Entrepreneurial pubs have created a brand new “package holiday” of land, chilled drinks and homemade meals – by turning their beer gardens into pop-up campsites.
Faced with lost revenue from months of forced closings, a lifeline has been thrown from hostels across the UK allowing them to set up a temporary camp or glamp site for up to 56 days a year, thanks to a relaxation of “permitted development” rights.
With more than a third of landlords concerned for business survival following Covid restrictions, vacationers staying at their campsites could save hundreds of our rural pubs from doom.
Dan Yates, founder of pitup.com, said, “Pubs that offer camping and trailer parking are great choices for an outdoor vacation. It’s also a great way for tourists to secure the future of the precious village pub.”
Check out these pubs with camping and caravanning …
1st Duke of York, Buxton, Derbyshire
Pubs are opening their own campsites this summer
(Image: Getty Images)
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What a great old site this is! Take a march to the Duke of York if you’re looking for an adult-only pub location in the Peak District with spectacular views from every seat. Just six miles from Buxton, seven from Bakewell and 15 from Ashbourne, the location is the perfect base from which to explore the area before setting foot in the cozy, dog-friendly bar.
The equipment is also excellent with a modern washroom block with hot showers and underfloor heating as well as a washing-up area. The site also has facilities for the disabled and chemical disposal.
Footpaths accessible directly from here lead to Limestone Way, Midshires Way, and the High Peak and Tissington Trails. Cycling in the Peak District is also within easy reach.
Electric grass and hard RV and RV pitches from £ 25 per night, price based on two adults.
2. Holly Tree Country Caravan Park and Pub, Thorpe St. Peter, Lincolnshire
Holly Tree Country Caravan Park and Pub, Thorpe St. Peter, Lincolnshire
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Located in the rural heart of the county, just a 10-minute drive from Skegness, this dog-friendly pub offers seaside adventures. Anglers Take Note – You have access to a large fishing lake that is well filled with large tench, bream and carp. The scenic site also offers riverside walks along the banks of the Steeping, and is close to numerous bike trails and country walks.
After an exhausting day of exploration, you can spend cozy evenings in the hotel’s own pub. The traditional, family-friendly hostel dates back to the 16th century and has an open fireplace and an outdoor seating area.
Entertainment like bingo, quizzes, and karaoke are all the rage … and it’s known for its maggot races!
Electric grass touring seats are available from £ 17.65 per night based on six people.
3. The Red Lion near Newmarket, Suffolk
The Red Lion, Newmarket, Cambridgeshire
Escape the country to this dog-friendly location with home comforts close by – the 450-year-old Grade II listed pub is just a few minutes’ walk away.
Known for foods made from scratch using local ingredients, book for breakfast, lunch, or tea, or order a packed lunch to keep up to date on the nearby Icknield Way.
Stand in a quiet area between the trees behind the pub, which is in beautiful rural surroundings in neighboring Cambridgeshire, with an abundance of wildlife and ducks by the pond.
For those looking for more excitement, Newmarket is just 15 minutes away from the National Horse Racing Museum. Early risers can catch thoroughbreds while training at a gallop around town.
Non-electric grass pitch (tents only) from £ 16 per night based on two parts.
4. The Halladale Inn, Melvich, Sutherland, Scotland
The Halladale Inn, Melvich, Sutherland
This friendly local pub was built from an original old crofting house from 1882 and is ideal for a lunch break, an evening drink or a good evening, as well as a place to rest.
Adjacent to the inn is the North Coast Touring Park, a perfect stopover for anyone completing the North Coast 500 (NC500) route (northcoast500.com).
You can even pick up a card when you are there.
Plug in your caravan or motorhome, pitch your tent or glamp in one of the spacious new pods that can accommodate up to seven people. Then take a stroll to the nearby sandy Melvich Beach to whet your appetite for the generous portions in the bistro.
The menus change daily, with highlights like beer-whipped scrabster haddock and haggis, neeps and tatties. The inn also offers beer, wine and local gin from the Dunnet Bay Distillery just off the coast. There is also a pool table and a TV.
Four berth pod £ 60, £ 70 for the seven berth pod. Camping from £ 10, RV / Caravan from £ 24.50. More information is available at thehalladaleinn.co.uk
5. Limeburners Arms Campground, Billingshurst, West Sussex
Limeburners Arms Campground, Billingshurst, West Sussex
This traditional 17th century pub is great for country walks, including South Downs National Park, which is just a few miles away.
Guests don’t have to travel far to have a drink as the lawns are right behind the pub. It has been run by the same family for half a century and is a family-friendly place with a play area, beer garden and a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy fine beers and homemade food. It is suitable for tents, caravans, mobile homes and mobile homes and six wooden capsules. Facilities include showers, toilets and a chemical disposal point. Guests have access to hot and cold water taps.
Electric grass tent option from £ 30 per night for four, camping pods from £ 120 per night for four.
6. The Marlbank Inn, Malvern, Worcestershire
The Marlbank Inn, Malvern, Worcestershire
This welcoming country eatery offers a selection of draft beers, craft beers, gins and single malts, as well as excellent restaurants within the wood-paneled walls.
Along with its pub classics such as sirloin steaks and fish and chips topped with beer, North Indian gourmet dishes, tandoori grills, sharers and street food are prepared in the outdoor kitchen.
There is a sheltered campsite on the premises, which offers beautiful views over the landscape, and an on-site playground where the little ones can be entertained. Many hiking routes around the Malvern Hills are within easy reach of the site.
The Malvern Hills
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It is close to geocaching and treasure trails, fishing and biking, and easy teeing off to Worcestershire Golf Club. The Georgian Eastnor Castle and Croome Court Country Mansion, with Capability Brown-designed grounds, are both just a few miles away.
Facilities include toilets and showers, a covered washing-up area and disabled facilities, chemical disposal and ice pack freezing. Dogs are welcome on site and in the pub.
Non-electric grass tent or RV park from £ 20 per night based on two adults.
7. The Ring, Rhosgoch, Isle of Anglesey
The Ring, Rhosgoch, Anglesey Island
The Ring is a lovely pub and campsite near Llyn Alaw Reservoir and four miles from the coast in Bull Bay. With numerous well-mapped hiking trails on the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path, guests can explore the countryside or drive to the nearby coastal villages of Moelfre and Lligwy for sea views.
After a day of fresh air and adventure, enjoy a delicious dinner in the pub or relax with a locally brewed drink in the garden. There’s a delicious menu with salt and pepper calamari, chutney ciabatta with roast beef and onions, and top-quality Welsh steaks. Sunday roasts are available from noon until they are gone.
The Ring, Rhosgoch, Anglesey Island
With a total of 10 parking spaces for caravans, mobile homes or mobile homes, there is a lot of tranquility in this green, rural area. There’s also free Wi-Fi, restrooms, showers, and other essentials for overnight guests, plus a well-equipped game room and kids’ play area.
Electric pitches and grass pitches for a caravan, motorhome or motorhome from £ 16 per night for two adults.
book it
Book pubs with campsites through pitup.com, Europe’s largest provider of outdoor accommodation. Pub owners and managers can learn more about setting up nearby camping facilities at Pitchup.com/how-start-campsite-caravan-park and Pitchup.com/join or by calling 0203 743 9975.
Covid aware
Before booking or traveling, check for any local restrictions.
What do you think of pubs opening their own campsites – would you book that? Let us know what you think in the comments below.