Updated June 2026

Introduction

The freedom of the open road and the ability to take a second home along with you, towed behind your car, has long appealed to many generations of caravanners.

Over time, however, there has been a marked improvement in the facilities and amenities on offer wherever you choose to pitch your tourer. Well-equipped, comfortable and clean washrooms, electrical and water supply hook-ups, individual drainage points and other onsite facilities grant an especially warn welcome for visitors.

This allows anyone with a touring caravan a far wider range of choice when it comes to choosing a campsite – some of which may be more suitable for certain purposes than others.

These days, for instance, caravan sites for adults only – those above a certain age and unaccompanied by children – may be found all around the UK.

This brief guide suggests why adults only caravan sites might appeal to you and takes a look at just some of those sites on offer, their location and their facilities – you might also want to add to this list any others you have found for yourself.

Why adults only caravan sites

Adults only caravan sites typically place a restriction on the ages of those who may be accommodated. This might be designed to restrict use of the site to those beyond their teenage years and those caravanners travelling without children.

What is to be gained by restricting use of the site in this way? There are a number of advantages:

• first and foremost, perhaps, is the overall atmosphere it is possible to create in the absence of children, youngsters and teenagers – an atmosphere that is generally more tranquil, peaceful and quiet;

• such a sleepy, cosy and tranquil environment might be welcome to the more mature caravanner in the same way that it might strike groups of teenagers or boisterous children as the last place to take a holiday;

• sites for the exclusive use of adults, therefore, are likely to be smaller, more out of the way and set in mostly rural locations;
• that is not to say that the owners of adults only caravan sites have a particular antipathy towards youngsters – indeed many such owners are likely to have children or grandchildren of their own – but there is a recognition that sometimes a break away from home without the young ones in tow might be especially relaxing;

With some of these potential attractions in mind, therefore, let’s take a look at the wide network of adults only caravan sites dotted around the UK.

SW England

Think Cornwall and you might imagine the many thrills and spills of activity holidays on the sea or on land – precisely those attractions most likely to draw the younger crowd; think Devon or Dorset and a quieter, more sedate – not to say sleepy – image might be conjured up.

Throughout the SW of England, however, there are caravan sites catering specifically and exclusively for the more mature visitor.

Where to stay

1. The Meadows Campsite is a small, sheltered site for grownups only, within easy striking distance of Pentewan Sands, Charlestown, Mevagissey and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Describing itself as a “natural” site, The Meadows offers some pitches with electric hookup and others for those who want a “proper” camping experience;
2. Ideally placed for many of the attractions of south Devon – from the rugged drama of Dartmoor to the rolling costal paths and sandy beaches of the county – is Moor View Touring Park, near the village of Modbury. The site has a total of 68 pitches, for adults only, all with electric, water and drainage hook-ups.

SE England

The counties of Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex offer a wide range of opportunities for enjoying the best of rural England, its attractive coastline, and the tranquillity of an adults only caravan site.

Where to stay

1. The Still Acres Touring and Camping Park has been adults only since 2017. It is a family run site not far from Wealden village in Marden, situated in the heart of the countryside of Kent. There are 30 hardstanding pitches with electric hook-up, shower block which is centrally heated and disabled toilet access. Dogs are welcome and have their own area which is fenced off, where they can run freely. The site is centrally located giving easy access to all that Kent has to offer;
2. Bridge Farm House Caravan Site is open to Caravan Club members and adults only. It offers accommodation for a maximum of just five touring caravans in a distinctly rural setting of West Sussex (between Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill) that is peaceful and quiet yet also close to principal attractions of the area.

Wales

Wales has long been a favourite destination for touring caravans – from the green, green valleys of the south to the rugged splendour of the Eryri National Park in the north.

