A Campervan Ride Through Northumberland National Park

The landscape of Northumberland National Park

The second leg of our journey takes us to the fourth-largest national park in the UK - Northumberland National Park, which extends from the captivating beauty of the Cheviot Hills and the Otterburn ranges into the Derwent Valley. Big skies, open green landscapes and an array of attractions are the orders of the day at this gorgeous national park.

• Itinerary: An Itinerary for a Road Trip in Northumberland

Speaking of attractions, make sure to pop over to Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning the park's length, or rumble over to Bamburgh Castle, perched majestically atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the gleaming North Sea. Whether seeking outdoor adventure, cultural discovery, or a moment of stillness amid nature, Northumberland National Park guarantees an unforgettable journey into the heart of England's wild landscapes.

• What is Special About Northumberland National Park?
• How big is Northumberland National Park?
• Campervan Road Trip Northumberland National Park
• Campervan Hire Towns in Northumberland National Park
• Camping in and around Northumberland National Park
• Campsites Near Northumberland National Park
• Tent Camping at Northumberland National Park
• Campsites at Northumberland National Park for Motorhomes
• Northumberland National Park Camping Cabins

What is Special About Northumberland National Park?

Hadrians Wall. Vandraofsweden

Northumberland National Park, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a testament to northern England's unspoilt beauty. For anyone wishing to prolong the Scottish adventure, head south to discover the wild beauty of campsites in Northumberland. Holidays to Northumberland are extremely popular, with London being under three hours away, and boasts Hadrian's Wall in the south, The Cheviot Hills in the North, and Kielder Forest Park. This also happens to be the least populated national park in England and Wales, with an estimated population of 2,000 people. There's no thrill quite like having rugged moorlands, sweeping valleys, ancient forests and pristine rivers to yourself, even in the height of summer.

One of the park's remarkable features is its designation as a Dark Sky Park, where stargazers can marvel at the night sky's brilliance free from light pollution. The park also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with ancient archaeological sites, medieval castles, and traditional villages, like Seahouses brimming with plenty of character. Look forward to an extensive collection of listed buildings, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation, Nature Reserves, and more. Hike along scenic trails like the famous Pennine Way, discover the mystical charms of Hadrian's Wall, or immerse yourself in the tranquillity of Kielder Water and Forest Park, the largest artificial lake in northern Europe.

How Big is Northumberland National Park?

Cheviot Hills. Kelvinfagan

With more than 405 square miles of scenery and big skies at your disposal, the Northumberland National Park is your landscape, with the freedom to spend as many days stuck within horizons of jaw-dropping landscapes, fascinating history and welcoming communities. The park holds 1,100 kilometres of walking, cycling and horse riding paths. There are 299 listed buildings, three National Nature Reserves, Two National Trails, and 31 Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Visitors have access to plenty of facilities like parking, visitor information, and picnic sites, plus hundreds of signs to ensure no visitors get lost. The park's vast size provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, wildlife watching, and exploration of rich historical heritage.

Campervan Road Trip Northumberland National Park

If you're planning a trip to Northumberland National Park, consider beginning your exploration with a campervan hire Northumberland. Enhance your holiday to the Northumberland National Park with our in-depth itinerary. We list the must-see attractions in Northumberland, places to rest your head during your trip, and the best campervan hire locations near each attraction. Our Northumberland road trip itinerary begins in the spectacular settings of the North Pennines, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, captivating visitors with beautiful scenery, rich cultural heritage,and big skies. What better way to start your holiday? Spend as many days as desired (or possible) wandering across expansive moorsland, past thundering waterfalls, and quaint settlements like Blanchland, which rests in a wooded valley and enchants with medieval architecture.

