WARMER weather is (hopefully) on the horizon.

So, whether you are a glamper or traditional camper, we have compiled a list of four of the best camp sites in and around Colchester, according to website campsites.co.uk. 

The Pretty Thing

Gazette: Pods - The Pretty Thing campsite has pods for two peoplePods - The Pretty Thing campsite has pods for two people (Image: The Pretty Thing Facebook)

Just 20 minutes from Colchester, the “peaceful site” rated 4.83 out of 5 stars has a children’s play park and George’s coffee shop where you can handily buy breakfast.

Tent campers can stay on the site’s 15 non-electric pitches and there are 18 grass touring pitches which have 16 amps suitable for campervans, caravans, and mini homes.

Glamping – glamourous camping – is also on offer with bell tents for four people and pods for two people.

There are also two pet-friendly tents meaning you can bring you favourite family member along.

Plumptons Farm Creek Campsite

Gazette: Fun - Alresford village, which was named village of the year in 2012, is close to the Plumptons Farm Creek Campsite Fun - Alresford village, which was named village of the year in 2012, is close to the Plumptons Farm Creek Campsite (Image: Steve Brading)

Rated 4.81 out of 5 stars, Plumpton's Farm Creek is a great option for traditionalists.

The campsite - near the Alresford village in Essex and a 20-minute drive from Colchester – is based in a 100-acre farm with only six fields meaning you can just pitch up your tent.

Fire pits and BBQs are allowed with the pitches being suitable to a three caravans and motorhomes at any one time.

Fishing is available at the lake for an extra cost and no dogs are allowed due to the camp being on a working farm.

Woodchests Glamping

Gazette: Dining - An outside eating area at the Woodchests Glamping campsiteDining - An outside eating area at the Woodchests Glamping campsite (Image: Woodchests Glamping Facebook)

Next on the list is the family-run Woodchests Glamping at Hunts Hall – rated 4.77 out of 5 stars - which provides a double bedroom, bunk bedroom and a snug raised double cabin bed for all the ‘glampers’.

There is also a kitchen area stocked with crockery and an outside decking area with a wood-fired grill and a pizza oven.

A tranquil stay in nature is also promised with there being a 19-acre fishing lake on site- with tickets available to purchase.

Lee Wick Farm Cottages and Glamping

Gazette: Relax - Some of Lee Wick Farm Cottages and Glamping's outdoor chairsRelax - Some of Lee Wick Farm Cottages and Glamping's outdoor chairs (Image: Lee Wick Farm Cottages and Glamping)

Situated near St Oysth, Clacton, and rated 4.73 out of 5 stars, this luxury glamping accommodation comes with en-suites as well as wood-fired hot tubs which are available at an additional cost.

While tent campers can enjoy a relaxing stay in the ‘secret garden’ where there are three non-electric grass pitches each with a fire pit and kettle BBQ for nights around the campfire.

There are also pods – which are more like a hotel room –located in a field which have a shower, loo, and bench seating for two adults only.

Motorhomes and caravans are also welcome with the site offering three pitches, two of which provide electricity.