Camping in St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve

Set on stunning coastal headland, St Abb’s boasts dramatic cliffs, colorful wildflowers and thousands of seabirds.

99% (144 reviews)

United Kingdom
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Scotland
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St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve

99% (144 reviews)

Popular camping styles for St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve

Community favorites in and near St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve

Stories from the community

Daniella

4 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

The campsite is situated on a beautiful little piece of land off the side of Ted’s house. The campsite is enclosed by a stone brick wall and had access via a gate. There are geese, sheep, lambs, ducks and a turkey that roam around the site - all are very friendly and Ted very kindly let us bottle feed the lambs! There is a porter loo for campers to use, it was fully supplied with toilet roll, soap, running water and hand tissues. Ted has fresh hen and duck eggs for sale on the land. We brought a raised pit fire with us, but Ted also has them available to rent for your whole stay along with bags of firewood. Ted was very kind and made us feel very welcome. We’d definitely return! The only issue we ran into was a nearby camping group playing music throughout their stay and loudly into the night - we messaged Ted and he kindly popped out to ask them to turn it down.

2 nights at The Old Chapel Campsite

We had an amazing time here. We stayed for two nights and had beautiful weather. There was just us and another couple with their dog. Ted was very accommodating and well informed about the area and gave us some ideas to fill our days. It was lovely watching his little ducks on the field and to hear the sheep in the morning too. It’s back to basics camping, no burger vans/shower blocks etc but it was absolutely perfect for what we wanted. ‘Proper camping’ Lovely quiet location, spotless portaloo and a friendly host.

1 night at Beirhope Alpacas

Amazing wild camping experience (with luxuries), not far from Kelso. Peaceful spot with a handful of pitches ideal for families and couples, Lynne and staff are warm and welcoming, super friendly. Firewood and groceries can be accessed anytime you need, just pay in the morning. Eco toilets are cleaned regularly. Great stargazing area and a picnic area too, plenty of space and idyllic scenery...and there are the alpacas. Beautiful spot... Just don't tell everyone!

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

Absolutely loved it definitely be going back with the kids lynne was a great host the views are amazing

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

Beirhope was a beautiful, peaceful place to stay and Lynne was super welcoming. The kids loved it and have demanded that we return as soon as possible!

Weekend Trip to Walkmill Campsite

Excellent honesty shop, great facilities - felt like a home away from home! Lovely little villages by the sea nearby. As seen on the bbc television series "villages by the sea" hosted by Ben Robinson.

Weekend Trip to Beirhope Alpacas

A very well organised campsite. Lynne was friendly and very accommodating. She gave a brief tour and explanation of the facilties, which was plentiful, then allowed us to set up our pitch. There are a number of pitches available, each one catering for a range of campers. I would wholeheartedly recommend this campsite to others.

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

A lovely little campsite. Just what we want in a campsite: quiet, dark, easy access to the hills, great host with a supply of fresh eggs. It’s in a great location within easy reach of High Cup Nick, Dufton and its beautiful glen etc. Ted is a great host who clearly enjoys having people passing through.

1 night at West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

It was amazing! The view of the surrounding fells and farms was so tranquil and peaceful. Andrew was a friendly and helpful host. The property was beautiful and there was a good community of campers there that socialized over breakfast. There were also trails on the property that we didn't get to. I would definitely recommend this campsite to anyone that is going to Scotland

Weekend Trip to Tyne View Camping

Simple, laid back site with great views. David and Richard were super helpful and friendly. Basic in terms of amenities but portaloos were spotless and plenty of water taps. Exactly what we expected

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

Great wee stay at Ted’s land. My daughter and I had a lovely time at the old chapel campsite. Peaceful and quiet, lovely views. A nearby hike up Murton pike is also recommended and in close proximity. A less traveled part of the lakes but with all the sights and sounds your looking for. We hired a firepit and got some wood from Ted and that kept us busy enjoying the night. We were also very lucky to have met/fed two of the lambs that were on the land. My daughter loved that. Highly recommended -

1 night at Howbeck Lodge

Fantastic rural location but only 15 mins for M6 set on a working farm in a valley. So quiet and scenic Walking distance to village with community pub!

Mandi

April 2025

1 night at West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

Very friendly staff. Easy to find. Great facilities. Lovely walks right at back of premises. Only downside for me was the noise off other campers. People turning up and setting stuff up after 10 pm. Also loud group of lads. But I’m use to wild camping so maybe noise would be acceptable for most.

