Canterbury Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Kent
Well-run club site at Bekesbourne, under three miles from Canterbury Cathedral
About Canterbury Camping and Caravanning Club Site
This is the closest properly equipped site to the city, set along Bekesbourne Lane a couple of miles south-east of the centre. It is run by the Camping and Caravanning Club, which means the standards are predictable rather than a lottery: level grass and hardstanding pitches laid out among mature trees and hedging, a warden living on site, and amenity blocks cleaned to a schedule. Non-members are welcome and can book directly, though members pay noticeably less, and the difference is large enough that a couple of weekends here can justify joining.
Facilities cover most of what a touring party needs. Electric hook-ups are available on both grass and hardstanding pitches, there are hot showers and washing-up areas, a small shop for basics, laundry facilities and site wi-fi, though full coverage across every corner of the field is not guaranteed. There is a children's play area, and dogs are welcome with a designated dog walk. Tents, trailer tents, caravans and motorhomes are all accepted; this is a traditional touring site rather than a glamping operation, so bring your own accommodation.
The position is the real selling point. Howletts Wild Animal Park is effectively next door, Bekesbourne station is a walk away for trains into Canterbury East, and a quiet lane and cycle route get you into the city without touching the A2. Walkers have the Nailbourne valley and the Elham Valley Way on the doorstep, and the villages of Patrixbourne and Bridge, both within a couple of miles, have decent pubs. The site opens for the main touring season from early spring through to autumn, so confirm the dates before you set out.