We've selected the best British seaside pitches for holidays under canvas this year. These sites are from the Cool Camping series of books: England, Scotland, Wales, £14.95 each; www.coolcamping.co.uk)

Click here to go back to '50 great British breaks by the sea' for boutique hotels, self-catering, bed and breakfasts and holiday parks

Cae Du, Snowdonia, Gwynedd

If all you want from your break is a sea view and an escape from a mad world, this is the perfect place to unwind. The facilities are excellent and the washing-up sink is ideally situated for taking in the sea as you scrub away. But Cae Du isn't that far removed - scenic rail journeys, the heights of Cader Idris and the Mawddach Trail are nearby, even though you could still be in another world

For more information call 01654 711234; tent and two adults, £9 per night; family, £12.

Betty Mouat's Böd, Shetland

Shetland is littered with a legacy of böds - traditional croft buildings that used to house fishermen and their gear. Since 1992, many have been converted to provide basic accommodation for campers not keen to risk full exposure to the elements. And Betty Mouat's Böd is just that - it has no electricity and you'll need to bring a sleeping bag as well as eating and cooking utensils.

Visit Shetland (01595 693434, www.camping-bods.co.uk); £8 per person per night.

Pot-a-doodle Do, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland

A small collection of tipis and wooden wigwams sitting on the Northumberland coast, Pot-a-doodle Do looks like a misplaced scene from a Western. Each of the eight wigwams sleeps up to five and is powered by an electric hook-up. The tipis are more basic but kids will love them.

For more information call (01289 307107, www.northumbrianwigwams.com); wigwams from £14.50 per adult per night; tipis, £50 per night for up to four people.

East Hook Farm, Marloes, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire

Skomer Island is known for the largest collection of puffins in the UK. Keeping them company are 200,000 Manx shearwaters, razorbills and guillemots, not to mention the dolphins. Boat trips leave from the Marloes Peninsula, so pitch your tent at East Hook Farm.

For more information call (01646 636291); £4 per adult per night with car. 

Camusdarach, Arisaig, Inverness-shire

Andrew and Angela Simpson arrived in this corner of coastal paradise with a vision to turn a dilapidated farm and campsite into something special. And they succeeded - it is very special. Most of the day-to-day landscape management is done by a flock of endangered Hebridean sheep, while the plush toilet block releases effluents into gravel beds and wetlands planted with detoxifying plants. Walk along the white strands and you'll find it hard to believe this is north-west Scotland and not the Caribbean.

For more information call (01687 450221, www.camusdarach.com); £16 per tent and two people on serviced pitch per night.

Tipi West, Cardigan, Ceredigion

Tipi West is an original. Back in 2001, when this type of tourism was virtually unheard of, Brychan Llyr erected the first tipi at Hendre Farm, overlooking Cardigan Bay, and has stuck to its roots with a more traditional approach. Floors get a scattering of pine branches and some matting, and a bundle of sheepskins is provided for sitting and sleeping. Ray Mears meets Big Chief Running Water.

For more information call (07813 672336, tipiwest.co.uk); £20 per adult per night.

Cnip Village Grazing Trust, Isle of Lewis

If you fancy a visit to the end of the earth, then come to Traigh na Beirigh (don't try to pronounce it) near Cnip (pronounced ‘neep'). The campsite, owned by the villagers through a community trust, is on an aqua blue bay with a scimitar of white sand. Not far away, the Standing Stones of Callanais have the gnarled look of petrified oak trunks.

For more information call (01851 672265); two-person tent, £4 per night, large tent, £5.

Henry's, Helston, Cornwall

Henry's is different. The campsite has been here for donkey's years, but Ron and Jo Lyne took it over from Ron's dad Henry 20 years ago. Campers return time and time again, but not everyone gets on with the unisex ablutions. It's all a bit rambling and well maintained - but different.

For more information call (01326 290596, www.henryscampsite.co.uk); adults from £6 per night, children from £3.

Eweleaze Farm, Osmington, Weymouth, Dorset

Near Durdle Door lies the special Eweleaze Farm, which offers the luxury of a private beach. A farm shop sells organic produce and hay bales are available to sit on. The site is open only from 28 July until 25 August, but maybe it's the rarity that makes it so special.

For more information call (01305 833690, www.eweleaze.co.uk); weekdays: adults/children, £6/£3, weekends: £12/£6.

Three Cliffs Bay Caravan Park, Three Cliffs, Swansea

One of the finest beaches on the Gower Peninsula makes staying here more than worthwhile. Three Cliffs rarely gets packed and it's just a scramble down the bank from the campsite. Just don't forget your camera.

For more information call (01792 371218, www.threecliffsbay.com); family tent, £15 per night.