Stop number two, just 13 minutes away via the A686 and North Road, is a Northumberland big hitter - the beautiful Northumberland National Park. England’s northernmost national park is a sanctuary of untamed forests, vast moorland hills, and charming settlements like Rothbury and Bellingham. Our itinerary will help you efficiently manage time with more room to explore a destination beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

Campervan Hire Towns in Northumberland National Park

Kielder Forest - Forestry England

Northumberland National Park is easy to access from London, Edinburgh and Carlisle, and we’ve got heaps of campervan owners in a location close to you. Londoners are an easy six hour drive from the thrills of Northumberland National Park, making it a great spot for a weekend campervan escape. Carlisle, Edinburgh and Newcastle rest a maximum of an hour and a half from the national park. Explore Scotland's captivating capital using our convenient campervan hire Edinburgh Book a campervan in Acomb, or speak to private campervan owners in Prudhoe. Our campers in Otterburn are another handy option for exploring the national park.

Acomb, a small and picturesque village in York, is perfect for resting your head when driving from Leeds to the Northumberland National Park. Find campervans for hire in Acomb and set out on your Northumberland adventure in no time.

Prudhoe, in the south of Northumberland, is perfectly positioned for exploring the Northumberland National Park. Located south of the sparkling River Tyne, the campervans in Prudhoe are well-placed for exploring both the ocean and the lush landscapes of the North Pennines, Kielder Forest and Northumberland National Park. Visit local attractions like the Prudhoe Castle or sit back and enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings.

Picturesque, welcoming, and vibrant, Otterburn is a serene village in the Redesdale Valley. It is home to vast meadows with lush fauna, magical forests, and burbling streams. Hire a campervan in Otterburn, and you’ll be well-placed to explore the Northumberland National Park and the Redesdale Valley. Set on the banks of the River Rede, Otterburn is a beautiful location to begin a Northumberland road trip. It is also an excellent spot for refuelling or taking a break from driving with a delicious meal courtesy of a local pub.

Camping in and around Northumberland National Park

Sycamore Gap, Northumberland National Park. Jonny Gios

Northumberland is a beautiful location for camping, and there's no better way to explore the region's beauty than by camping amid nature. The county is one of the most scenic regions in England and brims with wonders waiting to be explored. Wild camping is the most unfiltered, authentic means to truly savour the local landscape; however, apart from Scotland, wild camping is not permitted in most of Northern Ireland, Wales and England. Most land is privately owned, and you risk being asked to move if you are spotted. Northumberland is vast and mostly empty, so there are plenty of places where you can pitch a tent or park your campervan without being noticed as long as you stay away from buildings and cultivated lands. Pitch late, leave early and leave no trace of your stay. Places like Harbottle, home to dark skies and some of the cleanest lakes, are fantastic spots for camping in Northumberland National Park. After taking in Northumberland's famous sights, you can retreat to peaceful campsites in Edinburgh.

If you'd prefer to set up camp at a designated spot with amenities like toilets and showers, we have a wealth of camping locations in and around the national park. Find campsites in Bavington in enticingly leafy locations, or check out our camping locations in Wark for peaceful sites tucked away in the open countryside. The parish of Tarset rests within the Northumberland International Dark Sky, and the campsite is perfect for stargazing. Read below why you should stay at one of the locations.

Bavington in Northumberland is a small yet scenic location perfect for camping, especially if you’re driving in from coastal towns like Whitley Bay or Newcastle Upon Tyne. Stay at a campsite in Bavington and drive over to the Northumberland National Park and the Kielder Forest with ease, spending your holiday wandering among the lush and leafy surroundings of the Northumberland.

Sycamore Gap, Northumberland National Park. Jonny Gios

Wark on Tyne, a small and welcoming village, is ideal for quiet camping escapes and rests a convenient 12 miles from Wrexham. Set on the west banks of the River Tyne, the attractive village is perfect for camping away from the bustle of the cities. Enjoy an attractive mix of Wark campsites with great food nearby and a friendly welcome from campsite owners and locals. Use the site as your base for exploring a large portion of western Northumberland and stroll around the village after a well-earned dinner courtesy of the local pub or restaurant.