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

Me and partner would recommend this campsite so much! Ted was so lovely and let us feed the lambs which we loved. He was also super helpful when my partner had troubles with his car! Thank you so so much ted :)

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

Absolutely brilliant campsite, Ted was amazing from the moment we enquired, very friendly on our arrival. Duck and Hen eggs also available for you to purchase. We had a lovely time and can’t wait to come back. Thank You ☺️

3 nights at Hill Top Huts

Absolutely beautiful site, friendly people around us and the onsite pub food was amazing for one of the nights we visited (pie and gammon are 100% recommend). It was a quick drive from most places we had a day in barnard castle, and this is very pretty. Our dog loved his stay too everywhere we went was dog friendly, with plenty of dog walking spaces for him to run around. Our pod for 4 was very comfortable and picnic bench outside was ideal for breakfast cereal, bring your own cups bowls cutlery and plenty to keep kids busy we took board games and quizzes and he could watch YouTube on his phone. Glad there was a mini fridge kettle (for cuppas) and microwave (for popcorn) we left alcohol outside as it was cold enough overnight. I loved bird spotting on their fields too we will definitely book for the summer time

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

Beautiful spot to set up camp. Ted is a lively guy and his couple of sheep who share the field are adorable. :D

Weekend Trip to Tyne View Camping

Loads of space and left to it by the land owner. Top site 👍

Weekend Trip to The Old Chapel Campsite

Stayed here for one night with a friend, would definitely recommend, very peaceful and out of the way with lots of wildlife around. Ted was very helpful during our stay would definitely come again Even had some eggs from his duck for breakfast

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

Really friendly greeting from the owner and the pitch was excellent.

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Doxford Farm Camping

7 units · Glamping1 acre · Northumberland, England

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

Booked 2 times

Organic Welltree

2 units · Glamping3 acres · England

Welcome to Organic Welltree's beautiful eco-friendly yurts. Looking for a place to stay in the heart of Scotland, Perthshire for that perfect organic, vegetarian or vegan holiday? Come and enjoy our unique rooms in Scottish design or try luxury glamping and back-to-nature living in our well equipped yurts like a Home from home no matter where you’re from, a place to relax, enjoy nature and escape from the city.

Old Rectory Howick

2 units · Glamping2 acres · 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.

Booked 1 time

Red Deer Village Holiday Park

10 units · Motorhomes17 acres · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

Red Deer Village Holiday Park in Scotland is a 5 star holiday park, conveniently situated on the doorstep of Glasgow, just off the A80, one of Scotland’s main arterial routes to the North. The Scottish holiday park is close to a number of public transport links, with regular buses and trains into Glasgow city centre. he level and spacious caravan and campsite near Glasgow is the ideal base for a holiday in and around West Central Scotland, or as a stopover for a few days whilst touring. There are 24 hardstanding pitches with electric hookup, suitable for touring caravans and motorhomes. Our grass area has a number of spacious tent pitches, which are well served by immaculate facilities.

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The Snug at Logie Farm

1 unit · Glamping1 acre · Falkland, Fife, Central Scotland

Luxury glamping pods with all mod cons, with an elevated position overlooking the River Tay.

12 top campsites in St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve

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The Old Chapel Campsite

30 units · Tents1 acre · Murton, England

Nearly wild camping in the North Pennines

Beirhope Alpacas

11 units · Tents1 acre · Kelso, Scotland

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

95%

(104)

Loch Katrine Eco Camping

22 units · Glamping, Motorhomes1 acre · Stirling and Falkirk, Central Scotland

Loch-side sleeping and exploring in one of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's most historic locations

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(8)

Tyne View Camping

15 units · Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · 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

92%

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Howbeck Lodge

27 units · Motorhomes, Tents7 acres · Hesket Newmarket, England

A dog-friendly farm campsite on the northern edge of the Lake District

Walkmill Campsite

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Northumberland, North East England

Refreshingly understated private camping in the unspoiled Northumberland countryside

80%

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West Highland Way Hotel & Campsite

46 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Glasgow, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

A welcoming campsite on the West Highland Way

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Ruberslaw Wild Woods Camping

53 units · Glamping, Tents500 acres · Hawick, Scottish Borders

Pick between the woods and the walled garden at this stunning Scottish Borders site

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Cleghorn Farm

15 units · Glamping, Tents250 acres · Lanark, Scotland

*PLEASE NOTE THE CABIN IS AVAILABLE FOR MIDWEEK AND WEEKEND BOOKINGS. CAMPING IS ONLY AVAILABLE AT WEEKENDS. WE REQUIRE AT LEAST 48 HOURS NOTICE FOR CABIN BOOKINGS* 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.

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High Farm Holiday Park Ltd

37 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Toft Hill, England

How about a camping break with spectacular Durham Dales views? High Farm Holiday Park might well be the spot for you, a scenic, family- and dog-friendly glamping/ touring site. Restoring and recycling vintage items is a passion of ours and may examples of this can be found throughout the site including our showstopping /repurposed Railway Wagons – each one found around the local area and completely refurbished into cute and cosy mini lodges decked out with stylish wooden interiors. Set in the County Durham countryside on a family-run former dairy farm, the site also features developing woodland and wetlands with loads of amazing wildlife, and mown walkways for you to explore your surroundings. An on-site café, shop and board game library are also all available for your use. Open all year, the site is close to the market town of Bishop Auckland (10 minutes’ drive), with its wide range of shops, restaurants and pubs, as well as the woodland walks and art trails in Hamsterley Forest.

