Campsites with swimming in St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve

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.

100% (4) • 30 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve

Bamburgh Under Canvas

1. 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)

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£131

/ night

Old Rectory Howick

2. 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.

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£95

/ night

Woodland Chase Glamping

3. Woodland Chase Glamping

100%

(1)

2 units · Glamping · Felton, England

Romantic, two-person cabins with hot tubs in Northumberland

Pets

Showers

Hot Tub

from

£213

/ night

Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

4. 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.

Showers

Campfires

Potable water

from

£135

/ night

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.

100% (4) • 30 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve

Bamburgh Under Canvas

1. 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)

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£131

/ night

Old Rectory Howick

2. 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.

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£95

/ night

Woodland Chase Glamping

3. Woodland Chase Glamping

100%

(1)

2 units · Glamping · Felton, England

Romantic, two-person cabins with hot tubs in Northumberland

Pets

Showers

Hot Tub

from

£213

/ night

Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping

4. 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.

Showers

Campfires

Potable water

from

£135

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

T

Tim

May 2025

2 nights at Bamburgh Under Canvas

Beautiful quiet site. The tent felt entirely private/separate from the few others on the site. Well equipped and comfortable. Perfectly located for exploring the North East coast. Campbell was really helpful and made our stay great. Couldn't recommend more!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Campsites with swimming in St. Abb's Head National Nature Reserve guide

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.