Where to stay

1. South Wales Touring Park at Llwynifan Farm in Llangennech near Llanelli, in South Wales, offers a quiet haven of peace and tranquillity for exploring the Welsh valleys, the Brecon Beacons and the Gower peninsula. It is a small, family run site offering a maximum of 25 touring pitches, all on hard standing, and ten of which are fully serviced;
2. Daisy Bank Touring Caravan Park is set in the heart of mid-Wales – a location that is perfect for exploring the rural countryside of both Powys in Wales, Shropshire in England and all of the Welsh Marches. The seven-acre site makes for a tranquil setting for what is a relatively large caravan site – but for the exclusive use of adult visitors;
3. Parc Derwen is a separate, adults only, part of the larger Bron Derw touring caravan park situated between the iconic North Wales attractions of Betws-y-Coed and the mountains of Snowdonia. The Parc Derwen area of Bron Derw has a total of 34 fully serviced pitches for adults only.

Midlands

The heart of England represents an intriguing mixture of industrial heritage and wonderful countryside. When you escape to your peaceful, adults only caravan site, therefore, you may enjoy the benefit of getting away from it all, whilst still being just a stone’s throw from major cities and transport routes.

Where to stay

1. Typical of that rural setting close to major amenities is Somers Wood Caravan Park in the midst of the Forest of Arden, which lies between the major conurbations of Birmingham and Coventry. Birmingham city centre is just 30 minutes away, whilst the National Exhibition Centre (NAC) is only a six-minute drive. There are 48 pitches on either grass or hard standing, all have 10 amp electric hook up and four are fully serviced;
2. The Turbles Holiday Accommodation and Caravan Site is located in a rural and peaceful location very close to The Malvern Hills on the Castlemorton Common in Worcestershire. Just 6 miles from Malvern town the site offers stunning views out over Malvern and pitches that are well maintained and spacious, with electricity hook-up and water to all pitches;
3. Springhill House is one of the Camping and Caravanning Club’s certified sites, a designation given to small, family run sites with accommodation for no more than five touring caravans. This well sheltered site, exclusively for adults, has both hard standing and grass pitches for touring caravans.

East Anglia

For some reason East Anglia tends to be overlooked when it comes to touring with a caravan. For those in the know, and looking for an escape from the crowds, however, this may be no bad thing. In order to make the most of the peace and tranquillity which much of East Anglia has to offer, the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk provide more than their fair share of adults only caravan sites.

Where to stay

1. Billed as North Norfolk’s only clifftop park for touring caravans, Sandy Gulls has the further distinction of being for adults only – some peace and quiet, therefore, with which to enjoy the bracing air of the county’s coastline and sandy beaches. All 35 touring pitches have sweeping views of the sea and there is direct access to the beach a short walk away;
2. Also in North Norfolk, just six miles from the coast in the countryside setting of the village of Erpingham is Deers Mead Caravan and Camping Park. Pitches on this adults only site are on either hard standing or grass, but all are described as “super pitches” with their own 16 amp electric, water and drainage points, TV point and free WiFi;
3. To the south, you might want to take advantage of the small, family run and Camping and Caravanning Club certified site at Frog’s Hall near Suffolk’s historic town of Eye. The site offers just five pitches for touring caravans, for the exclusive use of adults to enjoy the flora and fauna of this quiet corner of Suffolk’s countryside.

NE England

The wild coastline of Northumberland, the peace and quiet of the Yorkshire Dales or the stark beauty of the North York Moors, NE England offers many an escape from the hustle and bustle of the kind of city life you might find, say, in Newcastle.

What better way to enjoy some me-time, therefore, than on a site for your touring caravan which you can guarantee to be free of children and other young people.

Where to stay

1. Relax in the quiet hamlet of Thornton le Dale, sheltered from the rugged landscape of the North York Moors National Park at the family run, adults only, Overbrook Caravan Park, close to the town of Pickering;
2. Think of freshwater fishing and scenes of perfect tranquillity and relaxation are likely to spring to mind. The adults only Chain Bridge Touring Caravan Site, near Berwick on Tweed is only 50 metres from the river from which this border town takes its name – only yards from an idyllic fishing spot. The site offers just 18 pitches, and optional electric and fresh water supply points, with each hard standing pitch spacious enough for your caravan, its awning and your car.

