Glamp it up in the comfy camping pods at Hillcrest Park, ideal for those who want to escape to the country without straying too far off the beaten track. This tranquil six-acre site in the grounds of a former farm is encircled by pastoral panoramas, yet it’s very close to the delightful market towns of Barnard Castle and Richmond, and only a ten-minute drive from the trans-pennine A66.
The well-insulated, heated pods offer all the joys of camping without any worries about what the weather might do, and the essential amenities on site are good: cosy, clean showers and loos, laundry and dishwashing, plus a large exercise area for dogs. The helpful owners will even arrange for little essentials, given a bit of notice.
Visitors may be surprised at just how many interesting places are crammed into this northern corner of the Yorkshire Dales. For a start there’s Raby Castle, which you can see from Hillcrest; it’s one of the greatest medieval piles in the country, and its 200-acre deer park contains the spectacular foaming cascades of High Force waterfall. Then there’s the world-beating art collection at the Bowes Museum, housed within a grandiose faux château in Barnard Castle, the ancient capital of Teesdale (seven miles away from Hillcrest).
Venturing a bit further afield, holidaymakers can reach Head of Steam (the Darlington Railway Centre and Museum) to inspect George Stephenson’s Locomotion No. 1, the first steam train to take paying passengers; and the fascinating open air museum at Beamish, which transports visitors back to daily life in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian times via its living exhibits - take a ride around the village on a vintage tram, talk to the inhabitants of the historic buildings preserved with original contents, or see what it’s really like going down the mines...
Teesdale is one of England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with glorious walking and cycling on the various National Cycle Network routes in close proximity (a night in a pod at Hillcrest makes a perfect stopover for those following the cross-country Walney to Whitby route).
Last but not least, the site is surrounded by villages with good food pubs - there are three around a mile away.
Must see
- The Bowes Museum (5.9 miles)
- Barnard Castle (6.3 miles)
- Locomotion:The National Railway Museum at Shildon (8.2 miles)
National Trust
- Moulton Hall (9.1 miles)
- Braithwaite Hall (18.5 miles)
Cycle routes
Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.
Other
- Brignall Banks - Brignall Mill - Greta Bridge – Brignall (5.2 miles) Walking
- Egglestone Abbey - Greta Bridge - Brignall (5.5 miles) Walking
- Barnard Castle, Green Lane and Mount Eff Lane. (5.9 miles) Walking
|
Show me reviews by: |
Staying in: |
| 9.3 |
Overall rating based on 60 reviews |
|
Rating distribution
91% would recommend this site to a friend. 93% would stay here again. |
Rating breakdown
|
|
| Sorted by stay date (latest first). | |
Wonderful campsite, stunning views, friendly and welcoming hosts :-) 21st Apr 2014 helen_t5 (Young couple, 1 review) Confirmed
|
Share this review:
Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
|
|
Lovely owners, excellent facilities, site lacking in character 22nd Apr 2014 kate_g0 (Solo traveller-female, 1 review) Confirmed
From the manager...
Thank you for taking the time to post a review, Kate. We were very busy over Easter, and I have to confess that we don't normally use the pitch you were on as it is rather tight - but another customer was absolutely mustard keen to stay extra night. I was aware that the neighbour to one side of you would not be in and as you had a very small unit and no awning I thought that was the solution to keeping everyone happy - but perhaps not! I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the lovely, long-ranging view across fields from your boundary spot, the peace and quiet, or take the opportunity to walk around the park and our large field which is a great amenity space and from which you can see Teesdale in all it's glory. Also, I can promise you when it has been pouring with rain for days the hardstanding access to all pitches is an absolute godsend, as it means you don't have to trudge through mud to get anywhere! I'm sure you just forgot to mention that once you vacated your pitch on Sunday and went out for the day with your visitor, we kindly gave you free parking for your campervan in our limited parking area and did not charge your visitor for parking or use of the facilities. |
Share this review:
Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
|
|
Lovely Place and Lovely People 20th Mar 2014 emma_b15 (Young couple, 1 review) Confirmed
From the manager...
Aw shucks, Emma - that's a lovely review, thank you! Glad you enjoyed the stay - and a top tip about the door hooks; we'll put that on the list of 'Improvements To Do' ! |
Share this review:
Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
|
|
lovely stay 3rd Mar 2014 Michael_L0 (Young couple, 1 review) Confirmed
From the manager...
