St Mary's Holiday Park

The smell of salt hangs in the air here, and you can usually hear gulls wheeling overhead — this is proper coastal camping, tucked into that corner of Britain where the horizon feels bigger than usual.

St Mary's welcomes tents and campervans, and it's the sort of spot that works equally well for families after a bucket-and-spade week or couples wanting a base for cliff walks and harbour towns. Dog owners should ask ahead — they're often accommodating, but it's worth checking before you pack the lead. The site details are light on specifics, so expect a fairly straightforward setup rather than a facility-heavy holiday park experience.

Campfires are one to confirm when you arrive — policies can shift with the season or site conditions — but that possibility alone tells you something about the vibe. It's a place where you might end up chatting to your pitch neighbours over a brew, where practicality trumps polish, and where the landscape does most of the heavy lifting. Pack for changeable weather and you'll have a grand time.