NW England

Caravanning in the NW of England is likely to spell one thing only – the Lake District. But that is a district which spans many different locations, each with its distinct character and charm. Many of these may be enjoyed from the peace and tranquillity of an adults only touring caravan site.

Where to stay

1. You might want to start out with a relaxing holiday in the southern part of the Lake District at the adults only Ashes Caravan Park near Kendal. Set in a quiet and peaceful corner of the Lakes, the site is still just a few miles from the main M6 motorway, so readily accessible. Touring pitches are on all-weather hard standing and each has its own electric hookup;
2. Larches Caravan Park on the northern fringe of the national park, midway between Carlisle and the coast at Maryport. The minimum age for anyone staying on the site is 18. There are 35 touring pitches are available, each with its own electric hookup.

Scotland

Say that you want a break in your caravan touring Scotland and you have a whole country to explore – highlands, lowlands, lochside and seaside. With such a wealth of different locations in which to relax and unwind it is difficult for this brief guide to do any justice at all to the many adults only sites within Scotland. Here are just a few suggestions.

Where to stay

1. In the south of the country, just eight miles from Dumfries is the Red Squirrel Campsite Glenmidge. Surrounded by wooded hills, this small adults only site offers peace, quiet and seclusion. Just as the name suggests, this is one of the few areas of the UK where red squirrels may still be found. The site’s pitches for touring caravans are all on unmarked grass areas;
2. If you are in search of some solitude amidst the grandeur of the Scottish Highlands, the place to pitch up might be Faichemard Farm Campsite – a site for the exclusive use of those aged 18 and over. Each of its 35 pitches has an individual character and these are spread generously over a ten-acre site;
3. In Perthshire, near the town of Errol, you are likely to share your touring caravan pitch not with children or other youngsters, but free range ducks and hens! This is the Fernlea Caravan Club certified site for adults only. As such, it is restricted to a maximum of just five touring caravans and visitors must also be Caravan Club members.

Summary

Whatever your reasons for wanting to enjoy a holiday free from the intrusions and demands of children and other young people – whether your own or someone else’s – you are almost certain to find a caravan site specifically intended for precisely that purpose in practically any part of the UK.

Hopefully, this guide has provided some insight into just how that demand is already being met in just about any part of the UK you may choose to visit.

Disclaimer: Caravan site facilities, services, prices, opening dates and site rules may change over time and may vary by season. The information in this article is intended as general guidance only and does not represent an exhaustive list of adult-only caravan sites. Please check directly with individual sites for the latest details before booking.

Buying a static caravan is an exciting step and can provide years of enjoyment, whether you are looking for regular family holidays, weekend escapes or a place to relax and unwind. For many owners, however, a static caravan is also a significant financial investment, making it important to think carefully about how it is protected.

Like any property, a static caravan can be exposed to a range of risks throughout the year. Severe weather, flooding, fire, theft, vandalism and accidental damage can all result in unexpected costs and disruption. In addition, if visitors or guests are injured, or their property is damaged in connection with your caravan, you could potentially face a claim against you.

This is where static caravan insurance may play an important role. Depending on the policy and level of cover selected, insurance may help protect the caravan itself, its contents and your potential liability to other people. The cover available, however, can vary significantly between insurers and policies, so it is important to understand exactly what protection is included and any conditions or exclusions that may apply.

In this blog, we explain some of the key things you need to know about static caravan insurance, including site requirements, public liability cover, letting your caravan to guests and other important considerations that may affect the type of cover that is suitable for your circumstances.

Can I live in my static home permanently?

• although they are bought as a second or holiday home, one of the first questions asked by many new owners is whether they can live in their static caravan as a permanent home all the year-round;
• generally speaking, a static caravan is, indeed, a holiday or second home – it is not designed to be lived in as your main place of residence;
• this is also reflected in the policies of most of the parks and resorts on which your static caravan is pitched – they close for certain periods of the year when their occupation is prohibited even for owners;
• legally, you must have a permanent residence, which must be known as your ‘main address’. This cannot be your holiday home. A static caravan is generally used for leisure and holiday purposes only. In most circumstances, static caravans are intended for holiday and leisure use rather than permanent residential occupation. Specific rules may vary depending on the site and the terms of any agreement you enter into.

