Site suggestions close to wildlife reserves etc.

[Hawthorn37]

Mrs H and I have got into birding / wildlife walks over the past couple of years - finding it very relaxing plus keeping us active by walking miles. One of our favourite spots to camp is Burnham Deepdale because of the closeness of the site to the salt marshes and coastline, and it’s always got a nice vibe. The only issue is that it’s a 3+ hour run from where we live in Mid-Derbyshire, so a longish journey for a couple of nights away.

So, a question to the forum - where would YOU recommend we try that’s close to / walkable to a wildlife reserve or nature hot spots, and up to 2 hours travel from the Derby area?? We’re not looking for wild camping spots btw - Mrs H prefers decent facilities (toilet, warm shower etc)!

Thanks in advance !

 

[WelshGas]

Tutor Camping, Slimbridge. Too far?

 

[Hawthorn37]

Tutor Camping, Slimbridge. Too far?

It’s just over 2 hours - but crikey what a location . And a pub! It’s got to be worth the extra 15 minutes!! Thanks.

 

[kp64zl]

Hurst View campsite (Lymington) - it’s right on the Pennington Marshes

 

[dspuk]

We went to Wickham Fen last week for a Cali day trip. Sure there are some sites nearby but a great spot for twiching.

 

[vwsween]

Food is pretty good in Tudor Arms and if you study map, there are 2 other nice pubs 3-4 miles north along the towpath but not actually on towpath so check map. Heard lots of strange birds there last month but didnt see any, thick fog and -4C

 

[Corradobrit]

Easy choice here. The Eyebrook Reservoir in Rutland, a few miles from where I grew up. Great English villages and countryside. Louise threw a dart at a map and it happened to land on the location. Worth a watch from a fellow vanlifer to get a flavour. Its a popular location for migrating birds.

 

[Amy&Mark]

The Eels Foot just outside of RSPB Minsmere takes vans… short walk into the reserve.

 

[Hawthorn37]

Hurst View campsite (Lymington) - it’s right on the Pennington Marshes

A bit of a longish trip for us, but certainly one to remember for a New Forest tour. Thanks!

 

[Hawthorn37]

The Eels Foot just outside of RSPB Minsmere takes vans… short walk into the reserve.

We’ve always wanted to get to Minsmere - our son did some filming with Chris Packham there a number of years back and said it’s a very special place. Am I right in thinking this location has toilets but no showers?

 

[Hawthorn37]

Food is pretty good in Tudor Arms and if you study map, there are 2 other nice pubs 3-4 miles north along the towpath but not actually on towpath so check map. Heard lots of strange birds there last month but didnt see any, thick fog and -4C

Thanks, it’s on the list !

 

[Hawthorn37]

We went to Wickham Fen last week for a Cali day trip. Sure there are some sites nearby but a great spot for twiching.

A place I’d not heard of - good reviews of the nature reserve. I see there’s a small site called Meadowview Caravan and Camping close by. Mixed reviews but could be worth a shot. Thanks.

 

[Hawthorn37]

Easy choice here. The Eyebrook Reservoir in Rutland, a few miles from where I grew up. Great English villages and countryside. Louise threw a dart at a map and it happened to land on the location. Worth a watch from a fellow vanlifer to get a flavour. Its a popular location for migrating birds.

We could visit here on a day trip. I don’t see any good site options though for stop over (not into camping in lay-boys etc). Thanks.

 

[Corradobrit]

We could visit here on a day trip. I don’t see any good site options though for stop over (not into camping in lay-boys etc). Thanks.

Au contrare. This is a couple miles away with superb views over the valley

Rockingham Certificated Location in Cottingham, Leicestershire

Explore the Rockingham Valley from this one acre members only site, open all year and with great access from M1/M6.

www.campsites.co.uk

 

[Hawthorn37]

Friends have suggested RSPB Bempton Cliffs (Puffins, Gannets, Razorbills, etc), and Flanborough Head. Local site is CAMC Bridlington which looks okay. Think we’ll give this one a whirl in March. Might be a bit early for Puffins but sometimes they start arriving early March.

 

[Hawthorn37]

Au contrare. This is a couple miles away with superb views over the valley

Rockingham Certificated Location in Cottingham, Leicestershire

Explore the Rockingham Valley from this one acre members only site, open all year and with great access from M1/M6.

www.campsites.co.uk

Yes I saw this CL, but according to CAMC there are no toilets or showers. Is that correct / up to date ?

