A new and affordable way to explore one of the Northumberland Coast's best-loved beauty spots has emerged, with the opening of a caravan and camping site.
One of the first beaches you'll get to if you start at the southern end of the Northumberland Coastal Route, the windswept sands of Druridge Bay are some of the wildest in the county. Even in the summer, you can have huge swathes of the shore to yourself, probably why it's such a popular spot among dog walkers and horse riders - and no wonder it was named one of the best beaches near Newcastle by Condé Nast Traveller.
And now, visitors wanting to experience this magnificent beach will be able to stay in the surrounding country park overnight for the first time thanks to the opening of a new caravan and campsite. The family campsite, run by Northumberland County Council will have 20 touring caravan or campervan pitches once fully complete, each available with electric and water as well as eight tent pitches, all available with electric.
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However, while it first opens, it is operating at a limited capacity with 12 campervan and caravan pitches and seven tent pitches available. Toilets and showers are in the visitor centre and café building, which opened for indoor dining for the first time in more than two years last weekend..
Ultimately, facilities will include a shower, toilet and washrooms and a kitchen area for washing dishes and a waste-water disposal point. In terms of things to do, there are miles of countryside walks and trails within the park, and with the purchase of a permit, an opportunity for water sports on the lake.
Where's your favourite place to go camping in Northumberland? Let us know in the comments below!
Campervan users in Northumberland now have more options than they would have done last year, with a year-long trial to allow motorhomes to park at popular coastal destinations going live earlier this month. Beadnell's Benthall Car Park, Amble Braid Car Park, and the car park opposite Bamburgh Castle are all involved in the trial, which has a cost of £12 for overnight motorhome stays.
Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Local Services, said: "It’s been a long-held ambition to allow a limited amount of overnight camping at this country park and it’s a spectacular location to stay. It’s all part of our major investment and improvement programme in our Country Parks and we were keen to get the first plots open for business as soon as possible."
Scott Dickinson, Druridge Bay Ward Councillor added: "I welcome any investment into our area which gives the opportunity for people to come and explore in a managed way without taking away its natural beauty for local people. I’m sure the site will be tightly managed so both locals and visitors can enjoy the area together."
Prices start at £30 per night for campervans and caravans and £15 per tent. For more information or to book a pitch at the new Druridge Bay campsite, click here.