The lease agreement

• the lease agreement – and, with it, the rent you pay to pitch your static caravan in the park or resort – is critical and bears very careful reading and understanding, so that you are fully aware of the respective obligations and responsibilities you have as the owner and those of the park management;
• for example, you will be responsible for maintaining your static caravan in a good state of repair and for keeping its surroundings clean and tidy – including any outbuildings or fence you own on the pitch you have leased;

Static caravan insurance

• a further important condition of your lease is likely to be your responsibility for arranging suitable static home insurance. Your site owner may offer you their own preferred caravan insurance cover, but in most cases, you are under no obligation to accept their static home insurance – you are free to source your own cover;
• however it is arranged, static caravan insurance provides a critical safeguard against the risk of loss or damage to your holiday home, but also typically may include protection against claims that may be made against you as the owner of the property by third parties who may have been injured or suffered damage to their own property through some connection with your static caravan;
• indeed, that public liability insurance is one element on which the park management is likely to insist that you have adequate cover – for the protection of other park residents, their visitors, and members of the public – and they may reasonably ask for proof of your having arranged suitable cover;

Letting your static home

• the park which is host to your static home is unlikely to raise any objection to your letting the property whenever you choose – but it is important to check first;
• some parks and resorts encourage the practice since it helps you to offset the cost of your pitch fees, maintenance and other expenses;
• but if you take that opportunity to earn extra income from letting your holiday home, this is another factor to consider when reviewing your insurance requirements;
• the additional use to which the property is put is likely to mean that you require some form of specialist static home insurance – insurance that takes into account those periods of heightened risk when your home is temporarily occupied by tenants;

How long can I keep my static home on its pitch?

• this is another of those questions best addressed through scrutiny of your lease agreement and discussion with the owners or managers of the site or resort;
• some parks may have a maximum limit of, say, 15 years on the age of any static caravan berthed there, for example, while others may specify no particular age for the holiday home, provided it is kept in a good state of repair;
• determining and keeping clearly in mind your security of tenure, of course, is a matter to be negotiated before you sign any lease agreement.

These – and other important considerations regarding your enjoyment of your static home – are questions you need to address before purchasing a static home and before signing any lease agreement with the management of the park on which it is pitched.

Need help arranging static caravan insurance?

Choosing the most appropriate insurance for your static caravan can sometimes feel complicated, particularly if you are letting it to guests, keeping valuable contents inside or have specific requirements set by your holiday park.

At Cover4Caravans, we can help you explore the insurance options available and explain the features and benefits of different policies. Whether you have recently purchased a static caravan or are reviewing your existing cover, our team can discuss your circumstances and help you find insurance that may be suitable for your needs.

For more information or a quotation, get in touch with Cover4Caravans today.

Further reading

• Your static caravan insurance quote : need to know
• Caravan holiday home insurance: Protect your static or touring caravan today
• The guide to static homes
• Static caravan insurance discounts and other need to knows
• Previous flooding of your static caravan site

If you are a caravanner, you have better reason than many to plan for those good times ahead – the time when you can hitch up the ‘van, take to the roads, and explore pastures new or long-time favourites.

So, here are some destination ideas for the Summer to whet your appetite!

Kent

Not for nothing is this corner of the country described as the Garden of England. The orchards, hop fields and verdant landscape make Kent a county to visit at any time of the year but in particular in the summertime.

In addition to the quiet and peaceful countryside, Kent has more than its fair share of castles and historic monuments, fantastic beaches – some of the best in Europe, according to the local tourist board – and a treasure trove of family entertainment.

The Camping and Caravanning Club campsite at Canterbury makes an ideal base from which to explore the whole county.

Southwest England

There can be only few seasoned caravanners who do not already know the lure of Devon and Cornwall. If you are new to the pastime, you might soon discover the attraction.

An extensive and varied coastline offers mile upon mile of stunning walks and trails, there are any number of glorious beaches with water sports for the more adventurous, and you can escape to the more remote and tranquil corners of rural England inland.

