UK Campsites Open at Christmas 2026 with Nearby Pubs Serving Festive Food
Spending Christmas in a caravan, motorhome or campervan can be a wonderful alternative to celebrating at home.
You can wake up surrounded by peaceful countryside, enjoy a winter walk and return to the warmth of your touring vehicle—without necessarily having to cook Christmas dinner in a compact caravan kitchen.
Although many UK campsites close during winter, a selection remain open throughout Christmas and New Year. Some also have pubs and restaurants nearby offering festive menus or a traditional Christmas Day lunch.
In this regional guide, we look at UK campsites open over Christmas 2026 and the nearby places where you may be able to enjoy Christmas dinner.
Before Booking a Christmas Campsite and Pub
Christmas arrangements can change, and campsite and restaurant bookings are normally made separately.
Before paying a deposit, confirm:
The campsite is open for your complete stay
Your vehicle type is accepted in winter
Electric hook-up is available
The pitch is hardstanding or suitable for winter use
Heated toilet and shower facilities will be open
Christmas arrival and departure restrictions
The pub is serving food on the date you need
Whether it is a festive menu or Christmas Day lunch
The distance and safety of the walking route
Christmas Day taxi availability
Deposit, payment and cancellation conditions
A pub advertising a December festive menu is not necessarily open for lunch on 25 December. We have identified the dining status for each entry wherever possible.
South West England
Long Hazel Park, Sparkford, Somerset
Long Hazel Park is an adults-only touring park in South Somerset. It confirms that it is open throughout the year, including Christmas Day and New Year.
The park accepts touring caravans, campervans, motorhomes and larger recreational vehicles. Its 2026 accommodation includes standard hardstanding pitches and fully serviced options with electric hook-up.
The heated facilities and hardstanding pitches make this an appealing base for a quiet winter break.
Nearby festive dining: The Sparkford Inn
The Sparkford Inn is in the same Somerset village and offers a festive set menu during November and December 2026.
Its advertised festive menu includes seasonal dishes and a traditional roast-turkey option. However, the regular festive set menu specifically excludes Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Anyone wanting Christmas Day lunch should contact the pub directly to establish whether a separate Christmas Day event is available. Do not assume that booking the normal festive menu covers 25 December.
Dining status: December festive menu confirmed; Christmas Day availability requires separate confirmation.
Useful links:
Uphill Marina and Touring Park, Weston-super-Mare
Uphill Marina and Touring Park provides a waterside base close to Weston-super-Mare and the Somerset coast.
The park has published specific Christmas 2026 opening arrangements. Guests should check its booking calendar carefully because December opening differs from its normal schedule, and arrivals or departures are not permitted on Christmas Day.
Hardstanding pitches are available for caravans, campervans and motorhomes, with optional metered electric hook-up on eligible pitches.
Nearby Christmas dinner: The Manor
The Manor in Weston-super-Mare is advertising both festive dining and a dedicated Christmas Day menu for 2026.
Its Christmas Day meal must be booked in advance. Guests should confirm the distance from their allocated pitch and arrange transport before paying deposits, particularly because public transport and taxi availability can be limited on Christmas Day.
Dining status: Christmas Day 2026 dining advertised; advance booking required.
Another local option is Catherines Inn, which is also taking reservations for Christmas Day 2026 with a deposit required for each guest.
Useful links:
West Midlands
Somers Wood Caravan Park, Meriden
Somers Wood is an adults-only touring park near Meriden, Coventry and the National Exhibition Centre.
The park has announced special opening over Christmas and New Year 2026. As this is outside some previously published standard opening calendars, guests should book directly and obtain written confirmation of their Christmas dates.
The location provides access to countryside walks while remaining close to pubs, shops and larger West Midlands attractions.
Nearby Christmas dinner: The Bulls Head, Meriden
The Bulls Head is one of the closest dining options and is approximately a 25-minute walk from Somers Wood according to campsite information.
The pub is promoting its 2026 Christmas programme, including a Christmas Day menu. At the time of writing, it states that final menu details, availability, deposits and pre-order requirements will be confirmed closer to Christmas.
