Garth Hill Farm

View prices & book 9.7 27 reviews
Visitor image of the campsite
Lovely day beautiful views, entrance open waiting for new arrivals
20 degrees today views amazing waiting for more arrivals
The view over the countryside

  • Dog-friendly site with views of the Wear Valley and Teesdale
  • A 10-minute drive from Hamsterley Forest; half an hour from Durham
  • Within five minutes' walk of a pub and two cafés; petting farm on site
What’s on the cards at the gorgeous Garth Hill Farm in Co. Durham? Views? Indeed – of the Wear Valley and the Teesdale countryside, no less. Country pubs and cafés? Plenty – in fact, one café is next-door and another café and a pub are within five minutes' walk of the site. Animals? There’s a whole host of them, including pygmy and Toggenburg goats, sheep, lambs, ponies, horses and hens. That’s a lot to take in, but don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time at this peaceful site. There are views for miles over the surrounding countryside, so just kick back and unwind. The animals on the farm are all friendly. Dogs are welcome here too, just as long as they’re kept on a lead due to the farm animals. Those who have visions of active days out will have no trouble here, as County Durham’s biggest forest, Hamsterley Forest, is 10 minutes’ drive away. It has mountain biking and running trails and a kids-friendly, Gruffalo-inspired trail. The city of Durham is half an hour’s drive away for those who’d like to go sightseeing (and who wouldn’t, with Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle and Crook Hall at your disposal?). Getting about is easy, as access to the site is 100 metres from the A68, which has links to the A1. There’s plenty to do for all ages at Garth Hill Farm, whether it’s walks, bike rides or jogs out in the countryside or picnics on site. For the latter, gather your goodies from the shopping centre 10 minutes’ drive away, which has a big supermarket.

Campground type

Tent sites 15
RV sites 3
Camper sites 3
Open now
Opens July 18
Please note
  • This park has no on-site shower facilities.
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The campground/park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Breed-specific legislation (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro) and/or any of the following: Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiler, any Mastiff or Tosa.
  • No bachelor/bachelorette parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • There are no garbage cans onsite: all garbage will need to be taken home with you.
  • Please note that the toilet facilities are unisex.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, Jul 18 to

Campsite types & availability

Reviews

  • 88%
    10
  • 3%
    9
  • 3%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 3%
    6
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    5
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    1
Location
10
Value for money
9
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
5

96% would recommend this campground to a friend

96% would stay here again

What customers say

Garth Hill Farm is a clean, quiet campsite with lovely valley views & a helpful owner. Basic but spotless facilities. Great location for Kynren/Beamish. Some miss advertised animals & a dishwashing/waste point, but it's a perfect, no-frills family base.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 3
Arrival date (latest first)

Lovely site booked at short notice in August. Fantastic views and the…

Overall

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

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Lovely site booked at short notice in August. Fantastic views and the site was spacious and quiet with loads of room for the kids to safely run around and inspect the neighbouring farm animals without disturbing others.
We had a warm welcome from the owner Karen
The facilities are basic (2x portaloos and a stand pipe for fresh water) but were very clean. Nearby cafe 68 served a very generous breakfast!

Recommend to friends Visit again

The communication from Karen was excellent. She was very welcoming and arrived…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
8
Value for money
7
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
No rating
Customer service
6
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
7
Wifi
No rating
Sheila C.

Primitive grass RV campsite

Liked The communication from Karen was excellent. She was very welcoming and arrived soon after we phoned to say we were at the site. The field was a good open space with a water tap and chemical toilets. These were kept immaculately clean during our stay.
There is plenty to see in the area, we had a fabulous trip to Beamish museum about 40 minutes away. However our primary reason for visiting the area was to see Kynren, the site was very convenient about 10 minutes away from the designated car parks.
Overall a lovely site. When we are back in the area we will definitely return to Garth Hill camp site.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Brilliant 2 nights of camping

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
8
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
1
Mark S.

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Quiet, clean, relaxing and spacious, plus you get to see the animals
Had a fresh water tap to use on site
Portaloos were cleaned everyday and had toliet roll and hand sanitiser,

Disliked Personal i don't really like portaloos

Recommend to friends Visit again

Would recommend for short stays.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
9
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10
Anonymous

Primitive grass RV campsite

Liked Owner was extremely helpful, providing loads of local knowledge. Excellent location , especially for Kynren. Field and portaloos were kept spotless. Bus stop and cafes close by. Plenty of free open space for children if you have them.

Disliked Name of site on both sides of the gate would have been helpful for finding it. An elson waste point would make the site perfect.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site

Overall

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

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Everything! It was amazing, owner was lovely, there was 5 children and 6 adults, some came through the day to see us at the campsite and was no problem with the owner she was lovely! Gave us loads of info on places to go, farm was beautiful & clean and so were the toilets!
Would 100% come back kids loved it aswell just being able to run free x

Disliked Nothing!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great site staff friendly and helpful.

