Bolam Lake Camping Paddock

View prices & book 9.8 265 reviews
Visitor image of the peaceful paddock & lovely views
Visitor image of the beautiful rainbow over the site
Green surroundings
Aerial view over the site

  • Dog-friendly wild camping site opposite Bolam Lake Country Park
  • A 25-minute drive from Hadrian’s Wall; 40 minutes from the coast
  • Barbecues permitted; walking/cycling routes and a food shop nearby
Wake up in peaceful paddocks surrounded by the Northumberland countryside and finish off the day with a lakeside walk. Bolam Lake Camping Paddock is a dog-friendly wild camping site opposite Bolam Lake Country Park, so head out in search of birds, picnic on the shores or grab a homemade scone from the café and visitor centre as you please. These paddock pitches are enclosed in a peaceful area next to a woodland where it’s pretty sheltered, and they have rather scenic views of the surrounding farmland. Still, while it may be pretty nicely tucked away, there’s still much to do out and about. Belsay, a scenic village with a small shop and café, is 45 minutes’ walk away (or a five-minute drive) and Ponteland is another spot with a selection of local shops, pubs, cafés, restaurants and takeaways. Of course, there’s Hadrian’s Wall too (Heddon-on-the-Wall is 25 minutes’ drive away). The splendid Northumberland coast is 40 minutes’ drive away, and to the north, the Scottish border is within reach too if you’re looking to cross into different territories. As for walking, well, there's certainly no shortage of trails around, including several routes that depart from the site. When you feel like mixing things up with a cycle instead, there are routes for both beginners and pros surrounding the site too. Wherever you end up during the day, you’ll likely want to make sure you’re back in time for sunset, as there are lots of ways to unwind – perhaps with a walk around the lake or knocking back a few burgers with a barbecue.

Site type

Motorhome pitches 4
Tent pitches 8
Caravans for hire 1
Open now
Opens 3 April
Please note
  • This site has no on-site shower facilities.

Admission

  • At least one of the party members must be aged 18 or over.
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

Occupancy

  • Group bookings of 4 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri 3 Apr to

No availability here for your search criteria

Pitch types & availability

Reviews

  • 89%
    10
  • 4%
    9
  • 4%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 1%
    6
  • 0%
    5
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    1
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
9
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
7

99% would recommend this site to a friend

98% would stay here again

What customers say

This is a well-maintained campsite with incredibly friendly and helpful owners, David and Jill. It boasts beautiful countryside views and is ideally located opposite Bolam Lake for walks and wildlife spotting. Facilities, including portable toilets and washing areas, are consistently praised for their cleanliness. Guests appreciate the spacious pitches, peaceful atmosphere, and family-friendly environment. The owners are noted for their personal touch and attentiveness. While basic, the facilities meet needs for a relaxing break, with some guests enjoying the option of fire pit hire.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews. Last updated 11/08/2026

Filter by topic

Reviews page 1 of 27
Arrival date (latest first)

Location opposite the lake, clean toilets…

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
8
Value for money
9
Accommodation
8
Facilities / Activities
6
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
8
Wifi
No rating

1 bedroom on-site touring caravan (no electricity)

Liked Location opposite the lake, clean toilets and washing up facilities and friendly, very helpful staff.

Disliked No hot water or showers. Not private from all the campers.

Recommend to friends Visit again

The campsite was beautiful and very…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Anonymous

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked The campsite was beautiful and very well maintained, two great hosts who were very helpful and very friendly, i would definitely recommend and will definately be back

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thanks so much for sharing your review and we are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay with us.

We are a Wanderlust campsite located next to the very beautiful Bolam Lake so if you enjoy simple camping, lovely walks and relaxing in the countryside - you will enjoy staying with us.

Thank you for staying with us and we hope you enjoy many more camping adventures :)

Peaceful relaxing…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Peaceful relaxing

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thanks so much for sharing your feedback and your great photographs.

We are so pleased that you had a peaceful and relaxing break and thank you for staying with us again :)

A beautiful site that offers everything you need for a fantastic break

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
7
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
8
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
1

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked The views were beautiful, the location makes it peaceful but also easy to access so many other areas. David and Jill could not have been more friendly and helpful.
The toilets and facilities were very clean and well maintained and the paddock for the pitches was exceptionally good.
This was our first visit here but it will certainly not be our last.

Disliked Having to leave.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thanks so much for sharing your review and we are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay with us.

We offer simple camping in a beautiful location and it's really important to us that we offer our guests clean facilities, spacious pitches and everything needed for a a relaxing break in the countryside.

Thank you for staying with us and for sharing your great photographs too.

Fantastic

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
1

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Beautiful place ,beautiful people ,really friendly. Highly recommended. Convenient for me and kids .will be defo returning.

Disliked Nothing at all to not like

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thanks so much for sharing your review as we really appreciate the feedback.

We are a small campsite located in beautiful Northumbrian countryside and our guests tell us that it's ideal for camping with children as it's safe, there's lots space to play and so close to Bolam Lake Country Park, Wallington and Belsay Hall.

Thank you for staying with us, enjoy your camping adventures and we hope to see you again in the future.

David and Jill were super friendly and accommodating, fantastic hosts

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Ben G. 1 review

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Friendly hosts, clean tidy well maintained camp site

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for sharing your review and the great photographs - including the photo of Lexi, the 24 year old ex racehorse who lives with us.

We are so pleased that you enjoyed your camping trip and it was great to see the children having such a great time.

