The incredible campsite with its own private beach that looks like it’s abroad – under an hour from London

A CAMPSITE in the UK has won praise for its stunning private beach and family-friendly activities – and it’s easy to get to as well.

Elmley Nature Reserve is just an hour from London, found in North Kent on the Isle of Sheppey.

elmleynaturereserve.co.ukA campsite with thousands of acres of wildlife has won praise from Brits[/caption]

elmleynaturereserve.co.ukElmley Nature Reserve has huts, bell tents and cottages you can stay in[/caption]

elmleynaturereserve.co.ukGuests have said the reserve is “Disneyesque” with the nearby wildlife[/caption]

elmleynaturereserve.co.ukSpend the night and you can get breakfast brought to your room[/caption]

The reserve is part of a family farm, owned by Philip and Corrine Merricks for over 40 years ago.

Their kids, Gareth and Georgina, have since taken on the attraction with their latest conservation drive being hand-rearing curlew chicks, which could soon be extinct.

And there is lots to do at Elmley Nature Reserve which families will love.

There are 3,300 acres of wildlife to explore, with tours including birdwatching, bug-hunting and even Land Rover 4×4 safari tours

They even have a private beach called Cockleshell Beach, which is open for swimming in the summer.

In the other months, it is used for migratory birds with a viewing screen for guests to watch from.

If you fancy staying, there are lots of choices on the farm including a large campsite.

Onsite are four shepherd huts – Little Owl and Samphire sleeping two while The Saltbox, The Damson and The Ferryman sleep four.

Caroline McGuireIt even has it’s own private beach which you can swim in during the summer months[/caption]

elmleynaturereserve.co.ukThe campsite lets between two and four guests sleep in each tent or hut[/caption]

There are also four bell tents, ranging from two to four people, along with cabins.

But if you fancy a trip for all the family, there is the Elmley Cottage, ideal for large groups which sleeps 10, or the Kingshill Farmhouse for up to 12 guests.

And when there is wet weather, the Cowshed barn has a log burner, games and books as well as tea and cake.

There’s no restaurant on-site – but they have some amazing breakfast and dinner options.

There is the full Farmhouse breakfast, along with smaller options, or you can opt for a breakfast hamper delivered to your door with juices, pastries and sandwiches.

Otherwise there is a woodfired pizza oven on-site, or a supper menu that serves just one meat and vegetarian option a night including tagines and stews.

Famous guests include Sandi Toksvig, who used it to film her series Extraordinary Escapes, as well as Vic Reeves for his Sky Arts series Painting Birds with Jim and Nancy Moir.

Lots of previous guests have raved about the place, with many saying they would be going back again.

One said: “It’s hard to capture the magic of Elmley. An oasis of quiet in a somewhat unlikely spot.”

Another wrote: “It was Disneyesque at times….having a coffee on the decking with a Hare, rabbit and a moorhen with chicks all within a few meters of us.”

Others said there was so much wildlife it was like being “on safari in the African savannah.”

Another person said it was a “little corner of heaven” while others said it was one of the best places they’ve stayed in the UK.

Here’s another campsite in the UK found right on the beach.

And we’ve rounded up some other amazing UK campsites – with a twist.

elmleynaturereserve.co.ukPrevious guests have raved about the reserve[/caption]   

Advertisements