Who says you need to journey to the end of the earth to find an excellent campsite? All it takes, it seems, is a blanket of hulking, mature trees to lead you down an avenue of escapism and shelter you away from the outside world. Theobalds Park Campsite, surrounded by oak and ash trees, is just such a place. You'd hardly know it's a mere quarter of mile from London's famous ring road. And while, the nearby M25 may make it one of the most accessible campsites in the country (and a handy location for an urban weekend in the big city) it also manages to retain a sense of scenery. Camping is, after all, about being in the great outdoors.
Set in Theobalds Park on the banks of the New River, the campsite itself is a long established place, run by The Camping and Caravanning Club, with a healthy range of facilities that include a parent and baby room, a children's playground and on-site Wi-Fi. In a quiet corner of the site, the latest addition – a pair of Ready Camp safari tents – offer a particular highlight, equipping campers with everything they need so that they can leave the luggage at home. Inside, they have two proper beds in two proper bedrooms (the tents can sleep four adults in comfort, or a family of six), a kitchenette with hob, fridge, microwave and pots, pans and cutlery; and a living area that extends to a shady outdoor terrace. It's a particularly good set-up for family camping, with one room for the nippers and another for parents.
For most visitors, Theobalds Park acts as a rural gateway into the big smoke. It's a two-mile drive to Turkey Street railway station or Theobalds Grove and, from there, a short train journey into the heart of the city. Those with bikes, meanwhile, can park by the Lee Valley's famous White Water Centre and pedal the canal towpath into the city, arriving by Queen Elizabeth Park and the former London Olympic stadium, or stay put at the White Water Centre itself, for some of the most exhilarating rafting and kayaking in the country. City escape or Lee Valley break, the choice is yours.