CAMPING experts have raved about one of the best caravan sites in the country, right by the beach in a popular staycation town.
Looe in Cornwall fills up quickly during the summer months, with visitors heading there to spend time crabbing in its harbour, swimming in the sea and making the most of its sunny weather.
However, prices tend to rise sharply as the influx of tourists arrives, and visitors need to be eagle-eyed to find some of the best deals.
One place they can find affordable stays is Tencreek Holiday Park, which has sea views, coastal walks and a swimming pool for its guests.
It was named by Go Outdoors in their list of the best UK caravanning spots, which they say are “a perfect setting for bonding with friends or family while enjoying scenic landscapes”.
Tencreek impressed them with its facilities, including its essentials and access to the beach.
Go Outdoors said: “Tencreek Holiday Park in Cornwall is one of the best UK destinations for a caravan holiday.
“The site is pet friendly, meaning dogs can come along for the holiday, and the games room, swimming pool, and on-site entertainment facilities provide daily activities for family and friends to enjoy.
“There is a shop at the park with all the essentials you might need while caravanning, and it is less than a 10-minute drive to the local beach.”
One of the beaches nearest to the caravan park is Hannafore Beach, which boasts sandy stretches and plenty of rock pools at low tide.
Visit Looe said: “Hannafore Beach is a rock pool lovers paradise as the colourful shallow pools extend tantalisingly close to Looe Island.
“Stroll along the seafront and enjoy the sea breeze while resting on one of the many benches on the grassy bank and admire the stunning view of the bay.”
In the other direction, visitors can explore both Talland Bay and Rotterdam Beach.
Visit Cornwall said: “Both coves boast beautiful crystal-clear sea and are suitable for swimming.
“With the tide out there are plenty of rock pools to discover between the beaches and great fishing spots.”
Back at the campsite, which is run by Dolphin Holidays, parents can get some peace and quiet by taking their kids to Deano’s Kids Club.
Games and activities are run by Deano the Dolphin and Sparky The Sharky, the park’s two mascots, along with a team of yellow coats.
The activities include “giant games”, colouring, arts and crafts and a disco.
Camping experts Pitchup released their list of the best campsites in the UK, based on 200,000 customer reviews from last year.
First on the list is Strattons Farm Campsite in Norfolk, which had a score of 10/10 from 57 different reviews across 2023.
Guests were impressed with its variety of activities and its friendly hosts.
Pitchup said: “Strattons Farm Campsite is the best of the best.”Family-friendly and impeccably maintained, this Norfolk site ticks a lot of boxes: spotless facilities, plenty to do (including a fishing lake, swimming pool and play area) and helpful, welcoming hosts.”
In second place is Sychpwll Centre in Powys, Wales, which scored 10/10 from 56 reviews.
Guests loved the number of country pubs with good food and drink close-by while the wildflower meadow surrounding the pitches and the beautifully decorated communal kitchen/diner add to its charm.
A pitch for two in either a tent, campervan or motorhome is available from £26.
Next on the list was Suffolk’s Brick Kiln campsite, described as a “peaceful” adults-only site that enforces a no music rule to ensure the tranquillity isn’t broken.
Firepits are available, as is a communal barbecue, while disposables can also be purchased on site.
Pitches start from £30 per night.
There’s also a multi-sports pitch and a play area for children, as well as the fully heated and air conditioned swimming pool.
Meanwhile, for parents, there’s a bar and in the evenings there are special events like live stand up comedy, featuring big names from the stand up circuit like The Chase‘s Paul Sinha.
In September, the park is also hosting an Oktoberfest weekend, serving drinks and Bavarian food to celebrate the German beer festival.
The campsite has more than 1,000 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor.
One reviewer wrote: “The children love it here. We take our van and they have everything you need. Always clean, tidy and very helpful staff. Swimming pool is a decent size.”
Pitches on the site start from as little as £5.99.
Meanwhile, these are the top-rated holiday parks with on-site waterparks and pools.
And this holiday park has been named as one of the best in the country.