When the sun is out, of course, the natural place to head towards is the beach – where glistening sands and shimmering seas hold out the prospect of cooling breezes. But even on cooler days, the fantastic views and rugged landscape can be enjoyed.

In Devon, the Camping and Caravanning Club’s Slapton Sands campsite is situated on the impressive South Devon Heritage Coast and makes the perfect base for a family holiday by the beach.

The New Forest

Of course, you might want to play it completely safe and get the best of both worlds – the beach and the sea if the weather forecasts prove accurate, but somewhere more sheltered when unpredictability brings in the rain.

That makes the New Forest an ideal location – offering sheltered woodland walks if it turns to rain, but the nearby south coast beaches of Boscombe, Highcliffe and Hordle when the sun and sea beckon.

The Caravan and Motorhome’s New Forest Caravan Club Centenary Site is set just a mile or two from the village of Bransgore, with forest walks in one direction and beaches in the other!

The Lake District

Also likely to stay cooler than any pitch near the beach, the Lake District remains an all the year-round favourite with caravanners – and for good reason too.

The lakes themselves provide a perfect setting in which to pitch your tourer and, after a drop or two of rain, the rugged majesty of the peaks and fells are softened to a glorious green.

Park Cliffe Touring Park is a stone’s throw from the largest of the lakes, Windermere, and the section for touring caravans is on a slight hill to maximise the lakeside views from hardstanding pitches which come with 10-amp electric hook-ups.

Mid Wales

Both North and South Wales have their steadfast caravanning champions – so why not break the mould and visit Mid Wales?

Mid Wales offers you paths and trails less visited – and some breath-taking views along the way. Whether you choose to sit back and take these in from under the shade of your tourer’s awning or take to horseback, a mountain bike, or good old shank’s pony, Mid Wales holds many a treat in store.

Fforest Fields, near Llandrindod Wells, in Powys, offers a mixture of all-weather, hard-standing and grass pitches in a peaceful and tranquil setting, with free use of canoes and kayaks on the nearby lake.

Yorkshire Dales

Kick back and enjoy and altogether quieter pace of life as you pitch your caravan on one of the many sites in the Yorkshire Dales.

You can be certain of a more peaceful and more relaxed break away from home than the beaches to the east or even the ever-popular Lake District to the west. The Yorkshire Dales offer the perfect escape from it all.

For beautiful views across the whole of Wharfedale and the prospect of outings to Bolton Abbey and Skipton, pitch your caravan at the Howgill Lodge Caravan Park.

Northern Ireland

Once you’ve boarded the ferry, it’s almost like venturing forth on some foreign holiday – with the blessing that everyone still speaks English.

Make Northern Ireland your destination this summer and you’ll be likely to claim a holiday that’s different to many taken by the caravanning fraternity. Rolling farmland and valleys, rugged coastlines and historic castles and monuments all put their unique stamp on the province.

At the end of a busy day’s exploring, retire to your touring pitch at Ballyness Caravan Park, near Bushmills, Coleraine and Portrush on the coast.

Scotland

Yet another “foreign” holiday within the British Isles is just north of the border into Scotland.

It’s a big country, too, that deserves a whole chapter all to itself if you are planning your next summer holidays.

For now, then, let’s just suggest that you first make yourself the welcome guest of Scottish hospitality in the Border Country at the Melrose Gibson Park Caravan Club Site near Melrose in the scenic Eilden Hills.

From the far southwest to the north of the British Isles – and everywhere in between – you can be assured of variety and contrasts wherever you take your touring caravan.

For many caravanning families, of course, sun, sea and sand might not be all they’re cracked up to be, and cooler climes in more majestic settings may be the order of the day.

Loch Lomond is probably one of the most recognised destinations when you travel north of the border and Lomond Woods Holiday Park is a beautiful place to pitch up.

Or you might want to visit Loch Ness Shores in Scotland – it offers a total of 99 pitches and is one of the few places along the shores of the famous loch where you can launch small boats.

For more destination inspiration, check out some of our Guides here.

