1 Surfer's Paradise, Devon

Pitch your tent at Surfer's Paradise, next to Croyde's blue-flag beach, and you'll be the first into the waves in the morning. 01271 890477, surfparadise.co.uk. Family of 4 from £15/night. Opens July 14.

2 Ayr Holiday Park, St Ives

This slick, organised operation features an incredibly posh amenities block, but it's the view from the camping field that makes this place special; a panorama of St Ives town, Porthmeor Bay and the popular town beach. 01736 795855, ayrholidaypark.co.uk. Family of 4 from £24.50/night.

3 Pinewoods, Norfolk

Check your tent into Pinewoods at Wells-next-the-Sea and hire one of their beach huts for the day. 01328 710439, pinewoods.co.uk. Family of 4 from £11.75/night.

4 Beadnell Bay, Northumberland

The site is just across the road from a particularly stunning stretch of deserted beach. 01665 720586, campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk. Family of 4 from £12.25/£17.65 members/non-members.

5 Three Cliffs, Wales

A cliff-top location with inspiring views across Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower peninsula and a private path to the beach. 01792 371218, threecliffsbay.com. Family of 4, £14/night.

· Compiled by Jonathan Knight, author, Cool Camping: England (Punk Publishing, £16.95). coolcamping.co.uk.