Pitchup’s Ultimate North East England Camping Guide

Published 30 July 2021

Getting started in North East England

The wilds of Northumberland, the dales of Yorkshire and the world-class architecture of Durham – all are easy to explore with our ultimate beginner’s guide to camping in North East England. Check out crumbling castles with coastal views, sandy beaches backed by dunes, and cities straight off UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

Planning on a traditional trip under canvas? Kick things off by deciding which tent is best to buy. Or, if you're taken by the idea of touring, find top tips for motorhome beginners. And when you’d rather have someone else sort the accommodation for you, it's worth figuring out how to go glamping.

Adventurous types could also try wild camping in the UK and beyond, while pet owners might like to delve into dog-friendly holidays. Still not sure whether or not to give an outdoor break a go? Discover why camping always beats staying at a hotel.

Our top tips for camping in North East England

Tick off our camping checklist to make sure you have everything you need for an excellent escape. Or keep it simple by packing not much more than these four essentials:

A tent and sleeping bag
Basic toiletries
Cooking equipment
A first-aid kit

Got all your gear organised? Great – let’s have a look at the best places to stay in the North East of England.

Queen’s Crag in Northumberland (Amy Gatenby/Unsplash)

Guides to camping in Northumberland

If you really, really want to get away from it all, England’s least populated county is a smart choice. And while you’re fleeing the crowds in the British Isles’ biggest former kingdom, you’ll have loads of sightseeing to get stuck into. Swing by castles that have appeared in Harry Potter films, holy islands topped with centuries-old priories, and the Roman remains of Hadrian’s Wall. This county is also where Earl Grey tea originated from and has a breed of cattle rarer than giant pandas.

Here's what else to do while you’re in Northumberland:

The Northumberland Coast

6 best Northumberland coast walks

Northumberland’s best things to do and places to eat

Must-visit Northumberland National Trust sites

6 things to do in Northumberland

The best places to eat in Northumberland

Places to camp in Northumberland

Search Pitchup’s campsites in Northumberland

Whitby Abbey sits on a clifftop above the town of the same name (Dave Lowe/Unsplash)

Guides to camping in North Yorkshire

Spectacular seaside towns – think Scarborough and Whitby – and glorious countryside like the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales lure visitors to this county. There are also sandy beaches, vintage railways and mighty minsters to explore. Britain’s highest inn, sitting 1,732 feet above sea level, and the world’s oldest sweet shop are here too.

Navigate North Yorkshire with the help of these guides:

North Yorkshire outdoors

9 best walks in North Yorkshire

8 best beaches in North Yorkshire

Things to do in North Yorkshire

Visiting the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Places to see and stay in North Yorkshire

9 places to visit in North Yorkshire

Navigate your way to Pitchup’s campsites in North Yorkshire

The streets of Durham (Charlie Green/Unsplash)

Guides to camping in Durham

Durham most likely needs no introduction – but we’ll give it one anyway. Home to an internationally famed cathedral and higgledy-piggledy streets strewn with awe-inspiring architecture, this small yet stately city packs a historical punch. The surrounding county adds to the appeal, with the Durham Dales being a dark-sky reserve and the North Pennines laying claim to one of the biggest waterfalls in England.

If you’re heading to Durham, dip into these guides:

The city of Durham

7 things to do in Durham

Best food places in Durham

Beaches and walks near Durham

Must-visit beaches near Durham

10 best walks in Durham

Durham places to stay

Browse Pitchup’s campsites in Durham

The bright-white cliffs of Flamborough Head (Agnieszka Mordaunt/Unsplash)

Guides to camping in East Yorkshire

Up next, we’re off to the East Riding of Yorkshire. Make a beeline for this county to gaze out at the epic chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head, sunbathe on the long sandy beach at Bridlington and browse the independent shops in the thriving market town of Beverley. Get a glimpse of the Humber Bridge too, once the longest single-span suspension bridge on the planet.

Guides to camping in South Yorkshire

Set off to South Yorkshire to check out a chunk of the Peak District – this county covers a slice of the national park’s north-eastern section. Or hook yourself a carp fishing holiday next to placid ponds and rivers. You could also freewheel along the long-distance Trans Pennine Trail, hit up historic castles and immerse yourself in the music scene of lively Sheffield. All the county’s abbeys, wildlife parks and industrial museums should also be on the agenda.

Find out more about what to get up to in South Yorkshire:

Walking, fishing and cycling in South Yorkshire