Carry on camping: the ultimate spots to pitch-up at this summer

Simon Calder’s Travel Week [SUBSCRIBE]( [SUBSCRIBE: £20 FOR 1 YEAR]( June 04, 2023 [View in browser](   SIMON CALDER’S TRAVEL WEEK [The Independent]( [The Independent]( Whether you like to camp, glamp or something in between, pitching up is a top way to experience the Great British outdoors come summertime. [Try camping with an injection of luxe at one of the UK's best glamping spots]( When it comes to camping trips, these days there's a wealth of choice depending on budget (and your tolerance for "slumming" it). Plumping for a traditional tent makes for stripped-back holiday that won't break the bank, while allowing you to enjoy some of the UK's most pristine spots; check out our selection of the [top 10 campsites to visit this year](. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a few more creature comforts, there are [plentiful glamping options, with everything from luxury yurts to eco pods]( on offer. Or you could raise the bar even higher with a stay at [one of these enticing UK chalets or lodges](. Bonn voyage The most exciting place I have stayed in years? [Basecamp Bonn](, in the former West German capital. A vast hangar is filled with 13 caravans and a couple of railway carriages. Warmer, drier and even more fun than the great outdoors. [GERMANY GUIDE]( [I'm an image]( Halfway hostel “Trade in your tent”: the message from the [YHA](, which now offers camping pods at eight hostels in England and Wales. Futons and bedding are supplied, and guests can use the facilities of the hostel. [HOTEL VS HOSTEL](   Question of the week   Question of the week           Would you recommend a family overlanding trip involving camping?         Yes, enthusiastically – with a number of caveats. I took the family (including daughters then aged 13 and 15) to southern Africa, for a family truck and camping tour through Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. The 18-day trip was run, highly professionally, by Dragoman – which, sadly, is in “full dormancy” as a result of the Covid pandemic’s effect on travel. The experience, especially for city kids, is challenging and rewarding. For three weeks we lived out of the truck, in our tents and around the camp fire – apart from a couple of restorative days in a fairly basic hotel in Swakopmund in Namibia. The children (and adults)are given jobs – everything from collecting firewood to helping out at meal times. Most importantly, it is an unbeatable way to experience Africa. Besides the great sights such as Victoria Falls, wildlife at Etosha National Park and the otherworldly sand dunes of Namibia, you also get to connect with the local people more easily than on a formal safari. The highlight for many of us was a guided visit to a village in Botswana village with an impromptu “locals v tourists” football match and much hilarity. [Family adventure in southern Africa – my trip in 2014]( Those caveats: I think younger children could find the experience rather overwhelming; everyone in the family must buy into the idea (I have heard of epic sulks by teenagers on other trips); and it is probably not suitable for young people who have special medical or dietary needs. But if the idea appeals, Exodus, G Adventures and Intrepid have a range of options. [The best family holiday destinations in the UK]( [Stay in a shepherd hut at Rick Stein's pub]( This short break at The Cornish Arms near Padstow includes two nights from £272 Save on a last-minute log cabin holiday]( Book a break in June from £650 – choose from lodges, cabins and treehouses across the UK [Get 10% off Norway wilderness camping]( Paddle, trek and sleep under the stars on this kayaking and camping trip through the fjords £99 £20 for 1 year ✓ Full access to Premium news analysis ✓ Advert-free reading across web and app ✓ The Independent Daily Edition newspaper ✓ Puzzles, virtual event tickets and more [SUBSCRIBE NOW]( Top spots Cabin in the woods Move over cottage-core, it’s all about cabin-core; get inspired with this selection of eight of the best log cabin holidays for a cosy UK staycation. [GET INSPIRED]( UK travel Wild swimming stays Combine an al fresco dip with an overnight stay at some of the most tranquil spots across the UK, from the Cornish coast to Scottish lochs. [READ MORE]( Wild swimming spots offer a chance to avoid the crowds while taking in what are often idyllic surroundings Sian Lewis Active travel expert Beach breaks Surf's up From a Lord of the Rings-style hobbit house to an off-grid spaceship-like hideout, here’s our pick of the UK's most unusual surf stays. [SEE OUR PICKS]( Travel for less Budget breaks Avoid airport crowds with some of the UK’s best affordable holiday offerings, from a Bristol city break to a stripped-back Lake District adventure. [BOOK NOW]( [Eight log cabin holidays that will make the perfect UK staycation this summer]( [Seven stunning walks in the Lake District – and the best places to stay]( [You won't believe these 10 beautiful places are in the UK – from hidden villages and secluded beaches to dramatic waterfalls](   [The 11 best family tents for camping in 2023 – including multi-room and weather-proof models]( [SHOP NOW]( [These 11 camping chairs will help you relax alfresco on your camping and glamping holidays this summer]( [SHOP NOW](   OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE [Climate News]( Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle [Join now]( [IndyEats]( IndyEats Every Saturday, 7am (UK time) Written by Hannah Twiggs [Join now]( [Climate News] Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle [Join now]( [IndyEats] IndyEats Every Saturday, 7am (UK time) Written by Hannah Twiggs [Join now](   The Independent proudly partners with [Refuge]( and the [National Domestic Abuse Helpline](: 0808 2000 247 If you can spare a minute we’d love your [feedback]( on our newsletters. 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