As with many things, especially when it comes to insurance, the devil is in the details. Many drivers are likely to assume that their regular motor insurance covers towing a caravan. And, in many cases this may be correct – but only up to a point.

Many insurers may extend third-party liability cover to the caravan you are towing, although the extent of cover varies between policies. Let’s see why that might give you cause for concern.

What car insurance may typically cover when towing

Motor insurance policies are many and varied. Precisely what is covered, the extent to which it is covered, and what is excluded will vary from one insurer to another.

In the majority of cases, your motor insurance policy may meet the minimum legal requirement for third-party liability when towing a caravan. That legal minimum is designed to ensure that you can meet claims from injured third parties or those whose property has been damaged by your trailer. – up to set policy limits. That third-party liability cover does not usually include protection for damage sustained by your caravan. That is also typically the case, even if the car towing your caravan has comprehensive cover.

What it normally does not cover

Even if you have comprehensive insurance for your car, therefore, this typically does not extend to cover for damage to the caravan itself, but only to damage or injury caused to others by your caravan.

That also means that the third-party element of insurance you have for the caravan does not cover theft of the trailer or its contents while you are on the road. The third-party cover provided by a standard motor policy may not provide protection for loss or damage to the caravan itself.

When separate caravan insurance becomes important

Given the severe limitations of the third-party cover provided by your regular motor insurance, you may want to consider the importance of obtaining separate insurance for your caravan.

After all, your caravan is likely to be a valuable asset that would be expensive to repair or replace following any number of potential mishaps otherwise not covered by the third-party cover in your motor insurance. Mishaps such as:

• serious incidents while towing your caravan along major roads and motorways;

• major incidents while you’re pitched at a campsite – fire, flooding, or storm damage;

• reversing accidents – that may occur with annoying frequency;

• damage suffered by your caravan while you are pitched at a campsite or caravan park; or

• one of the many dents and scrapes any caravan might suffer on an ordinary overnight stop.

What to check in your policy wording

Naturally, insurance for your caravan and the vehicle towing it are closely linked. Before you consider hitching up a caravan to your car, therefore, carefully check the wording of your motor insurance policy.

• Does it specifically allow you to tow a caravan? Some policies may exclude towing, while others may require notification.

• Even if towing is allowed, are there any weight or size restrictions? If you exceed these or the legal weight limits, this could affect the validity of a claim.

• Does your motor insurance require a specific declaration about a tow bar modification?

• Is the insurance cover valid for European travel and, if so, whether there are any limits to the duration of cover, number of visits, or restrictions on the countries to be visited?

• Does the cover include roadside assistance or recovery for both the car and your caravan?

Check with us

Whether your motor insurance provides cover while towing a caravan depends on your individual policy terms and conditions. Third-party liability while towing may not include protection for loss of or damage to the caravan itself, so it’s always sensible to check your policy wording or speak with your car insurance provider before travelling.

If you remain unsure about the level of protection in place, Cover4Caravans can provide further information about specialist touring caravan insurance options and help you explore cover that may be more appropriate for your needs.

CCC Members only 5-pitch site

Bardon Mill, NE477JT

https://brockaleefarm.wixsite.com/campatbrockaleefarm

Date of Visit:    April 2026

Overall View

This is a family and dog friendly certified site situated between Haltwhilstle and Hexham just off the cross country A69.  Access is straightforward, take care with the final turning into the site.  Please see arrival video HERE.

The owners are very friendly and helpful.  It is a very well-maintained site.  During the three-weeks we were here, it was regularly full.  Advance booking is highly recommended.

Facilities

There is an EHU to each pitch.  Electric is charged additionally by the kwh used at a rate set by the utility company.  Grey water drainage point is in the corner of each pitch.  There is no clean water supply at each pitch.

There is a central facilities block, in the middle of the row of pitches, with two showers, toilets and an information room.  One of the toilet/showers which is combined has level access.

To the rear of the block is the dishwashing area with plenty of hot water.  To the side of this is the clean water filling point.

On the opposite side of the block is the recycling and rubbish disposal area – this is where the CDP is also located.

