Camping in Farne Islands National Nature Reserve

A cluster of rocky isles marooned off the coast of Northumberland; the Farne Islands National Nature Reserve is one of the UK’s most important seabird sanctuaries. Cruise out to the islands, head ashore to admire the views around Staple Island, or visit the medieval chapel and Victorian lighthouse on Inner Farne Island. Wildlife-watching opportunities are spectacular on the islands—there are more than 100,000 seabirds, including puffins, arctic terns, guillemots, and razorbills, as well as grey seals and Eider ducks. Campers will have to stay on the mainland, but there’s plenty of choice in the coastal AONB.

100% (177)

Top-rated campgrounds

A cluster of rocky isles marooned off the coast of Northumberland; the Farne Islands National Nature Reserve is one of the UK’s most important seabird sanctuaries. Cruise out to the islands, head ashore to admire the views around Staple Island, or visit the medieval chapel and Victorian lighthouse on Inner Farne Island. Wildlife-watching opportunities are spectacular on the islands—there are more than 100,000 seabirds, including puffins, arctic terns, guillemots, and razorbills, as well as grey seals and Eider ducks. Campers will have to stay on the mainland, but there’s plenty of choice in the coastal AONB.

100% (177)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Walkmill Campsite

98%

(122)

10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Northumberland, North East England

Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside

2. Beirhope Alpacas

98%

(137)

11 units · Tents · Kelso, Scotland

A small, off-grid campsite with alpacas in the historically rich southern Scottish borders

3. Tyne View Camping

100%

(17)

15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Chopwell, England

Tyne View Camping is a peaceful spot in Tyne and Wear, not far from Hedley on the Hill village. It's on a farm run by David and his family, who welcome guests to enjoy the beautiful countryside views. You can see the Tyne Valley from the camping pitches, which is great for stargazing at night. The site is basic with just water taps and toilets, no showers, but there's lots of space for kids and dogs to play. You're allowed to bring a barbecue or firepit for cooking, and you can buy supplies in Prudhoe nearby. Or, you can walk to Hedley on the Hill for a meal at a top-notch pub. There are plenty of things to do nearby, like walking in the woods, playing golf, or trying gliding. You can also visit Hadrian’s Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne, or explore the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a varied and enjoyable break.Also this June we will be open for the Sam Fender weekend ie June 12 til the 16th if anyone wants to camp £20 a night plus a taxi for £20

4. Old Rectory Howick

2 units · Glamping · Alnwick, England

The Old Rectory is surrounded by farmland near to Howick Village. Close to the Northumberland Coast we are within walking distance of the Howick Hall Gardens and the seaside Village of Craster. Our Bell Tent and Shepherd's Hut allow you to get close to local wildlife including Hares and Rabbits. Roe deer, hedgehogs, pheasants and songbirds.

5. Bamburgh Under Canvas

90%

(5)

5 units · Glamping · Northumberland, North East England

Luxury Lotus Belle tent glamping with sweeping views, within walking distance of Bamburgh town and castle (and beach)

6. Doxford Farm Camping

100%

(4)

7 units · Glamping · Northumberland, England

Rustic-chic glamping pods near the sandy beaches of the Northumberland Coast

7. Bankfoot Camping

100%

(4)

21 units · Tents · Stocksfield , England

Set in the beautiful Northumberland country side. Bankfoot camping is on a working farm in a quiet field with views down the Tyne Valley. Only 20 miles from Newcastle, 8 miles from Hexham, and 5 miles to the nearest roman site at Corbridge, Our camping field has one of the old roman roads running through it. Toilet and; shower facilities on site. All are welcome as we try our first year as a pop up site.

8. Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

100%

(1)

1 unit · Glamping · Bamburgh, Northumberland, North East England

We are perfectly situated to explore both the Northumbrian Coastal area, including Holy Island , Bamburgh etc but also great for those who wish to discover the amazing Cheviot hills. Our site is managed organically and has won awards for sustainable tourism, itself a true escape and nature paradise.

9. Dod Mill Fishing Hut

1 unit · Glamping · Lauder, Scotland

Artistic riverside cabins in the grounds of a 17th-century watermill

10. Woodland Chase Glamping

100%

(1)

2 units · Glamping · Felton, England

Romantic, two-person cabins with hot tubs in Northumberland

11. Middlemoor Farm Holidays

100%

(1)

2 units · Glamping · Alnwick, England

Bracken, one of our two dog friendly pods, kingsize bed, toilet and shower, hob, microwave, fridge, toaster, kettle. Enclosed outdoor space with fire pit, bbq and Log fired hottub to relax in and enjoy the views down to the coast. A ten minute drive to the fabulous Northumberland coastline and pretty villages and Castles, ten minute drive also to Alnwick Gardens and Lilidorei.

