Camping at Haltwhistle, Northumberland

We decided to head up to Northumberland for the first May bank holiday. Having not ventured up this way for many years we thought it would be good to go and see Hadrian's Wall. Having joined the Camping and Caravaning Club we decided on Haltwhistle which still amazingly had a room left for a tent. The online booking system the Camping and Caravaning Club operate is brilliant. No more phoning or emailing campsites to find out if they have room and what there pricing structure is. Simply pick your site and dates, and you are told given availability and the price you pay.

Packed the car up on Saturday morning and headed up the A1 to Northumberland. We decided to take the more scenic route across the A68 (near Darlington) instead of going all the way up to Newcastle then across the A69.

Arrived at Haltwhistle campsite at about 14:00 and were greeted by a very helpfull site wardens who gave us a choice of a few pitches. Chose a pitch and just about managed to get the tent up in the very heavy wind. Luckily the guy in the caravan next to us lent a hand.

The site was idyllic with plenty of space for the kids to play. The forest setting provided plenty of amusement for the kids. The dog loved walk along the river through the forest. The weather was a little wet. Had a walk along Hadrian's wall near Walltown. Only had to pay a couple of quid for parking which was ok. We did not bother with the other attractions like forts and museums as they were quite expensive to get into when all you are doing is chasing your children around.

Having spent a couple of nights in Haltwhislte is was time to head home. Got soaked packing the tent away. This just adds to the fun. Tried to start the car; nothing. The battery was dead. Luckily a very nice man in a caravan drove his car over and gave us a jump start.

Overall a lovely quite campsite in beautifully surroundings. All the people we met were very friendly and helpful. The dog was also very welcome. A lot of other people had their dogs with them as well.