New camping, campervan and caravanning site set for summer opening on the Northumberland coast

The venture between Northumberland Estates and local operators Coast and Castles will see the old RAF administration site at Boulmer turned into camping and caravanning facilities.

Once fully operational, the site will offer up to 80 pitches of which 46 will be for caravans and campervans for overnight stays. The remaining pitches will be for camping, plus a glamping option for those requiring a little extra luxury.

Planning to convert the site was originally granted to owners Northumberland Estates several years ago, but the current popularity of the county as a holiday and staycation destination, coupled with the well-publicised issues experienced by communities along the coast related to overnight parking and camping, has encouraged the project into being.

The new operators Coast and Castles is run by three local businessmen including Mark Jones from the Dirty Bottles, a popular and successful hospitality venue in Alnwick, together with partners Paul Davidson and Gareth Brown.

“The beauty of this scheme is that we were able to utilise much of the existing infrastructure,” explains Paul. “This means we have been able to move quickly to get things operational, and we hope to have the site open to campers, campervans and for visitors wanting to try our new glamping offer by early July.

"The area designated for touring caravans and motorhomes will take a little longer to complete, but is currently on schedule to open in August.”

Andrew Robson from Northumberland Estates said: “Since Covid the number of tourists looking for camping facilities such as this in the area has skyrocketed.

"The lack of local sites has been instrumental in causing huge problems for local communities along this bit of the coast in places such as Alnmouth, Boulmer, Craster and Amble.

"This unused site seemed like a perfect way to ease some of these issues with the idea being well received by the local parish council.”

Paul added: “Our ambition is to create something rather different from your average campsite. We will have a covered pop up bar and food area under a stretch tent and our glamping tents are high quality but quirky, offering something a little out of the norm. Locals will be more than welcome to visit the site and use the facilities.”

The site is close to the beach and wildlife haven of Boulmer or visitors could walk or cycle along St Oswald's way either north through Longhoughton and Howick, up through Craster and on to Dunstanburgh Castle, or go south through stunning beaches at Seaton Point, Alnmouth, Warkworth and Amble.

Prices for an overnight stay will be in the region of £20 per pitch with glamping from £75 per night. Online booking will be available from June 1. More information can be found at http://coastandcastles.com/

The Camping and Caravanning Club recently revealed there has been a 94% increase in the number of pitches booked at its Beadnell Bay and Dunstan Hill sites this year compared to 2019.

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