Security is well catered with locked gates to the entrance to the site and a very heavy-duty coded padlock – the number is given on arrival.

There was no WiFi on site, however the four mobile network providers promise good 4G inside and out. In addition EE offers 5G which worked well and was fine for streaming.

There is no public bus service nearby, you will need to pick up a bus in Bardon Mill.  Please check website for frequency.  www.stagecoachbus.com

Review of Site Pitch

The site is built on a flat terrace about two-thirds of the way up an embankment.  There are good views from the site across the valley.  At the bottom of the valley is the A69 so there is some road noise although it is much quieter at night.

Each pitch is flat, laid to shale type gravel and kept immaculately clean and tidy by the owners.  The grass that forms the rest of the site, apart from the roadway and pitches is very well kept.

Around and about

The location of this site is one of its main attractions – it is only a couple of miles from Hadrian’s Wall and the world famous Vindolanda site.  A half hour run further on will take you to Housesteads site and other many varied visitor points along the wall in this area.  https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hadrians-wall  The Pennine Way also runs along this area and there are many facilities for the walkers.

It is also possible to purchase a combined entrance ticket which allows you access to Vindolanda and also Magna Fort and Roman Museum about a 10-minute drive between the two.   The Roman Museum is very interactive and child friendly.  There is a café and accessible facilities.

If you wish, you can combine the Magna Fort visit for half a day and the second half visiting the Lanercost Priory about a 10 minute drive from Magna Fort.  This has an excellent café/restaurant outside the priory, completely dog friendly and has the usual accessible facilities.  The Priory is run by English Heritage.  It is divided into two main sections, the priory ruins for which there is an entrance fee, (free for EH members) and the church, (one half of the priory) is free to enter.  There is a small souvenir shop at the entrance.  The church is fully accessible; the priory is not wheelchair friendly and there are steps.  Pushchairs are okay providing they are not too heavy or cumbersome.

The site has a number of villages immediately surrounding the site and many offer small shops selling a good range of goods.  However, for supermarket shopping, the nearest, a 15-minute drive from the site, is Haltwhilstle which has a medium sized Sainsbury’s but no fuel.  There are some shops, pubs, laundry and hairdresser shops in the town itself.

Fuel wise, there is an independent garage about 500m from the site on the A69 itself.  It also has a Spar and there is a Starbucks Coffee house opposite.  The latter can be very popular indeed with travellers.

In the opposite direction, a 35-minute drive will bring you to Hexham.  This is quite large and has several supermarkets including a Tesco Extra.  Again, there is no fuel attached.  There is an Asda/BP fuelling station just as you leave the A69 which was competitively priced but there is no full-sized Asda – just an Asda Express acting as the service station shop.

Hexham has a long history and there is Hexham Abbey/Church in the middle of the town.  On road parking is usually plentiful apart from Saturday morning when the weekly farmers market is situated in the market square and in front of the Church.

https://www.visitnorthumberland.com/explore/destinations/towns-villages/hexham

Hexham Farmers Market – this is held on different Saturday mornings.  Please check the website before setting out.  There are a range of local farmers and producers selling fish, game, poultry and meats.  Pies, cakes, (delicious), flowers and plants.  A huge cheese stall.  There were Morris Dancers and clog dancers entertaining the shoppers in front of the Abbey.  All in all, a very pleasant experience.   https://www.hexhamfarmersmarket.co.uk/

A full day tour, with the cross-country route along the military roads alongside large parts of Hadrians Wall is to Kielder Water.  Please check this road before setting off as there are major bridge repairs starting very shortly, (time of writing April 2026).

Kielder Water is a very large reservoir built in the early 1970’s and provides both water and hydro-electric power to Newcastle upon Tyne, Middlesborough and their surrounding areas.

There are a number of parking areas around the reservoir and it possible to drive across the dam to a car park on the other side.  All official parking areas require you to pay, including blue badge parking.  However, if you pay for 1 days parking, then you can move around all the car parks without having to pay extra that day.

