The best farm stays near Newcastleton

·

Nestled in the valley of Liddesdale, the pretty village of Newcastleton is a gateway to the Scottish Borders. Surrounded by rolling hills, the area provides a wide range of recreational activities including walking, horse riding and cycling—the town is Scotland’s first bicycle friendly village and is home to the 7stanes mountain biking centre. Experienced cyclists can follow the Cross Border trail to English-Scottish border. Those with an interest in history can also learn about local history at the Heritage Centre and explore the remains of the 13th-century Hermitage Castle on moorland north of town. 

93% (125) 175 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Newcastleton

Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

1. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

100%
(13)
22km from Newcastleton · 2 units
Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£210
 / night
Camping at Cardewlees

2. Camping at Cardewlees

99%
(47)
39km from Newcastleton · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Howbeck Lodge

3. Howbeck Lodge

94%
(27)
51km from Newcastleton · 29 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
from 
£30
 / night
Ewe Love Camping Pods

4. Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%
(108)
63km from Newcastleton · 3 units
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£90
 / night
Hill Top Huts

5. Hill Top Huts

97%
(121)
81km from Newcastleton · 12 units
Scenic, simple glamping pods set beside a welcoming Pennines pub
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from 
£70
 / night
Cleghorn Farm

6. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(11)
83km from Newcastleton · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
*PLEASE NOTE THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR MIDWEEK AND WEEKEND BOOKINGS. CAMPING WILL RETURN IN SPRING 2026.* Cleghorn Farm is a mixed farm just north east of the market town of Lanark. Comprised of 250 acres of fields and woodland and bounded to the south by Mouse Water, it is a beautiful spot to get away from it all without having to leave it all behind if you don't want to. The fields are grazed and cultivated but the woodlands are much as they were at the end of the last ice age with spectacular walks along Cleghorn Glen with the chance to see badgers, bats, deer and all manner of birds among the towering pine and beech trees. The Mouse Water (pronounced moose) tumbles down along the edge of the farm and has some glorious pools for swimming, shallows for paddling and some spectacular water falls before it joins the River Clyde.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£10
 / night
The Black Swan

7. The Black Swan

100%
(26)
87km from Newcastleton · 3 units
Our three, brand new wood and canvas yurts are nestled in our private, woodland hotel garden beside the beautiful conservation (SSSI) river of Scandal Beck. Just a short drive from The Lake District, The Yorkshire and Durham Dales as well as The Scottish Border, we are perfectly located for you to explore. The yurts themselves are individually decorated with full size furniture, electricity and double beds. The yurts are all located in the garden of The Black Swan Hotel, Ravenstonedale, a multi award-winning hotel, restaurant and bar; recipient of 2 AA Rosettes as well as AA pub of the year for England 2018/19. As part of your stay in our yurts you will receive a full cooked breakfast and buffet option included in the price for 2 people in our hotel restaurant. We like to think of ourselves as a cosy home from home with a relaxed dining atmosphere throughout. We are very dog friendly in the hotel, restaurant, bar and yurts so please bring your furry family members. Our beautiful woodland is also home to red squirrels (which are seen daily), protected, freshwater crayfish in the river, an otter (seen very infrequently but the nemesis of our ducks), 6 Indian runner ducks, free range chickens and our two cockerels! (Dogs are very welcome but are to be kept on a lead whilst in the woodland itself). We are very dog friendly and charge an additional fee of £15 for 1 dog/ £20 for 2 dogs for an additional cleaning fee and for some dog friendly goodies such as poop bags and treats. The price of this yurt is based on an occupancy of 2 people. Any other people who will be staying on the sofa bed will add a charge of £40 per person per night for breakfast and their stay. All yurts come with electrical battery pack, chargeable lanterns, tea/coffee, homemade biscuits, log burning stoves, towels, full breakfast included from the hotel, an outdoor seating area and access to our outdoor toasty warm woodland shower as well as our very cute, wooden toilet cabin. Hairdryers are available in the hotel for your use.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£136
 / night
The Damson Shepherd's Hut

