In spring, once the sun appears and the British countryside’s simple pleasures beckon, the pick of the nation’s campsites will book up fast. If you want meadows with wild flowers, waterfall walks and a backdrop of white sand and sea, it pays to plan ahead.

With this in mind, we’ve asked Jonathan Knight, founder of coolcamping.com, to reveal some of his favourites.

1. Pleasant Streams Farm, Cornwall 

Perfectly sited a few miles from Mevagissey Bay, Pentewan Beach and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, this family-run campsite is well placed for exploring Cornwall but far enough inland (and down minor back roads) to avoid the crowds. There are streams, a boating pond and a clutch of farm animals – pigs, goats and ducks – and, though facilities are basic, new toilets were recently added. A pitch and two people from £15 per night.