Northumberland National Park is a spectacularly beautiful location for camping, and the parish of Tarset is perfect for resting your head for a night or more. Look forward to minimal light pollution, stunning night skies, and the thrills of the national park nearby. Find a campsite in Tarset and drive to and from Northumberland National Park in 20 minutes or less. Visit our main page or more campsites in the UK.

Campsites Near Northumberland National Park

As one of the least populated of Uk’s 15 National Parks, Northumberland National Park holds a wealth of wildlife and big skies, forming a border between England and Scotland. The wild and dramatic landscape is home to rich and varied flora, thriving fauna, with a remote and tranquil atmosphere ideal for camping. Elf Hill Farm is a peaceful and well-maintained site that takes you back in time, with a stunning location nestled amid historical properties. Bolbec Manor Camping And Caravan Site is conveniently positioned and the friendly owners are more than happy to show you around. High Hermitage Holiday Park blends the beauty of nature with classic camping activities like alfresco barbeques. Below we have mention our awesome Campsites Near Northumberland National Park for you to enjoy your trip

Elf Hills Farm Caravan Site in Cambo

Elf Hills Farm Caravan Site, Cambo

Elf Hills is a small, neat and friendly site for those who enjoy peaceful and straightforward camping in a tranquil rural location. A friendly warden will help you select a pitch upon arrival, and the relaxed atmosphere is perfect for escaping the complexities of the modern world. Explore the Northumberland countryside peppered with Roman Walls, crumbling castles, and historic estates. Campers are close to the village of Cambo, a fantastic spot for walking around both Kielder Water and the Northumberland National Park. National Trust properties, the famed Hardian’s Wall and Hexham Abbey, entice the history buffs. If you get a hankering for city lights, drive over to Newcastle upon Tyne, which is just 40 minutes away; pitches are spacious and share access to water, chemical disposal, and electric metres. The owners encourage barbeques and welcome canine companions.

The High Hermitage Caravan Park in Prudhoe

The High Hermitage Caravan Park, Prudhoe

Hop over to High Hermitage Holiday Park if you'd like to unwind in the countryside among ancient woodland with easy access to fishing nearby. Unwind in a quiet wooded setting near Prudhoe, with a beautiful wildlife haven a short walk away. Relax in the lush and quiet Northumberland countryside while listening to the campsite's burbling stream and birdsong. A pub nearby is perfect for those post-walk refreshments. Wander to Kitty's Burn for a delightful taste of local wildlife or explore the Northumberland coast, plus big hitters like Hadrian's Wall and Alnwick Castle. The campsite has a chemical disposal, a toilet block, a washing up area, a launderette, and car parking by each pitch. Campfires are encouraged, and dogs are welcome throughout the year.

Bolbec Manor Campsite, Shotley Bridge

Bolbec Manor Campsite, Shotley Bridge

Bolbec Manor Campsite enjoys a spectacular position in a designated Area of Outstanding Beauty and rests a five-minute drive from the Derwent Reservoir. Wake up to gorgeous views over the Muggleswick Moor and make the most of your location on the north-eastern edge of the North Pennines AONB. Guests can look forward to outdoor activities like moorland hikes and water-based adventures at the reservoir. Cycle along the lakeside, stock up the hamper and head out for a well-earned picnic. The owners welcome campers to sit around the campfire or sizzle locally sourced meats on the barbeque grill. The campsite has toilets, showers, a washing-up area, and chemical disposal. No loud music is permitted, and the resident hens will likely have a nose around the new campers.