12. Hedgehope Retreat | Sleeps 6

1 unit · Glamping · Swarland, England

Hedgehope gains its namesake from one of the beautiful mountains within the cheviots, just a short journey away from where this luxury caravan is situated. Nestled within woodland that has stood for hundreds of years, this beautiful caravan offers the chance for a Northumbrian escape. We also pride ourselves in being as environmentally-friendly as possible so offset our carbon as a business! Hedgehope is encapsulated by a small area of woodland, allowing for beautiful scenery to be seen through the patio doors to the front of the caravan and running alongside also. Through the trees to the front of the retreat, views of the Cheviots can be seen, alongside the private golf course which can be used at your leisure throughout your stay at no extra cost, the course is 18 hole, par 72 and can be booked through the park reception. Also included within your stay is free access to the sports court, which can be used for tennis, 5-a-side or any other sports you can think of, a fantastic children’s adventure playground, situated next to the park’s reception and picnic tables, and of course the beautiful woods that surrounds Percy Wood holiday park. There is also a launderette on site, allowing for washing to be done easily one your longer stays. This retreat is situated on the edge of the idyllic village of Swarland, which boasts a well-kept sports centre with multiple facilities, a large children’s playground and many walks to chose from, as well as being in an excellent location with the A1 being only a 5-minute drive away, providing easy access to other parts of Northumberland. Within your stay, we will provide advice and guidance for the best places to visit whilst in this stunning part of the UK, but if you’re wondering what there is to do in Northumberland whilst booking your stay, let us boast about our amazing county. Alnwick is a 15-minute journey up the A1 from your stay, which is the traditional county town of Northumberland, it includes the incredible Alnwick castle and gardens; which you may recognise from movies such as Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, one of Europe’s largest second-hand book stores set in a Victorian train station and Alnwick playhouse; an arts centre, theatre and cinema. If you prefer the beach to towns, Northumberland is host to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, from Alnmouth to Amble, there is a variety of beaches to chose from that you can spend all day at. For more inland activities, you have the entirety of the county to chose from for countryside activities. The observatory in our national park, Cragside in Rothbury; which hosts some of the first ever hydraulic powered machinery, Ingram valley; for picnics in the south cheviots, you will never be bored on your trip to Northumberland.

Camper favorites in and near Farne Islands National Nature Reserve

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Bankfoot Camping

100%

(4)

21 units · Tents · Stocksfield , England

Set in the beautiful Northumberland country side. Bankfoot camping is on a working farm in a quiet field with views down the Tyne Valley. Only 20 miles from Newcastle, 8 miles from Hexham, and 5 miles to the nearest roman site at Corbridge, Our camping field has one of the old roman roads running through it. Toilet and; shower facilities on site. All are welcome as we try our first year as a pop up site.

Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

100%

(1)

1 unit · Glamping · Bamburgh, Northumberland, North East England

We are perfectly situated to explore both the Northumbrian Coastal area, including Holy Island , Bamburgh etc but also great for those who wish to discover the amazing Cheviot hills. Our site is managed organically and has won awards for sustainable tourism, itself a true escape and nature paradise.

Dod Mill Fishing Hut

1 unit · Glamping · Lauder, Scotland

Artistic riverside cabins in the grounds of a 17th-century watermill

Woodland Chase Glamping

100%

(1)

2 units · Glamping · Felton, England

Romantic, two-person cabins with hot tubs in Northumberland

Middlemoor Farm Holidays

100%

(1)

2 units · Glamping · Alnwick, England

Bracken, one of our two dog friendly pods, kingsize bed, toilet and shower, hob, microwave, fridge, toaster, kettle. Enclosed outdoor space with fire pit, bbq and Log fired hottub to relax in and enjoy the views down to the coast. A ten minute drive to the fabulous Northumberland coastline and pretty villages and Castles, ten minute drive also to Alnwick Gardens and Lilidorei.

