Camping in Southern England

Southern England Campsites

The southern parts of England, from the dreaming golden spires of Oxford to the wind-whipped cliffs of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, contain endless attractions for the whole family. Many of England’s most classic sights are in its southern half, including the imposing monoliths of Stonehenge, the dramatic Austen-era sandstone of Bath and vibrant port of Southampton, from where Titanic set sail. However, the south also has quiet moments, hidden treasures and unexpected views just waiting to be discovered.

Venture to the south and you enter counties with distinct identities and unique cultural perspectives. There’s Dorset with its postcard-worthy coasts, the honey-coloured hamlets and fairy tale forests of Gloucestershire and the rolling green hills of Somerset that surround the Tor of Glastonbury like sea-waves are all here to explore. Areas of natural beauty abound, from the craggy Mendip Hills to the tranquil woods and heathland of the New Forest.

Whatever you’re searching for, whether it’s a cuppa in a Cotswolds teashop or an awe-inspiring trip through a Neolithic landscape, camping and glamping in the South of England can show it to you.

Reasons to visit Southern England

Amazing history

History buffs of all ages will find things to surprise and delight them in Southern England. Stonehenge, with its gloriously eerie atmosphere, is just the start; bring a picnic and dine out in the same landscape that the site’s builders saw thousands of years ago. Cheddar Gorge in Somerset and its caves offer another encounter with history. Brave explorers can go rock-climbing, adventure-caving and free-falling within its depths, and taste some of the region’s namesake cheese (aged in these very caves) afterwards.

Castles straight out of medieval stories dot the landscape and fire the imagination. Sudeley Castle was once home to Katherine Parr, and nowadays has extensive gardens – complete with a maze – and intriguing exhibitions. Highclere Castle, meanwhile, was the setting for Downton Abbey and has lavish state rooms and beautiful grounds to explore. The Roman Baths in Bath offer a great day out for the entire family, and for boat lovers, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the giant ship moored in Bristol, will even let kids climb the rigging to feel like a ship’s mate of old.

Wonderful waters

The coastline around the south of England varies from soft golden sweeps of sand to imposing chalk cliffs and huge boulders cracked by thunderous waves — sometimes in the same mile. The iconic Jurassic Coast a must-see, as are the classic seaside beaches of Bournemouth and South Sea. Old-school Victorian pier attractions feature alongside up-to-the-moment seafood restaurants, surfing schools and quiet fishing villages.

Inland, lakes and rivers abound. The Isis, Avon, Wye and Severn are just a few of the waterways that criss-cross Southern England, with boat trips, fishing, kayaking, wild swimming and canoeing all on offer in different regions. Lakes and swimming-holes of all kinds appear across the region, from family-friendly spots in Hampshire to Cotswold country parks; tranquil Wind In The Willows-style flowing streams to deep pools just waiting for a dive. It’s all yours for the taking in Southern England.

Active pursuits

The range of leg-stretching, heart-pounding activities on offer in Southern England will make you dig out your bucket list. Take to the zip lines of Stonor Park in Oxfordshire, learn to surf off Dorset’s coast, try windsurfing from a blustery beach, or hike across the many moors and trails that traverse the country: the Cotswolds, the Mendip Hills and the beautiful countryside of Cranboune Chase are havens for walkers of all types and abilities.

Whatever your choice of activity, it’s bound to be available in Southern England. Horse-riding in the New Forest, Grand Prix race tracks in Buckinghamshire, sailing on the Solent: it’s a dream for activity-hungry visitors. In Southern England it takes real effort to be bored.

Why choose Experience Freedom?

The amount of choice in Southern England can be a little overwhelming. With Experience Freedom’s campsites you can get to the heart of your chosen area and be within reach of all its must-see attractions and tranquil relaxation spots. Want to narrow it down? Select a region to know more about its specific campsites, or use the Search And Book function to check the availability of dates at a chosen site.