THE North East has a lot to offer when it comes to the countryside, and what better way to enjoy it than camping – but which campsites and glamping sites are the best in the region?
If you’re looking for a basic campsite with just the necessary amenities, or if you’re looking for a "glampsite" with luxurious soft beds and warm interiors, this list should have you covered.
As the summer weather starts to edge its way into view, there’s no better time than to pack up the essentials and be one with nature.
Each campsite listed offers something different, from a pet-friendly caravan park to the more family-friendly holiday parks.
But they all share one thing in common – they’ve all received rave reviews across the board.
Here’s a list of the top 9 campsites and glamping sites in the North East according to TripAdvisor:
1. Leekworth Caravan Park, Leekworth Lane, Middleton in Teesdale
This dog-friendly caravan park has scored itself a TripAdvisor 2021 Travellers’ Choice Award and has been praised as a “little bit of heaven in County Durham.”
The site offers free parking, internet and is pet friendly as well and can be found close to the North Pennines and Middleton-in-Teesdale which offers a range of restaurants to eat at.
The site has received 139 “excellent” five-star reviews and 17 four-star reviews out of 182 reviews altogether.
It’s also received five-stars for location, four-and-a-half stars for cleanliness, four-and-a-half stars for service and five-stars for value.
One person said: “So we made a decision to stay in the UK this year and look for a seasonal pitch.
“Contacted this site and couldn’t have asked for more. Exceeded our expectations completely!
“Robin invited us down to look around to see if it was suitable for us. He gave us honest advice and we knew immediately that this was our place to be.
“Lovely place, adult only area, fantastic dog walking facilities and amazing views!”
2. Derwent View Glamping, Pow Hill, Edmundbyers, Consett
Coming in second is Derwent View Glamping which, according to TripAdvisor, is a family run business situated on the South Shore of the Derwent Reservoir.
The “glamping pods” on the site have been built to a very high standard, according to the description on TripAdvisor.
Up to 4 to 5 people can sleep in a pod and they come with a fridge, toaster, kettle, wood flooring, eating area, heaters, private decked area, and their own unique views overlooking the reservoir.
The site has received 97 “excellent” five-star reviews and four “very good” four-star reviews out of a total of 106 altogether.
It has also earned itself five-stars for location, five-stars for cleanliness, five-stars for service, and four-and-a-half-stars for value.
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One person said: “We had a lovely weekend with family some in the caravan park and myself and three daughters in the glamping pods.
“The area the pods are in is secluded and very well maintained. The staff were friendly and very helpful.
“There is a lovely little cafe 'the boat shack' which served delicious food and amazing milk shakes.
“The views of Derwent reservoir are just amazing we were very lucky with the weather which added to a very relaxing weekend thank you Derwent view we will hopefully be back!”
3. Crimdon Dene Holiday Park, Cleveland, Durham, Hartlepool
This is site offers customers a wide range of amenities from free parking, a pool, a bar and lounge, entertainment staff and Wi-Fi.
Describing itself as “the ideal sport for a sensational seaside break,” the area is filled with natural beauty and entertaining attractions, according to the description on TripAdvisor.
The description continues: “Kids can enjoy splashing around in the indoor fun pool, whilst you can sit back and relax in the spa pool.”
The place has received four-stars on location, three-and-a-half stars on cleanliness, four-stars on service and four-and-a-half stars on value.
It has received 753 five-stars out of 1,697 reviews altogether, and although reviews are more mixed it has received more reviews than any other site on this list.
One person said: “Caravan spotless and well equipped for a comfortable stay. Used the restaurant.
“Staff very welcoming and keep the area very clean. Bar, entertainment and security staff very friendly.
"Chris in the swimming pool area went above and beyond to ensure the children enjoyed all the water activities safely. Grandkids had a fantastic time. Thank you.”
4. Strawberry Hill Farm Camping and Caravan Park and Tea Room, Old Cassop, Durham
Scoring itself a TripAdvisor 2021 Travellers’ Choice Award, this site is a family-run camping and caravan park in the “beautiful countryside of County Durham.”
