Experience the North Pennines by Campervan
Read Time: About 13 minutes
North Pennines AONB . Josh Kirk
The North Pennines is as an excellent destination for road trips. This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) enthrals visitors with unmatched diversity. Wander from sweeping moorlands to cascading waterfalls. Verdant valleys plus famed walking and cycling routes like the Pennine Way and the C2C Cycle Route are excellent for all ages to experience the great outdoors.
Pennine Way. Meganjoybarclay
The North Pennines mountain range is one of the best drives in England and an absolute delight for campervan adventures. The views transport visitors back in time with an intimate look at the unspoilt countryside, and the area is considered one of the most scenic locations in England, rightfully designated an AONB.
The friendly Atkinson family resided and cultivated the land around the Mill for over 200-years, before opening a small campsite in 1963. Today the site has grown to include both touring plots and static holiday homes.
Rumble along quiet country roads through open rural landscapes, populated with flocks of free-range sheep, who often like to cross narrow streets in front of passing vehicles. The ownership of sheep is determined by their birth field which they return to, for lambing season. This is one of many ancient traditions maintained by the farming communities of the North Pennines. Crumbling stone walls bisect the countryside and offer a delightful slice of pastoral English scenery.
- North Pennines Campervan Road Trip Itinerary
- Is the North Pennines Worth Visiting?
- North Pennines Campervan Prices
- North Pennines Campervan Map
- North Pennines AONB
- Campervan Hire in North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- North Pennines Camping
- Campsites Near North Pennines Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- North Pennines Campervan Road Trip Map
North Pennines Campervan Road Trip Itinerary
Taking into account the days you will spend in the North Pennines, use our travel itinerary to guide you through this spectacular AONB. We'll help you explore an enchanting landscape's varied and beautiful destinations, making planning a holiday according to your interests as easy as pie. Our Northumberland road trip itinerary takes us from countryside to coast, meandering through bustling towns like Morpeth, with must-see attractions included.
Age: 25-70
Travel: Uk and Europe
Gearbox: Manual
Lola is a real gem to drive, providing all the services required to keep Lola feeling fresh. She has full digital radio, CD and Aux connections ensuring that your onboard entertainment is always as you want it. Lola has some great features and she feels really posh inside with stunning lights a cosy kitchen and a double bed up in the roof.
Drive from the Pennines to the Northumberland Coast AONB, or find a campsite near Bamburgh and spend sunny afternoons lounging on a golden sand beach. With everyday life's stress, travel is a fantastic way to reset and rejuvenate the mind and body, and our itinerary will help you make the most of your time.
Is the North Pennines Worth Visiting?
Whin Sill. Chrisjb1907
The stunning uplands of the North Pennines comprise untamed moors, isolated fells, lush dales and scattered settlements and cosy pubs. The Pennines extend across Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland and some 2,000 kilometres are designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Much of the landscape contains fossil-rich limestone, likely formed 350 million years ago when the region was under the equator. Once underground molten rocks, called Whin Sill, now loom over the landscape as cliffs and waterfalls. The western corner of the AONB is vastly different, and the terrain is made of hills called ‘pikes’, volcanic rock, and slates dating back 480 million years ago. Reconnect with nature as you follow good walking tracks, potter around interesting villages, and enjoy many open-air adventures. You can look through our campsite list, which has gorgeous spaces like Wellhouse Farm, and find campervans for hire in and around the North Pennines.
North Pennines Campervan Prices
Hiring a campervan in the North Pennines is the best way to get acquainted with the stunning scenery whilst enjoying the freedom to pack up or rest for the day. Unlike hotel rooms with rigid timetables and uninspiring views, a campervan provides the flexibility to park in the heart of wild terrains, with panoramic, jaw-dropping views. Wake up at your pace, wander as much as your heart desires, and make friends with like-minded travellers who are more than happy to share their knowledge of the local area. We have campervans for rent in the prominent towns and the smaller settlements. For anyone exploring the North Pennines, campervan hire Northumberland is genuinely one of the most rewarding ways to experience the area.