 

[BeagleMum]

Friends have suggested RSPB Bempton Cliffs (Puffins, Gannets, Razorbills, etc), and Flanborough Head. Local site is CAMC Bridlington which looks okay. Think we’ll give this one a whirl in March. Might be a bit early for Puffins but sometimes they start arriving early March.

Bempton is really good as is Flamborugh Head for birds.

 

[Azteccamper]

A couple if you ever visit West Wales - Skomer Island is a great day out.

 

[Hawthorn37]

A couple if you ever visit West Wales - Skomer Island is a great day out.

View attachment 104791

View attachment 104792

Brilliant spots - many thanks! Another good reason to go to the Gower.

 

[Christine Kirk]

Spurn Point East Yorkshire. there's some campsites in the area plus look at the cold war Bunker at Hollyn very interesting; or up the coast to Flamborough/ Bempton cliffs. On the river Hull at Hempholme which is part of Yorkshire Waters water treatment plant with bird watching hides set up for the public.

 

[Hawthorn37]

Spurn Point East Yorkshire. there's some campsites in the area plus look at the cold war Bunker at Hollyn very interesting; or up the coast to Flamborough/ Bempton cliffs. On the river Hull at Hempholme which is part of Yorkshire Waters water treatment plant with bird watching hides set up for the public.

It’s interesting, the number of wildlife places we’ve never considered being revealed by this inside knowledge from forum members! Spurn Point looks very interesting, and you’re right, there does appear to be a few decent private sites in the area. At just under 2 hours, it’s on the list!

 

[willwander]

Come to Yorkshire, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Knaresborough CMC club site is open year round and has a great cafe.

Knaresborough Club Campsite

Knaresborough is a Club Campsite that welcomes caravans, motorhomes and camping. Enjoy a site open to both members and non-members.

www.caravanclub.co.uk

Walk from there, just past our house, to Nidd Gorge, lovely riverside walks.
Short drive to Staveley Nature Reserve, nice spot for birding.

Bolton Abbey is another nice CMC club site in Yorkshire Dales with great riverside walks.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club | est. 1907, the original caravan & camping club | The Caravan and Motorhome Club

 

[Hawthorn37]

Come to Yorkshire, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Knaresborough CMC club site is open year round and has a great cafe.

Knaresborough Club Campsite

Knaresborough is a Club Campsite that welcomes caravans, motorhomes and camping. Enjoy a site open to both members and non-members.

www.caravanclub.co.uk

Walk from there, just past our house, to Nidd Gorge, lovely riverside walks.
Short drive to Staveley Nature Reserve, nice spot for birding.

Bolton Abbey is another nice CMC club site in Yorkshire Dales with great riverside walks.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club | est. 1907, the original caravan & camping club | The Caravan and Motorhome Club

We very nearly booked Knaresborough CMC for March, and at the last moment went for Bridlington for a few days. It’s certainly on our to do list - driven through Knaresborough and it looks nice too. Thanks for the tips!

 

[Lee.Van.Cleef]

There's a handful of small sites on the Northumberland coast with easy access to some great beaches and coastal walks if coastal birds are your thing. Much of the coast is in National Trust ownership and within the Northumberland Coast AONB. So lots of wildlife and lots of castles. Probably beyond the two hour mark, but not by much.
Last time we had a new van we did out test run to here: https://www.campingandcaravanningcl...ezfL9hGt5-hqd7w2cvvxg_-fyC8k6ikhoCXRUQAvD_BwE
Nice little site with tidy facilities. A few villages close by for pubs if you need them.

 

[Hawthorn37]

There's a handful of small sites on the Northumberland coast with easy access to some great beaches and coastal walks if coastal birds are your thing. Much of the coast is in National Trust ownership and within the Northumberland Coast AONB. So lots of wildlife and lots of castles. Probably beyond the two hour mark, but not by much.
Last time we had a new van we did out test run to here: https://www.campingandcaravanningcl...ezfL9hGt5-hqd7w2cvvxg_-fyC8k6ikhoCXRUQAvD_BwE
Nice little site with tidy facilities. A few villages close by for pubs if you need them.

That’s the place of our childhood - we‘re expat Geordies! It’s a fantastic coastline for seabirds and seals etc. It’s unfortunately 3 hours + for us, but we do occasionally pop up to see people. Thanks!