Camping In Cheshire: Best Campsites, Things To Do, Wild Camping & More!

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Last updated on October 11, 2022 by Wandering our World

Beautifully tucked away in the North West of England, Cheshire is the perfect region for camping. Bordering Wales to the west and sitting partly within the Peak District National Park to the east, this charming county has plenty of secluded spots to discover.

Whether you are planning to hike, cycle, visit on a day-trip, or are just looking for an inexpensive way to see as much of the region as possible, camping in Cheshire can be a cost effective and fun way to do that. It’s also a truly unique opportunity to lose yourself in the quiet scenery that makes this place so special.

There are several campsites in and around Cheshire to choose from – we recommend some of our top picks in this article. We also look at wild camping in Cheshire later in this article too.

So grab your tent and some hiking boots – let’s begin your Cheshire camping adventure!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/anatolly_gleb

Camping In Cheshire

Famous for the vast verdant landscape, sweeping viewpoints, quaint villages and the momentous city of Chester, this region captures the heart of all who visit.

There are some great campsites to choose from that are located close to some of the main walking, hiking and cycling routes in Cheshire – we give some of our favourites below.

A good quality walking in Cheshire book – like this one which has dozens of trails – can help you plan what area you may want to visit and walk in, and therefore what campsites may be of interest to you.

However if you’re looking for some great campsite recommendations, below we share some of our favorite campsites in Cheshire, before looking at wild camping in Cheshire:

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/g-stockstudio

Camping In Cheshire: Some Of The Best Campsites In Cheshire

Blakemere Touring Park

Voted the Best Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park in Cheshire at the Marketing Cheshire Awards 2019, Blakemere Touring Park is perfectly situated close to Northwich, Knutsford, and the history filled city of Chester.

Blakemere Touring Park is a well maintained campsite with friendly and helpful staff. This dog-friendly site has character in abundance, and even has archery activities! Just a mere half an hour’s drive away is Chester Zoo and Blue Planet Aquarium, so kids can be easily entertained for hours.

We also love this campsite as it is the perfect sanctuary for exploring the fabulous woodland walk of Whitegate Way and it’s also adjacent to Delamere Forest and Oulton Park. For those looking for a great meal and relaxed atmosphere, we recommend trying the Blue Cap pub.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. iStock.com/photoschmidt

Delamere Forest Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Delamere Forest Camping and Caravanning Club Site is set in serene landscape at the heart of Delamere Forest just begging to be explored by hikers, bikers and holidaymakers. With eco-friendly features galore, this campsite also has some great pubs, cafes and shops in the nearby village of Frodsham.

With 950 hectares of diverse deciduous woodland to discover right at the campsite’s doorstep, and many wonderful trails, pathways and cycle routes, this idyllic spot is a magnet for camping enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy a hearty meal, along with a pint at the nearby Vale Royal pub after a long day of exploring the region.

For avid walkers, our two favourite nearby long-distance hikes are The Sandstone Trail which is about 34 miles in distance through Cheshire and Shropshire, and Baker Way Trail which offers hikers rewarding views as it connects the forest to the historic city of Chester.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/cookelma

Belmont Hall Camping

If you are looking for a laid-back atmosphere with great wildlife spotting opportunities nearby then Belmont Hall Camping will offer you just that. This campsite is set in the picturesque grounds of Belmont Hall and offers delightful views of lakes. An added bonus here is their fishing lake to keep kids, and even grown-ups entertained!

With some welcoming pubs within walking distance, Belmont Hall Camping is also a short drive away from Arley Hall, Tatton Park and Chester. The rural parkland setting is great for fishing lake experiences, bird watching, and relaxing.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Bobex-73

Pitch & Canvas at Broad Oak Farm

This family-run campsite is an instant heart stealer with its stunning wildlife spotting and stargazing opportunities. The warm and friendly welcome of the owners makes every camper’s experience even better.