8. The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%
(60)
93km from Newcastleton · 1 unit
A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£110
 / night
Damson View Glamping

9. Damson View Glamping

100%
(55)
96km from Newcastleton · 5 units
Self-contained glamping pods in the Lake District's beautiful Lyth Valley
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£119
 / night
S

10. S

92%
(93)
100km from Newcastleton · 14 units
Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£50
 / night
Moss Side Farm Campsite

11. Moss Side Farm Campsite

94%
(131)
101km from Newcastleton · 33 units
Small-scale farm camping in the South Lakes, with campfires, wildlife and fine views
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Woodman's Huts

12. Woodman's Huts

99%
(58)
104km from Newcastleton · 3 units
Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£135
 / night
Hazel Mount Fellside

13. Hazel Mount Fellside

98%
(49)
105km from Newcastleton · 5 units
Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night
Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

14. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%
(150)
106km from Newcastleton · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£25
 / night
Moss Rose Campsite

15. Moss Rose Campsite

99%
(61)
142km from Newcastleton · 28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We have a family friendly Quiet campsite in the heart of Lancashire on our family run farm. Our site is situated in a species rich meadow field with large mown Pitches surrounded by wild flowers and meandering pathways linking the site together. We are surrounded by a young trees & woodland with the back drop of the Pennines. We offer both glamping and traditional non EHU camping on our site, with lovely hot showers, clean toilet facilities, fresh water point, pot wash area, phone charger lockers, communal freezers, elsan disposal point, microwave, coffee/hot chocolate machine, and our little honesty shack with all little camping essentials to might need whilst staying with us. We also hire out picnic benches and fire pits to help enhance your camping experience. We have a lovely little woodland walk, with a meandering mown path, that winds through our woodland/conservation area. Perfect to walk your dog, and let your kids explore. Adjoining the campsite, we have a padock with super frindly sheep that love to say hello. We sell little bags of sheep feed, just incase you'd like to give them a little treat. In the middle of the site, we have a little tots play area, perfect for keeping you're small kids entertained. We are a Quiet family site, with a Reduced Noise policy from 9 pm, and Quiet Time from 10 pm to 8.30 am. Latest check in time is 8PM, unless prearranged with the campsite. Our site has close links to the A6 and m6 J33. We are only 13 miles from the Historic city of Lancaster, the Bright lights of Blackpool and the jubilee city of Preston. 4 miles from the first fair trade market town of Garstang and 45 mins into the Lake District. There is also lots of interesting activities to do locally.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

16. Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

98%
(61)
146km from Newcastleton · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in Nidderdale with excellent facilities, dogs and campfires welcome, and views over Thruscross Reservoir.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Grinsdale Campsite

17. Grinsdale Campsite

31km from Newcastleton · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Wild camping with water and toilets on site, also the King Charles coastal path, just 2 minutes from Hadrians Wall and next to the River Eden.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£16
 / night
Otter Moss Accommodation

18. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
35km from Newcastleton · 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.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£85
 / night
Herdie Hideaway

19. Herdie Hideaway

49km from Newcastleton · 2 units
Herdie hideaway is run by Charlotte and Alex and is nestled next to rolling hills of the the Lake District overlooking the Solway Firth, our shepherd’s hut offers a haven of tranquility. Lush woodlands surround the property, teeming with wildlife, creating a symphony of sights and sounds for nature enthusiasts. Here, on a working farm, you’ll find a quiet escape unlike any other. We hope you enjoy your stay in this beautiful part of the world which we hope you are able to switch off, unwind and have a relaxing time in this lovely secluded area.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£120
 / night
Mosedale End Farm Glamping Pod