Booked 9 times

Woodland Camping

10 units · Tents10 acres · Glasgow, Stirling And Falkirk

Get away the a little part of Scottish Heaven. We cater for all campers, regardless of the size of your tent or group. Included in your stay is access to free, fast WIFI. Free breakfast with tea/coffee available 24 hours. We are a very dog friendly site, so all furry campers are more than welcome.

78%

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Collierhall Farm

5 units · Tents10 acres · Lanark, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

Very quiet and easily accessible from the motorway (1 mile) The farm is set in 100 acres and has a mixture of caravans, motorhomes and tents. There is a golf course across the road and the world heritage site of New Lanark only 7 miles away. Edinburgh and Glasgow are also easily reached by car or train.

Available this weekend

88%

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Bamburgh Under Canvas

5 units · Glamping7 acres · Northumberland, North East England

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

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Stone Raise Bells

3 units · Glamping3 acres · Carlisle, England

Off-grid bell tents on a working farm in Cumbria’s Eden Valley

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Hadrian’s Wall Campsite

3 units · Glamping4 acres · Northumberland, North East England

Less than a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall

Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod

1 unit · Glamping2 acres · Croftamie, Scotland

Settled in the idyllic area with unrestricted panoramic views over the Arrochar Alps, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod is set in charming grounds to the west of the popular small village of Croftamie. It has a wonderful situation with some outstanding views, over fields, towards the dramatic enveloping peaks of the Arrochar Alps and Ben Lomond. The perfect getaway for a romantic stay or honeymoon retreat or simply for exploring the wonders of the countryside and beauty of the local nature. Enjoying a snug open-plan studio layout, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod has everything you need for a countryside break full of outdoor adventures. The kitchenette is compact yet well-stocked with all the essential appliances with an electric hob, microwave and fridge being all you need to wine and dine. To the rear of the pod is the snug double bed with fresh & crispy bedlinen, cosy blankets for indoor and outdoor use (extra ones in a wooden box in front of the bed), and under-bed storage for your clothing. Compact, yet sleek bathroom equipped with a toilet, basin and an electric shower. The Pod is equipped with a Smart TV, a mini–Portable Bluetooth Speaker along with excellent Wi-Fi so you can stay connected. LED lights inside and outside the pod including decking lights. Outside of the pod, head out for a relaxing dip in the hot tub and soak up the stunning scenery before going back inside and climbing into cosy bed and watching your favourite series on Netflix. With a decking area providing a stunning view of the mountains, ofuro style hot tub and gazebo sitting area with firepit & BBQ Grill, this charming rural retreat for two, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod is offering a peaceful romantic escape. Dog friendly Not suitable for children Loch Lomond Sunset Pod lies just to the west of Croftamie Village and is only a couple of miles south of Drymen. The Sunset Pod is within a National Scenic Area and The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s first National Park. It is surrounded by rolling Stirlingshire countryside and hills and is approached via its long private, and gated, drive off a quiet country road. When you reach the pod, on the left side of the front door there is a key safe box (details will be sent on your booking) for self-check-in, just put the code in to access the keys to the pod and enjoy your stay admiring amazing mountains views. And if you are lucky, a deer may pay you a surprising visit. If you are a smoker, we kindly ask you to only smoke outside of the glamping pod within the gazebo area, where an ashtray is provided.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve guide

Overview

Just outside the pretty coastal fishing village of St Abbs, the rocky promontory of St Abb’s Head is home to a national nature reserve cared for by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). From the cliff tops you can get close-up views of thousands of nesting seabirds—including guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes—during the summer months. Colorful wildflowers, such as sea pinks, rock rose and wild thyme, carpet the grassland behind the cliffs. Three trails allow you to thoroughly explore the coastal path, lighthouse and inland Mire Loch, home to swans, damselflies and butterflies. There is no camping in the reserve, but the Shepherd’s Rest Campsite is just 20 minutes down the coast.

When to go

The reserve is open every day, all year-round. For birdwatching, the best time to visit is definitely spring and summer. As well as experiencing the richest birdlife, this time of years is also your best bet for good weather and daylight hours are long. In the fall you may spot rare birds and geese flying overhead, while winter has the appeal of seal pups lying on the beach.

Know before you go

Despite its wild “edge of the world” feel, the reserve is easily accessible, lying just off the A1 road.
The reserve has an accessible path that people of all abilities can follow.
Take care by keeping back from the cliff edge and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
The NTS runs a Nature Centre, which has information about the reserve’s natural and cultural history.
The Old Smiddy Coffee Shop is next to the Nature Center and there are picnic tables outside.