Campsites with swimming in Chiltern Hills AONB
Glimpse living, working English countryside in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, affectionately known as the “larder of London”.
- Chiltern Hills AONB
Popular camping styles for Chiltern Hills AONB
Star Hosts in Chiltern Hills AONB
Under £50
12 top campsites in Chiltern Hills AONB with swimming
Campsites with swimming in Chiltern Hills AONB guide
Overview
Rising up between bustling London and old Oxford, this sprawling chalk escarpment represents quintessential English countryside all the year round. The region’s rolling farmland, ancient forests, and winding waterways ensure ample opportunity for outdoor adventure and wild-style camping, while the recent successful reintroduction of red kites makes it a must-see spot for any nature lover. Campgrounds of every kind provide plenty of Hipcamping options, from family-friendly holiday parks and exclusive glamping huts, to working farms and no-frills field sites, this Area of Natural Beauty has it all.
Where to go
Dunstable
In the northeast of the AONB, this market town and its chalky downs are often referred to as the Gateway to the Chilterns. Featured on both the Icknield Way Path and Chiltern Way, the region is a rambler’s paradise, while Whipsnade Zoo, a Neolithic burial site, and ideal windsport conditions provide plenty more for Hipcampers to see and do. Camping and glamping opportunities abound on the region’s private farmland.
High Wycombe
A major network hub nestled in the midst of the Chilterns, High Wycombe can be reached from London Marylebone in just 30 minutes, making it a great destination for weekends away from the city. Its wider region is rich in National Trust properties, nature reserves, glampsites, and back-to-basics campgrounds set on sprawling green fields.
Berkhamsted
On the banks of the Grand Union Canal and Bulbourne River, this small town is a top destination for river ramblers and narrowboaters on their way into the Chilterns. Nearby orchards and farms provide all manner of field camping experiences, from simple tent pitches to exclusive shepherd hut hire.
Henley-on-Thames
In the southerly reaches of the Chilterns, this Thameside town boasts museums, National Trust properties, and plenty of great British pubs. Part of the nationwide Walkers are Welcome network, ramblers are actively encouraged to roam the region’s footpaths, trails, and treks. Overnight options include touring parks and secluded riverside campgrounds.
Reading
Marking the point where the River Kennet meets the River Thames, the market town of Reading and its scenic surrounds provide a convenient launch point for exploration of the Chilterns to the north and North Wessex Downs to the west, as well as London and Windsor to the east. Several working farms offer no-frills, wild-style camping, while Wellington Country Park specialises in kid-friendly experiences.
