Maritime history meets arts heritage in this riverside cultural hub.
Hemmed in by verdant hills and woodlands, Bristol has both big city appeal and country escapes on its doorstep. Cultural delights are plentiful in the city, whether visiting the museums, admiring Banksy’s murals, or digging into street food. Camping options dot Bristol’s green belt, and outdoors enthusiasts have options too—go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding along the River Avon, rock climbing in the Avon Gorge, or walking and cycling along the riverside. When you need a break from the city, the Somerset coast and three AONBs all lie within day-trip distance.
Road trips don’t come more scenic than the Cotswolds, just north of Bristol. Drive along winding country lanes, admire the honey-coloured stone villages, and hop out to hike through the valleys, browse the artisan shops, or dine at a gastropub. Celebrity residents are commonplace in this region, and campers seeking a taste of the high-life have plenty of chic glampsites to choose from.
South of Bristol, the beaches of North Somerset have sandy shores, seaside walks, and plenty of options for campers. Inland, head to the Mendip Hills AONB to hike through the Cheddar Gorge, discover the Wookey Hole caves, and taste local specialties, Cheddar cheese and Somerset cider. Music lovers won’t want to miss the ultimate camping experience—the annual Glastonbury Festival.
Across the Severn Bridge, the Welsh town of Chepstow is the gateway to the Wye Valley AONB, where forested glades, hilltop forts, and dramatic gorges line the banks of the Wye River. Visit the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Tintern Abbey, hike parts of the Wales Coast Path or Offa's Dyke trail, or take to the water to canoe or stand-up paddleboard. Campsites line the riverside but to escape the crowds, choose a quiet farmland camping ground in hills.
Summer is festival season in Bristol, and annual events such as the Bristol Harbour Festival and the Bristol balloon festival draw big crowds. Urban and beachside campsites can fill up quickly at these times, so book several months in advance for popular sites. May through September offers the most pleasant weather for tent campers, but Bristol weather rarely sees extremes, making camping possible year-round. Just don’t forget your raincoat—showers are common even in summer!