20. Mosedale End Farm Glamping Pod

57km from Newcastleton · 1 unit
Escape to the romantic Mosedale Glamping Pod retreat to experience romance and tranquillity like never before. The highlight of this cozy haven is the stunning double-ended luxurious bath tub that beckons for long, indulgent soaks. With its smooth, curved design and deep, inviting waters, it’s the perfect spot to unwind together. This enchanting, dreamy glamping experience promises relaxation, romance, and unforgettable memories. The one and only Mosedale Glamping Pod is tucked in the corner of the farmyard next to the garden & stream. This gives guests the unique experience of staying in the heart of a Farm, with wonderful views of the lambing fields & hay meadows. The veranda is the perfect place to sit and watch Farm life in a quieter corner of the Lake District. The Mosedale Glamping Pod sleeps 2 adults in a made-up double bed. Shower en-suite with towels, mini kitchen for basic food prep, with fridge, underfloor heating, wi-fi, smart TV and of course the stunning double-ended luxurious Bath. Several local country pubs, the closest only 2 miles away – an easy 30-minute road walk. Fabolous dark sky for star gazing and if you are lucky, the Northern Lights. Walk Wainwrights from the farm gate such as Carrock, High Pike, Calva & Back ‘O’ Skiddaw or Bowscale, Mungrisdale Common and Blencathra. Bowscale Tarn is only a 40-minute walk, the perfect location for wild swimming and picnics, and Lake Ullswater is a 20-minute picturesque drive. The tourist hotspot town of Keswick is only 14 miles away.
Showers
Wifi
Potable water
from 
£115
 / night

Nestled in the valley of Liddesdale, the pretty village of Newcastleton is a gateway to the Scottish Borders. Surrounded by rolling hills, the area provides a wide range of recreational activities including walking, horse riding and cycling—the town is Scotland’s first bicycle friendly village and is home to the 7stanes mountain biking centre. Experienced cyclists can follow the Cross Border trail to English-Scottish border. Those with an interest in history can also learn about local history at the Heritage Centre and explore the remains of the 13th-century Hermitage Castle on moorland north of town. 

93% (125) 175 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Newcastleton

Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

1. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts

100%
(13)
22km from Newcastleton · 2 units
Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£210
 / night
Camping at Cardewlees

2. Camping at Cardewlees

99%
(47)
39km from Newcastleton · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Howbeck Lodge

3. Howbeck Lodge

94%
(27)
51km from Newcastleton · 29 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District
Pets
Showers
Water hookup
from 
£30
 / night
Ewe Love Camping Pods

4. Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%
(108)
63km from Newcastleton · 3 units
Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£90
 / night
Hill Top Huts

5. Hill Top Huts

97%
(121)
81km from Newcastleton · 12 units
Scenic, simple glamping pods set beside a welcoming Pennines pub
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from 
£70
 / night
Cleghorn Farm

6. Cleghorn Farm

100%
(11)
83km from Newcastleton · 15 units · Tents, Glamping
*PLEASE NOTE THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR MIDWEEK AND WEEKEND BOOKINGS. CAMPING WILL RETURN IN SPRING 2026.* Cleghorn Farm is a mixed farm just north east of the market town of Lanark. Comprised of 250 acres of fields and woodland and bounded to the south by Mouse Water, it is a beautiful spot to get away from it all without having to leave it all behind if you don't want to. The fields are grazed and cultivated but the woodlands are much as they were at the end of the last ice age with spectacular walks along Cleghorn Glen with the chance to see badgers, bats, deer and all manner of birds among the towering pine and beech trees. The Mouse Water (pronounced moose) tumbles down along the edge of the farm and has some glorious pools for swimming, shallows for paddling and some spectacular water falls before it joins the River Clyde.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£10
 / night
The Black Swan

