investing in aesthetics that blend seamlessly with the landscape, creating “Instagrammable” destinations that double as marketing assets.

EN-SUITE BATHROOMS, KITCHENETTES, and hot tubs are now expected features in premium glamping, photo credit to Canopy & Stars.

Clear Sky Safari Tents Deliver Comfort, Charm, and Strong ROI for Holiday Parks
The UK glamping market continues to thrive, with guests seeking experiences that combine comfort, adventure, and sustainability. Over the past few years, expectations have shifted significantly: visitors now want high-end luxury in outdoor settings — complete with fully furnished interiors, high-quality bathrooms, and reliable, weatherproof accommodation.

Holiday park operators are responding by investing in durable, stylish Safari Lodges that meet these higher standards while still offering guests an authentic connection with nature. At Clear Sky Safari Tents, the Luxury Canvas Lodge range remains especially popular among UK holiday parks and landowners. These versatile lodges combine charm and comfort with impressive ROI.

Their spacious layouts, flexible configurations and robust build make them an ideal solution for parks looking to broaden their appeal while maintaining operational efficiency. A recent Clear Sky project at Sandringham has demonstrated this success first-hand.

The park introduced 15 Safari Lodges — including DDA-compliant options — to provide a mix of accommodation for families, couples, and accessible stays. Guests have praised the combination of comfort and rural charm, reinforcing the growing demand for premium outdoor experiences.

What sets Clear Sky apart is their end-to-end service — guiding operators through every stage of development, from planning permission to installation. Their expertise ensures that each project is not only visually stunning but commercially sound, helping holiday parks achieve long-term success in the evolving glamping market.

OUTDOOR DECKS AND PRIVATE HOT TUBS offer opportunities for upselling and premium guest experiences.

SUSTAINABILITY & THE ECO APPEAL
For today’s guests, sustainability isn’t a bonus — it’s an expectation. Glamping fits naturally into this ethos, allowing operators to embrace environmentally responsible practices while enhancing guest experience.

From off-grid technologies and solar power to rainwater collection and eco-friendly waste systems, glamping lends itself to green innovation. Many glamping structures are built from sustainable materials and designed to have minimal impact on the landscape. In some cases, they can be removed seasonally, leaving little trace on the land.

Operators are increasingly joining Green Tourism and similar accreditation schemes, using these as selling points for eco-conscious visitors. By adopting circular economy principles — sourcing locally, using renewable energy, and minimising waste — holiday parks can appeal to the growing demographic of travellers who want comfort without compromise.

PODS AND SHEPHERD HUTS offer compact, efficient accommodation with year-round appeal, photo credit to Canopy & Stars.

THE FUTURE OF GLAMPING
As the UK leisure industry continues to evolve, glamping stands out as one of its brightest success stories. Its strength lies in adaptability — the ability to merge luxury with simplicity, and innovation with sustainability.

For park owners and managers, glamping is both a creative and commercial opportunity: a way to reimagine the guest experience, attract new audiences, and generate reliable, repeatable income.

With quality suppliers such as Clear Sky Safari Tents helping operators deliver premium results, the sector is set to remain one of the most exciting growth areas in outdoor hospitality. In 2025 and beyond, glamping isn’t just redefining how people holiday — it’s reshaping how holiday parks thrive.

Clear Sky Safari Tents
Tel: 0333 241 2660
www.safaritentsandlodges.com

Canopy & Stars
www.canopyandstars.com

AA REVEALS TOP UK STAYCATION SPOTS FOR 2025…

As UK travel trends continue to favour local and sustainable tourism, the annual AA Caravan & Camping Awards have announced the top outdoor accommodation spots for the 2024-25 season.

This year’s winners offer the best of scenic retreats and luxurious glamping, with a new Sustainable Park award showing a growing preference for eco-friendly and unique staycations among UK travellers. The awards celebrated 12 exceptional sites across the country, selected by the AA’s expert inspectors for their outstanding quality and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Categories included AA Glamping Site of the Year, AA Campsite of the Year, and AA Most Improved Campsite of the Year. This year’s winners span the UK, from the rich history and sweeping views from the Isle of Anglesey in Wales to the stunning ancient woodlands nestled within the South Downs of West Sussex.

Hosting the awards, Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, said, “As local travel continues to grow and sustainable tourism gains momentum, we are excited to announce the best camping and caravanning destinations for the upcoming year.

This year’s winners have demonstrated outstanding quality along with a strong dedication to eco-friendly practices and customer satisfaction, making them excellent options for UK travellers.” All winners of the awards feature in the 57th edition of the AA Caravan & Camping Guide, which is £14.99 and available to buy in bookshops now.

Congratulations to all 2024-25 winners, the full list of this year’s AA Caravan and Camping Awards winners can also be found on RatedTrips.com.

Rated Trips by AA Media
The UK’s top campsites and caravan parks for 2025 | AA RatedTrips.com