Camping in Skipsea

Skipsea is caravan and camping country rather than wild camping territory, and that distinction matters here: wild camping without the landowner's permission is illegal in England, so anyone wanting to sleep out under the stars on this coast needs to book into one of the established sites rather than pitch up on the beach or dunes. Fortunately there is no shortage of choice, with several holiday parks around the village offering everything from static caravans to touring and tent pitches, and increasingly glamping options such as pods and safari tents for those who want the outdoor feel without bringing their own kit.

The terrain here is flat, open Holderness farmland running down to low clay cliffs and a long sandy beach, very different from the rugged camping country further north in the Dales or on the Moors. That flatness makes for easy, breezy pitches with big skies, but it comes with a serious caveat: this is officially the fastest-eroding coastline in Europe, and the cliffs above Skipsea beach are receding by roughly two metres a year in places. Local caravan parks have had to move pitches back from the cliff edge repeatedly, and it is worth checking directly with any site about its current setback from the cliff and its erosion policy before booking, particularly for touring pitches closest to the sea.

The best months to camp here are from late spring through to early autumn, when the weather is at its most reliable and the long evenings make the most of the coastal setting; this exposed stretch of coast can feel bleak and blustery outside the summer season. Most sites are geared towards the traditional British caravan-park experience, with clubhouses, entertainment and family-friendly facilities alongside the pitches, so it suits those who want a sociable, well-equipped base for beach days as much as it suits quieter, simpler camping. Whichever type of pitch you choose, book ahead for peak summer weekends, when the whole Holderness coast, from Bridlington down through Skipsea and Hornsea, gets busy with staycationers.