Top 10 most Instagrammed camping locations
Even as the UK begins to see lockdown restrictions easing, the prospect of holidaying abroad is still off the table.
But that doesn’t have to put a dampener on your summer plans. In fact, now is the perfect time to explore the idea of a UK staycation, ensuring the latest government advice is followed.
The team here at Safeguard turned to Instagram to find out which UK holiday spots are the crème de la crème. Here’s the definitive list.
10. North York Moors — 96,991 posts
Camping site/Caravan touring: Hillside Caravan Park
*Opens/ taking bookings 4th July onward, dependent on the latest government advice*
Forged by nature and shaped by history, the North York Moors holds a special place in many people’s hearts. This vibrant northern landscape attracts thousands of visitors each year, who come to experience wildlife that spans ancient yew trees to awe-inspiring birds of prey.
Historic sites and heather moorland combine to create a haven that nature photographers can’t get enough of, which is why North York Moors nabs the number ten spot on our list with nearly 100,000 Instagram posts.
9. Dumfries — 102,34 posts
Camping site/Caravan touring: Southerness Holiday Park
*Taking booking 6th of July onwards, dependent on the latest government advice*
By providing the antidote to the increasing pace of city life, market towns are enjoying a twenty-first-century renaissance. And with more than 100,000 posts on Instagram, Dumfries is certainly one of the UK’s most popular, especially for those wanting to take some envy-inducing pics to commemorate their afternoon strolls through the market stalls.
Venture further out and Dumfries has even more to offer. At the mouth of the River Nith, visitors can take in the exquisite Scottish landscape. While it’s breathtaking all year round, the long summer days make evening riverside walks in July particularly pleasurable — not to mention the perfect photo backdrop.
8. Aviemore — 123,067 posts
Camping site/Caravan touring: Glenmore Campsite
*Taking Booking July onwards, dependent on the latest government advice*
Sitting in the middle of Cairngorms National Park is Aviemore, one of the most scenic towns in Scotland. Up in the highlands, Aviemore is a photographer’s paradise — breathtaking panoramas of tranquil lakes and Scottish pine look so good that even amateur shutterbugs will get shots that could be paintings.
Instagrammers have racked up more than 120,000 posts on this serene locale, despite it being more off the beaten track than other destinations on our list. It’s a testament to Aviemore that it’s worth the trip.
7. Exmoor — 164,054 posts
Camping site/Caravan touring:Quantock Orchard Caravan Park
*Opens 4th July, dependent on the latest government advice*
Tucked away on the northern edge of the Southeast coastline is one of Somerset’s best-kept secrets: Exmoor National Park.
The wildlife wonderland is named after the River Exe, which runs through the centre of the park and has carved out some of the most Insta-worthy walking routes in the country. Venture further inland and you’ll find expansive moors and thick scenic woodland to lose yourself in. Is it surprising, then, that Exmoor boats 160,000 Instagram posts?
That said, Exmoor’s real selling point this year is its weather. July is predicted to hit a sizzling 34 degrees Celsius, so don’t forget the suntan lotion!
6. Oban — 200,285 posts
Camping site/Caravan touring: Oban Caravan and Camping Park
*Opens 1st July, dependent on the latest government advice*
Oban is, quite frankly, gorgeous. Visitors will wonder whether this quaint Scottish harbour town is, in fact, some gigantic art exhibit: rustic bayside cottages stand bold in reds, yellows and blues so that the streets explode with colour. It’s only natural, then, that this real-life Balamory would inspire over 200,000 Instagram posts.
Holidaymakers can grab a camping spot atop one of the hills that surrounds this delightful little town. Venturing down to the local pubs is recommended, especially for whisky lovers — Oban is home to a distillery which produces a much-loved Scotch of the same name.
5. Yorkshire Dales — 432,717 posts
Camping site: Bainbridge Ings Caravan Campsite* Opens 4th July, dependent on the latest government advice*
Caravan Touring site: Pembroke Caravan Park * Opens 4th July, dependent on the latest government advice*
Home of the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, the Yorkshire Dales appeals to an altogether different kind of holidaymaker. It’s the land of adventurers, filled with deep valleys, rough terrain, and some of the best outdoor experiences in the country.
With nearly half a million posts, it’s clear that thousands of outdoorsmen and women are dedicating themselves to spreading the Yorkshire Dales gospel. It’s easy to see why: top pics include the steep rugged steps that climb the fell of Pen-y-ghent and waterfalls that wouldn’t look out of place in an Indiana Jones movie.
4. Northumberland — 979,524 posts
Camping site: Straker Lodges* Opens 4th July, dependent on the latest government advice*
Caravan Touring site: Riverside Country Park* Opens 4th July, dependent on the latest government advice*
Holidaymakers might not think to head northeast during the summer, but they’re missing out on a hidden gem. The county of Northumberland has just as much to offer as its southern counterparts — and with nearly a million posts, it looks like the Instagram population has finally cottoned on.
Northumberland has its fair share of beaches and harbour towns, but the real trick up its sleeve is an abundance of historical marvels. Bamburgh and Lindisfarne are just two examples of medieval castles so well preserved that they look the stuff of fantasy — probably why so few can resist adding them to their photo collection.
3. Dorset — 1,929,328 posts
Camping site: Burnbake Forest Lodges* Opening/ taking bookings after 4th July, dependent on the latest government advice*
Caravan Touring site: Higher Moor Farm Campsite* Opens 4th July, dependent on the latest government advice*
Dorset might be known as the “Jurassic Coast” thanks to its fossil-filled cliffs, but holidaymaking here is far from extinct. With some of the most luscious beaches Blighty has to offer, it’s no wonder that Dorset has nearly 2 million Instagram posts to its name.
Dorset’s natural bays are among its most Insta-worthy locations. Thousands of explorers post pics beneath the bluffs surrounding the iconic Lulworth Cove every year.
Dorset’s summer climate is the icing on the cake. July temperatures are expected to hit a balmy 29 degrees this year, so you can get your selfies with a nice natural tan — no filter necessary.
2. The Lake District — 2,635,488 posts
Caravan Touring site: Irton House Farm* Opening/ taking bookings 4th July, dependent on the latest government advice*
The Lake District is so beautiful that it’s the subject of most of William Wordsworth’s poetry and the inspiration behind the world-famous works of Beatrix Potter. Enormous rolling hills and crisp greenery — not to mention the serenity of the lakes themselves — make this rare rural escape the second-most Instagrammed camping location in the UK.
The Lakes boast plenty of options for holidaymakers. Perhaps the most picturesque of all are its many holiday cottages, some of them hundreds of years old and filled to the rafters with charm. It’s difficult to resist sharing a snap of its many fairy-tale villages — Grasmere, Ambleside and Kendal are just a few of the highlights.
1. Devon — 3,440,167 posts
Camping site/Caravan touring: Langstone Manor Holiday Park
*Open/bookings after 4th July, dependent on the latest government advice*
With nearly 3.5 million posts, “picturesque” doesn’t even begin to describe Devon. From postcard-perfect beaches to quaint harbour towns, this Southwest county is a veritable English wonderland, rightfully earning the top spot on our list.
Of all the photo opportunities Devon has to offer, few are as tantalising as its iconic cliffs. You’ll find the best views on the northern Exmoor Coast, where impressive rock formations tower over a breathtaking sea view.
Staycations to shout about
With so many amazing camping locations to explore in the UK, we can feel reassured that a socially-distanced summer still has plenty to offer. Where will your next adventure take you?