Bottom Meadow Campsite

Railway buffs can jump on the South Tynedale Railway (five minutes’ drive) from the outskirts of Alston to chug under steam through the Cumbrian landscapes of fells and forested hills. Next to the station platform is The Hub Museum, stuffed liberally with vintage cars, bikes and motoring ephemera. The impressive hilltop remains of Epiacum Roman Fort (10 minutes, the highest Roman fort built in ancient Britain) are open for all to visit, but are on a private sheep farm so please keep any dogs under tight control. For more evidence of Roman occupation, walk along a section of Hadrian’s Wall (40 minutes) and visit the remains of Housesteads Roman Fort - Vercovicium (also 40 minutes), where there are spectacular views across Cumbria as well as a museum of Roman artefacts. Turn west and you’re soon in the Lake District; have a wander around the imposing facade of Lowther Castle and its woodland gardens (45 minutes), or stroll around the shores of fell-lined Ullswater from Pooley Bridge (also 45 minutes).