The Camping and Caravanning Club has announced the opening date for two much-anticipated new campsites later in May.

Braithwaite Village Club Site in the Lake District National Park and Sherwood Pines Camping in the Forest site in Nottinghamshire are both due to open on 24 May (subject to Government restrictions). Bookings have already opened for both sites, which feature high-spec facilities that cater for everyone from families on holiday with their four-legged friends to backpackers and cycling enthusiasts.
Pitching up on a campsite – whether in a tent, caravan or motorhome – has been soaring in popularity as people appreciate the importance of a much-needed break in the fresh air.

‘BUMPER YEAR’
Sabina Voysey, director general of The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: ‘We are expecting a bumper year ahead and we’re looking forward to welcoming people back to our campsites when they re-open. Even in a really difficult year, we are especially proud to be opening two fantastic new campsites in tranquil locations that we know will be hugely popular for years to come.’

Sabina added: ‘Despite reports that accommodation is selling fast, I can reassure people that there is still plenty of availability so there’s no need to panic. However, campers do need to think of locations away from the tourist honey pots and perhaps explore locations that are much closer to home – it’s amazing what gems you can discover on your own doorstep.’

VILLAGE LOCATION
Braithwaite Village Club Site is set in the village of the same name and is a few minutes’ drive from the market town of Keswick. The town can also be reached by bike within 20 minutes – there is a four-mile cycle route from the village centre heading east to Keswick that takes in Swinside Fell. Plenty of walks can also be enjoyed locally too, such as the circular Newlands Valley route. The campsite has a mix of pitch types including a number of super service pitches while a range of self-catering accommodation including cabins and lodges is also planned.

The campsite, which was previously called Scotgate, was acquired by the Club in 2018 and has undergone an extensive refurbishment. It is surrounded by stunning views towards the Northern Fells and nearby is Whinlatter Forest, which boasts mountain bike trails, walking routes and impressive children’s adventure playgrounds.

On-site facilities at Braithwaite Village include: a hot water enclosed dog wash facility; a bike service area complete with pump, maintenance station and bike wash; a backpacker room with clothes and boot-drying lockers, and seating area; a well-equipped amenity block that includes underfloor heating, a parent and baby room, family showers plus dedicated accessible facilities; a large children’s play area; and super serviced pitches that not only allow you to get rid of grey water but that also include water, electric and TV connections.

BRAND NEW
Meanwhile, Sherwood Pines is a brand new campsite in partnership with Forestry England that joins 15 other sites in the Camping in the Forest network in England and Scotland. The campsite is located within a large forest and is close to Forestry England’s visitor centre, has a mix of standard grass and all-weather pitches plus electric hook-ups and a large amenity block.

Campers can enjoy a range of walking trails and mountain bike routes direct from the site. On Forestry England’s Sherwood Pines complex there is also a café, Go Ape centre, mountain bike hire and various other outdoor activities and events held over the year.

Additional on-site facilities at Sherwood Pines campsite include: a bike service area complete with pump, maintenance station and bike wash; a hot water enclosed dog wash facility; backpacker room with clothes and boot-drying lockers, and seating area; a children’s play area; and two parent and baby rooms plus dedicated accessible facilities in wet room style.

‘WELCOMING CAMPERS’
Nathan Goodyear, the Club’s director of property and development, said: ‘We’re really looking forward to welcoming campers to our new sites.

‘Both properties have benefitted from significant levels of investment in recent months and boast high-quality facilities, making them perfect for much-needed holidays in lovely locations.’

Nathan added: ‘Our sites will appeal to a wide range of campers, whether you’re a keen mountain biker who can take advantage of our new bike service areas or just want to shower down your pet dog at the end of an enjoyable but muddy walk.’

The campsites will be open all year-round.

FIND OUT MORE
For more information about Braithwaite Village Club Site and to book a pitch visit https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/campsites/uk/cumbria/keswick/braithwaite-village-camping-and-caravanning-club-site/

For bookings and more details about Sherwood Pines Camping in the Forest site visit https://www.campingintheforest.co.uk/england/sherwood-forest/sherwood-pines-campsite