In this weekly series experienced caravan journalist Liz King reviews some of the best touring caravan and motorhome sites across the UK and Europe. Keep checking back or subscribe to our newsfeed using the Facebook, Twitter or RSS icons on the right of the page – that way you’ll never miss a trick!
Recommended by Liz
Fallowfield Dene
Hexham
Northumberland
NE46 4RP
www.fallowfielddene.co.uk
It’s a secluded yet large site, which is particularly well placed if you want to explore the Roman history of the area as Hadrian’s Wall is very near by, or if you are on your way to or from Scotland. It’s convenient for the ferry port at Newcastle and is used by our continental friends as an overnight stop. The pitches are on grass with 16 amps electric hook-up. There are a large number of seasonal caravans on the site, which limits the number of touring pitches available. Twin axle caravans are allowed and there is a motorhome service point. There is a small shop but more shops are in Hexham.
Opening times
11 March to 2 November 2011
Costs
Nightly costs; from £16 per night for two people including electric hook-up.
Extra people; ₤3.00
Children 5-15 years; £1.50
Children under 5 years; no charge
Awning; ₤1.00
Mains electric hook-up; £2.00
Pets; £0.50
Special off-peak offer; stay for seven nights and pay for only six.
Extra charge include barrier card: £5 returnable deposit paid on arrival.
Eat and Drink
Alnwick Castle has a nice courtyard café www.alnwickcastle.com
Local attractions
Newcastle and Tyneside are just 30 minutes away with shopping at the famous MetroCentre, one of Europe’s largest indoor shopping and leisure complexes. For outdoor enthusiasts there are many footpaths and bridleways to explore, including the Pennine Way National Trail and the C2C National Cycle Route.
Directions
From the A69 Newcastle to Carlisle road, follow the signs for Acomb, Bellingham and Rothbury A6079. In Acomb look for signs on the right to Fallowfield and then signs for the site down a narrow road with passing places.
Insurance Tip
If the weather is going to be windy then it’s particularly important your awning is covered for damage – unlike some insurers Caravan Guard provide cover for storm damage to awnings, including any damage to the caravan itself. Check your caravan insurance policy and make sure you’ve got adequate cover in place.
Many pitches are seasonal
Mature trees are a site feature
The reception
The sections of the camp all have Roman names
This area still has red squirels
Well presented touring pitches
This is one of my favourite parks, I first went on back in 1972 with my parents. It was then run by the Caravan Club. In 1989 I went back to this site myself and its simply superb. Red Squirrel and badgers are on the park while the site is secluded a few shops are down in the Villiage of Acomb while Hexham is the main town and well known for its Catherine Cookson connections. Great site I will be back
Andy Jenkinson Caravan expert/historian / author