If you’re looking for campsites in the Peak District that are suitable for all the family, look no further than Upper Hurst Farm.

Whether you’re camping in your tent, or lucky enough to be visiting with a campervan or caravan, this is a really fantastic place to visit.

What drew us to the farm in the first place was that it is small. I usually go camping on my own with Lily, so always look for somewhere safe and friendly, so that I’m not spending the night awake, worrying about who is around!

Even the initial contact with the team was fantastic – they were so friendly and reassuring, making me more excited than ever to head along.

We were meant to be in Greece in mid-July, however with Covid cancelling everything and my nerves of travelling very far post-lockdown, the Peak District was at the top of my list for our first staycation of the summer – I love it there, there is so much to explore with social distancing, and it is less than 90mins from home.

Friendly Peak District campsite

Upper Hurst Farm is a family-run farm near to Leek, Bakewell and Buxton, surrounded by the beautiful countryside that we love about the Peak District.

Before we visited, they sent some fantastic detailed information about how to get there, the campsite rules, what to expect, and local information, such as places to visit and eat.

The farm is eco-friendly, dog-friendly, and family-friendly, with award-winning facilities, including accessible facilities designed specifically for those with limited mobility and wheelchair access.

Award-winning facilities

We were so excited that all the shower and toilet facilities in the block are beautifully clean and modern, with hot water, large powerful showers… and they are beautifully warm too! They are closed for cleaning for an hour each day too, and sanitiser is available throughout. Lily also loved all the maps on the wall and leaflets for places to visit – you will never be short of ideas!

The closest pitches are prioritised for those with limited mobility as they on the flat near to the facilities, and there is a full Radar-key large wet room. In this room there is also a baby-changing table and electric handryer, which is also available for use by those with young children too.

The other side of the toilet block is the kitchen area where you can wash up in one of the indoor our outdoor sinks, use laundry facilities or store ice blocks in the freezer.

The little reception area also sells ice-cream from an outdoor freezer with an honesty box and there is usually someone around to help you with any queries until around 6pm each day.

The campsite layout

We were greeted by the friendly team at the reception when we arrived and shown to our pitch. There are two small grass fields – the top field is for non-electric camping and bottom field has electrics.

There is currently reduced capacity to support social distancing, but even then we were still all spread out. You are situated around the edge of the field facing inwards, leaving a lovely space in the middle for family games. You can also hire log burners to enjoy sitting out in the evenings – and maybe some marshmallow toasting! Surrounding the fields are the areas for caravans or campervans, with the recycling, bins and water area in the middle.

The whole place was very peaceful and with no more than about 10 tents on the field, you were so spaced out. We were nearby to the car too, so could easily set up the tent without having to take all our things too far.

There is a 10pm noise curfew to encourage people to be quieter and support families. Although there were still a few people around at this time and those putting bottles in the bins or walking their dogs around, people generally stuck to this. It was also quiet enough throughout the day to not have to queue for any shower or toilets if you needed to use them.

Stunning views & location

They are a working farm and there are beautiful Shetland ponies by the entrance to the farm. Here is a contained field to let children run around or use the little play area with climbing frame and slide. Lily loved running around here – and the views were spectacular!

You’re also in the perfect place for some fantastic walks or to visit some Peak District attractions – we visited Dovedale stepping stones, Buxton, Peak Wildlife Park and Matlock Farm Park while we were there.

If you’re looking for a peaceful campsite that is suitable for all the family (and the dog!), surrounded by beautiful Peak District views, I’d really recommend Upper Hurst Farm. They were incredibly friendly, clean, relaxed and, most of all, we felt safe.

For more on Upper Hurst Farm, visit their website here.

Lily is counting down the days to Gloworm Festival 2021 and is rocking her new Gloworm hoody! For more on festival camping with the family, find out more here…