England's best off-grid escape has stunning coastlines and 5 areas of outstanding natural beauty - full list

The index by Camplify UK ranks counties by factors that make it easier to go screen-free, including mobile ‘not-spots’, campsites without electricity or Wi-Fi, low light pollution, population density and access to protected landscapes such as national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).

Devon takes the top spot thanks to its mix of coastline, moorland and rural campsites that lend themselves to off-grid travel. It is also home to five AONBs.

The county scores highly for the number of National Trust properties, AONBs and national parks nearby, making it easy to pair simple, back-to-basics stays with days out exploring.

The top 10 off-grid destinations in England

1. Devon (South West)
2. Cumbria (North West)
3. Yorkshire (North)
4. Cornwall (South West)
5. Somerset (South West)
6. Wiltshire (South West)
7. Dorset (South West)
8. Northumberland (North East)
9. Gloucestershire (South West)
10. East Sussex (South East)

Cumbria and Yorkshire follow closely behind. Cumbria performs particularly well for a high number of phone reception ‘not-spots’, while Yorkshire’s mix of the Dales and the North York Moors offers easy access to remote landscapes without long drives between stops.

The index has a strong showing from the South West more broadly, which dominates the top 10 thanks to low light pollution and a high concentration of non-electric campsites.

The findings reflect a growing appetite for nostalgic, screen-free travel as holidaymakers hope to find the simple, off-grid experiences they remember from childhood.

While seven of the top 10 destinations are in the South, northern regions also feature strongly, with Cumbria and Yorkshire taking second and third place. The Midlands and South East fare worse due to higher population density and more built-up areas, which make true off-grid escapes harder to find.

Daniela Freidrich at Camplify UK said: “We’re seeing more people actively choosing to step back from busy, always-on lifestyles.

"There’s something really refreshing about heading off in a campervan with no rigid plan, finding a quiet campsite and swapping screen time for sea views or hilltop sunsets. It gives you the freedom to slow down, change route if you fancy it, and enjoy a simpler kind of travel.”