Age: 25-79
Travel: Uk and Europe
Gearbox: Automatic
Meet our fully-equipped, luxury 4 berth Rollerteam Toleno R Campervan with an automatic gearbox. It provides the perfect home away from home for wherever you want to be in Europe or the UK.
HBook a campervan in Blyth for £65 a night, or find vehicles with pop-top roofs and added space in campervan hire Cramlington. Additionally, we’ve recommended campervan owners close to the North Pennines, like the East Wallhouses and will dive into these locations as we progress.
North Pennines Campervan Map
Using our map below, you can find campervans in all locations within the North Pennines. Speak with private owners in Haydon Bridge, Newbrough, and more.
North Pennines AONB
The most enticing North in Northumberland is the North Pennines, a special place in England in the middle of the country. An enticingly vast and near-empty landscape remains edged by the A69 and the A66 in the north and south, respectively. Neighboured by the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, this pristine part of England is often overlooked yet holds an enticing blend of peatlands, heather moors, dales, upland rivers and beautiful woodlands. Expect a warm welcome from friendly communities and the chance to observe distinctive animals, birds and plants.
Howgill Lodge Caravan Camping Park is a stunning terraced campsite offering campers the delights of perfectly flat pitches with splendid mountain views and none of the hassle that comes with pitching or parking up on a slope.
Explore a tranquil landscape brimming with unspoilt beauty, in an area with a UNESCO Global Geopark destination, and uncover arguably one of the best driving roads in England. The quiet routes are incredibly serene and isolated, creating the perfect atmosphere for being one with nature. You’ll pass hardy farmers rumbling past in trucks, ambling day trippers, the occasional biker on long stretches of tarmac, and the undulating hills hide the deceptive vastness of the North Pennines. Take a break along your rambles to sit down for a picnic, or find a fab fishing spot to cast your line. Adventure on foot along the Pennine Way, winding from the North Pennines along Hadrian’s Wall to the village of Bellingham.
Stop at stunning stone-built villages like Allendale and Blanchland, where you can sit down for a frothy pint at a local pub. Head back to your campsite at dusk, and enjoy the warmth of a campfire with some of the darkest skies in England providing a dazzling display of stars.
Cheery Paul, his friendly family and hospitable staff extend a warm welcome to adventuring sorts from all walks of life who want nothing more than to sit back on the shores of the Derwent Reservoir and soak in spectacular views from each pitch.
Campervan Hire in North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Hadrian's Wall. Hayleyonherway
The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a stunning destination with a delightful and unique landscape crisscrossed by scenic walking and cycling routes. The Pennines would be an ideal destination to explore with your campervan hire from Camperbug, and we’d love to recommend some places to park your vehicle and explore on foot or by bike. We recommend renting a campervan in Henshaw, a short drive from the Pennines. For a convenient start to your trip, you can also book a campervan in Haydon Bridge or find campervans in Newbrough. Read on for the attractions nearby from our selected campervan hire locations.
Tucked between the North Pennines and Lake District, Haydon Bridge rests amid some of the most spectacular landscapes in Northumberland. The village's natural beauty has drawn in famous faces like artist John Martin and novelist Philip Larkin. It is perfect for exploring Harian's Wall, temples and beautiful bathhouses. When you hire a hire a campervan in Haydon Bridge, you're a short drive from Waskerley Way, a traffic-free, former railway line ideal for pedalling through fertile wooded valleys, sprawling moorland, and magnificent viaducts. Take your campervan for a spin around the Derwent Valley or wander through the natural beauty of the Pennines.
Waskerley Way. Sarahlouisen
The village of Newbrough, perfectly positioned between the Kielder Forest and the Pennines, is ideal for escaping amid the greenery and big skies. When you hire a campervan in Newbrough, you’re close to the beautiful Weardale Valley, a lovely dale ideal for scenic drives, twisting past towns like Stanhope. Find campervans for all tastes, be it spacious vans with pop-top roofs or cosy vehicles perfect for twosomes, and enjoy the delights of adventuring as far as you please.