The walk should be assessed carefully before relying on it. Winter darkness, weather and road conditions may make a pre-booked taxi the better option.
Dining status: Christmas Day programme advertised; final 2026 menu and price awaiting confirmation.
Useful links:
Peak District and East Midlands
Longnor Wood Holiday Park, Derbyshire
Longnor Wood is an adults-only holiday and touring park close to Buxton and Bakewell in the Peak District.
The park remains open over Christmas and welcomes guests in motorhomes on its all-weather touring pitches. It also offers glamping and holiday accommodation for friends or relatives who do not have a touring vehicle.
Its rural setting is ideal for peaceful winter walks, but the park advises visitors that nearby roads are unlit and often have no pavement.
Nearby festive dining
Longnor Wood recommends several Peak District pubs, including:
The Pack Horse Inn
The Winking Man
The Royal Oak
The Greyhound Inn
The Bulls Head at Monyash
The Devonshire Arms
The Charles Cotton Hotel
The Bulls Head at Monyash, around six miles from the park according to Longnor Wood, advertises a Christmas menu.
These pubs require a drive or pre-arranged taxi. Guests should not plan to walk along dark, narrow Peak District roads after dining.
Christmas Day opening must be confirmed directly with the selected pub. A Christmas menu may only be offered on selected dates before 25 December.
Dining status: Festive pub dining available locally; confirm Christmas Day service directly.
Useful links:
North West England
Ream Hills Holiday Park, Lancashire
Ream Hills Holiday Park is set in the Lancashire countryside near Blackpool and the Fylde coast.
Its touring area includes hardstanding gravel pitches with electric hook-up, including fully serviced options. The park’s booking information includes specific Christmas 2026 dates, but guests should confirm that the touring section—not only its accommodation—is available for their intended stay.
The park can be a useful base for combining a quiet countryside Christmas with visits to the Fylde coast.
Nearby festive dining: The Eagle at Weeton
Ream Hills identifies The Eagle at Weeton as a nearby gastropub serving home-cooked food, real ales, cocktails and wine.
Its final Christmas Day 2026 arrangements should be confirmed directly before the campsite is booked around the meal. Ask specifically whether it is serving lunch on 25 December, rather than only a festive menu earlier in the month.
A further Lancashire option is The Golden Ball of Longton, which has advertised a three-course Christmas Day menu for 25 December 2026. It is not within walking distance of Ream Hills, so guests considering it should check the driving distance and arrange transport.
Dining status: Nearby pub dining available; The Golden Ball has advertised Christmas Day lunch, while The Eagle’s exact Christmas Day service requires confirmation.
Useful links:
Wales
Islawrffordd Holiday and Touring Park, near Barmouth
Islawrffordd is a highly rated holiday and touring park on the Mid Wales coast.
Visit Mid Wales lists the park as open at Christmas and New Year throughout 2026. Touring facilities include hardstanding serviced pitches with electric hook-up, water and drainage.
Its coastal location makes it a memorable choice for a Christmas break, with beach access and views towards the mountains of Eryri.
Onsite dining: Nineteen.57
The park has its own restaurant and bar, Nineteen.57, offering locally sourced food in both relaxed and more formal dining areas.
The restaurant’s precise Christmas Day 2026 menu and opening hours were not publicly confirmed when this guide was prepared. Contact the park directly before booking if Christmas lunch is an essential part of your stay.
Barmouth restaurants and pubs may offer additional festive meals, but many independent venues close on Christmas Day.
Dining status: Onsite restaurant available; Christmas Day 2026 meal requires direct confirmation.
Useful links:
Scotland
Christmas Campsites Among Mountains, Forests and Coastlines
Scotland is a magical destination for a Christmas touring break, with snow-dusted mountains, quiet coastal scenery and welcoming country pubs. Winter conditions can be more demanding, however, so choose a hardstanding pitch, carry suitable cold-weather equipment and check the road and weather forecasts before travelling.
Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Park, Aviemore
Set among the Caledonian pine forests near Aviemore, Rothiemurchus is an atmospheric base for exploring the Cairngorms. Touring pitches are scheduled to be available from 19 December 2026 to 4 January 2027, making it particularly suitable for a festive caravan or motorhome stay. Aviemore has numerous pubs, hotels and restaurants, although Christmas Day meals normally require advance booking. Check Rothiemurchus opening dates and availability.
Findhorn Bay Holiday Park, Moray
Findhorn Bay Holiday Park welcomes touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans throughout the year. The park specifies a minimum three-night stay over Christmas and New Year. Its coastal village location provides opportunities for crisp winter walks, while places to eat can be found in Findhorn and nearby Forres. Check availability at Findhorn Bay Holiday Park.
Scourie Caravan and Camping Site, Sutherland
For an adventurous Highland Christmas, Scourie Caravan and Camping Site is open all year and enjoys impressive views over Scotland’s northwest coast. The campsite sits within Scourie village, where the hotel, local bar and other facilities are within walking distance. This is a remote winter destination, so confirm seasonal dining hours and Christmas arrangements directly before setting off. Visit the Scourie campsite website.
Planning Christmas Dinner in Scotland
Christmas Day menus are often published during the autumn and may sell out well in advance. Contact nearby pubs and hotels directly to confirm:
Whether they are serving food on Christmas Day
The menu price and booking deposit
Whether dogs are permitted
Walking distance or local taxi availability
Cancellation arrangements during severe weather
Christmas touring tip: Scottish weather can change quickly. Pack insulated water equipment, additional gas, warm bedding, a torch and appropriate footwear—and check that your chosen campsite’s facilities remain fully operational over Christmas.
Northern Ireland
Festive Touring Breaks Near Belfast and the Lakelands
Northern Ireland combines dramatic winter scenery, welcoming towns and traditional pubs within relatively short driving distances. The selection of campsites operating over Christmas is limited, so always confirm that touring pitches, washrooms and electric hook-ups will be available for your dates.
Riverside Farm Marina and Caravan Park, County Fermanagh
Situated near Enniskillen and the Fermanagh Lakelands, Riverside Farm Marina and Caravan Park is listed as open throughout the year for caravans and motorhomes. It provides a peaceful base for winter walks and visits to nearby villages, while Enniskillen offers a good selection of hotels, pubs and restaurants. Christmas Day dining should be reserved directly with the venue well in advance. View the Northern Ireland campsite listing.
Dundonald Touring Caravan Park, Belfast
Dundonald is a convenient option for exploring Belfast and the surrounding area. During the winter, the site’s Aire de Service is listed as operating from November until mid-March, but facilities may differ from those available during the main touring season. Check exactly what is included before booking or travelling. Belfast’s hotels and restaurants provide plenty of festive dining possibilities, although Christmas Day availability is usually limited. Check year-round campsite information.
Touring in the Trees
Northern Ireland’s Forest Service operates seven small “Touring in the Trees” locations. Annual permits run from 1 January to 31 December, potentially making them useful for an off-season tour. Facilities are basic, with hardstanding, drinking water and waste-disposal points but no electric hook-up. These sites are intended for properly equipped caravans and stays are limited to three nights at each location. Read the official Touring in the Trees information.
Planning Christmas Dinner in Northern Ireland
For Christmas lunch, search around Enniskillen, Belfast or the nearest sizeable town rather than relying on a small village pub being open. When contacting a venue, confirm:
That it is serving food on Christmas Day
Whether advance payment is required
The final arrival and dining times
Whether children and dogs are welcome
Transport or taxi availability
Its cancellation policy if severe weather affects your journey
Christmas touring tip: Ferry services can be extremely busy around Christmas. Reserve both crossings and campsite pitches early, allow extra time for winter disruption and avoid planning a tight connection between your ferry arrival and Christmas meal.
Finding More Christmas Campsites by Region
Several national campsite organisations maintain lists of year-round or extended-season touring sites.
