Muddy Stilettos


<p>We’re halfway through the hols, it’s 30°C and the kids are feral. There’s only one option: throw everything in the boot and find a campsite near water. Whether you want to go off-grid or glam, foodie or full-on water park, we’ve done the homework so you don’t have to. The kids can run wild and cool off while you kick back with a cold drink and watch the sky turn sherbet-pink over the perfect horizon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-camping">WILD CAMPING</h2>



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boathouse-farm-nr-lewes-sussex"><a href="https://www.boathousefarm.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boathouse Farm</a>, nr Lewes, Sussex</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Lewes-campsite.png" alt="Lewes campsite" class="wp-image-117326" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Lewes-campsite.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Lewes-campsite-600x600.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Lewes-campsite-300x300.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Lewes-campsite-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It’s hardly “wild” – there are hot showers and proper loos – but those creature comforts don’t spoil the blissfully back-to-basics feel of this hidden East Sussex gem. Boathouse Farm’s three roomy fields, split by rambling hedgerows, sit right on the River Ouse. The star of the show? That slow, safe, swim-and-paddle-friendly waterway, as peaceful as it gets. We pitched up on a Thursday with just one other tent in sight; even on a sunny August Saturday, there were more boats drifting past than campers. Two pubs are a short stroll away (the Anchor Inn will even hire you a boat), Lewes is five minutes’ drive – but really, the magic is in kicking back and watching the world float by.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-nights">WILD NIGHTS</h2>



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anchor-barrow-perranporth-cornwall"><a href="https://www.anchorbarrow.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anchor Barrow</a>, Perranporth, Cornwall</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Anchor-Barrow-perranporth.png" alt="Anchor Barrow perranporth" class="wp-image-117323" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Anchor-Barrow-perranporth.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Anchor-Barrow-perranporth-600x600.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Anchor-Barrow-perranporth-300x300.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Anchor-Barrow-perranporth-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>They had us at&nbsp;<em>silent disco</em>. At Anchor Barrow in Perranporth, the fun doesn’t stop when the sun slips behind the Cornish cliffs – it shifts into party mode. Think the Barrow Bar pouring Cornwall’s finest (local spirits, beers, ciders, wines and beachy cocktails) and four feast nights a week serving everything from bao buns to BBQ, soundtracked by live local bands. Add firepits, fairy lights and that irresistible festival-meets-family vibe, and you’ve struck camping gold. There’s even a breakfast trailer for the morning after. When it’s finally time to crash, 16 acres of pitches and parking await, with sweeping views and the coast path just a short stroll away, leading you to Perranporth&#8217;s tidal pool and 5km of sandy beach. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foodie-favourite">FOODIE FAVOURITE</h2>



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cornish-tipi-holidays-st-kew-cornwall"><a href="https://www.cornishtipiholidays.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornish Tipi Holidays</a>, St Kew, Cornwall</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1-10.png" alt="Cornwall Tipi Tents Waterside camping" class="wp-image-117322" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1-10.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1-10-600x600.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1-10-300x300.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1-10-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Cornish Tipi Holidays</figcaption></figure>



<p>Just inland from the north Cornwall coast, Cornish Tipi Holidays is pure off-grid magic – think wild swims, canoeing and fishing in a spring-fed lake, surrounded by 20 acres of meadows and glades. Stay in a white-topped tipi or bring your own tent/campervan, then eat your way from epic on-site brunches and wood-fired pizza to Padstow’s foodie royalty (Paul Ainsworth, Rick Stein, Prawn on the Lawn – all just down the road).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-lovers">NATURE LOVERS</h2>



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rhaeadr-nantcol-waterfalls-cefn-uchaf-llanbedr-wales"><a href="https://nantcolwaterfalls.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rhaeadr Nantcol Waterfalls</a>, Cefn Uchaf, Llanbedr, Wales</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Nantcol-Waterfall-camping.png" alt="Nantcol Waterfall camping" class="wp-image-117327" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Nantcol-Waterfall-camping.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Nantcol-Waterfall-camping-600x600.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Nantcol-Waterfall-camping-300x300.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Nantcol-Waterfall-camping-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You might think camping always brings you closer to nature – but some sites feel more Asda car park than alpine meadow. Life’s too short for cramped, crappy camping, and Nantcol Waterfalls is the antidote. The clue’s in the name: it has its very own waterfall. At the foot of the rugged Rhinog mountains, this 7-acre beauty lets you pitch by a river and falls for swimming, paddling or fishing, with scenic walks right outside your tent. It feels wild, but the facilities aren’t – and you can up the comfort with a glamping pod or bell tent. As the sun dips, spark up the campfire, pour a glass of wine and let the rush of water drown out the real world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glamping-glow-up">GLAMPING GLOW UP</h2>



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brook-meadow-nr-market-harborough-leics"><a href="https://www.brookmeadow.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brook Meadow</a>, nr Market Harborough, Leics</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Brook-MEaadow.png" alt="Brook MEaadow camping" class="wp-image-117324" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Brook-MEaadow.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Brook-MEaadow-600x600.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Brook-MEaadow-300x300.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Brook-MEaadow-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We couldn’t decide whether to file this under&nbsp;<em>Glamping</em>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<em>Foodies</em>&nbsp;– it’s a solid contender for both. If you’re hunting for the UK’s poshest waterside campsite, Brook Meadow in Leicestershire is hard to top. Think a two-storey safari tent (yes, really), a bona fide American Airstream, and interiors worthy of&nbsp;<em>Elle Decor</em>. This award-winning, family-run spot comes with spa-standard washrooms, a lakeside sauna, and even a cinema in a converted cowshed – all set on a peaceful working farm wrapped around a fishing lake. Add in gourmet food pop-ups and artisan cocktails from local producers, and you’ve got glamping with serious polish.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-sport-billies">WATER (SPORT) BILLIES</h2>



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<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holme-pierrepont-country-park-nottingham"><a href="https://www.nwscnotts.com/short-breaks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holme Pierrepont Country Park</a>, Nottingham</h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Holme-Pierrepont-Country-Park-Nottingham.png" alt="Holme Pierrepont Country Park, Nottingham" class="wp-image-117325" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Holme-Pierrepont-Country-Park-Nottingham.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Holme-Pierrepont-Country-Park-Nottingham-600x600.png 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Holme-Pierrepont-Country-Park-Nottingham-300x300.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Holme-Pierrepont-Country-Park-Nottingham-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If your idea of camping is more rapids than relaxation, Holme Pierrepont Country Park delivers. Home to the National Water Sports Centre, it’s aquatic adventure HQ – think white-water rafting, tubing, a Total Wipeout-style assault course, paddleboarding and kayaking. Landlubbers aren’t left out: tackle the high ropes, cycle or hike for miles, or try ‘combat archery’ – a mash-up of archery, dodgeball and paintball (weird, possibly painful, definitely fun). After all that action, you won’t much care where you sleep – but you can pitch a tent, park the campervan or bed down in a cosy pod.</p>



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