North East England

Camping in North East England is a great way to explore this huge area just south of the Scottish border. Plan a staycation close to Newcastle-upon-Tyne and take advantage of the many museums and cultural attractions the city has to offer. With rivers, dales, coastline and beaches to explore, there’s plenty of outdoor recreation too.

Why choose North East England campsites?

Tyne and Wear campsites and caravan parks have all the amenities you need with serviced pitches, electric hook-ups, hot tubs, on-site shops and play areas for children.

Consider a weekend break in North East England around the Durham Dales and enjoy the tranquil surroundings and natural beauty as you relax and unwind. Glamping sites with private hot tubs are the perfect way to enjoy a romantic break in this beautiful area.

Days out from your campsite

From your North East England campsite or serviced pitch you’ll find plenty of things to do right on the doorstep. Explore the rugged coast, visit the UNESCO Site of Hadrian's Wall or indulge in a day of city sights, shopping and dining in Newcastle-upon-Tyne or Durham.

Don’t miss the chance to photograph Britain's largest sculpture, the Angel of the North, as you approach Gateshead in your car or campervan!

Castles and cathedrals

Magnificent attractions to visit from your campsite include the Grade I listed Durham Cathedral. Part of the Durham UNESCO World Heritage Site, it dates back to the 11th century and is part of Durham University.

You’ll find castles a-plenty on the doorstep of your camping sites or glamping accommodation in North East England. Auckland Castle was once the grand palace home of the Prince Bishops of Durham and still showcases a magnificent collection of fine artworks.

Raby Castle with its colourful garden and parkland is a unique place to visit. Tour the accommodation and appreciate the grandeur of this 14th century fortified home. Older still is the NT-owned Crook Hall in Framwelgate. It’s conveniently close to Durham camping accommodation and boasts a fabulous mediaeval banqueting hall and beautiful gardens.

Durham Museums near NE England campsites

More history can be found in this area of North East England at the Beamish Open Air Museum which provides plenty of interest and entertainment for visitors. The Oriental Museum is particularly unusual with exhibits from North Africa and Asia.

Railway buffs can spend a day admiring over 70 restored engines at the National Railway Museum in Shildon while the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery will be highlights of your staycation in this historic area.

Natural beauty near NE England campsites

Campsites and glamping pitches in North East England are never far from natural beauty spots. If you’re staying on a service campsite or caravan pitch in County Durham you’re within easy reach of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Explore the woodland walks leading to the High Force Waterfall at Forest-in-Teesdale. The River Tees plunges almost 30 metres into the pool creating an impressive sight as England’s highest cascade.

Other natural beauty spots to visit as part of your staycation in North East England include the Durham Dales and Hamsterley Forest. The well-marked trails are ideal for walking, mountain biking and horse riding through the pretty countryside, especially in autumn when the leaves are changing colour.

If you prefer coastal scenery, choose a camping site near Seaham and explore the 11-mile Durham Heritage Coastal Footpath. As well as breathtaking sea views you’ll spot plenty of flora and seabirds. Enjoy a picnic on one of the beaches - you’ll probably have it all to yourself!

Family camping in the North East

Plan a weekend break or half-term camping holiday with the family and you’ll find plenty to see and do around Durham and Northumberland. Walworth Castle puts on exciting falconry displays. Watch them swoop and catch morsels of food and get-up close to admire their magnificent plumage and huge talons.

Opt to stay on a farm camping site and enjoy seeing hens, cows and other livestock or spend the day petting farm animals at award-winning Hall Hill Farm and Playbarn.  Adventure Valley and Down at the Farm attractions are both within easy reach from Durham campsites. Teesdale Alpacas offers the chance to go trekking with these cute creatures by appointment while Beamish Wild has some exciting High Ropes Courses with zip-lines through the treetops.

Other family-friendly attractions around Durham include Diggerland where older kids can take charge of full-size construction machinery. Tanfield Heritage Railway is near Gateshead campsites and offers rides on the 6-mile railway that’s the oldest in the world!

First time visitors to North East England may want to start with a leisurely weekend camping break in Northumberland. However, with so much to see and do, you can easily fill a whole summer staycation in this largely overlooked area.

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