Eccentric UK festivals - camping and caravan holidays nearby

Britain boasts a patchwork of quirky countryside festivals. Sadly, the centuries-old Gloucestershire cheese-rolling event was cancelled this year for reasons of health and safety. Nevertheless the spirit of eccentric Britain soldiers on through numerous countryside fetes.

Ever considered exploring Britain’s rich tapestry of festivals through camping and caravanning?

Caravan and camping holidays provide a splendid means of wallowing in the glory of these strange affairs. At Pitchup.com, you can begin your search for campsites and holiday parks by first looking for a festival and seeing all the sites within 30 miles.

Below we have pointed out a few of these quirky annual rituals and their nearest pitching facilities.

The Black Cherry Fair

Date - Thursday 8^th July - Saturday 10^th July 2010

Location - Abbey Fields, Staines Lane, Chertsey, Surrey

Fancy being part of a five hundred year old English fair? Dating back to 1440, the Black Cherry Fair takes place annually in the medieval town of Chertsey. The town procession (open to all) commences at 10.30 am on Saturday 10^th July and festivities begin in the days before-hand.

A decent local pitch is the Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Club Site near several pubs recommended by the Good Pub Guide. There are also scenic walkways for the more health conscious. Local attractions include the ruins of Chertsey Abbey - one of the oldest in England and the Chertsey Museum.

Egton Bridge Gooseberry Show

Date - Tuesday 3^rd August 2010

Location - St. Hedda’s Primary School, Egton Bridge, North Yorkshire Moors National Park

Britain’s oldest surviving gooseberry show takes place in the cosy village of Egton Bridge, near Whitby in the North York Moors National Park. Gardeners compete to produce the heaviest gooseberry, which is determined by an apothecary scale.

Looking for a local pitch in this beautiful part of the country? Our website lists over 25 well-equipped campsites and holiday parks in the Whitby hinterland close to magnificent beaches, pubs and walkways. The Northcliffe & Seaview Holiday Parks, Sandfield House Farm and Ladycross Plantation Holiday Park have all received five-star official ratings.

The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival

Date: Saturday 14^th and Sunday 15^th August 2010

Location: The Fighting Cocks Crossroad, Newchurch, Isle of Wight, PO30 3AR

This event promotes the Isle of Wight’s gastronomy including garlic, lamb, beef, pork, poultry, dairy products, fruit, vegetables and juices. Take a step inside the Garlic Marquee with garlic beer, garlic fudge and garlic ice-cream!

With its gorgeous beaches and ample attractions such as Osborne House, the Isle of Wight has more than fifty sites. Recommended places to stay are Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park and Undercliff Glen Caravan Park.

The Really Wild Food and Countryside Festival

Date: Saturday 4^th and Sunday 5^th September 2010

Location: St. Davids, Pembrokeshire

The Really Wild Food and Countryside Festival celebrates the food and pastimes of the Welsh countryside. With David Bellamy as its patron, this festival is about encouraging people to appreciate historic, rural trades and to forage in the fresh air for ingredients for their supper. No doubt it’s an excellent accoutrement to the British camping holiday experience. Enjoy!

Lleithyr Farm Holiday Park, Caerfai Bay Caravan and Tent Park, Porthclais Farm Caravan Park and Hendre Eynon Caravan & Camping Park boast facilities for camping and caravanning.