Guide: CampWild, Wild Spaces

Central England: Apple Island

Apple Island is a true hidden gem, offering a wild and remote escape unlike any other. Getting there feels like an adventure in itself – you’ll wind through tiny country lanes for miles, park up, and then walk another kilometre through wild water meadows before reaching this magical spot. An ancient orchard over 200 years old, Apple Island is completely surrounded by farmland, creating a rare and untouched sanctuary for wildlife. With towering grasses, wildflowers, and fruit-laden trees, it’s a haven for pollinators and bursting with biodiversity. Your host, Andrew, keeps things as wild as possible, aside from a rough-cut path through the meadows, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without disturbance.

East Anglia: Lords Wood

Lords Wood is a spacious, secluded Wild Space offering a true escape into nature – all just an hour from central London. Bordering a beautiful woodland, this expansive meadowland is perfect for first-time wild campers, families, and those craving peace and quiet. Your host, Simon, has welcomed wild campers for years and is always on hand to greet guests, answer questions, and offer a helping hand. Set over a mile from the nearest road and behind farm security gates, the site feels wonderfully remote while still being accessible. Left entirely to nature, the meadow is alive with wildflowers and wildlife from spring through late summer. With no facilities, it’s a true wild camping experience – so come prepared for an off-grid adventure!

North East: The Eals

For a secluded riverside escape, The Eals is the perfect Wild Space. This private meadow runs alongside the River Tyne, offering stunning waterside views, kingfisher and otter sightings, and the chance to swim at dawn in complete tranquility. With easy access, dog-friendly camping, and a dedicated firepit spot, it’s an adventure for all. Situated on the edge of Northumberland National Park, it’s an ideal base for hiking into the fells or exploring Kielder Forest. Open year-round, it’s an unbeatable winter camp spot in the heart of the UK’s best Dark Sky Park – with open skies perfect for stargazing late into the night. Whether you’re here for wild swimming, fishing, or simply the peace of your own private meadow, The Eals offers a truly magical outdoor experience.

North West: Black Moss

Tucked away on a multi-generational sheep farm, Black Moss offers secluded camping on the banks of an East Cumbrian tarn. The access track boasts sweeping views of the Lake District, leading through rolling farmland down to the water. Open year-round, the tarn transforms with the seasons – frozen in winter, bursting with lilies and dragonflies in summer. Perfect for wild swimming, foraging, and spotting wildlife, it’s an exposed but rewarding spot for seasoned adventurers. In dry months, capable 4x4s with rooftop tents can camp here too. A perfect final stop for Dales Way hikers, just a short detour from the trail.

North West: Field End

Field End is a hidden gem for wild swimmers and nature lovers, set in one of the most secluded corners of the British countryside. Just off the Dales Way, this Wild Space features private natural swimming pools fed by the River Mint, which cascades into a large pool right by your camp. Towering 200-year-old beech trees provide shade, bursting with bluebells in spring and golden hues in autumn. The spacious meadow is yours to explore, shared only with a grazing flock of prize sheep. Just 1km from private parking along well-marked paths, it’s one of the most secluded spots in our network. A perfect final stop for Dales Way hikers before reaching Ambleside.

Yorkshire: Harefield Wood

Set in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Harefield Wood offers seven acres of breathtaking wilderness overlooking the Nidd Valley. Your host, Alex, has cared for this land for over 20 years, and now welcomes wild campers to explore its ancient oaks, a 150-year-old barn, and woodlands she planted as a child. The boundary leads directly to a wild swimming spot on the River Nidd, making it an adventurer’s dream. With easy access, off-road parking, and just a short walk to Pateley Bridge, it’s the perfect mix of wild seclusion and convenience, ideal for a family-friendly escape.

South East: Blackland Woods

Blackland Woods is the ideal first step into wild camping for families, set within 200 acres of secluded farmland at Blackland Farm. Choose between a meadow-edge pitch with space to roam or a woodland hideaway for a wilder feel. Unlike most Wild Spaces, facilities from the nearby activity centre are within walking distance, bridging the gap between wild and comfort. Run by Rachael and Mark, who are passionate about outdoor adventure, this spot offers easy access to climbing, paddleboarding, orienteering, and more. Just an hour from London, it’s a perfect adventure getaway for families.

South Wales: Cwm Ynysgyfarch

Cwm Ynysgyfarch is a stunning and secluded Wild Space, offering woodland, meadow, and a private stream for a true back-to-nature escape. Pitch your tent on the grassy meadow’s edge or hang a hammock among the trees, with acres of untouched woodland stretching behind you—so vast that even the host has barely explored it! Follow the stream bed to discover a hidden waterfall, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Access is via farm tracks, and you’ll likely pass grazing livestock, so please leave dogs at home. A perfect mix of adventure and tranquility in the heart of South Wales.

South West: Teign Valley Farm

Since 2021, the 24 acres of Teign Valley Farm in Bridford on the eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park is progressively receiving the care it needed after many years of neglect. The new owners are making many land improvements during the winter months with the guidance from experts in biodiversity and conservation, making this space a truly exciting location to spend a night under the stars and experience the rolling hills of South Devon at their very best.

West Wales: The Little Wild Retreat

Perched on the Lawrenny peninsula in Pembrokeshire National Park, The Little Wild Retreat is a secluded meadow with breathtaking estuary views. Sloping gently into ancient oak woodlands, this Wild Space is completely cut off from public access, giving you the ultimate private escape. By night, West Wales’ famous dark skies put on a spectacular show. Just a 10-minute walk to Lawrenny village, you’ll find a local store and the Lawrenny Arms, a waterside pub perfect for a post-adventure pint. Ideal for exploring Pembrokeshire or pairing with another Wild Space nearby, this is a truly peaceful retreat into nature.