There's no doubt that this is a better way to get outside and make the most of the UK summer than a camping trip. Many of us may recall a child's camp involving setting up their own tents with no hot showers on the site and a flimsy sleeping bag to keep you warm. But going camping can actually feel like a relaxed holiday when you choose the right place.
In fact, there are very impressive campsites in the UK that may closely rival holiday resorts than fields that sell tents, one of which gives them the best name in the country. Located near St Ives in Cornwall, Polmanter Touring Park has been officially voted for Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year by Visidengland. This category falls under the Tourism Bureau's annual award for Excellence, which recognizes businesses that provide the best experience to tourists across the country.
Gold Award winners mean they meet the highest standard of guest experience and excellence in their entire business.
This year's campsite won awards not in a spectacular location, but in a state-of-the-art facility that sounds more like a hideaway than a campsite.
Boasting a 20-meter heating pool and plenty of luxurious treatments from full-bodied scrubs to scalp massages, the spa is far from the wobbling tents and cold showers that are expected at some campsites.
There is an indoor and outdoor play area, a well-equipped game room and two tennis courts that can be rented on-site.
Some camping trips include getting off and getting dirty, foraging sticks and building their own campfires, but there is an on-site restaurant offering freshly baked pizza.
If you like to explore, the site has two sidewalks that will take you straight to St Ives, but there is also a shuttle service that will take you down into town if you don't want to go for a walk.
Describing their visit, one TripAdvisor user said: “Our experience exceeded all expectations and felt like a five-star stay. As a first-time camper, we approached the adventure with a mix of curiosity and hesitation, and were amazed at how amazing the site was.”
Another user added: “The Polmanter is incredible. It's very clean. The food is great, the park is pure white. The kids' play area is well maintained as well as the toilet blocks. They thought it all!”
Whether you bring a camper van or prefer to keep old school in your tent, you can choose from a variety of pitches. Most pitches have access to electricity, water and even television sockets, but you can also arrange a remote location from now on.
There are several luxurious apartments and cottages to book, but wherever you are, you're guaranteed an incredible view of the Cornish coastline.
