Caravan campsites near Church Stretton with campfires

Situated within Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the market town of Church Stretton is a picturesque gateway to walking trails and outdoor exploration. It’s nestled between Wales and the city of Birmingham—a strategic spot for easy access to urban amenities and epic camping spots. Hike through Shropshire Hills or play on the lake, visit Eryri National Park for more freshwater fun, or pay a visit to Bannau Brycheiniog National Park for waterfalls, caving, and horseback riding. Caravanners, tent campers, and glampers can easily find preferred accommodations right in town or nearby any of these natural attractions amongst lakes, rivers, caves, and trees.

Where to go

Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Campsites abound in Shropshire Hills AONB—from private farm campsites with secluded grassy pitches and access to compost toilets to lakefront campsites for tents and caravans that feature drinking water, firepits, and BBQs to dog-friendly safari-style tents with fully-equipped kitchens, heated showers, running water, and private hot tubs. After setting up at a chosen campsite, take the dog for a visit to Carding Mill Valley and Long Mynd for gorgeous panoramic views along excellent walking trails. Or try horseback riding on one of three bridleways, paragliding, canoeing, and wild swimming.

Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park)

Stretching from the centre of Wales to the coast, Eryri National Park (also known as Snowdonia National Park) has dozens of different on-site camping options from fully-furnished canvas lodges to glamping in heated camping pods with free wifi to touring parks that offer pitches with full hookups and dump stations. After a great night’s sleep, hike to the highest peak in Wales and England—Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), zip down hills on a mountain bike in Coed y Brenin Forest Park, or head to the glacial-fed Bala Lake for kayaking and swimming.

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons)

Just over an hour’s drive from Church Stretton is Bannau Brycheiniog National Park in Wales. Snag a spacious bell tent with access to an open-air outdoor kitchen and a nearby river for fishing and swimming at all hours, retreat to a remote countryside campsite with grass pitches and communal pit toilets, or discover wooden camping pods with furnished interiors, TVs, and patios finished with a hot tub—the options are endless. Then, head to the southwest corner of the park known as Waterfall Country and step behind thundering falls, tackle rock climbing routes around Llangorse Lake, or explore the extensive underground network of caves.

When to go

July has the highest number of sunny days in Church Stretton, so campers can’t go wrong with a visit in the peak of summer. June and August also provide warm temperatures that make swimming in Bala Lake delightfully refreshing. Those months do receive a fair amount of rainfall. If drier skies are a top priority, March, April, May, and September are better options. Temperatures start to drop as fall arrives in October, and snowfall is common from December until February, so look for cosy cabins with wood-burning fireplaces or caravan parks with electric hookups during winter camping trips.