Camp in Glastonbury for cave potholing, lake paddling, and cycling through charming villages.
Found in southwest England, Glastonbury offers easy access to the coastline and lots of lush landscape to explore. Spend sunny summer days on the shores of Exmoor National Park, then relax at campsites on-site under shooting stars. Cheddar Gorge delivers high-elevation fun with limestone cliffs, as well as underground cave adventures. Cycling routes in Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty are great any time of year, especially when combined with a pit-stop for a pint. To top it all off, Glastonbury and the surrounding areas provide a tremendous amount of camping options, including rustic field campsites, amenity-filled holiday parks, and glamping in luxurious yurts.
A dark sky reserve and haven for wildlife and culture, Exmoor National Park is just over an hour west from Glastonbury. Speed down mountain bike trails, head to Wimbleball Lake for canoeing and fishing, or wander to the shoreline for rock pooling when the tides recede. Stay in star-gazer tents with clear-panel roofs to view the night sky from the comfort of a cosy double bed, while tea warms on the stove. There’s also an abundance of holiday parks, some with riverside pitches that offer wifi access, shower facilities, and dog-wash stations.
The awe-inspiring cliffs and caves of Cheddar Gorge are found just 30 minutes north of Glastonbury in Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Explore the underground passageways, rock climb the 450-foot high limestone cliffs, or conquer the Cliff-Top Walk to take in spectacular views of Somerset Hills at the top of the gorge. Rent a vintage Airstream with a king-size bed, park the caravan at a holiday park with full hookups, or opt for a wood-frame cabin rental with a spa-like bathroom.
An hour drive southwest brings campers to Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty.
A classic representation of the English countryside, the area of Blackdown Hills encompasses picturesque villages with traditional pubs, sprawling farmland, and forests filled with wildlife. Experience the biodiversity in Halsdon Nature Reserve, or head to Culm Valley and explore walking and cycling trails. Pitch a tent in a field with sweeping open skies and convenient access to toilets, showers, and potable water. Holiday parks for caravans are also available—some feature private firepits, picnic tables, and wifi.
Around Glastonbury, summers are sunny and winters are rainy, brisk, and windy. The best time to experience the great outdoors is June until late September. Rain starts in October and lightens up in March. Summer months are drier, though light drizzles occur sporadically. A variety of festivals occur from spring until fall, like the Dark Sky Festival in Exmoor National Park in October.