Bolam Lake Camping Paddock

View prices & book 9.8 185 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 18 April
Please note
  • This site has no on-site shower facilities.
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • Group bookings of 4 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • At least one of the party members must be aged 18 or over.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the site are unlit.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, 18 Apr to

Pitch types & availability

Reviews

  • 90%
    10
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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

Reviews page 1 of 19
Arrival date (latest first)

Set in beautiful rolling countryside. Horses grazing in adjacent fields. Quiet midweek…

Overall 10/10

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

Non-electric grass campervan pitch

Liked Set in beautiful rolling countryside. Horses grazing in adjacent fields. Quiet midweek when I stayed. Simple but perfectly adequate facilities. Very well kept. I had a choice of pitches but be prepared that quite a few of them are gently sloping. The owners were very helpful, regularly check the site and to see whether I needed anything. Would definitely recommend to friends and stay again myself.

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

Midweek tends to be quieter and the weekends are busy until school holidays so we are pleased that you enjoyed a relaxing and peaceful stay with us.

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

Lovely site for a night or two, but beware the firepit/bbq policy.

Overall 7/10

Location
9
Value for money
5
Accommodation
8
Facilities / Activities
5
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Anonymous

Non-electric grass campervan pitch

Liked Lovely grass field, surrounding paddocks with animals and nice view. Very peaceful. Very helpful owner and very well cared for site and facilities - everything very clean and tidy. Great walk around Bolam lake immediately opposite the site. If you don't have a firepit and want a nice campfire, then this is brilliant - David has an excellent setup for that.

Disliked Field is quite sloping overall (4-5 degrees in places), not a huge problem but something to be aware of. Firepit policy is a little odd, you can hire fire pits but can't use your own, though I understand the intention behind it and the owner is just trying to maintain the site. However it could be clearer when booking as you see firepit hire mentioned so assume fire pits are allowed. Only 2 portaloos for a site of 14 pitches feels a little tight though wasn't actually a problem - they were very clean too. No hot water for washing up is a pain but understandable.

Overall felt a little bit pricey for what is essentially just a field, tap and loos and adding firepit hire on top (even if just wanting to use a barbeque) makes it quite a costly stay. That said, we had a lovely stay.

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

We are pleased that you enjoyed your stay with us as we live in a lovely part of Northumberland and we hope that you visit the area again very soon.

Thank you too for your constructive feedback and in response to your comments:

We are a Wanderlust campsite therefore safety, protecting nature and environmental awareness are very important to us.

We offer fire pit hire as an optional extra as lots of guests enjoy sitting around a fire pit in the evening however we must ensure that they are set up and managed safely to protect our guests and the grassland.

Guests can bring their own BBQs however they must be purpose built and safely raised off the grass (a minimum of 50cm from the grass). Disposable BBQs can only be used within one of our fire pits to raise it from the ground so that it doesn’t scorch or damage the grass. David is always on hand to help guests set them up.

During the quieter periods when we tend to get more last minute bookings, there are always two portable toilets onsite which are cleaned and serviced at least twice per day. During school holidays we do increase the number of toilets onsite.

Thanks for staying with us and thank you once again for your feedback.

Quiet location, clean facilities and proximity to Bolam lake.…

Overall 10/10

Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
1
Mark H.

Non-electric grass campervan pitch

Liked Quiet location, clean facilities and proximity to Bolam lake.

Disliked N/A

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

We are based in a lovely location and it's great when our guests can just relax and enjoy the countryside.

Bolam Lake is directly opposite our campsite so guests often enjoy an early morning/evening walk around the lake.

Thank you and we hope to see you again soon.

Excellent option for camping.

Overall 10/10

Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10
Ivan D.

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Excellent site.
Beautiful view.
Well maintained.

From the manager: Thanks so much for sharing you feedback.

We offer simple camping in a lovely location but it's so important to us that our guests have clean facilities and that we can be on hand to make sure that they have everything they need to enjoy a relaxing break in the countryside.

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

Fantastic location, lovely owners

Overall 8/10

Location
9
Value for money
8
Accommodation
8
Facilities / Activities
7
Customer service
9
Child friendliness
8
Cleanliness
8
Wifi
1
Rich G.

