Camping in Bath

BritStays lists 31 camping stays in and around Bath, in Somerset. Most are in Bath itself (22), with a handful further out: four around Bristol and one each in Almondsbury, Corston Fields, Easter Compton, Wells and Yate. This guide explains what the listings tell you about facilities, which sites suit which kind of trip, and how to approach booking.

What the campsites offer

The facility data is a useful starting point, but it isn't a full inventory of every site. Here is how the 31 stays break down:

• EV charging nearby: 17
• Near a bus stop: 9
• Pet friendly: 6
• Toilets: 6
• Gift shop: 5
• Parking: 5
• Playground: 4
• Spa: 3

Only six list toilets and five list parking. That almost certainly means some sites haven't recorded everything, rather than that most have neither. If a facility matters to you, whether that's showers, toilet blocks, hook-ups or space for a second car, check with the site directly before you pay a deposit.

Bath, Bristol or somewhere quieter

With 22 of the 31 stays in Bath, you have the most choice if you want the city within easy reach. The Bath listings range from simple pitches to sites with more going on.

• Simpler sites: Farleigh Road Campsite and The Blackberries Camping Park.
• Sites with more on hand: Bath Marina & Caravan Park lists a swimming pool, spa and bar. Stowford Manor Farm Camping has a swimming pool, cafe and takeaway food.

Outside Bath, the options are more scattered:

• Easter Compton: The Wave Campsite lists a bar, cafe and toilets.
• Corston Fields: Bury View Farm offers a spa, bar and gift shop.
• Bristol: Bristol Camping and Knights Folly Farm both suit a trip that splits time between the two cities.

The listings don't single out any coastal sites, so treat this as a countryside and city-edge camping region. Several stays are farm sites, including Long River Farm Camping, Walnut Tree Farm Camping and Stowford Manor Farm Camping, which is worth knowing if you prefer a rural setting.

Families, couples and dog owners

• Families: Four sites list a playground. Nettwood Country Breaks in Bath and Woodhouse Park Activity Centre in Almondsbury both have one, plus a gift shop. The swimming pools at Stowford Manor Farm Camping and Bath Marina & Caravan Park can also keep children busy on a warm day.
• Couples: If you want a bit of comfort after a day out, the three sites with a spa are the ones to look at. These include Bury View Farm and Bath Marina & Caravan Park. Camp Baboon in Bath lists guided tours, which may appeal if you like a structured activity.
• Dog owners: Only six of the 31 are listed as pet friendly, including Bristol Camping and Walnut Tree Farm Camping (which also has a picnic area). Choice is limited, so book early and confirm any rules on numbers, breeds or exercise areas.

Getting there and getting about

Seventeen sites list EV charging nearby, so an electric car is a practical option here. Long River Farm Camping and Farleigh Road Campsite are two examples.

If you'd rather leave the car parked, nine sites are near a bus stop, including Bristol View Glamping, Camp Baboon and Woodhouse Park Activity Centre. Knights Folly Farm is the only example stay listed as near a train station as well as a bus stop. That makes it a sensible pick if you're arriving by rail.

Things to do once you've pitched up

The area is strong on historic houses and heritage. Within the region, you could visit:

• Dyrham Park (National Trust)
• Iford Manor
• Great Chalfield Manor
• Saltford Manor House
• Sutton Court
• Ashton Court Mansion House
• Badminton House
• The Bishop's Palace

In Bath itself, the Museum of Bath Architecture is a good choice for a rainy afternoon.

If you have a car and a free day, some attractions sit further afield. Aquaventure in the Cotswolds is a water park that may suit families. The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, also further out, suits anyone with an interest in local history. Check travel times before committing, as these aren't on your doorstep.

When and how to book

BritStays doesn't hold seasonal pricing or availability for these sites, so here is general advice. It applies to camping in a popular city area like this one.

• Book early for peak dates: If you need a pet-friendly pitch, a site with a pool or spa, or a weekend in the school summer holidays, book well ahead. Those categories are small here, with three spa sites and six pet-friendly ones.
• Be flexible if you can: Midweek and outside school holidays, you'll usually have more choice among the 22 Bath sites.
• Ask before you pay: Before paying a deposit, confirm opening dates, whether pools and spas are open during your stay, toilet and shower arrangements, and the cancellation terms.