Camping in Tunstall

Tunstall sits in the flat, open farmland of Holderness, within a mile of a North Sea coastline that is eroding faster than almost anywhere else in Europe. It is a dramatic, slightly wild backdrop for camping, though it comes with an important caveat: wild camping is illegal in England without the landowner's permission, so pitching up on the beach or in a farmer's field without asking is not an option here, however empty the coast might look. The good news is that there is a well-established alternative right on the doorstep.

Sand le Mere, just southeast of the village, is a large caravan holiday park with pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and glamping-style accommodation, plus a beach, swimming facilities and other on-site leisure amenities. It is by far the most convenient legitimate base for anyone wanting to camp near Tunstall, and its position close to the cliffs means front-row views of the erosion that has shaped this stretch of coast. Further afield, Hornsea and Withernsea also have caravan and camping sites with easier access to their respective town centres, beaches and eateries, useful if you want a bit more going on in the evenings.

The best time to camp here is late spring through to early autumn, when the weather is milder and the long evenings suit walks along the low, crumbling cliffs and wide sandy beaches. Winter camping is possible at more sheltered sites but the exposed, flat Holderness landscape means strong winds and rain can roll in off the North Sea with little warning, so it is not for the faint-hearted. Glamping pods and static caravans at parks like Sand le Mere offer a warmer, more comfortable way to experience this unusual coastline without needing your own tent or full touring kit, and are worth considering if you would rather watch the waves from indoors.