There are two main ‘commercial’ areas – both with shops, café and toilets.  Towe Knowe was not open on the day I visited, a further 3 miles or so further on is the much bigger area – this has a tourer caravan site, glamping pods and lodges available.  There is also a large café/bar/restaurant with a children’s soft play area attached darts and a snooker table.  The restaurant offers a wide range of food for all including a fully stocked bar.  There are fully accessible toilet facilities at each of the two sites.  The main commercial area has a shop which doubles as a convenience store for visitors and also a gift shop.  There is the forest to visit which is a separate trip in itself.  Also there is the famous Dark Skies Observatory.  Further details can be found on this website.   www.visitkielder.com

Another days visit is to the Wallington Hall (NT).  You can easily spend a whole day here.  Access is good, there is plentiful parking including accessible and accessibility is good throughout the site and the ground floor of the house itself.  Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be hired in advance if required.  There is a café, ice cream parlour and a NT shop which is one of the larger ones.  Local crafts and produce are also available.  www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/wallington

Bladon Mill is the small but very picturesque village on the opposite of the A69 to the site.  There is a lovely café which also doubles as a small convenience store for essentials in the centre.  There is lovely seating just outside if the weather is good.  It is a dog friendly establishment and they are welcome inside.  Scones with jam and cream are a favourite and the coffee comes highly recommended too.

There is a public footpath, signed from the entrance to the site which you need to walk, with the site at your rear and this bring you to a point where you can, very carefully it is a fast road, cross the A69 and follow the rest of the footpath down into the village.  It will be an uphill walk back.  You can also turn right out of the site, right onto the A69, carefully cross and then another footpath takes you down into the village.

There are a couple of pubs/hotels as well.  In addition, there is a large pottery building with its own kiln and chimney.  You can see when they are firing as there is a large plume of smoke.

Bladon Mill is also the nearest Network Rail station.  Trains go to either Carlisle or Newcastle.  There is no ticket office, pay on train or on-line in advance.  The service is operated by Northern Trains.  www.northernrailway.co.uk There is a small amount of parking just outside the station, including accessible, however you can easily park in the village, and it is a couple of minutes level stroll.

Carlisle – This is about a 45 minute drive, depending on traffic.  You can, of course, opt to take the train.  This is a very old town with a great deal of history, a castle and many a tale of border skirmishes over many hundreds of years.  There is a pedestrianised shopping area which runs off the car park, called Lanes Shopping Centre/Car Park.  There are lifts and access is good.  Dogs are allowed but obviously not all shops in the centre will allow them in.  There is a large out of town retail centre which is where you can get larger shopping if you so wish.

There are two destinations within a few miles of each other and a 10 minute run from the site in the car.   Housesteads Roman Fort and the Sill.

Depending on whether you are able to walk to view the Fort from the roadside car park, (cafe, toilets ad full facilities), will determine the length of your visit as the uphill walk takes around 20 minutes on a tarmac pavement.  It is possible to drive to close by the fort if you have a blue badge and make prior arrangements. These can be made at the reception on arrival. This brings you to the museum, shop and coffee machine.   There are accessible toilets in the small car park.  It was not possible to see the Fort inside as there are steps to gain access.  I would, however,  recommend making the trip up to the museum as the panoramic views, on a clear sunny day are breath-taking.  

www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places

You can see for miles.  Dogs are allowed everywhere, strictly on leads, due to sheep being free roaming.  The exception is the museum.

The Sill, nearer the site is easily accessible as it is close to the roadside.  It has a visitor centre, shop and café.   It has full facilities and dogs are allowed everywhere,  including the cafe but not the visitor centre and shop.  The cafe makes great efforts to only supply local produce and everything from a soup and sandwich to larger meals are on offer.  Very tasty they were too.  https://www.thesill.org.uk/

Summary

If you are interested in history, particularly Roman history then this sites location, facilities and proximity to places of interest, you will find this site hard to beat.  Many of the other site residents were working on the historical sites.  Very pleasant and helpful owners made for a very good stay; we appreciated the half dozen fresh eggs gifted to us by the owners at the start of our stay.  It is certainly worth a visit.