The British have revealed their dream camping sites, including Loch Ness, Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire.
A poll questioned 2,000 adventure-loving campers about where they want to reconnect with nature, with Durdle Door in Dorset and Brecon Beacons in Wales ranking highly among the idyllic locations.
Dartmoor National Park and The Needles on the Isle of Wight also rank in the top ten.
It also emerged that 86 per cent of holidaymakers are ‘excited’ to explore more of the UK.
José Finch, managing director of Cotswold Outdoor, which carried out the research as part of its #ProjectRewild campaign to encourage more people to enjoy and reconnect with nature, said: “Watching the sunset and sunrise at these sites is a joy to watch and often camping is the best way to have fun. out.
Living in the UK, we are treated to some great outdoor locations which are often easy to forget.
“We hope this research will remind people of the amazing experiences they can have on our doorstep, while we think more about what they can do to keep the outdoors beautiful.
“We all have a role to play in preserving this country’s great green spaces, and spending quality time outdoors can truly restore their relevance.”
The study also found that respondents typically go on two camping trips a year.
And while 59 percent admit to being mild weather campers, nearly one in five go in all seasons.
Getting some fresh air, getting close to nature and seeing the stars were some of the most loved things about camping, while a cheaper option was also enjoyed by 27 percent.
Another 88 percent think it’s important for people to get outdoors, have adventures, and restore their connection to the natural world.
More than half also believe you can create longer-lasting memories with a camping trip than with a regular beach vacation or city break.
Walk and enjoy the outdoors more
It also turns out that these trips usually involve an increased amount of walking, reminding your half of how beautiful the outdoors can be.
Nearly three in 10 (29 percent) use walking to connect with nature and 47 percent say that hiking can improve their mental health.
As a result, 64 percent walk regularly in their local area, while 38 percent do so to keep fit and one in five enjoy the challenge of long-distance hikes.
Spending more time in nature mentions more than a quarter of the importance of protecting it, with 22 percent saying that climate change and environmental factors significantly influence their decisions when planning a vacation.
One in eight said rebuilding, and seeing the Earth return to its natural state, is very important to helping them reconnect with nature.
But despite many confident reading a map, walking from town to town across the coast and reading a compass, 56 percent wish they were outside more.
Physical health improvements, connecting with nature and seeing more amazing views are the main reasons for wanting to spend more time outdoors.
However, confidence is lost for the four in 10 who sometimes find the idea of camping intimidating.
When it comes to outdoor gear, 68 percent have appropriate walking or hiking clothing, even though 36 percent don’t own their own camping gear.
But 27 percent have only gear suitable for better weather and 29 percent have some that do the job but have seen better days according to OnePoll data.
The quarter was caught by the “buy cheap, buy twice” approach, even though one in six buys the best to ensure it lasts.
Jose Finch, from Cotswold Outdoor added: “It’s important to get out and enjoy what nature has to offer – having the right clothes, shoes and equipment ensures the experience doesn’t spoil.
“You can easily find yourself trying to save on an outdoor kit hoping it will last, but in fact, by investing a bit more, you can end up saving in the long run because it’s higher quality, more durable and therefore better for the environment.”
Britain’s top 30 dream camping sites
1. Loch Ness, Scotland
2. Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
3. Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
4. Durdle Door, Dorset
5. Brecon Beacons, Wales
6. Waterside House Campsite, Lake District
7. Tarn Foot Camping Site, Lake District
8. Dartmoor National Park, Devon
9. Needles, Isle of Wight
10. Pleasant Streams Farm, near St Austell, Cornwall
11. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
12. St. Agnes, Isles of Scilly
13. St Austell, Cornwall
14. At the foot of Ben Nevis, Scotland
15. Glenbrittle Camp, Isle of Skye
16. In the Shadow of Stonehenge, Wiltshire
17. Wilva Head, Snowdonia, Wales
18. In the grounds of Highclere Castle, Berkshire – AKA Downton Abbey
19. On top of Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
20. Croyd Beach, Devon
21. Barra, Otter Hebrides
22. Three Cliffs Bay in Gower, Wales
23. Egg Island, Inner Hebrides
24. Fur Island, Cumbria
25. Newgill, Pembrokeshire
26. Boone Camping, Pembrokeshire
27. Duncansby Stax, Scotland
28. Turner Hall Farm, Sethwaite, Cumbria
29. Hidden Valley Camping, Worcestershire
30. Libby Beach, Hampshire