Really pleased you enjoyed your stay and were impressed with the Pods. Hope to see you here again one day. It's even better in the summer! Kate & Ed |
Share this review:
Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
|
|
Wonderful hosts on a lovely site 25th Feb 2014 william_t0 (Young couple, 1 review) Confirmed
From the manager...
Thank you for taking the time to post a positive review, Mr Taylor, and I'm glad we were able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat! Hope to see you here again, now that you know where we are! |
Share this review:
Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
|
|
A gem of a site, spectacular views and spot on facilities! 21st Jan 2014 chris_h11 (Young couple, 1 review) Confirmed
From the manager...
Your positive feedback is much appreciated, and I hope you enjoyed your stay. Since you were here, we've tiled out all the shower cubicles and are putting in extra sinks and urinals, so I hope if you come back you will notice an improvement. Thanks again, Kate |
Share this review:
Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
|
excellent peaceful stay 10th Dec 2013 rebecca_c4 (Young couple, 1 review) Confirmed
From the manager...
I'm so pleased you had a good stay, and thank you for the great review. It's always nice to hear that people enjoy the place as much as we do,. Hope to see you here again one day! Kate |
Share this review:
Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
|
|
Weekend stay 24th Nov 2013 alexandra_g (Young couple, 1 review) Confirmed
From the manager...
Thanks for taking the time to post a positive and helpful review - we hope to see you here again! Ed and Kate |
Share this review:
Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
|
|
Nice and cosy 21st Oct 2013 jonathanetwell (Young couple, 1 review, 2 photos)
From the manager...
Thank you so much for taking the time to post a positive review, and all your useful hints and tips for visitors. We now put a couple of tea towels in the pot washing room, and we also have a microwave and fridge for everyone's use - so thanks also for that feedback. Do visit again! |
Share this review:
Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
|
|
Fantastic, Friendly, Clean, Great Pod, Great Value 15th Oct 2013 alex_b0 (Young couple, 1 review) Confirmed
From the manager...
Great to hear you enjoyed your stay. Since you were here we've tiled out all the shower cubicles, so I hope you do come back and your next stay will be even better! Kate |
Share this review:
Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
|
Alas, no reviews for your selected filters. But reviews are brilliant - they help thousands of other people to find the right holiday. Be bold, be the first to review this site. It only takes a minute.
Leisure on site
Bar or club house
Cycle hire
Evening entertainment
Fishing
Fitness centre
Games room
Indoor swimming pool
Kids' club
On-site restaurant/cafe
Outdoor swimming pool
Play area
TV room
Take away
Tennis
Watersports
Amenities on site
Bath available
Car parking by pitch
Disabled facilities
Drying room
Food shop
Free wifi
Ice pack freezing
Internet access
Launderette
Parent & baby washroom
Pick-up from public transport
Public telephone
Shower available
Toilet block
Washing-up area
Wifi
Utilities
Charging facilities
Chemical disposal
Gas cylinders available
Recycling available
Renewable energy
Touring and motorhomes
Electrical hook-up points for tourers
Hard standings
Seasonal pitches
Rules
Barbecues allowed
Campfires allowed
Commercial vehicles allowed
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed all year
Themes
Gay friendly
Peaceful
Spectacular scenery
Walkers' paradise
Wildlife haven
Nearby leisure
Canoeing/kayaking nearby
Cycle hire nearby
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Golf nearby
Horse riding nearby
Restaurant nearby
Tennis nearby
Groups welcome
Family friendly
Motorcycle friendly
Single-sex groups welcome
Student groups welcome
Nearby amenities
Bar nearby
Nearby farmers' market
Public transport nearby
Shop nearby
Type
Medium (26-50 pitches)
Camping 2.0
Camping pods
Ordnance Survey maps (GB and Northern Ireland only) are available at lower levels via the drop-down menu.
Nearest transport
- Coach stations
-
Barnard Castle: Galgate Coach Stop — 6.3mi
Scotch Corner Services A1: Coach Stop — 7.5mi
Darlington: Feethams opp Town Hall Coach Stop — 8.7mi
- Train stations
-
Shildon Rail Station — 8.3mi
North Road Rail Station — 8.7mi
Heighington Rail Station — 8.7mi
- Ferry ports
-
Transporter Bridge South Side — 22.0mi
Transporter Bridge North Side — 22.1mi
- Airports
-
Durham Tees Valley Airport — 13.6mi
From A1(M), north or south, take the A66 Westbound at Scotch Corner. Travel 2 miles and take right turn onto B6274 signposted 'Winston'. Go through Caldwell Village, then continue for 1 mile and Hillcrest Park is on the left-hand side.
