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There are two types of campers: those who pitch up in the middle of nowhere with just a tent, a sleeping bag and a little gas stove, and those who prefer to be out in nature with as many home comforts as possible. The latter are better known as glampers.
Every year at its Awards for Excellence, VisitEngland crowns one campsite or holiday park the best in the country. Last year, the grand prize went to a touring park, where visitors have the option of setting up their own basic tent in a field or staying in a luxe safari tent that’s already set up for them. For 2026, the award went a glamping resort where there’s not a tent in sight.
The title of Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year was Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa in Devon. VisitEngland called the resort a ‘98-acre wildlife haven located within a picturesque valley’ and the award reflects recognises its offering of ‘exceptional guest experiences’.
Like we said, you can’t really camp at Clawford. The only accommodation options are pods, lodges and ‘luxury cocoons’ with air-con overlooking Devon’s lakes and valleys. Each of them come with double beds, a full bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. Not exactly hardcore. There are also full-on holiday homes and luxury apartments with their own hot tubs.
A big pull for guests here is the opportunity to fish in one of the 17 fishing lakes from the privacy of their own terrace. Its lakes are home to all sorts of creatures, including roach, tench, rudd, perch and carp up to in excess of 42lb. Elsewhere on the resort, there’s a pool and spa, paddle boards, kayaks, an outdoor pool with slides and a restaurant and bar. Essentially, you’ve got no excuse to leave.
The silver medal in VisitEngland’s camping, glamping and holiday park category went to Bredon View Glamping Retreats in Worchestershire and bronze was handed to Kaya at Blackhill Farm, an adults-only retreat in Herefordshire.
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