Hedgehope Retreat | Sleeps 6

1 unit · Glamping · Swarland, England

Hedgehope gains its namesake from one of the beautiful mountains within the cheviots, just a short journey away from where this luxury caravan is situated. Nestled within woodland that has stood for hundreds of years, this beautiful caravan offers the chance for a Northumbrian escape. We also pride ourselves in being as environmentally-friendly as possible so offset our carbon as a business! Hedgehope is encapsulated by a small area of woodland, allowing for beautiful scenery to be seen through the patio doors to the front of the caravan and running alongside also. Through the trees to the front of the retreat, views of the Cheviots can be seen, alongside the private golf course which can be used at your leisure throughout your stay at no extra cost, the course is 18 hole, par 72 and can be booked through the park reception. Also included within your stay is free access to the sports court, which can be used for tennis, 5-a-side or any other sports you can think of, a fantastic children’s adventure playground, situated next to the park’s reception and picnic tables, and of course the beautiful woods that surrounds Percy Wood holiday park. There is also a launderette on site, allowing for washing to be done easily one your longer stays. This retreat is situated on the edge of the idyllic village of Swarland, which boasts a well-kept sports centre with multiple facilities, a large children’s playground and many walks to chose from, as well as being in an excellent location with the A1 being only a 5-minute drive away, providing easy access to other parts of Northumberland. Within your stay, we will provide advice and guidance for the best places to visit whilst in this stunning part of the UK, but if you’re wondering what there is to do in Northumberland whilst booking your stay, let us boast about our amazing county. Alnwick is a 15-minute journey up the A1 from your stay, which is the traditional county town of Northumberland, it includes the incredible Alnwick castle and gardens; which you may recognise from movies such as Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, one of Europe’s largest second-hand book stores set in a Victorian train station and Alnwick playhouse; an arts centre, theatre and cinema. If you prefer the beach to towns, Northumberland is host to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, from Alnmouth to Amble, there is a variety of beaches to chose from that you can spend all day at. For more inland activities, you have the entirety of the county to chose from for countryside activities. The observatory in our national park, Cragside in Rothbury; which hosts some of the first ever hydraulic powered machinery, Ingram valley; for picnics in the south cheviots, you will never be bored on your trip to Northumberland.

Stories from the community

J

Jane

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tyne View Camping

Awesome pitch. Fantastic views. David was really friendly and welcoming. We will definitely be back. Relaxed atmosphere. Loads of space.

Brian

September 2025

6 m Class B

With pets

1 night at Walkmill Campsite

Spacious clean campsite. Now our best one yet! We chose the upper circle which gave us a lot more space and better views. Clean toilets. Nice little shop with extras for guests. Will certainly recommend and return.

K

Kinga

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

Absolutely amazing stay at Beirhope Alpacas. You can tell that Lynne has set everything up with love and care. Alpacas are a cherry on top of everything else. My 4 year old twins cried when leaving because they wanted to live there. We definitely found a new yearly visit place ❤️

J

Jennifer

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

This Alpaca farm is an absolute must visit. Unfortunately we were only here for 1 night but what a visit! This specific pitch is the middle one 1 of 3 that are in front of the Alpaca/Sheep fields and we couldn't have asked for better neighbours. Lynne was extremely helpful upon our arrival and offered help with anything if it was needed...which it was when I realised I had the mattress but not the stopper to keep it inflated! She came to my rescue with cushions to sleep on which was over and above as far as I'm concerned. We were provided carrots to feed the animals that evening and my son (4yo) loved feeding Harry the goat and between him and his friends it was a game to see who could feed Houdini before Harry got in the way 🤣 This morning my son was scheduled to feed the alpacas and whilst he was initially nervous he warmed up on the walk and confidently clapped Deeno. This site is a bit off the road but take it easy and enjoy the scenery. Beirhope Farm is in a pretty stunning part of the country and I would 100% recommend a visit to anyone looking for everything you need on a camping trip. If you forget anything she has everything covered, including an honesty 'larder' for the snacks or bits and pieces that you've forgotten. Stunning! We will be back.

K

Kathy

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

We stayed in Phil’s Patch for just one night on our way north. Lynne offered us a warm welcome. We had our own private enclave in the trees. Posh composting toilets and everything well thought out. Wish we’d used the unique shower!

P

Paulette

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

The surroundings are truly beautiful, scenic, calm and peaceful. Lynne has ensured that everything a camper needs is close at hand. The pitches are well spaced out and on good solid terrain. Clean, accessible facilities, well maintained. Adorable alpaca herds literally over the fence. A wonderful retreat, we will definitely return. Lynne is simply lovely and has hit the nail on the head with this site.

