Northumberland campsite named best in region at AA…

Northumberland campsite named best in region at AA Caravan and Camping Awards 2023

A Northumberland campsite has scooped the title of the best in the North East at the AA Camping and Caravanning Awards.

South Meadows Caravan Park in Belford, north Northumberland, took the award and will be featured in the 55th edition of the AA Caravan & Camping Guide. It was among five regional winners, while the England and Overall Winner of Campsite of the Year was Silverdale Caravan Park in Lancashire.

The family-run offers camping pods and a luxury log cabin, as well as pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents. Owners have also introduced several "green" and environmentally friendly initiatives in the hope of minimising their carbon footprint and the impact on flora and fauna surrounding the campsite, which is a short drive from one of the most popular areas of the Northumberland Coast AONB that includes Bamburgh and Seahouses.

Simon Dunham, manager and director at the campsite, said: "It's the second time we've won it and we're highly delighted to be noticed for the work we're doing. We're a family business and it reflects everybody's efforts here, as our long terms staff and family members are working together."

Simon says that in recent years there has been a heavy investment in making the park a comfortable place for guests, with shower facilities and landscaping high on the list of priorities. He added: "We've invested quite heavily in toilet and shower facilities which is crucial to today's customer as they're always looking for better and cleaner.

"They're also looking for a well landscaped site and we constantly keep the park looking at its best. Havin privacy and screening and landscape value is really important to people, as opposed to a plain open field."

South Meadows Caravan Park in Belford (South Meadows Caravan Park)

An AA inspector dubbed the site a first-class family park close to coastal attractions, saying: "An excellent, justifiably very popular site that is ideally situated to exploit the many beaches and attractions of the nearby Northumbrian coast. It is set in open countryside with generous, very well laid out pitches set amongst attractive beech hedging.

"There is a great adventure playground for children of all ages, two very good dog walks on site – one through bluebell woods, and a first-class toilet block. Investment in the park continues to impress."

Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, said: "With people spending their holidays in the UK and exploring the great British countryside, we are thrilled to celebrate the UK’s best campsites for 2022. This year’s winners have demonstrated outstanding quality, high levels of customer care and fantastic facilities which meet customers’ growing expectations.

"We are also delighted to release the 55th Edition of our bestselling Caravan & Camping Guide. We hope this new guide inspires people who are set to embark on new journeys."