Known for having low light pollution and therefore clear skies, campers can enjoy a sky full of stars here from the comfort of their own tent. Located one mile from Tattenhall and a 25-minute drive from Chester, this campsite is perfect for adventurous campers seeking to explore the Cheshire countryside, and various attractions like the Ice Cream Farm, Beeston Castle, and Chester Zoo.

Kids can enjoy the animals on site such as free-range chickens and a herd of 100 milking cows. Campers can grab a tasty handmade pizza and local ale at the nearby country pub too.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. iStock.com/Alina Rosanova

Wild Camping In Cheshire

DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. If you choose to go wild camping/dispersed camping, then make sure you do so with someone who already knows the area where you’re planning on camping for your own safety.

Like other areas of England, wild camping in Cheshire is not technically allowed, however people still do it. Although campers are allowed to pitch their tent if they have the permission of a landowner. However that’s often easier said than done.

Yet the scenic views and fascinating trails that exist in Cheshire makes it a tempting destination for wild camping, whether you’ve got permission or not.

Therefore if you are planning to free camp in Cheshire – and can’t be swayed to stay in a campsite instead – then you should camp in the same place for one night only, and pitch your tent discretely and in a remote place which will not be easily seen. Therefore don’t camp in or near settlements, someone’s farm or on cultivated land. If you think you’re on private land, always try and seek out the landowner and ask permission. They may request a small fee.

Below are our top tips for camping in Cheshire:

  • Heavy rain can happen in Cheshire – even during the summer months. Therefore make sure you have a rainproof tent that can survive rain. A lightweight one-man walking tent like this or similar would be perfect. For a good value tent that fits more than one person, this mosquito-proof one would work well too.
  • Remember to always have plenty of water on you when you’re walking and camping. A space-saving collapsible water bottle would be a good purchase.
  • If you’re wild camping, then go to the toilet at least 30-50 meters away from water sources, such as rivers. Make sure to use a trowel (like this folding one) to bury any human waste at least six inches under ground. Take any tissue paper with you – use a ziplock bag to store it and dispose of it in the nearest bin.
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Eshma

Some Of The Best Places To Visit In Cheshire

Walton Hall and Gardens

Nature lovers will be fond of this location for the flourishing gardens, great golf experience, and a fantastic petting zoo with animals such as peacocks, potbellied pigs, donkeys, ducks, alpacas, goasts and many more! Kids will not only be entertained by the animals, but also the fun play-park, woodland area, and amazing walks too. Food lovers will be happy with the delicious traybakes and great coffee on site as well.

Photo via Unsplash+

Tegg’s Nose Country Park

Tegg’s Nose Country Park is a great experience in Cheshire’s wild hill country where rocks dominate the landscape. The steep sided valleys add character to this landscape and the unique tea room experience will please any visitor. Located on the edge of the Peak District overlooking the Cheshire Plain, the tea room offers great lunch options with a memorable view!

Chester Zoo

With over 1.9 million visitors yearly, this zoo is famous as the UK’s number one charity zoo. With 500 different species and over 51 hectares to discover, expect an unforgettable experience at one of the UK’s top attractions.

Photo via Unsplash+

Camping In Cheshire: The Weather & Best Months To Visit

If you are looking to ditch the peak season, then spring is the perfect time to visit Cheshire. With mild to warm temperatures, kids and families can make the most of a full day at the famous Cheshire Zoo. Temperatures range from 10°C to 17°C, and visitors can see flowers in full bloom.

Summer is a great time to take boat trips with ChesterBoat as well as discover Chester’s rich Roman, Medieval and Industrial past. With daytime temperatures between 18°C and 22°C, visitors can enjoy the views at the Tegg’s Nose Country Park and have a pint in a local beer garden.

With a milder temperatures during autumn, it’s the perfect time to avoid the peak summer tourist season, go on hikes, and enjoy the ever-changing colours of woodland.

Winter brings the shortest daylight hours and coolest temperatures, but visitors can enjoy the crisp air during walks on the different trails in the region. Visitors are advised to bring warm clothing as there is possibility of snowfall during this season . We love the fairs and Christmas markets at this time of the year though.

Recommended For Camping In Cheshire

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  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.