thetravellingwilbennetts

We decided to join our good friends for a bank holiday weekend camping in Northumberland. They had done the work and already booked the Dunstan Hill campsite so (unlike any other trips) there was no research needed and we just needed to book and rock up. If you want to see what we got up to then read my article Beaches, Beaches, Beaches.

Location

Dunstan Hill Campsite is about ¾ mile outside the small village of Embleton and close very close to the village of Craster and the Heritage Coast. The Address on the Campsite states it is Alnwick but it is a few miles away from here.

Facilities

The Campsite is part of the Camping and Caravanning Club and I think they do expect a certain standard. This was our first experience of staying on one of these sites and if this is the benchmark then we will definitely be booking again.

There is a small reception and shop at the entrance to the site as well as a small car park, so you can go and check in without creating a big queue behind you. The check-in was quick and efficient and the staff super friendly – the weather was super-hot so I think they knew they were going to have happy campers this weekend. One of the staff members walked us around to our pitch which was huge. There appear to be plenty of pitches with electric hook up.  We are not there yet (however that is next on the list for us in terms of camping equipment).

The toilet/wash block was pretty close to where we were pitched but we found it to be quiet enough. The thing I would like to point out is that it was immaculate. It appeared to be cleaned a lot and the showers a great standard. I would go as far to say one of the best we have stayed at in the UK. Plenty of showers, plenty of washing sinks, a family washroom and all spotless.

There is a good children’s play area which Ella headed to straight away whilst we set up camp – it was close to where we were pitched and could see her from the tent so everyone was happy. Next to the park was a decent field too which we used for ball games and frisbee and had plenty of children joining in and playing together.

The shop has a few bits and bobs in it but not massively stocked. It did have ice creams though which was pretty essential for this weekend.

Dining

There is no bar/café on site but there is a pub called the Blue Bell in the village of Embleton. It is walking distance but I would think in the dark it would not be great. The pub does do food and has the added bonus of having the village park right outside the door. It is a brilliant park too so with a couple of drinks you can quite easily while away a couple of hours whilst the children play.

The village of Craster is about an hour walk too (not that we tried) and this has a few options but most famously the Craster Kipper.

Additional Info

Dogs are welcome to this site.

The site is right next to a pretty woodland which leads you to a field and then over the dunes to the beach. It takes about 20/30 minutes depending on leg size but is a gorgeous walk and great to stretch the legs. You are then rewarded with an absolutely spectacular beach which is overlooked by Dunstanburgh Castle. Had we known this we would have been more prepared and headed over there. But with the weather so hot we needed some refreshments to keep us going.

Things to do nearby

Dunstanburgh Castle

Kippers in Craster

Alnwick Castle

Howick Hall Gardens

Aln Valley Railway

Farne Islands

Beaches galore

Summary

What an absolute gem of a campsite, from immaculate presentation of the site, to friendly staff, children catered for with a good play area and the lovely location within walking distance to the beach it is a winner on all fronts.

Northumberland is a quite far for us for a weekend (we are in Manchester) but we will definitely be returning to the area for a longer period in the future and we will absolutely consider this campsite again and recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

Now we know its location better we will be more prepared and get exploring the castle and villages close by. However, this trip we were blessed with amazing weather so nothing appealed better than the gorgeous beaches.