Thank you for staying with us and we hope you visit again soon.

Caravan is amazing great x loved…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
1

1 bedroom on-site touring caravan (no electricity)

Liked Caravan is amazing great x loved the fact there is a cooker I loved it x

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thanks so much for sharing your feedback and it was great to meet you all.

We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay with us and that your stay in the caravan was comfortable and that you had everything you needed.

We love your brilliant photos too :)

Thank you for staying with us and we hope to see you again in the future.

We really enjoyed the experience of camping as it was my first time

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
1

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Views and surrounding areas David was a great help

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thanks so much for sharing your review and the great photos of views from the campsite and Bolam Lake.

We are so pleased that you enjoyed your first camping trip and hope it inspires you to plan more in the future.

Thank you for staying with us and we hope to see you again.

Recommend for a basic clean tidy quiet camp

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
8
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
6
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Very nice little campsite, quite lovely setting, toilets were spotless as was the site itself lovely cut grass Very tidy site. Owners both came to make sure we were ok they were both very very nice and kind would definitely recommend for a quiet camp. Definitely going to go back and stay in there caravan they have available for couples you can rent at a very reasonable cost also.

Disliked Nothing was all good

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for sharing your feedback and we are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay.

We are a Wanderlust campsite so offer simple camping in beautiful countryside but it's important to us that guests feel welcome, have spacious pitches and clean facilities.

Our caravan and bell tent which are available to hire are really popular with couples or families who fancy a short break in the countryside without the hassle of setting up a tent and bringing lots of equipment.

Thanks for staying with us and we hope you stay again in the future :)

Lovely quiet location. Very clean adequate…

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
8
Wifi
No rating
Anonymous

Non-electric grass campervan pitch

Liked Lovely quiet location.
Very clean adequate facilities.
Reasonably flat, well maintained pitches.
Fire pits, logs and bbqs available if needed.
Friendly and helpful owners.
Plenty of room on pitches.
No traffic noise.
Horses in the next field and beautiful unspoiled views.

Disliked Nothing that I can think of.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thanks so much for sharing your review as it's so helpful to other guests who may be looking for a campsite that suits their needs.

The horses seem to enjoy sharing their home with our guests and often come over to say hello.

Thank you for staying with us and we hope and we hope you visit again in the future.


Features

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/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Peaceful Wild camping

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Shop nearby

Type

Small (11-25 pitches)

Nearby leisure

Climbing nearby Cycling nearby

Location

Bolam Lake Camping Paddock

Belsay

Northumberland

England

NE20 0HE

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London BST (GMT+01:00)

GPS

55.1332°N
1.8688°W

Nearest transport

Coach
2.4 mi The Arcade
2.4 mi The Arcade
3.1 mi Road end
Rail
7.6 mi Morpeth Rail Station
9.2 mi Newcastle Airport Metro
9.4 mi Pegswood Rail Station
Ferry
19.1 mi North Shields Ferry Terminal
19.3 mi Newcastle International Ferry Terminal
19.4 mi South Shields Ferry Terminal
Airport
9.2 mi Newcastle International Airport

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Want to feel like lord or lady for an afternoon? Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens (10 minutes' drive) should soon ignite that fantasy. The medieval castle and gardens are one of a couple of historic properties around. The National Trust’s Wallington (10 minutes) has cycle hire so that visitors can take in views of the historical house the traditional way. Hikes-wise, Shaftoe Crags (10 minutes) has a circular walk with plenty of bouldering spots along the way. Hike along the historic Hadrian’s Wall to Housesteads Roman Fort (40 minutes) too. For beach time, Blyth and Cresswell are both excellent sandy options, and both about 40 minutes away – the former has beach huts while the latter has sand dunes. Those with kids are likely to be keeping their eyes peeled for easy entertainment options too. Very handily, Whitehouse Farm Centre (20 minutes) runs animal feeding sessions as well as things like tractor rides, and Go Ape Matfen (25 minutes) has a treetop assault course for the extra brave. Newcastle upon Tyne city centre (half an hour) has plenty of family-friendly attractions to add to that.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Newbiggin South 14.3 mi Sea N/AGoodExcellentExcellent
Newbiggin North 14.6 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentGood
Blyth South Beach 14.8 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Druridge Bay South 14.8 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Seaton Sluice 15.8 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens 2.2 mi

George Stephenson's Birthplace 10.9 mi

Prudhoe Castle 11.6 mi

Cragside House, Gardens and Estate 12.5 mi

Chesters Roman Fort 12.9 mi

National Trust

Wallington 3.8 mi

Cherryburn 12.1 mi

Cragside 12.8 mi

Seaton Delaval Hall 15.1 mi

Holy Jesus Hospital 15.2 mi

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

Bolam Lake - Shaftoe Craggs circular 0.1 mi

BELSAY HALL 2.3 mi

Hartburn Circular 2.8 mi

CAPHEATON 3.2 mi

WALLINGTON 3.7 mi

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Want to know more about camping in Northumberland?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Bolam Lake Camping Paddock have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Bolam Lake Camping Paddock dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Bolam Lake Camping Paddock? Want to feel like lord or lady for an afternoon? Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens (10 minutes' drive) should soon ignite that fantasy. The medieval castle and gardens are one of a … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Bolam Lake Camping Paddock?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  Anytime
    Depart by:  12 p.m.
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  Anytime
    Depart by:  12 p.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Bolam Lake Camping Paddock? From £25 (for 1 night, 4 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.