Local Amenities for Camping in Northumberland
Herding Hill Farm Camping and Glamping site is located just on the edge of Haltwhistle, a small town in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall Country. Often nicknamed the “Centre of Britain”, due to its geographical location, the town is ideally placed for camping Northumberland, and exploring the array of local heritage sites that the region has to offer.
Haltwhistle town centre is just 1.2 miles from Herding Hill Farm, which is a 4-minute drive, or approximately 25-minute walk if you would prefer to explore on foot. There is free car parking in Haltwhistle on the main street, at Lanty's Lonnen car park or at the railway station. Electric vehicle charging points are located at the railway station.
You can reach the town centre on foot via the beautiful wooded valley that is Haltwhistle Burn, where you will see wildlife and discover the secrets of Haltwhistle’s industrial past, or on the road down Shield Hill. Neither route is recommended after dark. Both routes include a steep climb back up to Herding Hill Farm.
Below we’ve noted a number of facilities and amenities, right here on our doorstep that you may find useful when staying with us. The Haltwhistle town directory also provides more information on local shops and services and there is a Tourist Information Centre close by. There is also plenty to see and do as you venture further afield.
Local Shops and Supermarkets
In Haltwhistle town centre you will find both a Sainsburys supermarket and a Coop, where you can purchase grocery items. There is also a small selection of local shops, including a butchers and post office.
Just a 20 minute drive east along the A69 you will find the slightly larger town of Hexham, which has a Tesco Extra supermarket, a Waitrose, M&S Food Hall, Lidl and Aldi.
Corbridge is 25-minutes drive and has a wonderful selection of independent shops.
Approximately 35 miles west there is the city of Carlisle which has a range of supermarkets and high street shops. Newcastle and the indoor shopping mall Metro Centre are both less than an hours’ drive.
Dining
Whether you’re looking for a pub with home-cooked food and local ales, a quick takeaway, a restaurant or lunch time café, Haltwhistle has a selection of dining options, all close to Herding Hill Farm.
The Milecastle Inn is walking distance from the campsite but please note that there is no pavement and the road is not lit making it not suitable for young children or night-time walking. The Milecastle does not allow dogs indoors but has a large scenic beer garden. The Milecastle Inn serves local Northumberland ales and great food.
Within a 5-minute drive you will find the Greenhead Hotel and the Twice Brewed Inn, both do real ales and lovely food. The Twice Brewed has its own brewery and also offers stargazing experiences in its new planetarium. Northumberland boasts some of the best dark skies so our Haltwhistle campsite is the ideal choice for those wanting to enjoy stargazing in Northumberland.
The fish and chip shop the Haltwhistle Fryery and other local Haltwhistle takeaways will deliver to the campsite for a small charge if you pre-order. There are also some dog friendly eating options too. Please ask any of our site wardens for their personal recommendations.
On Fridays in season (normally Easter to September) Herding Hill Farm offer home-made pizzas delivered direct to your pitch.
Outdoor and Leisure Facilities
For swimming, sports classes and facilities, Haltwhistle Leisure Centre is just 1.7 miles from Herding Hill Farm. There are also 3 outdoor pools and water slides if you fancy some fun in the water. There is also the Wentworth Leisure Centre at Hexham, a 15-minute drive.
If you would like to explore the local area on foot, there are plenty of local walks, including the Haltwhistle Rings, where you can take in the beautiful surroundings. The Hadrian’s Wall National Trail is also less than 1 mile from the site and accessible from Cawfields Quarry.
Talkin Tarn Country Park is a 20-minute drive and offers walks and rowing. For a larger range of water activities Kielder Water is a must, just an hours drive from Herding Hill Farm.
Chemist and Medical Facilities
In Haltwhistle town centre there is a Boots Chemist, and a doctors surgery. The nearest hospital should you need it is the Hexham General Hospital, 17 miles away in Hexham. The closest A&E department is at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.
Vets
If travelling with a dog and you need assistance whilst on holiday, there is a local vet in Haltehistle town centre. Capon Tree Vets also have surgeries in Longtown and Brampton.
Transport Links
A car is recommended when staying at Herding Hill Farm if you want to explore further afield as a result of our rural location and the wealth of surrounding activities in the Northumberland National Park which are not accessible by public transport. If you are visiting Herding Hill Farm for a few days and enjoy walking we can recommend a number of routes and activities if you do not want to use your car.
If you want to explore further afield without taking a car, there is a train station in Haltwhistle town centre which connects you to the main Carlisle to Newcastle line which stops at a number of the smaller towns and villages along the way. There is a free car park at the station, along with electric vehicle charging points.
There is also a bus station which also operates a Carlisle to Newcastle 685 bus service, again stopping at many of the local towns and villages including Brampton, Hexham and Corbridge.
In the Summer months the AD122 Hadrian’s Wall bus, operating between Hexham and Haltwhistle, bus stops at the Milecastle Inn, 0.5 miles from the site entrance and allows you to visit the main attractions of the Wall without needing your car.
Click here to visit the Haltwhistle Town Directory, featuring information about places to eat and drink, shopping, services and dog-friendly establishments. If you’re looking to venture further afield please check out our blog on Things to See and Do Near Herding Hill Farm or visit our Nearby Attractions page.