Overall

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

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Karen was friendly and helpful. Great sized pitch for large family tent.
Field well kept.
Brilliant views accross the vally.
Toilet was basic but clean
No frills site but brilliant for the kids to have space.
Brilliant dark skies at night for seeing stars.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Why not

Overall

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

Primitive grass RV campsite

Liked It had unreal views. The host was great too.
It’s wild (ish) camping. It’s a field. Pulled on with my Caddy Maxi, awning etc. son and dog loved the space. We had a small controlled fire in a micro pit.

Loadsa space. Will return. Thank you

Disliked It’s camping. If you don’t like it, why buy the camping gear you losers

Recommend to friends Visit again

Very nice place to visit with your family , nice and quite…

Overall

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

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Very nice place to visit with your family , nice and quite with lovely views would definitely recommend

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely campsite

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
8
Value for money
8
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
4
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
8
Wifi
2
Anonymous

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Exactly we wanted - a field, a couple of toilets, water tap and a nice view. With a cheap price and friendly hosts.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Arrived here on the Friday and Karen the owner was lovely, met…

Overall

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

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Arrived here on the Friday and Karen the owner was lovely, met us by the gate to welcome us. We stayed for two nights with our two young children and we loved it here. So peaceful, you can see for miles. The children loved the little Shetland pony, horses and sheep. A group of our own family arrived with us with older children and we all agreed we would definitely be coming back. Karen recommended a little pub just a 7 minute walk from the campsite itself and the lady who owns this was lovely and attentive to our young children.

Recommend to friends Visit again


Features

Leisure on park

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports

Amenities on park

Bath available Car parking by site/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

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

Rules

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

Themes

Hikers’ paradise Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby Nearby farmers' market Public transportation nearby

Type

Farm Pop-up campground Small (11-25 sites)

Nearby leisure

Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horseback riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Leisure/theme park nearby Mountain biking nearby Outdoor pool nearby Restaurant nearby

Location

Garth Hill Farm

Toft Hill Lane

Toft Hill

Bishop Auckland

Co. Durham

England

DL14 0PY

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

54.6508°N
1.77133°W

Nearest transport

Bus
11.6 mi Bus Station
12.4 mi Dolphin Centre
16.4 mi South Burns Stand K
Rail
3.8 mi Bishop Auckland Rail Station
5.7 mi Shildon Rail Station
6.9 mi Wolsingham Rail Station
Ferry
22.3 mi Transporter Bridge South Side
22.3 mi Transporter Bridge North Side
26.9 mi Newcastle International Ferry Terminal
Airport
16.7 mi Durham Tees Valley Airport
26.8 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

What was going on here in the centuries past? Well, you’ll get to know a little about the local history at the Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, (35 minutes’ drive), which has open-air reconstructions of northeast life between the 1820s and 1950s. That might get you in the spirit for more historic tales. If so, Kynren (10 minutes) runs a live show all about the many wars, rebellions and other mysteries throughout England’s history. For historic sites in the flesh, Barnard Castle (20 minutes) is arranged around medieval castle ruins (hence the name). Bishop Auckland (10 minutes), which is where the Kynren show takes place, also has other splendid attractions, such as Auckland Castle (10 minutes), a bishop’s palace with the Spanish Gallery (10 minutes) dedicated to Spanish art.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Crimdon 21.5 mi Sea GoodExcellentExcellentExcellent
Seaham Beach 22 mi Sea N/AGoodExcellentExcellent
Seaham Hall Beach 22 mi Sea N/AGoodGoodExcellent
Seaton Carew North 23.4 mi Sea N/AN/AGoodGood
Seaton Carew Centre 23.6 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Locomotion:The National Railway Museum at Shildon 5.4 mi

Barnard Castle 8.9 mi

The Bowes Museum 9.5 mi

Durham Cathedral 11.4 mi

Durham Castle 11.6 mi

National Trust

Moulton Hall 16.5 mi

Gibside 18.7 mi

Washington Old Hall 20.1 mi

Cherryburn 21.7 mi

Holy Jesus Hospital 23.1 mi

Cycle routes

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

Other

Witton le Wear 1.7 mi

Witton-le-Wear 1.9 mi

Low Barnes Nature Reserve (Witton Le Wear) 2 mi

Etherley Dene, Escomb and the River Wear 2.9 mi

Around Cockfield Fell 3.3 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 campgrounds

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable campgrounds.

Want to know more about camping in Co. Durham?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Garth Hill Farm have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Garth Hill Farm dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Garth Hill Farm? What was going on here in the centuries past? Well, you’ll get to know a little about the local history at the Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, (35 minutes’ drive), … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Garth Hill Farm?
    RV, travel trailer and tent sites
    Arrive:  8 a.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  noon
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Garth Hill Farm? From $33.63 (for 1 night, 4 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.