Piel Island — Local services in England

A beautiful island, great pub, fantastic (if basic) camping.

We stayed here for a single night on a weekend in August. It was quite busy, and the main camping areas closer to the pub were pretty full, but we managed to pitch up in the outer bailey of the castle and didn't hear a peep or see a light all night. Fellow campers were really respectful.

The staff at the pub were incredibly friendly and helpful, giving us tips about where to pitch and letting us leave our things there safely as we walked around the island to decide where to set up camp. It's really cheap to camp too, I think we only spent £25 over the day/night on camping, drinks, and the ferry trip.

The camping toilets are extremely basic, and I didn't brave the shower, but it's a little piece of paradise away from it all and I'd say you get more than what...

This small island of eleven hectares is accessible by short boat trip. On its south-east tip a fourteenth century castle originally built as a trade supervisory outpost and defensive bulwark against marauding Scots now stands in splendid ruin. Day visitors and extended stay campers have an opportunity to explore and appreciate the areas rich wildlife. The islands Ship Inn landlord is quaintly know as the "King of Piel". Sitting on a certain ancient chair traditionally "obliges" one to buy a round of drinks for patrons in attendance, thus honouring the generous purchaser with the title "Knight of Piel"! Obviously fun packed and eventful times to be had, especially if the...

Lovely little place to visit about half a mile off the mainland, with some good views of the coast, an unusual Royal tradition and steeped in history. Assessable via a short boat trip across to the island, but well worth it. Not only is there a pub - with a King and Queen of the Island, but remains of an old 14th century fortress with it's very own charm. Some great wildlife here also, including seals that can be spotted lazing on the sand bank's, birds of prey and a regular visitor is an owl or two that can be spotted flying around the castle in...