The North of England
The North of England is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK. Rolling dales are cut through with dry stone walls, over which birds of prey soar; wide lakes nestle in valleys, surrounded by craggy peaks that rise to meet the sky; and rugged moorland topped with heather stretches for miles. These are ancient, unspoilt areas that won’t fail to enchant you.
Camping and glamping in North England are great ways to experience the beauty of these landscapes. Set in the heart of the countryside, our campsites give you easy access to stunning walks, photographic opportunities and even a few water sports. It’s a chance to really leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy nature at its finest.
Should you crave a beach or some city attractions, luxury glamping in North East England won’t disappoint. The golden sandy beaches around Scarborough are a lovely, safe place for the kids to build sandcastles and play in the waves, while the cities of York and Durham have lots of historic buildings, animal parks and museums to visit.
Glampsite and campsite areas in the North of England
Reasons to visit the North of England
Fascinating history
The whole family will enjoy learning about Britain’s past at the various attractions across the North of England. Kids can dress up as knights, come face to face with a dragon and learn to fly a broomstick at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, which is still inhabited by the Percy family. Developed in the 1300s following the Norman conquest of Britain, it withstood Scottish raids and the Civil War, as well as serving as a teacher training college until 1981.
At the York Castle Museum, all ages can learn about Victorian York. You can find out what life was like in an 18th century prison, walk down a Victorian style street and visit its shops, and discover toys from the past 150 years.
Wild rambles
Camping in North England is also a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs. One of the best walking routes is the Hadrian’s Wall Path, which follows the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire and runs from coast to coast. You can join it anywhere, and enjoy spectacular views while rambling beside a piece of living history.
In the Lake District, you can walk in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Cat Bells is a popular trail of moderate difficulty, and rewards you with stunning views over Derwent Water and Borrowdale. The short, steep scramble up Cat Bells hill is hard work but worth it for the panoramic views.
For something gentler and filled with history, the North Yorkshire Coast is ideal. Starting at the quayside where Captain Cook’s ship the Endeavour was built, it follows the cliffs to a once-thriving smugglers’ haunt, Robin Hood’s Bay. You can end the hike with a leisurely pub lunch and dip your toes into the refreshing North Sea before catching the bus back to Whitby.
Adventure parks
If you need to help the kids burn off some steam, visit one of the region’s many adventure parks. The weather isn’t always kind when you’re glamping in the North of England, so if the rain comes, head over to Adventure Valley in Country Durham. With an indoor play zone, an undercover farmyard and wild west town, it’ll keep the kids entertained for hours. Lightwater Valley in North Yorkshire, meanwhile, has 35 rides that toddlers and teenagers alike can enjoy, from spinning teacups to white-knuckle rollercoaster rides.
Why choose Experience Freedom?
Our Experience Freedom sites are perfectly placed for exploring the North of England. Whether you want to escape to a tranquil, countryside retreat or discover the history and attractions of the region with your family, you’ll find a location to suit you. Our Experience Freedom glamping pods are ideal if you want a few home comforts while you’re enjoying the great outdoors, while our tent pitches and camping pods give you the ultimate under-the-stars experience. Select a region to discover which sites are available there, or use our Search and Book function to view available dates for your chosen site.
Frequently asked questions
Cayton Village, North Yorkshire, Coniston Park Coppice and Troutbeck Head both in the Lake District all offer glamping.
We offer FREE Wi-Fi where you can check emails, post to social media, and search and browse the internet. You also have the option to upgrade to our Premium Wi-Fi service at the majority of campsites (includes campsites offering Premium hotspots) which will enable you to download and upload large files, stream music and watch videos. Coniston Park Coppice currently operates a free WiFi hotspot service while upgrade works continue.
Camping pods are an upgrade from tent camping, providing the full camping experience without the hassle of bringing and setting up a tent. These wooden pods are well insulated, more secure, offer more privacy and shelter than a tent, plus they include heating and electricity to keep you warm and snug – lovely! You'll also have access to the onsite toilet and shower facilities.
Glamping pods are like a mini lodge, giving you your very own self-contained hotel room in the countryside! These are perfect for guests who want to be in the middle of nature on our fantastic sites and want to keep creature comforts close by, like a sprung bed and a private toilet and shower.
Glamping cabins are much the same as pods, offering single room open plan living with no separate bedrooms. However, they are larger and can therefore accommodate more people.
Glamping accommodation offers a homely feeling whilst keeping you connected to the great outdoors. You'll have a much greater level of comfort than camping without losing the authentic experience. You won't need to pitch anything either! Find out more about glamping here.
We offer a wide variety of glamping accommodation, including glamping pods, glamping cabins, camping pods, yurts and safari tents. Take a look at your party size, length of stay and any quirks that catch your eye. See more on our essential guide to glamping.
Dogs are permitted in specified Experience Freedom accommodation where a dog-friendly supplement is payable. Dogs are accepted subject to availability of dog-friendly accommodation and only when a supplement is paid. Read more about our dog-friendly accommodation. We've also got some top tips. Guide dogs are accepted in the accommodation free of charge.