Loch Ness and Sherwood Forest are ‘Dream’ campsites – see full list

A survey asked 2,000 adventurous campers about where they would like to reconnect with nature, with Durdle Door in Dorset and the Brecon Beacons in Wales ranking high among idyllic locations

Brits have revealed their dream campsites, including Loch Ness, Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire.

A survey asked 2,000 adventurous campers about where they would like to reconnect with nature, with Durdle Door in Dorset and the Brecon Beacons in Wales ranking high among idyllic locations.

Dartmoor National Park and The Needles on the Isle of Wight also make the top 10.

It also found that 86 per cent of holidaymakers are “eager” to explore more of Britain.

Jose Finch, managing director of Cotswold Outdoor, which conducted the research as part of its #ProjectRewild campaign to encourage more people to enjoy and reconnect with the outdoors, said: “The sunset and sunrise in these places Observing is a joy to behold and camping can often be the best way to enjoy them.

“Living in the UK we are treated to some amazing outdoor locations that are often easy to forget.

“Hopefully, this research will remind people of the amazing experiences that can be had on our doorstep as they think more about what they can do to conserve the beauty of nature.”

“We all have a role to play in maintaining the great green spaces of this country, and spending time outdoors can really show its importance.”

The study also found that respondents typically go on two camping trips a year.

And while 59 percent admit to being fair-weather campers, almost one in five goes at any time of the year.

Getting some fresh air, being close to nature and seeing the stars were the most popular things about camping, while being a cheaper option was also enjoyed by 27 percent.

Another 88 percent think it’s important for people to get outdoors, have adventures, and reconnect with nature.

More than half also believe that you can create longer-lasting memories with a camping trip than with a standard beach vacation or city break.

It also turned out that these trips usually involve an increased amount of walking, with half being reminded of how beautiful nature can be.

Nearly three in ten (29 percent) use walking to connect with nature, and 47 percent say long walks can improve their mental health.

64 percent therefore regularly go for walks in their area, 38 percent do so to keep fit and one in five enjoys the challenge of a long hike

Spending more time in nature reminds more than a quarter of the importance of protecting it, with 22 percent saying climate change and environmental factors are significantly influencing their vacation planning decisions.

One in eight said rewilding, or restoring land to its natural state, is vital to helping it reconnect with nature.

But while many are confident reading a map, walking from town to town along the coast and reading a compass, 56 percent wish they were outdoors more.

Improvements in physical health, connection with nature and more breathtaking views are the top reasons for wanting to spend more time outdoors.

However, four out of ten people lack self-confidence, who sometimes find the thought of camping intimidating.

As for outdoor gear, 68 percent have appropriate clothing for walking or hiking, although 36 percent don’t own any camping gear.

But 27 percent have gear that’s only made for better weather, and 29 percent have gear that does the job but has seen better days, according to OnePoll data.

A quarter have been caught out by a ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ approach, although one in six buy the best to ensure it lasts.

Cotswold Outdoor’s Jose Finch added: “It’s important to get out and enjoy what nature has to offer – the right clothing, footwear and gear will ensure the experience is not spoiled.

“It’s so easy to get caught skimping on outdoor gear in hopes it will last, but by investing a little more you can save in the long run because it’s higher quality, more durable and therefore better for you Environment.”

TOP 30 DREAM CAMPSITE POST BRITS

1. Loch Ness, Scotland
2. Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
3. Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
4. Durdle Door, Dorset
5. Brecon Beacons, Wales
6. Waterside House campsite, Lake District
7. Tarn Foot Campsite, Lake District
8. Dartmoor National Park, Devon
9. The Needles, Isle of Wight
10. Pleasant Streams Farm, near St Austell, Cornwall
11. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
12. St Agnes, Isles of Scilly
13. St Austell, Cornwall
14. At the foot of Ben Nevis, Scotland
15. Glenbrittle campsite, Isle of Skye
16. In the shadow of Stonehenge, Wiltshire
17. Trwyn Yr Wylfa, Snowdonia, Wales
18. In the grounds of Highclere Castle, Berkshire – also known as Downton Abbey
19. At the top of Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
20. Croyde Beach, Devon
21. Barra, Outer Hebrides
22. Three Cliffs Bay in Gower, Wales
23. Isle of Eigg, Inner Hebrides
24. Piel Island, Cumbria
25. Newgale, Pembrokeshire
26. Bon Camping, Pembrokeshire
27. Duncansby Stacks, Scotland
28. Turner Hall Farm, Seathwaite, Cumbria
29. Hidden Valley campsite, Worcestershire
30. Lepe Beach, Hampshire