Dog-friendly cabins in North Pennines AONB

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Not only a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the North Pennines are also an UNESCO-listed Global Geopark, making this vast region of moorland, meadow, woods, and waterways a must-see for any outdoor enthusiast. Home to one of England’s largest waterfalls, High Force, plus an array of native fauna, including black grouse, red squirrels, and short-eared owls, there’s plenty here for hikers, bikers, and wildlife watchers—especially during the bird breeding season of March to August. From wild-style sleeping beneath the stars to convenient caravan parks, here are our top camping spots for the region.

100% (16) 12 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in North Pennines AONB

King Garth

1. King Garth

100%
(10)
Carlisle, England · 1 unit
Built in 1733, King Garth is also known as The Old Customs House, reflecting its role in these fraught times of smuggling. Its strategic position on the banks of The Eden served as the perfect lookout for a bailiff employed by Carlisle Corporation to protect the very important salmon fishery. The plaques on the building which commemorate the visits by Mayors date back to the 1700s. These visits no doubt involved indulgent banquets centring around freshly caught salmon I grew up on the opposite side of the river. On family walks along the Eden I was always fascinated by the house on the other side sited in such an amazing position. In 2010, when I returned to Cumbria I was amazed to hear that this house was for sale. It was a ruin and everyone told me I was mad..... I probably was a little! But I soon realised that I wasn’t alone in my love of this house, everyone I met from the surrounding villages had a tale to tell about this iconic place. King Garth is for sharing - with locals, (we have an annual barbecue), with wildlife and with people like you. The aim when renovating King Garth was to celebrate and embrace its history. King Garth is off grid and has no running water. It is furnished in a style to reflect its history. It isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’: you have to drive a mile down a muddy lane, there is no hot shower, no electric lighting, and a compost toilet. BUT we offer beautiful evenings of candle light, log burner, hot tub under the stars and bathing in the river. My priority with King Garth and the land attached was to manage in a way to protect the abundant wildlife. There are also alpacas who you can look after during your stay. You will be astounded by the din the birds make at dawn and dusk! Inside the house there is an owl box where one summer a pair of barn owls successfully raised chicks. Since then a kestrel frequents the box and has twice laid there. This part of the Eden is tidal so both estuarine and river species co exist. Kingfishers and otters are often spotted And even the occasional seal! Kinggarth comes with fishing rights and if you want to fish this can be arranged with the host. The bird feeders are frequented by tree sparrows, yellow hammers, wood peckers, nut hatches and in winter red poll.
Campfires
Hot Tub
Cooking equipment
Otter Moss Accommodation

2. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
Brampton, England · 4 units
Otter Moss Accommodation offers a variety of upscale camping options suitable for couples, families, and groups. Nestled within a picturesque 12-acre former farm, the majority of the site surrounds a spacious meadow. Additionally, the site boasts a charming small lake featuring three islands and a rowing boat for leisurely water activities. Situated at the northern edge of the stunning Eden Valley, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Cumbrian Fells, with visibility extending to the Solway Firth and the Lake District on clear days. The Lake District is a convenient 40-minute drive away, while various sections of Hadrian's Wall are even closer, reachable within a 15-minute drive. Carlisle and the M6 motorway to Scotland are both just 20 minutes away, with the picturesque market town of Brampton also within a 15-minute drive and offering its own attractions. Local pubs are plentiful in the area, with a diverse selection available within a five-mile radius. Accommodation units at Otter Moss come equipped with heating, kitchen utensils, and stoves, ensuring guests' comfort and convenience. Each unit also includes firepits or barbecues, as well as bedding and towels for a hassle-free stay.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
Woodland Chase Glamping

3. Woodland Chase Glamping

100%
(1)
Felton, England · 2 units
Romantic, two-person cabins with hot tubs in Northumberland
Showers
Hot Tub
Wifi

Not only a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the North Pennines are also an UNESCO-listed Global Geopark, making this vast region of moorland, meadow, woods, and waterways a must-see for any outdoor enthusiast. Home to one of England’s largest waterfalls, High Force, plus an array of native fauna, including black grouse, red squirrels, and short-eared owls, there’s plenty here for hikers, bikers, and wildlife watchers—especially during the bird breeding season of March to August. From wild-style sleeping beneath the stars to convenient caravan parks, here are our top camping spots for the region.