According to the TripAdvisor description, it welcomes “touring caravans, motorhomes and tents, and also have holiday homes available for hire.”
The site welcomes both guests and the public to their on-site Tea Room which serves teas coffee, homemade cakes and sweet treats, breakfast, and the popular Afternoon Tea.
The site offers a wide range of amenities from a washing machine, free parking, breakfast and welcomes pets.
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The location has received 78 “excellent” five-star reviews out of a total of 109 reviews altogether.
One person said: “After booking a park close by we decided we would make a weekend of our trip and stay at the strawberry hill! Perfect, beautiful and well kept little site, my children loved it here, cafe was beautiful with the most amazing cakes! My son Henry cannot wait to come back! Thanks for a lovely stay.”
5. Durham Grange Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, Meadow Lane, Durham
Although this site hasn’t scored itself many reviews with just 11 reviews on TripAdvisor most of them are “excellent” or “very good” ratings.
The site has scored itself five stars in location, cleanliness and service and reviews have praised it for being “well kept” and having “friendly staff.”
Durham Grange Caravan and Motorhome Club Site has received six “excellent” five-star reviews, four “very good” four-star reviews and one “average” three-star reviews.
One person said: “Lovely little camp site with well kept surroundings. First time visiting and would definitely return.
“The staff are amazing, friendly and very welcoming people. Would recommend this for a family camping trip!”
6. Heather View Leisure Park , Stanhope, Bishop Auckland
Described as a “rural retreat” on its TripAdvisor description, this site is just a few miles from Stanhope village.
The leisure park offers self-catering accommodation and a range of holiday homes for sale as well.
According to TripAdvisor, the site also features the Riverview bar and restaurant as well as a range of amenities such as a shop, children’s play area and woodland walks.
The site has picked up a TripAdvisor 2021 Travellers’ Choice Award and has received 30 “excellent” five-star reviews out of a total of 49 reviews all together.
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One person said: “Just returned from a weekend at Heather View. It was fantastic! Caravan was spacious and exceptionally clean. The staff and manager in the clubhouse were super friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, thank you!”
7. Finchale Abbey Park, Durham
This site has been praised by reviewers for its beauty and being “well cared for and very clean.”
Finchale Abbey Park has received five-stars in location, five-stars in cleanliness, four-and-a-half-stars for service but only three stars for value.
The location has scored itself 21 “excellent” five star reviews out of a total of 31 reviews all together.
One person said: “Finchale abby caravan Park is beautiful. It is well cared for and very clean. The walks and bike tracks have a great back drop through woodland and the is also a river.
“The toilet block is very clean and showers are hot. The people in the shop are very friendly also.
“It is a great location to use as your base while visiting adventure Valley, Beamish, Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle well basically anywhere in the North East of England there's some terrific beaches on the east coast you can visit.
8. Highside Farm, Middleton in Teesdale
This “luxury glamping and carvan site” welcomes tents, caravans and campervans on the site which, according to the TripAdvisor description, has “glorious views.”
The description continues to stress that people who stay there “will be on the intimate, quiet, dark sky site of Teesdale.
Highside Farm has scored itself five-stars in both cleanliness and value.
All reviews on the site are five-stars, however, there are only three reviews for the site so far, making it one of the least reviewed sites on this list.
One person said: “A small site but perfectly formed, excellent facilities, clean and tidy. Helen and Mark are great hosts who made us feel very welcome - we will be back! So much to do in the local area and very much worth a visit.
9. Manor Park Caravan Park, Lanchester, Consett
Last on our list is Manor Park Caravan Park, this site has also scored itself five stars in service and value.
However, this is also one of the least reviewed sites on this list with just three reviews – all of them are five-stars.
One person said: “My family were greeted upon arrival by Colin, who genuinely made you feel so welcome and couldn’t do enough for you.
“The dedication he has for his site is visible; clean, well kept facilities with optional electric pitches. Manor Park holds so much character with different sections of open campsite, it’s picturesque views in all directions.
“I’m so made up to have discovered Manor Park, We highly recommend to all!”
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