Last week my friend and I spent some time camping up in gorgeous Kielder Forest, Northumberland. Kielder is home to England’s largest forest, the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe, and one of the largest dark skies observatories in the UK. Its also one of the best places to spot red squirrels and other rare wildlife, with the park home to the biggest remaining population of red squirrels. So if you’re a fan of outdoor adventures, wildlife spotting, or just escaping from the busyness of life, Kielder is the perfect place for you!
Kielder Campsite
Kielder Village Campsite is located in the heart of the Forest, making it one of Britain’s most remote sites! The site is independently run and is set up for camping tents, motor homes/touring caravans, pods, and static caravans, meaning there are plenty of options for any type of camper. It’s important to note that due to its remote location, Kielder Forest and especially the Village Campsite have very little or no mobile phone reception (however the campsite does have a payphone and limited Wi-Fi for any emergencies), so make sure you have any directions downloaded before you arrive!
Facilities at the campsite include dish washing rooms, WC/Shower facilities, kids play area, BBQ Stands, recharge facilities, and many more which can be found on their website.
Kielder Campsite: Things to Do
With its prime location in the centre of Kielder forest, there are a million opportunities for hikes, bike rides, animal spotting, and dog walks. With numerous trails to follow and discover, there are walks on offer for all abilities, meaning anyone can take in the stunning views of Kielder’s magnificent trees, picturesque reservoirs, and hidden surprises.
If you fancy a bike ride but are lacking the main component – i.e. the bike – you can hire electric bikes from Kielder Village, just a 5 minute walk from the campsite.
One of the biggest attractions in Kielder are the breath-taking night skies. If you time your trip perfectly for a clear evening you’ll be lucky enough to see some incredible constellations and maybe even the aurora! You can also visit Kielder Observatory a public outreach observatory which has achieved Dark Sky Status. Offering a variety of weekly events, booking in advance is essential!
Kielder Village Campsite is also located just 3 miles from the Scottish Border, so if you fancy a trip into Scotland, its easily doable from here, meaning you can take in some of Scotland’s biggest and best attractions!
Kielder Castle is another must visit spot within the forest – just a short walk from the campsite. The castle was built in the late 18th Century as a hunting lodge for the Duke of Northumberland and today has many exciting features waiting to be discovered. From a mysterious maze, to Gruffalo trail, and countless riverside walks, you could easily spend a day here, finishing with a pit stop at the Castle café.
So if you’re trying to figure out what to do with your summer break, plan a UK staycation, or just fancy discovering some place new, Kielder Campsite and Forest is definitely worth a visit!
Charley x