Tent Camping at Northumberland National Park

Derwent Reservoir. Gpanchaud

If you prefer a more rustic approach to camping, go the traditional way with a tent camping escape. You may even have a few tents at the back of your touring vehicle and welcome the opportunity to air them out. We've got you covered! Head to our campsites on the Northumberland National Park page and click on the tent icon under the main title. The system will filter out campsites to include tent-friendly spots in and around the national park. A tent icon in the light blue tab on the left of the page also provides the same function Of the camping sites highlighted in our itinerary, Bolbec Manor Campsite and High Hermitage Holiday Park welcome both touring vehicles and tents. On Scotland's borders, Shepherd's Rest is another excellent tent camping site for anyone coming into Northumberland via Scotland. Jedburgh Camping and Caravanning site is another peaceful tent camping site located closer to Scottish Borders from Northumberland National Park. Boe Rigg is another picturesque tent supporting campsite located in Hexham market town in Northumberland. We also have another wonderful flat, sheltered campsite, tent supporting campsite call Demesne Farm campsite very close to well known Pennine Way. Find these campsites and more on our tent-only campsites on the Northumberland National Park page.

We recommend tent camping sites in Alwinton, a peaceful retreat amidst the rolling hills and ancient woodland. Tent-friendly campsites in Hexham are ideal for exploring historic sites, while Riding Mill’s tent camping locations are serene and scenic, offering effortless access to Hadrian’s Wall nearby.

Campsites at Northumberland National Park for Motorhomes

Pennine Way. Rebecca_Oatley

Whether you want to explore several locations without the hassle of unpacking and packing or enjoy having a designated shower, sleeping, and cooking area, Campsites at northumberland national park for motorhomes are a fantastic means to explore off-grid living with all the conveniences of home. As one of the least populated areas, Northumberland National Park holds a wealth of wildlife and vast open greenery. The wild, dramatic landscape is remote and tranquil, with campsites offering oodles of space and unrivalled peace. Elf Hill Farm is a peaceful and well-maintained site that takes you back in time, with a stunning location nestled amid historical properties. Bolbec Manor Camping And Caravan Site is conveniently positioned, and the friendly owners are happy to show you around. High Hermitage Holiday Park blends the beauty of nature with classic camping activities like alfresco barbeques.

If you’d like to consider more camping options, take a look at our motorhome-friendly campsites in Otterburn, or find campsites for motorhomes in Wooler, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Cheviots". campsites for motorhomes in Hexham provide travellers a nice and charming experience and much attachment to the nature. If someone wants to get the experience of sandy beaches then Campsites for motorhomes in Seahouses are the ideal.

Northumberland National Park Camping Cabins

Fancy a little luxury on your Northumberland National Park escape? There’s no better place to soak in the views, so why not snuggle up in a camping cabin this once? You’ll be warm, dry, enjoy more space for stretching out, and enjoy the conveniences of heating, electricity, and plenty of headroom in the camping cabin near Northumberland national park .Cabins by no means restrict your connection to the landscape, and some even offer the freedom to huddle around barbeques or soak in starry skies under a sheltered porch area.

Mason's Campsite

Click on the cabins icon on the campsites in Northumberland National Park, and our system will list all the locations with swish cabins and excellent amenities. Find camping cabins in Hexham, a historic market town, or browse our camping cabins in Alnwick, famed for a stunning castle. You can also find camping cabins rentals in Wooler, a popular base for exploring castles and historic sites.

The Best Campervan Itinerary for Northumberland National Park

So our campervan journey through Northumberland National Park draws to a close. From the ancient mysteries of Hadrian’s Wall to the rolling hills and snaking rivers that define its essence, the park offers an unforgettable road trip through history and time.

Whether you’re exploring quaint villages or embarking on scenic drives our An Itinerary for a Road Trip in Northumberland is perfect for road trip adventurers. We began our campervan journey in the North Pennines, renowned for their untamed beauty and vast expanse of wilderness. From there, we travelled on the B6295 and the A689 to reach the second leg of our road trip - the Northumberland National Park, home to scenic campsites, wild open landscapes and gorgeous vistas at every turn. Up next is the vibrant market town of Morpeth, home to a crumbling mediaeval castle, exceptional food, and more.