A peaceful caravan park filled with trees and boasting a stunning view of the coast has been crowned the country's best campsite.
Silverdale Caravan Park in Lancashire has won the top prize at the AA Campsite of the Year awards, bagging a glowing five star review from the travel firm.
The site is hidden away amid dense woodland while sitting close to the Minthorpe Sands estuary and looks out over Morecambe Bay sands and mudflat.
"All areas of the park are maintained in excellent condition with mature trees, shrubs and seasonal flowers; creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere," AA's inspector wrote of Silverdale.
"The pitch density is generous and the spotlessly clean amenity blocks are conveniently located.
"There is a choice of two superb indoor swimming pools, a well-stocked, licensed shop, a stylish bar and restaurant, bowling alley with amusements, toddlers' soft play area and a state-of-the-art gym."
Top of pile in the Scotland and Northern Ireland category this year is the Rushin House Caravan Park, which lies close to Loch MacLean and the picturesque village of Belcoo.
Touring Scotland in a caravan became a very popular pursuit as the coronavirus lockdowns began to lift and people sought a safe way to get out of their homes.
Rushin has been charming many of them during that period with 24 "very generous, fully serviced pitch" standing on a terrace overlooking the loch.
"Facilities include a lovely, well-equipped play area and a hard surface, fenced five-a-side football pitch," the AA inspector write.
"There is a slipway providing boat access to the lough and, of course, fishing; there is an access path to the lake that is suitable for less mobile visitors to use.
"The excellent toilet facilities are purpose-built and include family rooms."
Islawrffordd Caravan Park in Tal-Y-Bont, Gwynedd was judged to be the best in Wales, in no small part because of its private beach and on-site bistro.
Those who stop off at the site can enjoy everything that the stunning Snowdonia National Park has to offer, including a view of Cardigan Bay, the Llŷn Peninsula and the Snowdonia and Cader Idris mountain ranges.
"This is an excellent, family-run and family-friendly park that has seen considerable investment over recent years," the inspector writes.
"Fully matured, the touring area boasts fully-serviced pitches, a superb toilet block with underfloor heating and top-quality fittings; there is private access to miles of sandy beach, adjacent to which is an excellent enclosed children's play area with imaginative quality equipment to satisfy small children, including a pirate ship.
"An amenity block – The Cader Suite – has luxury, private bathrooms. A superb restaurant and bar, 'Nineteen57', offers both formal and relaxed areas for enjoying locally-sourced food."
Full list of winners
AA Campsite of the Year
- England and Overall Winner – Silverdale Caravan Park, Silverdale, Lancashire
- Wales – Islawrffordd Caravan Park, Taly-Y-Bont, Gwynedd, Wales
- Scotland & Northern Ireland – Rushin House Caravan Park, Belcoo, County Fermanagh
AA Regional Campsites of the Year
- North West England – Green Acres Caravan Park, Carlisle, Cumbria
- North East England – South Meadows Caravan Park, Belford, Northumberland
- Heart Of England – Beaconsfield Holiday Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
- South West England – Wareham Forest Tourist Park, Wareham, Dorset
- South East England – Tanner Farm Touring Caravan & Camping Park, Marden, Kent
AA Glamping Site of the Year
- Camp Katur, Kirklington, North Yorkshire
AA Most Improved Campsite
- Bridge House Marina & Caravan Park, Garstang, Lancashire
AA Small Campsite of the Year
- Headon Farm Caravan Site & Storage, Holsworthy, Devon
AA Holiday Centre of the Year
- Stanwix Park Holiday Centre, Silloth, Cumbria
The UK underwent a camping boom in 2021 as the second lockdown was lifted, with 4.5million adults making their first camping or caravanning trip.
The total number of domestic camping and caravanning trips increased by 71% in 2021, reaching an estimated 16.4m.