Age: 21-75
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Manual
Are you dreaming of a life in the slow lane? Well, there is no better place to start than here. Olive is a gorgeous, vintage 1979 Volkswagen Westfalia Berlin Camper. She has been lovingly restored and made even more beautiful.
Henshaw is peaceful, quiet and well-located for anyone keen to uncover the delights of the North Pennines. Rent a campervan in Henshaw, and you’ll be close to Hartside Pass, a lovely road with captivating countryside views and sweeping vistas across the Pennines from Hartside Summit. The Solway nearby is perfect for day trips as well.Explore the stunning Northumberland with our convenient campervan hire Keswick services.
North Pennines Camping
North Pennines. Cumbria. Gwen Backhouse
Why camp in the North Pennines? There are heaps of reasons to pitch a tent or park a campervan in this captivating and expansive Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Over a million years of change has created a delightful, diverse landscape brimming with thundering waterfalls, epic moors, rolling dales, and charming grey stone villages. A decline in the lead mining industry has seen a rapid population reduction, which only ensures more open people-free space for adventuring or relaxing and ample room for wildlife. The North Pennines is also home to 40 per cent of the UK’s upland hay meadows and 27 per cent of its blanket bogs hidden away on nearly 2,000 square kilometres, making it the second largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. campsites in Allendale are picturesque and peaceful, nestled amid sparkling lakes and moorland. If you’re driving in from Hexham, our campsites in Humshaugh are close to the North Pennines and the Chesters Roman Fort and Museum. You can also stay at a campsite in East Wallhouses if you want to park near the North Pennines. After a day of walking and sightseeing, you can spend the night at welcoming campsites in Keswick to experience the untamed beauty of England's most gorgeous countryside.
Chesters Roman Fort. Jamesmccune
The stunning landscape of the North Pennines contains wild moors, hay meadows, pitch-black night skies and cascading waterfalls - all enticing ingredients creating the perfect atmosphere for camping. Escape the stress of modern life and get active as you explore the rugged beauty of the Pennines. Unplug and sleep under the stars, waking up to the thrills of an outdoor meal courtesy of the barbeque grill. Camping can help the whole family develop new skills, and there are plenty of educational opportunities for the young. Our campsites in Northumberland are perfect for all tastes and range from countryside campervan pitches to pods with panoramic views.
Barrasford Park Caravan Site is a long-established, family-run caravan park in 60 acres of untamed, private woodland. The site blends tranquil settings and an ‘away from it all’ atmosphere.
Allendale, also known as the ‘valley of the shining water’, is a hidden village in the spectacular Allen Valleys. The site’s location in the North Pennines speaks volumes for the stunning natural beauty, with plenty of gorgeous places to sit back and admire the mostly untamed landscape. Our campsites in Allendale lie alongside its rivers, near waterfalls and within heather-clad moorlands, with abundant wildlife at every corner. The village also hosts the Tar Bar’l festival, celebrated since 1858 and is a great spot for camping if you want to walk part of Iconic Hadrian’s Wall.
Fallowfield Dene Caravan and Camping Park rest in a lovely woodland area near the bustling town of Hexham, providing campers with a glorious blend of nature and urban adventures.
Humshaugh is a small, friendly parish on the banks of the River North Tyne, just five miles from the bustling town of Hexham. The village is perfect for exploring Hadrian’s Wall and is ideal for campers coming in from Carlisle, Newcastle upon Tyne, and Warwick. Find a campsite in Humshaugh and spend your holiday exploring the wealth of attractions, including the Chesters Roman Fort, the most complete Roman cavalry fort in the UK.