7. The Black Swan

100%
(26)
87km from Newcastleton · 3 units
Our three, brand new wood and canvas yurts are nestled in our private, woodland hotel garden beside the beautiful conservation (SSSI) river of Scandal Beck. Just a short drive from The Lake District, The Yorkshire and Durham Dales as well as The Scottish Border, we are perfectly located for you to explore. The yurts themselves are individually decorated with full size furniture, electricity and double beds. The yurts are all located in the garden of The Black Swan Hotel, Ravenstonedale, a multi award-winning hotel, restaurant and bar; recipient of 2 AA Rosettes as well as AA pub of the year for England 2018/19. As part of your stay in our yurts you will receive a full cooked breakfast and buffet option included in the price for 2 people in our hotel restaurant. We like to think of ourselves as a cosy home from home with a relaxed dining atmosphere throughout. We are very dog friendly in the hotel, restaurant, bar and yurts so please bring your furry family members. Our beautiful woodland is also home to red squirrels (which are seen daily), protected, freshwater crayfish in the river, an otter (seen very infrequently but the nemesis of our ducks), 6 Indian runner ducks, free range chickens and our two cockerels! (Dogs are very welcome but are to be kept on a lead whilst in the woodland itself). We are very dog friendly and charge an additional fee of £15 for 1 dog/ £20 for 2 dogs for an additional cleaning fee and for some dog friendly goodies such as poop bags and treats. The price of this yurt is based on an occupancy of 2 people. Any other people who will be staying on the sofa bed will add a charge of £40 per person per night for breakfast and their stay. All yurts come with electrical battery pack, chargeable lanterns, tea/coffee, homemade biscuits, log burning stoves, towels, full breakfast included from the hotel, an outdoor seating area and access to our outdoor toasty warm woodland shower as well as our very cute, wooden toilet cabin. Hairdryers are available in the hotel for your use.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£136
 / night
The Damson Shepherd's Hut

8. The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%
(60)
93km from Newcastleton · 1 unit
A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£110
 / night
Damson View Glamping

9. Damson View Glamping

100%
(55)
96km from Newcastleton · 5 units
Self-contained glamping pods in the Lake District's beautiful Lyth Valley
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£119
 / night
S

10. S

92%
(93)
100km from Newcastleton · 14 units
Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£50
 / night
Moss Side Farm Campsite

11. Moss Side Farm Campsite

94%
(131)
101km from Newcastleton · 33 units
Small-scale farm camping in the South Lakes, with campfires, wildlife and fine views
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Woodman's Huts

12. Woodman's Huts

99%
(58)
104km from Newcastleton · 3 units
Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£135
 / night
Hazel Mount Fellside

13. Hazel Mount Fellside

98%
(49)
105km from Newcastleton · 5 units
Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night
Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

14. Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

96%
(150)
106km from Newcastleton · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Lake District camping on a working farm with a stream to splash in, campfires encouraged and a horse-riding centre on the doorstep
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£25
 / night
Moss Rose Campsite

15. Moss Rose Campsite

99%
(61)
142km from Newcastleton · 28 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
We have a family friendly Quiet campsite in the heart of Lancashire on our family run farm. Our site is situated in a species rich meadow field with large mown Pitches surrounded by wild flowers and meandering pathways linking the site together. We are surrounded by a young trees & woodland with the back drop of the Pennines. We offer both glamping and traditional non EHU camping on our site, with lovely hot showers, clean toilet facilities, fresh water point, pot wash area, phone charger lockers, communal freezers, elsan disposal point, microwave, coffee/hot chocolate machine, and our little honesty shack with all little camping essentials to might need whilst staying with us. We also hire out picnic benches and fire pits to help enhance your camping experience. We have a lovely little woodland walk, with a meandering mown path, that winds through our woodland/conservation area. Perfect to walk your dog, and let your kids explore. Adjoining the campsite, we have a padock with super frindly sheep that love to say hello. We sell little bags of sheep feed, just incase you'd like to give them a little treat. In the middle of the site, we have a little tots play area, perfect for keeping you're small kids entertained. We are a Quiet family site, with a Reduced Noise policy from 9 pm, and Quiet Time from 10 pm to 8.30 am. Latest check in time is 8PM, unless prearranged with the campsite. Our site has close links to the A6 and m6 J33. We are only 13 miles from the Historic city of Lancaster, the Bright lights of Blackpool and the jubilee city of Preston. 4 miles from the first fair trade market town of Garstang and 45 mins into the Lake District. There is also lots of interesting activities to do locally.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

16. Breaks Fold Farm Glamping & Camping

98%
(61)
146km from Newcastleton · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in Nidderdale with excellent facilities, dogs and campfires welcome, and views over Thruscross Reservoir.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Grinsdale Campsite

17. Grinsdale Campsite

31km from Newcastleton · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Wild camping with water and toilets on site, also the King Charles coastal path, just 2 minutes from Hadrians Wall and next to the River Eden.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
£16
 / night
Otter Moss Accommodation