The Camping and Caravanning Club has announced a selection of sites with year-round or longer opening periods. These can provide additional options near cities, Christmas markets and pubs.
Do not rely solely on an “open all year” label. Some sites:
Close their toilet blocks during winter
Accept motorhomes but not caravans
Restrict arrivals on Christmas Day
Offer electric hook-up only on selected pitches
Require minimum Christmas stays
Close reception for part of the festive period
Operate reduced water or waste facilities
Always contact the site if the published dates do not explicitly include 24–26 December 2026.
How to Book Christmas Dinner Near Your Campsite
Christmas Day pub meals often sell out months in advance. Booking the campsite first and looking for a restaurant later could leave you without a practical dining option.
A safer order is:
Shortlist the campsite.
Identify two or three nearby pubs.
Confirm Christmas Day opening by phone or email.
Check the menu, price and dietary options.
Ask when deposits and final payment are due.
Confirm how you will travel between the site and pub.
Reserve the campsite and meal on the same day.
Keep written confirmation of both bookings.
Ask whether dogs are permitted inside during Christmas lunch if you are touring with a pet.
Can You Walk to the Pub on Christmas Day?
A pub described as “nearby” is not always safely walkable.
Before planning to walk, check:
The precise distance
Whether the route has pavements
Street lighting
Public footpath conditions
Flooding or ice risk
Closing time
Whether the return journey will be after dark
Carry torches, reflective clothing and suitable footwear. Never walk along an unsafe unlit road simply because taxis are unavailable.
Christmas Day taxi services are limited and often need to be reserved well in advance.
Preparing for a Christmas Touring Break
Winter touring requires more preparation than a summer campsite stay.
Pack and check:
Approved habitation heating
Adequate gas supply
Electric hook-up cable
Charged leisure battery
Insulated water equipment
Levelling ramps
Wheel chocks
Winter bedding
Waterproof clothing
Torches and spare batteries
Smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms
Emergency food
Drinking water
Breakdown-cover details
Monitor overnight temperatures and understand how to protect or drain your water system if freezing weather is forecast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are campsites open on Christmas Day?
Some UK touring parks remain open throughout Christmas and New Year, but many close during winter. Others allow existing guests to stay but prohibit arrivals and departures on 25 December.
Always obtain confirmation for your precise dates.
Do campsite restaurants serve Christmas dinner?
Some holiday parks have onsite restaurants, but normal restaurant operation does not guarantee Christmas Day service. Christmas meals usually require a separate reservation and deposit.
Which campsites are suitable for Christmas touring?
Hardstanding pitches, electric hook-up, heated facilities and protected water services are especially useful in winter. Check that your caravan, campervan or motorhome is accepted during the Christmas period.
When should I book Christmas Day lunch?
As early as possible. Popular pubs can fill their Christmas Day tables several months ahead. Deposits, pre-orders and advance final payments are common.
Can I cook Christmas dinner in a caravan or motorhome?
Yes, provided you understand the limitations of your cooking equipment and campsite electric supply.
Avoid running several high-powered appliances simultaneously. Maintain ventilation, keep exits clear and never use outdoor cooking equipment inside a caravan, motorhome, campervan or enclosed awning.
Are Christmas campsite facilities fully operational?
Not always. Reception, shops, restaurants and toilet blocks may operate reduced hours. Ask the campsite which services will be available throughout your stay.
Enjoy a Different Kind of Christmas
A Christmas touring break can provide quiet countryside, coastal walks and a welcome change from the usual routine.
Whether you choose an adults-only Somerset park, a Peak District escape or a winter pitch on the Welsh coast, coordinate the campsite and meal before committing to either booking.
Christmas opening hours, menus and prices can change. Contact every campsite and dining venue directly, confirm the distance between them and obtain written booking confirmation.
Then all that remains is to pack the decorations, prepare the motorhome or caravan and enjoy Christmas on the road.
Have you spent Christmas at a UK campsite? Share the site, nearby pub and your experience in the comments to help other tourers plan their festive break.
Explore practical equipment for Christmas and winter touring at IDS Camping & Leisure.
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