Isle of Wight
Family camping in a wooded valley on a working farm above Shanklin
Ninham occupies a quiet glen on the edge of Shanklin, part of a working farm of around 190 acres with roughly 12 acres given over to camping. The setting is the selling point: a valley with a duck pond, bluebell woods in spring, and pitches spread widely enough that you are not looking into your neighbour's awning. The Orchard area has level, landscaped pitches with hardstanding options, while other terraces sit in more open grassland with views across the countryside towards the sea.
Facilities are better than the rural setting suggests. There is a heated outdoor swimming pool open through the main season, a sports and games area, a children's play area, a games and television room, and a small shop for basics. The washblocks are modern and run on renewable technology, with solar-heated water and rainwater-flushed toilets. Electric hook-ups are available on many pitches, and there is a laundry and a washing-up area. Dogs are welcome on leads, and there is space to walk them on the surrounding farmland.
The location suits anyone who wants countryside and a beach in the same day. Shanklin's sandy beach, the Old Village and Shanklin Chine are all within about a mile and a half, mostly downhill on the way there. The coastal path is close by, and Sandown, Ventnor and the southern downs are all short drives. Prices start from around £22.50 per pitch per night, with peak-season rates higher and minimum stays applying over bank holidays and in August. The site opens from spring to early autumn.