Beach camping in Northumberland National Park

Harbouring a population of just 2,000 within its 405 square miles (1049 square kilometres), Northumberland National Park is the UK’s most secluded. Lined by over 1,100 kilometres of footpaths, cycle trails, and bridleways (and home to Hadrian’s Wall, the Hareshaw Linn waterfall, and the Sycamore Gap tree), the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Plus, the lack of light pollution makes this a prime spot for stargazing—in the right conditions, it’s even possible to see the Milky Way and Andromeda with your own eyes. A variety of camping options offer something for everyone, from secluded wildlife-watching camps in the north to family-friendly working farms in the south.

• Best for sightseers: Hadrian’s Wall Campsite offers back-to-basics camping just 20 minutes’ walk from the UNESCO-listed landmark.
• Best for families: Herding Hill Farm has a petting farm, playground, and cornershop on site, plus tent pitches, luxury lodges, and a BBQ hut.

1. Hadrian’s Wall is one of the main draws of the region, so if you’re looking for last-minute accommodation, consider heading into the park’s more northerly reaches.
2. Walk-ins aren’t accepted everywhere, so it’s advisable to book ahead.
3. Not all campsites remain open during the low season, but those that do usually have pitches available.

As the UK’s least populated park, visitors can enjoy tranquility and seclusion year-round, though the sights and delights of summer still bring their fair share of holidaymakers. Adventurers who aren’t put off by a cold wind will find plenty to explore during the winter season, which begins in October, when wintering birds arrive in the dozens and the remote landscape is blanketed by the occasional falling of snow.

• Wheelchair-accessible attractions and viewpoints can be found across the park, including the Vindolanda Roman Fort, Walltown Country Park, and Cawfields Dark Sky Discovery Site.
• Two park visitor centres offer advice, maps, and facilities: Walltown Visitor Centre and The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre, both near Hadrian’s Wall.
• Payable car parks are available throughout, with the money going into the park’s upkeep. Some free car parks dot the park as well, notably at Lordenshaws Hillfort, Wedder Leap, and Harehaugh Picnic Site.
• As with all of the UK’s outdoor attractions, the Countryside Code applies.