Shepherd's huts near Bristol

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.

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!

• Central Bristol has dozens of camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up everything you need for your camping trip. 
• Bristol has public transport links to many of the surrounding towns and AONBs, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
• Wild camping is illegal throughout the UK, although there are some areas where it is possible with permission from the landowners.