Lucy Caille | Fri, Apr 1st, 2022
Trip of the month – Northumberland
Back in the summer of 2016 when many areas of the UK existed in relative anonymity we enjoyed a GlamperRV adventure in Northumberland. We were stunned by the wide open beaches (deserted mid August – see picture below), stunning countryside and abundance of castles. With children and dog packed into our GlamperRV we explored the coastline from Berwick upon Tweed down to Amble and across to Hadrian’s Wall.
It is no surprise that this region has risen in popularity in recent years, bringing with it interesting new places to stay overnight. I therefore decided to revisit this trip highlighting a number of these options.
Soon after our visit we were thrilled to be approached by a partner in the region who went on to set up GlamperRV Northumberland. It has proved hugely popular with customers who share our interest in touring the less trodden path. For their latest availability please click here.
Our first port of call was a delightful farm shop (Brit Stops 2022 No. NE133) on the road from Berwick to Alnick which provided a flat, secluded overnight parking spot. It also proved useful in the morning to stock up on local produce and set us on our way.
Heading down the coast and having checked the tide times, we drove over to Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the landing place of Christianity in 635 AD and still today a place of pilgrimage. First history lesson for our young GlamperRV adventurers, tick. Whilst overnighting on the island is not allowed, the Barn at Beal will offer you a pitch overlooking the island and has a fantastic on-site bar and restaurant. It is a small, friendly campsite with all the facilities you need.
History lesson number two followed soon after as we reached the magnificent Bamburgh Castle, set high above the village of Bamburgh, once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria. A quick whizz around and it was off to the beach, over which it looks, to release some built up energy.
Non-traditional overnight spots have increased following Covid and for 2022 the Northumberland County Council has allocated spaces in popular car parks for motorhomes to stay overnight. These include Benthall in Beadnell (next to the beach), Amble Braid Car Park and the Link Road car park opposite Bamburgh Castle. Please be aware that when overnighting in a public space the use of outdoor furniture and awnings are not permitted.
If you prefer a campsite then Budle Farm CL enjoys great views over Budle Bay and is just a short stroll down a track to the beach or over the dunes to Bamburgh Castle. For those looking for total seclusion then take a look at Wild With Consent who have a number of stunning sites in Northumberland
Our next stop was the pretty seaside village of Seahouses where tour boats taking guests out to the Farne Islands now far outnumber fishing boats. A tour to the islands is well worth your time and on your return enjoy some local fish and chips or even better buy some fresh local seafood to enjoy in your GlamperRV!
We found another good overnight spot courtesy of Brit Stops in Amble however with the car park also now open to overnight stopovers that is definitely an option. Amble is well situated to enjoy the stunning beach of Druridge Bay, stretching 11km along the Northumberland coastline it is a great spot for beach games.
Having had our beach fix we ventured inland to the town of Alnwick and its famous castle, seat to the Duke of Northumberland. Overnight at Alnick Rugby Club for a great stopover from which to explore the castle and town on foot.
From Alnwick we headed further inland for our final stop which was a visit to the Hadrian’s Wall Unesco World Heritage Site. Situated on the edge of the Northumberland National Park it is definitely worth including in your trip. Northumberland is renowned for its dark skies and there are many stunning overnight spots where on a clear night you can sleep under the stars.
Our trip to Northumberland got the big thumbs up from both big and little GlamperRV adventurers alike and Northumberland is definitely one of the hidden treasures of the British coastline.
