FIELD of DREAMS

The best views in motorhoming are found when you leave civilisation (aka hook-up) and go fully rural. There are plenty of other benefits, too, says John Sootheran

Many of us love a big campsite with extensive amenities and electric hook-up, but they rarely offer the truly mind-blowing vistas of the many smaller sites dotted around the UK's amazing landscapes.

In our country's most beautiful spots, campsites can't necessarily get planning permission to construct much in the way of facilities, so small sites with limited amenities are often to be found there.

While these sites may be tiny, and force you to rely on your motorhome's facilities, these very limitations make them charming and appealing.

The benefits of off-gridding

Going off-grid works out cheaper than using full-facility campsites, so you can stay longer for the same outlay.

Peace and quiet is one of the many other benefits of off-gridding, not only because you may well be in the middle of nowhere, but also because with five pitches or fewer, there won't be many other campers around. Typically, you'll find that smaller sites tend to attract fewer families with children, too.

Staying on a small campsite without lots of facilities also has environmental advantages, but do bear in mind that some off-grid locations don't allow for the disposal of certain toilet chemicals.