The charming simplicity of Westerley makes it a special place to stay with younger children, who won’t need much more than a hedgerow, a big field and maybe a nearby beach to keep them occupied. Down a quiet track, and within tottering distance of the beach, it’s a truly mellow option for young families. This year, the farmer who runs the site, Mr Stevenson, is planning to introduce a few more farmyard animals, such as pygmy goats, rabbits and a Shetland pony, to amuse the children. And the meandering madness of St Ives is only just up the road if you want to spread your wings and go and buy ice creams.

£6 per adult per night, £2 per child aged 3-10 and £4 per child aged 10-14; 01736 794853, www.westerleycampsite.co.uk

BEST FOR FORESTS
Ruthern Valley, Cornwall (3)

If you thought Cornwall was mostly about sand, surf and sloane rangers, then Ruthern Valley will come as a nice, green surprise. The pitches are dotted across a field edged by woodland and overhung by ancient trees. Five of the most popular pitches are right in the wood, and it’s a top spot for bird-watching. The site has swings and a football area, but the children will probably enjoy making dens in the trees even more. Equidistant from the north and south coasts, it’s also close to Bodmin Moor and the Camel trail, for cycling to Padstow.

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£11.50-£14 per night for two adults, plus £3-£4 per child; 01208 831395, ruthernvalley.com

BEST FOR TEENS
Safari Britain, Sussex (4)

With a huge main yurt, decorated as if it’s in a vintage photo shoot and stocked with board games and a guitar, this site has strong teenage appeal. This is low-stress camping, with a handful of bell tents pre-erected in a sunny bowl in the Sussex Downs. There’s a kitchen tent stocked with French enamel cooking kit and a vast frying pan for use on the fire pit. Food and potent local cider can be delivered for your arrival from an excellent nearby farm shop. Even linen is provided. The Ram Inn is a short walk away in Firle.

£150 per adult and £70 per child for a weekend; 07780 871996, safaribritain.com

BEST FOR LAKESIDE CHILLING
Swiss Farm International Touring and Camping Park, Oxfordshire (5)

Because of its proximity to Henley, this site can get crowded during the regatta in the first week of July, but it’s a glorious place from which to explore the Chilterns, and there’s a lake overhung by willows for fishing. There’s plenty of on-site fun for children, including an outdoor pool and a large adventure playground. In the evening, you’re likely to find families relaxing around the barbecue as the kids chase some of the many rabbits that hop around the field.

£14-£20 per night for a family of four (£20-£25 in regatta week); 01491 573 419, www.swissfarmcamping.co.uk

BEST FOR SURFING
Dale Hill Farm, Pembrokeshire (6)

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