I debated whether it was worth doing a camping Newcastle upon Tyne blog post as well as a broader Camping North East post in my North East camping series – North East England isn’t that big right?! However, I think there is value in a post for those of you interested in camping in the wider Newcastle and Gateshead area of North East England specifically which is what this post is going to focus on. The campsites featured in this post are all within a 10 mile radius of Newcastle. If you are interested in camping further afield in the North East the see my camping in Durham, camping Northumberland coast or camping North East England posts.
Camping Newcastle upon Tyne
Orchard Stables, Cramlington,
Based in Northumberland but only 8 miles out of Newcastle, Orchard Stables is just off the A189, a few minutes from the A1 and A19 and a couple of minutes’ walk from local buses that’ll drop you off for various Geordie japes right in the centre of town. It has both grassy and hardstanding areas and is home to friendly horses that you can spot on site. Facilities include a standpipe and a washing-up area, plus handy amenities within five minutes’ walk including a fish and chip shop and takeaways. More extensive shopping can be done half a mile away in Cramlington.
Pitch on the Wall, Heddon on the Wall
Technically Northumberland but Pitch on the Wall is only 9 miles out of Newcastle. It’s a back to basics campsite is situated just off Hadrian’s wall, between Heddon on the Wall and Harlow Hill, making it the ideal overnight stay for dedicated walkers as well as a prime location for families looking to explore! Campfires and barbecues are allowed. There are historic pubs and an alpaca farm nearby. Important to note, there are no bins onsite: all rubbish will need to be taken home with you (I don’t know about you but we’d struggle to have the room to do this!).
High Hermitage Park, Prudhoe
Another Northumberland offering, just making it into this guide, 10 miles out of Newcastle is High Hermitage Park in Prudhoe who offer large, spacious pitches for motorhomes, static caravans and camping. BBQs are allowed and you can hire their bespoke fire pits. They even have a GIANT chessboard! High Hermitage Park offers a cosy outdoor seating area that can be used by campers which is situated alongside dishwashing facilities.
The campsite is situated some 15 minutes away from the beautiful White Swam pub and restaurant, or through the Picturesque Tyne Wood, you can walk for 45mins and find The Lion and Lamb in Horsley.
Nearly wild camping Newcastle
The Hidden Chestnut, Callerton
The Hidden Chestnut in Callerton, is a new small and cosy private woodland, available for weekend camping (Fridays – Mondays). Only basic services are available, W/C, Water and no electric hook up…
- Up to a 4 man tent £10 p/n
- Between a 4 and 6 man tent £14 p/n
- Dogs are an additional £2.50 p/n
- Device charging
available £3 per full charge - A pitch with a fire pit is an additional £5 p/n – feel free to bring your own wood or they can supply wood for £5 a wheel barrow load.
- Communal fire pit will be lit around 9pm until 11pm.
- To book message on their Facebook page, or call on 07584052513 or email Camping@TheHiddenChestnut.co.uk
Nearly wild camping Gateshead
Birkheads Wild, Gateshead
A 1.5-acre site in rural Gateshead. They only ever hire out the site to one group at a time so you’ll always have exclusive use of the space for groups of up to 25 people. They also hold a limited number of events across the year especially for families but you’ll have to keep an eye out as they book up fast apparently. Sam from North East Family Fun talks about their experience at Birkheads Wild here.
Blaydon Burn Farm, Gateshead
Blaydon Burn Farm at Brockwell Wood is only 7 miles away from Newcastle upon Tyne in 26 acres of ancient woodland, offering visitors a tranquil, yet accessible retreat from the hurly-burly of modern life. This campsite is for those who want a back to nature experience. There are no shops, toilets and showers at the site, but real back-to-basics camping. You get a map and spade to bury your human waste so it’s really back to basics! They also have great quality free-range grass-fed meat on site.
For more options for nearly wild camping in North East England then see my post wild camping North East England.
Caravanning Newcastle upon Tyne
Byreside Caravan Site, Hamsterley Colliery, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE17 7RT
Byreside Caravan Site is situated on a family run farm in the historic Derwent Valley. As the site is quiet and secluded wildlife abounds. Walkers and cyclists can step onto the Derwent Walk Country Park from the Caravan Site and link up to the Waskerley Way or Lanchester Valley Walk.
The caravan site is within easy reach of Ebchester and its Roman Museum. Close by is Derwentcote Blast Furnace, a relic from the Industrial Revolution. At Tanfield Railway steam locomotives are in operation on most summer weekends. Nearby is Causey Arch, reputed to be the world’s oldest railway bridge. Gibside Chapel, the mausoleum of the Bowes family, lies down the valley from Byreside.
Within 8 miles of Byreside lies Beamish Open Air Museum of international repute. This wonderful museum needs more than a single visit to be appreciated. A 15 minute drive along the A694 brings the visitor to the Gateshead Metro Centre, one of Europe’s biggest indoor shopping venues.
- 31 hard standing pitches
- Electric points on all pitches
- Heated shower/toilet block
- Water points and waste disposal facilities
- Icecreams for sale at Reception
- Adjacent to the Coast to Coast cycle track – ideal for walkers and cyclists!
Glamping Newcastle and Gateshead
Haag Hill Retreat, Winlaton Mill, Gateshead
The handcrafted shepherd’s hut at Hagg Hill Retreat enjoys a picturesque setting and sleeps a family of four, there is a double bed and two single bunks, which convert into a sofa. The log burning stove will keep you warm and cosy whatever the weather and there’s a single ring hob, as well as a barbecue and picnic table outside. The balcony is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or afternoon tea while relaxing to the natural sights and sounds of the surrounding countryside.
West Wood Yurts, Gibside, Burnopfield, Newcastle
West Wood is a privately owned business, situated within the grounds of National Trust Gibside. Guests are able to benefit from exclusive 24/7 access to the prestigious Gibside, with entry available even after the gates close to the public! (Gibside is a historic Georgian landscape offering woodlands, gardens, wildlife, buildings, play parks, low ropes, gorgeous views, marketplace, café & shop. Your admission is included in their booking prices.)
West Wood has 2 accommodation types on offer; visit the Woodland Glade page for info on their 6 Yurts and the Valley Views page for info on the Shepherd’s Hut. Both areas offer something very different.
There we go, I hope you like my suggestions for Camping Newcastle upon Tyne. If you have a favourite campsite I’ve missed then let me know in the comments and if you stay at any following this post do leave a comment to let me know your thoughts!
Here’s some of my other camping posts you might like:
You can read our review of our OLPRO tent that we love and you can buy the OLPRO Home tent here (ad/affiliate link) with 10% off with the code NYOMI10.
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Hi Nyomi,
Stumbled across your blog when looking for somewhere local(ish) to take my daughter camping.
We’re looking for a nice place to pitch a tent for a night or two, somewhere we can go exploring through the day and be safe on a night.
I see you have plenty places to choose from in your blog, just wondering if you have a particular place in mind for beginners like myself and my 9 year old daughter, somewhere that would fit into what we are after?
Thanks.
Hi Mark, I would suggest Beadnell Bay Campsite in Northumberland if you can travel that far. It’s a camping and caravanning club site that is well maintained and is right on the beach. It’s a short walking distance from a number of nice pubs and restaurants so you could pop there on an evening and walk back to your tent. As it’s next to the beach it can get chilly so we try book here when the weather is set to be hot. Bet it would be incredible in this heatwave! Happy camping!