18. Otter Moss Accommodation

100%
(8)
35km from Newcastleton · 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.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£85
 / night
Herdie Hideaway

19. Herdie Hideaway

49km from Newcastleton · 2 units
Herdie hideaway is run by Charlotte and Alex and is nestled next to rolling hills of the the Lake District overlooking the Solway Firth, our shepherd’s hut offers a haven of tranquility. Lush woodlands surround the property, teeming with wildlife, creating a symphony of sights and sounds for nature enthusiasts. Here, on a working farm, you’ll find a quiet escape unlike any other. We hope you enjoy your stay in this beautiful part of the world which we hope you are able to switch off, unwind and have a relaxing time in this lovely secluded area.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£120
 / night
Mosedale End Farm Glamping Pod

20. Mosedale End Farm Glamping Pod

57km from Newcastleton · 1 unit
Escape to the romantic Mosedale Glamping Pod retreat to experience romance and tranquillity like never before. The highlight of this cozy haven is the stunning double-ended luxurious bath tub that beckons for long, indulgent soaks. With its smooth, curved design and deep, inviting waters, it’s the perfect spot to unwind together. This enchanting, dreamy glamping experience promises relaxation, romance, and unforgettable memories. The one and only Mosedale Glamping Pod is tucked in the corner of the farmyard next to the garden & stream. This gives guests the unique experience of staying in the heart of a Farm, with wonderful views of the lambing fields & hay meadows. The veranda is the perfect place to sit and watch Farm life in a quieter corner of the Lake District. The Mosedale Glamping Pod sleeps 2 adults in a made-up double bed. Shower en-suite with towels, mini kitchen for basic food prep, with fridge, underfloor heating, wi-fi, smart TV and of course the stunning double-ended luxurious Bath. Several local country pubs, the closest only 2 miles away – an easy 30-minute road walk. Fabolous dark sky for star gazing and if you are lucky, the Northern Lights. Walk Wainwrights from the farm gate such as Carrock, High Pike, Calva & Back ‘O’ Skiddaw or Bowscale, Mungrisdale Common and Blencathra. Bowscale Tarn is only a 40-minute walk, the perfect location for wild swimming and picnics, and Lake Ullswater is a 20-minute picturesque drive. The tourist hotspot town of Keswick is only 14 miles away.
Showers
Wifi
Potable water
from 
£115
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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

The best farm stays near Newcastleton guide

Where to go

In Town

Attractions in the centre of town include the Rock UK adventure sports centre and Newcastleton Golf Course. Also in the centre is the Lidalia Touring Caravan Park, where all pitches are hard-standing, with some set around duck ponds and others are by the wooded hillside, which is filled with red squirrels and birds including pheasants.

Kielder Forest

Just over the English border, and a 20-minute drive from Newcastleton, Kielder Forest is a playground for cyclists and walkers, a haven for wildlife and home to the best dark skies in England. Kielder Village Camping and Caravan Site enjoys a quiet forest location, close to the Kielder Observatory.

Gretna Green

A 30-minute drive west of Newcastleton, the small border village of Gretna Green is famed as the UK’s marriage capital thanks to the days when young English couples would elope to marry in Scotland. A few minutes from the village, King Robert the Bruce’s Cave Caravan and Camp  is set on the Cove Estate, 14th-century refuge of Robert the Bruce.

When to go

With its mild climate, Newcasteton and the surrounding Scottish Borders region is a year-round destination, but best experienced in the summer when daylight hours are long, the sun is (with luck) shining and the calendar is filled with activities. The year’s highlights include the Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival and the Common Riding, a spectacle of horsemanship and pageantry, both of which take place in July. If visiting at this time, booking your site in advance is recommended.

Know before you go

  • Not all sites in the area open year-round: check opening dates before travelling.
  • Wild camping is legal throughout most of Scotland but illegal just over the border in England.
  • While you can get around by using public buses, having your own transport offers more flexibility. The closest train station is in Gretna Green, which is 20 miles (32 kilometres) away.