100% (16) 12 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in North Pennines AONB

King Garth

1. King Garth

100%
(10)
Carlisle, England · 1 unit
Built in 1733, King Garth is also known as The Old Customs House, reflecting its role in these fraught times of smuggling. Its strategic position on the banks of The Eden served as the perfect lookout for a bailiff employed by Carlisle Corporation to protect the very important salmon fishery. The plaques on the building which commemorate the visits by Mayors date back to the 1700s. These visits no doubt involved indulgent banquets centring around freshly caught salmon I grew up on the opposite side of the river. On family walks along the Eden I was always fascinated by the house on the other side sited in such an amazing position. In 2010, when I returned to Cumbria I was amazed to hear that this house was for sale. It was a ruin and everyone told me I was mad..... I probably was a little! But I soon realised that I wasn’t alone in my love of this house, everyone I met from the surrounding villages had a tale to tell about this iconic place. King Garth is for sharing - with locals, (we have an annual barbecue), with wildlife and with people like you. The aim when renovating King Garth was to celebrate and embrace its history. King Garth is off grid and has no running water. It is furnished in a style to reflect its history. It isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’: you have to drive a mile down a muddy lane, there is no hot shower, no electric lighting, and a compost toilet. BUT we offer beautiful evenings of candle light, log burner, hot tub under the stars and bathing in the river. My priority with King Garth and the land attached was to manage in a way to protect the abundant wildlife. There are also alpacas who you can look after during your stay. You will be astounded by the din the birds make at dawn and dusk! Inside the house there is an owl box where one summer a pair of barn owls successfully raised chicks. Since then a kestrel frequents the box and has twice laid there. This part of the Eden is tidal so both estuarine and river species co exist. Kingfishers and otters are often spotted And even the occasional seal! Kinggarth comes with fishing rights and if you want to fish this can be arranged with the host. The bird feeders are frequented by tree sparrows, yellow hammers, wood peckers, nut hatches and in winter red poll.
Campfires
Hot Tub
Cooking equipment
Otter Moss Accommodation

2. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
Brampton, England · 4 units
Otter Moss Accommodation offers a variety of upscale camping options suitable for couples, families, and groups. Nestled within a picturesque 12-acre former farm, the majority of the site surrounds a spacious meadow. Additionally, the site boasts a charming small lake featuring three islands and a rowing boat for leisurely water activities. Situated at the northern edge of the stunning Eden Valley, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Cumbrian Fells, with visibility extending to the Solway Firth and the Lake District on clear days. The Lake District is a convenient 40-minute drive away, while various sections of Hadrian's Wall are even closer, reachable within a 15-minute drive. Carlisle and the M6 motorway to Scotland are both just 20 minutes away, with the picturesque market town of Brampton also within a 15-minute drive and offering its own attractions. Local pubs are plentiful in the area, with a diverse selection available within a five-mile radius. Accommodation units at Otter Moss come equipped with heating, kitchen utensils, and stoves, ensuring guests' comfort and convenience. Each unit also includes firepits or barbecues, as well as bedding and towels for a hassle-free stay.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
Woodland Chase Glamping

3. Woodland Chase Glamping

100%
(1)
Felton, England · 2 units
Romantic, two-person cabins with hot tubs in Northumberland
Showers
Hot Tub
Wifi

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

North Pennines AONB camping guide

Where to go

Consett and the Derwent Reservoir

On the eastern edge of the North Pennines, this rural region is a convenient launch point for wider Pennine exploration, with spacious, frill-free campgrounds and family-friendly holiday parks aplenty. Watersports enthusiasts can find plenty to do on the enormous reservoir, while Derwent Gorge and Muggleswick Grange are popular stops on the region’s rambling and riding trails.

Carlisle

Just beyond the western border of the North Pennines, the county town of Carlisle is an important railway hub, offering direct connection to London, Edinburgh, and beyond. The surrounding countryside is home to caravan parks, glamp sites, and working farms aplenty, ensuring easy access to the city, as well as AONB attractions such as the RSPB Geltsdale Nature Reserve and Cold Fell Mountain.

Haltwhistle

Nestled between the North Pennines and Northumberland National Park, and within a stone’s throw of Hadrian’s Wall, this rural parish is an ideal camping location for any outdoor enthusiast. A walking festival takes place bi-annually, ensuring an intimate glimpse of the historic region. Caravan parks, no-frills farmland, and exclusive glampsites provide plenty of accommodation options.

Barnard Castle and the Tees Valley

Overlooking the River Tees, this castle town just outside the Pennines is a popular destination for canoeists and anglers, as well as history lovers. From here, riverside rambles and waterside bike rides can take adventurers deep into the heart of the AONB via its intense waterfalls, while touring parks and farm sites provide plenty of overnight options. The area is also home to several adults-only sites.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field