Camping has never been so popular in the UK. I have learnt the hard way that if a camping holiday is on top your agenda for the year, then you need book up nice and early to avoid disappointment. I enjoy camping all over the country and in many parts of Europe, but the place that I return to more often than anywhere is the Isle of Wight. Isle of Wight camping is perfect for me because it is only a short distance from my home town of Brighton, but you can more or less be sure of a decent spell of weather in the summer. Add that to the amazing array of local walking routes and pub and restaurants, and you have the perfect combination for a great holiday. Two campsites that I have stayed at during the past year are Grange Farm and Southland Camping Park, which I have mentioned briefly below.
GRANGE FARM, Brighstone Bay, PO30 4DA (Tel: 01983 740296)
This is the perfect place for kids, and one place that I would have instantly loved as a child. It a family run small rural site that is perfectly situated on the south west of the island. First appearance suggests that it is quite remote, but this is not really the case. It is situated near to Grange Chine on farm land near to the A3055 that runs right down to the Brighstone Bay.
Grange Farm welcomes campers with tents, caravans and motor homes. The camping fields are level with plenty of electric hook up points, and you can pitch right up to the cliff face with great views over the sea. (Families with very young children are offered sites further away. Access to the sandy beach is via the small chine. It is just great!
One particular feature that we all liked was the camp shop which stocks everything from buckets and spades to kites and wet-suits. There is also a play area for young children and the well-kept toilet and shower facilities.

SOUTHLAND Camping Park, Newchurch, PO36 0LZ (Tel: 01983 865385)
This is famous for many camping attributes and has been the beneficiary of many industry awards including the AA Best Campsite in Southern England. When you get here it is easy to see why, as the whole site is absolutely immaculate and offers top notch facilities.
Both touring caravans and motor homes are welcome on this site alongside over 120 pitches – all very generous in size, and all with electric hook-up.
What is attractive about this place is that it appears to be quite remote, so it quiet at night for those who like to get their rest after a tough day exploring.
Despite this, it’s easily walkable to the nearest village of Newchurch where you will find the hospitable The Pointer Inn, and only three miles by car from the immaculate sandy beaches of Sandown and Shanklin which are great for the kids.
On site facilities at Southlands are excellent – and much effort from the staff is invested into ensuring that the toilet blocks and showers are kept clean at all times.

If you find that you are unable to get the pitch that you wanted, you can try the extensive list of Isle of Wight bed and breakfast accommodation. Going down this route is guaranteed to take the strain from you break, and give you more time to spend enjoying yourself with your partner or your family.

