New research identifies which UK camping destinations are capturing social media attention this holiday season
With spring finally here and summer on the horizon, UK families are already planning their camping getaways. With social media increasingly influencing travel decisions, knowing which locations will provide not just a great experience but also Instagram-worthy moments has become valuable information for modern campers.
“Social media has become a major factor in how people choose their holiday destinations these days, with Instagram-worthy spots often seeing higher visitor numbers,” explains Andy Halliday, Founder of Lexrope, a UK-based company specialising in outdoor camping gear and accessories.
To help campers find the most photogenic spots for their 2025 adventures, the team at Lexrope analysed Instagram hashtag data to identify which UK campsites are capturing the most attention on social media.
The study examined hashtag usage over the past 12 months for outstanding camping sites across the UK, ranking them by the number of Instagram posts featuring each location.
Dale Farm Rural Campsite, Derbyshire – 3967 posts
Dale Farm takes the top spot with 3967 Instagram posts. Located in the heart of the Peak District, this working farm offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside that naturally draw photographers. The site’s rustic charm combined with luxury amenities creates perfect photo opportunities at every turn.
“Dale Farm benefits from its location in the Peak District National Park, giving campers access to some of the UK’s most beautiful natural settings,” says Halliday. “The combination of traditional farm buildings against rolling hills creates an authentic countryside aesthetic that performs exceptionally well on Instagram.”
Shottisham Campsite, Suffolk – 3927 posts
Following closely behind is Shottisham Campsite with 3927 Instagram tags. This Suffolk gem is surrounded by woodland and meadows, providing a picturesque backdrop for social media posts. Its proximity to both countryside and coast offers diverse photo opportunities.
“Shottisham’s appeal comes from its versatility – campers can capture sunrise over meadows and sunset at nearby beaches all in the same day,” notes Halliday.
Balloch O Dee, Dumfries and Galloway – 2686 posts
With 2686 Instagram posts, Balloch O Dee in Scotland secures third place. This off-grid camping experience in the Galloway Hills showcases the raw beauty of Scotland’s wilderness, with star-filled night skies that are particularly popular on Instagram.
“What makes Balloch O Dee stand out is its remoteness. The lack of light pollution creates spectacular stargazing opportunities that photographers travel specifically to capture,” says Halliday.
Wooda Farm Holiday Park, Cornwall – 1739 posts
Cornwall’s Wooda Farm Holiday Park ranks fourth with 1739 hashtag posts. Its coastal location overlooking Bude Bay provides dramatic sea views that dominate its Instagram presence.
“Cornwall has always been a photographer’s paradise, and Wooda Farm maximises its coastal position with panoramic sea views and access to some of the region’s most photogenic beaches,” explains Halliday.
The Hideaway at Baxby Manor, North Yorkshire – 1612 posts
Rounding out the top five is The Hideaway at Baxby Manor with 1612 posts. This North Yorkshire site is known for its quirky accommodation options including eco-pods and bell tents, which make for distinctive social media content.
“The Hideaway offers something different with its unique accommodation styles. The distinctive structures set against Yorkshire’s natural beauty create instantly recognisable images that stand out in social media feeds,” Halliday points out.
Andy Halliday, Founder of Lexrope, commented: “These Instagram numbers reveal significant patterns in how people select camping destinations today. Locations with strong visual appeal do more than just attract photographers – they see higher visitor numbers than equally good but less photogenic sites.