C

Cliff

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Walkmill Campsite

This is a delightful site. Very peaceful and everything is immaculately clean and tidy. Close to coast. Highly recommended

V

Victoria

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Walkmill Campsite

I loved the campsite. The plots were very spacious and not at all crammed in, so there was lots of room for my toddler to run around in. The facilities were good as there was a static caravan with a kitchen, bathroom, toilet and even a couple of lounge areas, which would be useful if you got bad weather. It was so handy having the use of a hot water for washing up. I would definitely go back!

a

alexander

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

Really great campsite enjoyed our stay very much shower was a learning curve but worked and was good fun

C

Charlotte

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

We loved staying on Lynnes land, it was a lovely quiet campsite, the alpacas are so cute, and Lynne was a great host! Definitely recommend.

J

Jonathan

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Beirhope Alpacas

Perfect spot in the Borders for a peaceful night. Friendly welcome from Lynne who was most helpful. Clean,good facilities. Alpacas are an added bonus,cheeky with it. Book it!

K

Katie

August 2025

Tent

4 nights at Beirhope Alpacas

Beirhope was a beautiful location, we were greeted by Lynne who was brilliant. The site had everything you might need. Will definitely be back!

G

Gary

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

Spent 3 fab nights on Phil’s Patch with my 12 year old son. Lynne’s hospitality was as great as ever and look forward to returning again soon. We had great weather and clear skies giving us fantastic views of the night sky. Magical!!

J

James

August 2025

Tent

6 nights at Beirhope Alpacas

Lynne was so accommodating and always strived to help us out. She gave great recommendations and was always there to provide unparalleled customer service. The site was equipped with a private kitchen space including knifes, chopping board, and cooking utensils, as well as a private toilet. The water was fed from a private spring so it was always so fresh and refreshing. The alpacas, horses, sheep and goats were always great to watch and the woodland surrounding the site had become home to Golden Eagles. This site is definitely a place for nature lovers and those trying to get away from cities. The only thing I would change about this experience would be to install running water in the shower, but the existing set up involving a bucket-pulley system and a hose with shower head works surprisingly well! We are looking forward to our next stay in this campsite!

Anna

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

Lynne is probably the best campsite host we've experienced (and we've done a lot of camping) super campsite with lots of lovely quirks and yes the shower is warm! Loved camping next to the alpacas and doing various outdoor activities before settling down to a bbq and camp fire. The fridge, freezer and camp shop were all unexpected bonuses and my other half was elated with his flat white delivered to the tent door each morning. Weather was amazing too - nothing more we could ask for.

K

Katie

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Walkmill Campsite

We loved tent camping at Walkmill, the site was beautifully maintained in a stunning location near the river. Plenty of wildlife to enjoy while sat around the fire pit - we saw a barn owl and hares during our two night stay. The pitches were well spaced out and the site shop had everything you might need in a pinch -we recommend bringing cash for the honesty box. The location is a 45min walk to Warkworth Castle and the coast/coastal path so there is plenty to keep you busy. We are looking forward to coming back!

b

bryan

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Tyne View Camping

The site was easy to find and was as advertised, minimal facilities but a great view, the host was very helpful

S

Shirzad

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

Welcoming host, peaceful experience, nice walking route...

S

Sarah Kay

July 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Tyne View Camping

Such a beautiful view and great hosts. The farmer gave my little girl and her friend a safari ride in his land rover to see the newly born calves. A fab experience for us all!

B

Barry

July 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Beirhope Alpacas

Myself and my son had a great time . Lynne is a fantastic friendly host. The site is beautiful. The alpacas are lovely. Would definitely stay again

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Farne Islands National Nature Reserve guide

When to go

Boat tours run year-round, but it is only possible to land on the islands from March to September, May through July is the breeding season and the best time for bird-watching—ticket prices are higher during this period. By autumn, many of the birds have started their winter migration, but this is seal pupping season, with hundreds of pups born across the islands.

Know before you go

Boat tours sail to the Farne Islands from Seahouses along the Northumberland coast. There is parking in Seahouses, or else buses run from nearby Berwick-upon-Tweed and Alnwick.
There is an admission charge to land on the islands, as well as a fee for boat tours. Tickets can be bought at Seahouses Harbour, and advance booking is recommended in peak season (May through August). Boat tours are occasionally cancelled if the weather is too rough.
The island’s Arctic Terns are notoriously defensive of their nests and have been known to dive-bomb the heads of passing walkers. Wear a hat if visiting during the breeding season!
There are restrooms and a gift shop on Inner Farne, but there are no other facilities on the islands, so bring everything you need with you.
There is a boardwalk around Inner Farne Island that is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.