WITH travel chaos at Manchester Airport and the rising cost of fuel there might not be a better time than to enjoy a cheaper and less-stressful alternative.
While many head to the likes of sunny Devon and Cornwall with their cars and bags packed for some outdoor living it could well pay to look closer to home.
Pitchup.com - the UK’s leading outdoor accommodation booking platform, has recently revealed its top-ranked sites across the UK based on customer reviews.
More than two million UK holidaymakers have booked to stay at one of the 2,700+ sites across the UK listed on the platform in the past year.
Based on customer reviews rating each site for aspects like location, value for money, quality of accommodation, activities and cleanliness, guests awarded almost two thirds of all UK sites listed on the platform in 2021 an overall score of 8/10 and above.
The North West scores highly, with 116 sites scoring 9/10 or above and five of them are right here in our home county of Cheshire.
Swallow Farm Campsite, Chester, Cheshire (9.9/10)
Children love to meet the animals and help to feed them at this small and peaceful dog-friendly site in the tiny hamlet of Hargrave.
Parts of the grounds have views out across to Beeston and Peckforton castles (both under a 15-minute drive away), and a little further on is Chester, which you can reach on an hourly public bus from near the park (20 minutes’ ride). The famed Chester Zoo is 25 minutes’ drive and Chester Racecourse takes about the same time to reach.
Home-reared bacon, pork and lamb, as well as eggs, are available to buy on-site and a pub serving meals is less than a five-minute drive away, with the Ice Cream Farm a similar distance.
Swallow Farm Campsite is also close to hiking and cycling routes for exploring and has essential facilities such as two toilets and a shower as well as a dishwashing area.
Prices start at £30 per night for up to six people for an electric grass pitch for one tent, trailer tent, campervan, caravan or motorhome.
Lamb Cottage Caravan Park
You’ll actually not spot many lambs during a stay at Lamb Cottage Caravan Park… and that’s because infants of most sorts aren’t allowed at this adults-only touring park in the Cheshire countryside.
That lack of little people running about means there’s a most peaceful vibe at this well-kept rural park 10 minutes’ drive from Northwich. The facilities have all been set up to make life stress free too: spacious serviced pitches have access to a motorhome service point, a laundry room (with washing machine, tumble dryer and ironing kit) and a bathroom block with toilets and showers. Barbecues are allowed for those who’d like to do a bit of alfresco cooking – and there’s a washing-up area provided to help deal with the aftermath.
From £35 (for 1 night, 2 adults)
Kings Acre Glamping, Chester, Cheshire
A peaceful family-run smallholding set in 20 acres, Kings Acre Glamping was rated highly by campers for its clean facilities, communal fire pit and nice touches like being able to hire a professional pizza oven. A 10-minute drive from Chester and within 40 minutes of north Wales beaches, there is plenty for families to do in the area.
But on-site there’s a small lake to splash about on, lots of nearby footpaths and even a little bar. Amenities include a separate shared toilet and shower block, while the site also allows barbecues and has fire pits for hire.
Prices start at £24 per night, for up to four people, for a non-electric grass tent pitch, with a minimum two-night stay. Bell tents start from £45 per night for a basic unfurnished tent, or from £75 per night for a bell tent with double beds and single futons, based on two adults with a two-night minimum stay.
Sunny Side Touring Park
Set in green countryside with loads of open space, Sunny Side is central indeed: it's about 20 minutes by car to the Welsh border from here, 45 minutes to Wrexham, 50 to Shrewsbury and Chester, an hour to Alton Towers, and an hour and 15 minutes to both Liverpool and Manchester.
And if you're after a peaceful base where you don't want to wander far at all? Also easily sorted, as Sunny Side's Nantwich setting is metres from the Shropshire Union Canal for spectacularly scenic strolls or bike rides along the water.
Sunny Side is family run, and allows only a handful of pitches on site to keep its quiet and relaxed vibe. Barbecues and campfires are both allowed: sort supplies a couple of miles away in the friendly little village of Audlem, where there are restaurants and pubs as well as shops.
From £25 (for 1 night, 2 adults)
Greenfields Campsite, Knutsford
Greenfields Campsite is found on a Cheshire farm, close to the buzzy little town of Knutsford, and it’s a top choice for anyone wanting to combine an outdoorsy type holiday with mooching around historic attractions.
The village of Lower Peover (two minutes' drive/15 minutes' walk) has a handy shop and two pubs serving excellent food and beers.
Dogs are very welcome – in fact, your canine chums are so welcome that they get their own doggy welcome pack – the kids get the complimentary marshmallows to roast around the campfire though. The owners provide a covered kitchen and washing-up area with hot water, so you can get creative on the barbecue.
From £25 (for 1 night, 4 people)
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