Enjoy the benefits of camping: the best places to camp near London

The Mental Health Benefits from camping

Even if a camping trip won’t solve all your problems, it can have some benefits for your mental health. In fact, research suggests that spending 120 minutes a week in nature can improve your mental well-being.

There are many reasons for this, including the fact that spending a few hours in nature can reduce stress levels. Indeed, by camping, you escape your usual problems, work, technology and the hustle and bustle of the city, which can help you slow down and feel more peaceful. It's hard to argue with the fact that there's no better way to relax than with the sound of the wind on the grass and the birds singing. What's more, being immersed in the tranquillity of nature allows your brain to reset, allowing you to think about things that are really important to you without having any distraction.

Not only will you be less stressed, but your mood will improve, firstly thanks to contact with nature and direct sunlight, which will allow you to replenish your vitamin D levels. Secondly, there's no better way to lift your spirits than with your loved one. Spending time with them, away from distractions, can improve your relationship and influence you mentally.

The physical benefits from camping

Camping isn't just a way to relax, as you are often self-sufficient, it's also a great way to stay physically active. Whether it's walking forest trails, pitching a tent or collecting wood, camping encourages physical activity. Fitness enthusiasts can think of it as a natural gym membership, as it builds stamina and muscles and releases endorphins.

What's more, camping is also a unique opportunity to see magnificent landscapes, watch the stars all night long and sleep under them if the weather permits, a dream night, don't you think? It's not just a feast for the eyes, it's also a way of improving the sleep cycle thanks to natural light and darkness. Actually, after a few nights under the stars, you may find that the quality of your sleep improves and you feel more energetic during the day.

Don't worry, if you feel that camping is too much work and not enough relaxation, there is another way to enjoy the benefits of camping. Glamping is the solution for you, as it's a type of luxury campsite that offers both tranquillity and comfort.

Thus, whether you're an experienced camper or a first-timer, this outdoor experience will leave you feeling healthier and more in tune with yourself. So, why not give it a try? Your body and mind will thank you!

It's not always easy to find the right campsite, so let us help you. Here are the 3 best camping experiences near the capital, in our opinion.

Embers Camping, Polesden Lacey, Surrey

📍 : National Trust, Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, Dorking RH5 6BD, United Kingdom

Just an hour's drive from London, Embers campsite is the perfect place to get away from the city and breathe in the fresh country air of the Surrey Hills. The campsite is an ideal destination thanks to the 1,400 acres of woodland and large grass pitches that surround it. What's more, the campsite is located within the ‘Polesden Lacey’ National Trust site, which means entry to the house and garden is free.

Embers Camping gives you two options. You can either bring your own tent if you already have the material necessary or you could also hire a 5m bell tent, pitched and ready ahead of your visit! No matter your choice, one thing is sure you’ll have no time to get bored between connecting to nature on hiking trails and playing outdoor sports such as volleyball, cricket and table tennis.

It is also the perfect time to connect with your closest ones. Indeed, camping is an ideal moment for family or friends to get together and spend some quality time together. You can do this around the campsite's stone-baked pizza, or even around one of the many campfires, ideal for singing songs, telling scary stories or even sharing a burnt marshmallow, as is the tradition.

The Barn KT9

📍 : Rushett Farm, Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NH, United Kingdom

When we talked about the best campsites near London, you perhaps didn't expect to see The Barn KT9 in the list. Located just a few miles from London on Surrey's Rushett Farm, this site offers 12 pitches to set up your gear and tent, but it also offers much more than that. In fact, this site is far from a regular campsite, functioning more like a luxury retreat away from the capital. In fact, with glamping options, you can experience the glamorous and relaxing side of camping in more depth. The glamping options offer not only pre-installed bell tents, but also a range of facilities such as a double bed, bedding and linen, vanity mirror, cushions and blankets and outdoor seating.

The Barn KT9 focuses on enhancing your wellbeing and provides everything you need for your comfort whilst being in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nature. That's why you can also have plenty of dining options on site, from the on-site café serving brewed coffee to the occasional local street food that comes to the farm a few times a week. Plus, if you keep an eye on the venue's programme, you'll see that there's no real camping retreat for them without taking part in a yoga or pilates class, all you need to do is book your place in advance. What's more, you're never happier than when you're with your best friend, so if you'd like to share the experience with your four-legged friend, don't hesitate, because this is a dog-friendly place.

Chalke Valley Camping, Woodminton Farm

📍 : Bowerchalke, Salisbury SP5 5DD, United Kingdom

Head to Chalke Valley Campsite an exclusive campsite set on a picturesque farm in Wiltshire's Chalke Valley and try out its unique way of camping. You'll discover a majestic natural environment worthy of a fairytale. Camp right next to their wild ponds and you'll encounter beautiful creatures such as dragonflies flying over the lily pond.