'Best campsite in England' has heated pool, spa and sandy beach nearby

There's arguably no finer way to embrace the British summer and enjoy the great outdoors than embarking on a camping trip. Many of us may remember childhood camping trips involving pitching our own tents, enduring cold showers, and relying on thin sleeping bags for warmth.

However, with the right location, camping can feel like a truly relaxing holiday. Indeed, there are some truly remarkable campsites in England that could easily rival a holiday resort rather than just offering a patch of grass for your tent. One such site has recently been crowned the best in the country.

Set near St Ives in Cornwall, Polmanter Touring Park has officially been named the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year by VisitEngland.

READ MORE: Ryanair introduces £500 fine for passengers to ensure 'stress-free' flights

READ MORE: ‘I visited the UK’s undisputed best seaside town - it’s massively overrated’

This accolade is part of the tourism agency's annual Awards for Excellence, which honour businesses providing top experiences for tourists nationwide.

As a Gold Award Winner, Polmanter Touring Park has demonstrated the highest standards of guest experiences and excellence across its operations. The park is situated in a picturesque corner of Cornwall known as Penwith, reports the Express.

However, it wasn't just the breathtaking location that clinched this year's award for the campsite, but also its state-of-the-art facilities that make it feel more like a retreat than a traditional campsite.

With a heated 20-metre swimming pool and a spa offering a range of luxurious treatments from full body scrubs to scalp massages, it's a world away from the shaky tents and chilly showers you might associate with some campsites.

Kids won't be bored here, with both indoor and outdoor play areas, a kitted-out games room, and two tennis courts where rackets can be hired on the spot.

Forget about roughing it in the great outdoors – there's no need to forage for wood or start a campfire when you can grab freshly-baked pizzas from the on-site restaurant.

For those keen to venture out, the site offers two footpaths leading directly to St Ives, or if you're not up for the walk, a handy shuttle service is ready to whisk you off to town.

One satisfied Tripadvisor user described their visit as: "Our experience exceeded all expectations and truly felt like a five-star stay. As first-time campers, we approached the adventure with a mix of curiosity and hesitation, but we were pleasantly surprised by how wonderful the site was."

Praise also came from another guest who shared: "Polmanter is incredible. It's super clean, the food is great, the park is immaculate. The kids play areas are well maintained, as are the toilet blocks. They have thought of everything!"

With a selection of pitches to suit every type of camper, whether you roll up in a campervan or pitch a traditional tent, many come complete with electricity, water, and even a TV socket, though they can also accommodate those seeking a tech-free zone.

Whether you opt for a luxury flat or cottage, rest assured, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Cornish coastline wherever you choose to stay.