Non-electric grass campervan pitch

Liked Great location and views.
Amenities well looked after and owners welcoming.

Disliked Pitches close together and busy so did mean that noise carried with music etc

From the manager: Thanks so much for taking the time to share your feedback as it is so helpful.

We are pleased that you liked the location and felt that the amenities were well maintained.

We are sorry that you felt that the pitches were close together - we like to offer our guests very spacious pitches but it was a very busy weekend. If guests would like more space we will always try our very best to offer an alternative, quieter pitch.

Thanks so much for staying with us and we hope that visit again in the future.

Would like to return for a little longer to explore the area

Overall 9/10

Location
10
Value for money
8
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
5
Customer service
8
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
No rating
Wifi
No rating
Jo A.

Non-electric grass campervan pitch

Liked Lovely location , beautiful views with lake and coffee shop across the road. Friendly owner

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

We are a Wanderlust campsite located in beautiful Northumbrian countryside so we offer simple camping but it's important to us that guests are have everything they need for a comfortable stay.

We are 'locals' and always around to offer advice on great places to explore if you plan to return to Northumberland.

Thank you for staying with us.

Fantastic campsite- hosts were the nicest couple I've ever met. Nothing was…

Overall 10/10

Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10
Theresa S.

1 bedroom on-site touring caravan

Liked Fantastic campsite- hosts were the nicest couple I've ever met. Nothing was any trouble. Campsite was spacious,clean and tidy. Facilities are basic but immaculate. We had a lovely walk around Bolam Lake which is directly opposite and went to the National Trust Wallington which was about a 10 minute drive. Will be back very soon

From the manager: Thanks so much for your very kind feedback and your very constructive comments.

Our glamping caravan is a new addition to our site this year and your feedback is so helpful.

Our aim is to offer - the best bits of off grid camping in beautiful countryside without the hassle of setting up a tent. Our caravan benefits from picturesque views and has everything hopefully you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay – all equipment, a 6ft bed (just bring your own duvet/sleeping bags and pillows), a gazebo, barbeque facilities, outside seating area with tables and chairs and parking next to the caravan.

It was lovely to meet you and we hope that you enjoyed your visit to Wallington.

Thanks for staying with us and we hope you visit again soon. Great photo too !

Gorgeous location

Overall 7/10

Location
10
Value for money
6
Accommodation
5
Facilities / Activities
5
Customer service
7
Child friendliness
7
Cleanliness
7
Wifi
7
Elaine E.

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Lovely campsite, the location is ideal, beautiful views and horses, the toilets were clean and the owners are very welcoming.

Disliked The cost of the fire pit is quite high, another £20 a night for the pit and wood adds up but felt you had no option.

From the manager: Thanks so much for your feedback as it is so helpful.

It was great to meet you and we hope you enjoyed your stay with your family.

We are sorry that you felt that the cost of the fire pit kits was quite high. We send out information to all of our guests prior to their visit, which includes information about our fire pit kits which are available to hire - this is an optional extra and guests are not obliged to hire them.

We offer fire pit hire so that guests can, if they wish enjoy a campfire which is set up by David in a safe environment.

Recommend this sute

Overall 10/10

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

Non-electric grass campervan pitch

Liked Great site
Easily accessible
Clean friendly
Toilets excellent
Definitely will be back
Owner extremely friendly!

Disliked Nothing

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

We offer simple camping in a lovely location but it's important to us that our guests have everything they need for a relaxing and comfortable stay.

Thanks for staying with us and we hope that you visit the area again soon.

Very neat and tidy site. Gorgeous views. Site owner David really friendly…

Overall 10/10

Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
No rating
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Helen S.

Non-electric grass campervan pitch

Liked Very neat and tidy site. Gorgeous views. Site owner David really friendly and helpful. Bolam lake literally over the road with really lovely walks. 2 pubs with food a short drive away.

From the manager: Thanks so much for sharing your feedback as it is so helpful to us and other campers when choosing a campsite.

Bolam Lake Country Park is lovely, with great walks and a popular coffee shop.

We are located in the heart of the Northumbrian countryside but we have a lovely village shop and great local pubs.

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


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.

Nearest sites

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.

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.