River Tyne. Nland250
Our campsites in campsites in East Wallhouses are great if you plan to drive in from the coast or Newcastle upon Tyne. Use our campsites to uncover the famed beauty of the North Pennies, and feel free to drive over to the lush beauty of the Kielder Water and Forest Park.
Campsites Near North Pennines Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The North Pennines is a wild, rugged, empty area, creating a delightful playground for wildlife enthusiasts and holidaymakers. Diverse landscapes cater to varied camping requirements, whether backpackers, young families, or groups of young people searching for freedom and space. A low number of holidaymakers ensures plenty of space to stretch out and undisturbed wildlife.
Kielder Water & Forest Park. Rachepie
The five-star award Herding Hill Farm Caravan And Camping Site combines camping, glamping and touring with an exceptional location near Hadrian’s Wall and effortless access to the North Pennines. Wellhouse Farm is the perfect spot for angling enthusiasts and walkers, while the Bellingham Camping And Caravanning Club Site enjoys a lush location within the Northumberland National Park.
Herding Hill Farm Caravan And Camping Site in Haltwhistle
Herding Hill Farm Caravan And Camping Site, Haltwhistle
Shaded by the shadows of Hadrian’s Wall, Herding Hill Farm Caravan And Camping Site sits amid the rolling greenery of Northumberland’s rural landscape. With beautiful heritage walks and rich Roman Heritage at your doorstep, there’s plenty to keep you occupied and an abundance of room for basking in the sun on those lazy days. Stroll over to the pub, a half mile away, and purchase nibbles to savour under the Dark Skies, or bring out the home-reared and locally sourced meats to sizzle on the grill. The owners also encourage campfires and welcome two well-behaved dogs on each pitch at no charge. Pitches range in size from 9m x 9m on hardstanding with 16 amp electric connections to medium-sized grass plots measuring 8m x 6m with 10 amp electric metres. Grass pitches are only available during Easter and October.
Hareshaw Linn Waterfall. Pinkblancmange
Hedging between the pitches provides the privacy needed to unwind in peace, and the site has a range of excellent facilities, including free hot water, piping hot pizza served on Friday and underfloor heating for the amenities block.
Wellhouse Farm in Corbridge
Wellhouse Farm, Corbridge
Wellhouse Farm is a crackling little campsite that’s easy to find, incredibly tranquil and well off the beaten track. It welcomes campervans and motorhomes on grass and hardstanding pitches with electric meters. The campsite is perfectly positioned for exploring Northumberland’s parks. Wander scenic walking routes and explore market towns like Hexham, an easy ten-minute drive away.
Bellingham Camping And Caravanning Club Site in Bellingham
Bellingham Camping And Caravanning Club Site, Bellingham
If outdoor adventures are the order of the day, rumble on to Bellingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site, tucked away amid the lush settings of the Northumberland National Park. The campsite has grass and hardstanding pitches and enjoys an AA Gold Pennants 5-star rating. The campsite is perfect for all open-air adventures, and the site rests within the Northumberland Dark Sky Park, famed for spectacularly starry night skies. Kick off your exploring with a stroll to the bustling village of Bellingham, only 20 minutes away, or swap the crowds for the serenity of a woodland walk leading to the beautiful Hareshaw Linn waterfall. Wander alongside the banks of the shimmering River North Tyne, take the kids out for water-based activities at Kielder Water and Forest Park, or pedal along the winding lanes cut through hay meadows to Greenhaugh.
North Pennines Campervan Road Trip Map
Please look at our map below, which takes 2 hours and 16 minutes to complete while avoiding major roads and highways. Our Northumberland itinerary provides flexibility to adjust to unexpected weather changes or unforeseen plans, so go ahead and discover 79 spectacular miles of Northumberland.
Feel free to mix around the locations based on your available time frame and interests. You can also find campervan rentals along the way, with stops at Northumberland’s finest attractions. We’ll work our way past Northumberland National Park, the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and lively settlements like the quaint town of Morpeth Join us as we adventure through the county.
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