If travelling South from Scotland on M6, take A66 East at Penrith, J40. Head towards Scotch Corner and take B6274 signposted ‘Winston’. Go through Caldwell Village, then continue for 1 mile and Hillcrest Park is on the left-hand side.
If travelling North on the M6, at J38 take the A685 to Brough. From Brough, take A66 Eastbound towards Scotch Corner and take B6274 signposted to Winston and Staindrop. Go through Caldwell Village, then continue for 1 mile and Hillcrest Park is on the left-hand side.
Permitted arrival/departure time
| Camping and touring | ||
|---|---|---|
| Arrive: | 12:30 p.m. – | 7 p.m. |
| Depart: | noon | |
| On-site accommodation | ||
| Arrive: | 2 p.m. – | 7 p.m. |
| Depart: | 11 a.m. | |
Cancellation policy
No refunds within 7 days of arrival date.
Please note that your deposit paid to Pitchup.com is non-refundable.
Payment of balance
The remaining balance is due 4 weeks prior to arrival, or if the arrival date is sooner than 4 weeks then the balance should be paid as soon as possible.
The campsite will contact you to arrange payment.
Cards accepted on the park
MasterCardVisa
Terms and conditions
Site booking terms and conditionsPlease note
Hillcrest Park is a quiet site and therefore we do not accept groups of under 25s, or party groups.
Check availability at Hillcrest Park…
Max. persons: 5x
Dimensions: Avg 3.0m x 8.0m
Ground type: Hardstanding
Includes grass area for one awning only, as well as use of centrally heated amenities, with free showers, loos and coin operated laundry.
We're very dog friendly and have a three-acre dog walking field on site, with beautiful views of Raby Castle.
We also accept folding campers / trailer tents.
No pup tents or gazebos.
Max. persons: 4x
The standard camping pod is an insulated wooden structure that provides comfortable accommodation for 2 adults and 2 small (under 10) children. It has good headroom, a carpeted interior floor area and a porch to provide shelter. There is timber decking, and each pod has its own bench/picnic table. Dogs are welcome in the pods.
The lockable French doors are double glazed and the Cumbrian sheep's wool insulation and fitted heater mean that the Pod really is a year-round option. There is a small window in the back wall to provide light and ventilation and the lamp and electric sockets add that little bit of extra comfort and convenience.
You also have full use of our centrally heated showers, loos, dishwashing and laundry facilities.
Please bring everything you would if you were camping, apart from the tent!
Please note that smoking, cooking, open fires or barbecues are not allowed inside the pods. Nor should hot items be placed on the timber decking.
| Max. persons | 4 x |
| Extras | |
| Extra car (1 max) | £5 per night |
| Included | |
| Car | 1 included |
| Dog(s) allowed | 2 included |
| Features | |
| Car parking by pitch | |
| Double glazing | |
| Outdoor furniture | |
Max. persons: 4x
The family camping pod is an insulated wooden structure that provides comfortable accommodation for up to 4 adults. It has good headroom, a carpeted interior floor area and a porch to provide shelter. Dogs are welcome in the pods.
There is timber decking, and each pod has its own bench/picnic table. The lockable French doors are double glazed and the Cumbrian sheep's wool insulation and fitted heater mean that the pod really is a year-round option. There is a small window in the back wall for light and ventilation and the lights and electric sockets add that little bit of extra comfort and convenience.
You also have full use of our centrally heated showers, loos, dishwashing and laundry facilities.
Please bring everything you would if you were camping, apart from the tent!
Please note that smoking, cooking, open fires or barbecues are not allowed inside the pods. Nor should hot items be placed on the timber decking.
| Max. persons | 4 x |
| Extras | |
| Extra car (1 max) | £5 per night |
| Included | |
| Car | 1 included |
| Dog(s) allowed | 2 included |
| Features | |
| Double glazing | |
Thank you so much for your lovely, thoughtful review, Helen, It's always wonderful to know that people have enjoyed themselves here. And, of course, we would be delighted to see you here again! Kind regards, Ed and Kate