Walkmill Campsite
UK England North East England Northumberland
Walkmill Campsite (nr. Guyvance), Warkworth, Northumberland NE65 9AJ
There's no denying Walkmill is a bit special. If ever a campsite fitted the Cool Camping criteria, then surely this hidden pocket of Northumberland is it. So how did we come to this conclusion? A good question, and it involves plenty of unquantifiable notional nonsense like ‘atmosphere’ and ‘vibe’. Then there’s the all-important location, and this is perhaps the most important box to be ticked. Thankfully Walkmill is set in 10 acres of beautiful countryside, surrounded by idyllic woodlands and the weaving River Coquet, where canvas companions fall asleep to the sound of its lazy, trickling flow. Interested? We thought so.
‘We promote camping in a natural, non-commercial environment’ is how owner Claire describes Walkmill; and given the site’s pleasing lack of evening entertainment and plastic playgrounds, we think that’s a fitting description. The riverside pitches have vast amounts of space, shared only with the lambs and sheep at selected times of the year (though, sadly, due to fishing rules, access to the water isn’t permitted), giving these spots a real sense of ‘wild camping’. However, if you don’t fancy the midnight toilet trek, you can hire your own portable toilet! The main facilities are always clean and tidy, with many enjoying a ‘proper’ bathroom, located in the site's mobile home, which also doubles up as an information centre.
And when you finally tire of Walkmill (if you ever do, that is), the wild and remote Northumberland coast is right on your doorstep. Stretching 64 miles north of Newcastle up to the Scottish border, this dramatic landscape is loaded with impressive sights. Here you’ll find the Elizabethan ramparts surrounding picturesque Berwick-upon-Tweed, the sturdy fortresses at Bamburgh, Warkworth and Alnwick, and delightful villages strung along miles of wide, sandy beaches that you just might have all to yourself.
A real attraction is Walkmill’s abundance of wildlife, both on land and in the river. Swans, otters, herons and kingfishers lounge lazily by the riverbank; kestrels, buzzards and owls dominate the skies; while sharp-eyed campers have also spotted the odd badger. But Walkmill’s greatest asset may well be the space – not just the physical kind but that all important head-space too. This is a spot for a little camping freedom and it does a world of good for anyone looking to unwind.
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The Owner Says
A quiet, peaceful campsite surrounded by the River Couquet amongst idyllic woodland walks. Also, a 5-minute drive away is Warkworth Castle along with it's fabulous beaches and traffic-free cycle routes. Walkmill Campsite has a caravan onsite which acts as an information centre, equipped with a bathroom, hot shower, bath and toilet. Campers can also use of the kitchen's sink, microwave, fridge freezer and kettle. Walkmill promote camping in a natural non-commercial environment, with spacious 50ft tent pitches located close to the river.
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Reviews
Add Your ReviewPeaceful, immaculately-kept campsite with helpful owners
A lovely, relaxing stay at Walkmill, experiencing the wild outdoors with just enough comfort to make it thoroughly enjoyable. The owners are very friendly and accommodating; it's a great place for adults, kids and dogs!
Lovely, peaceful campsite near the coast
Would really recommend Walkmill, only a few miles from Warkworth and the beach, but far enough to be quiet and peaceful. Communal facilities (fridge and freezer, toilets, shower, sink and washing up facilities) were clean and great, especially enjoyed the fire pit which we hired for the night for £3 (plus a bit for wood). The owners were away, but their parents were really helpful :)
Fantastic site, cant wait to return.
This is a super relaxed site in a beautiful location just above the river Coquet. The site is very spacious, so at times we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves and the sheep. There are just the right amount of facilities, toilets, shower and kitchen. The village of Warkworth a short drive away has plenty of places to eat and shop, and there's lots to do in the surrounding area. This really is a get away from it all site and we will definitely be back.
Great friendly campsite
Just returned from a weekend at Walkmill. Great site, well looked after. Good sized pitches. Facilities in static caravan on site include use of kitchen, fridge, freezer, microwave, kettle etc. Nice seating are inside with tv, if you need it. Bathroom facilities include a bath! Very clean. Would recommend and will return. Short distance to Warkworth, plenty other scenic places to visit within reasonable travel time.
Lovely site
We stayed here on Easter weekend and despite the campsite being full and having lots of families staying you never felt like you were on a full campsite. The tent pitches are big and in one row with a hill between the caravans and tents so you feel like you have plenty of space. Nice and easy walk into Warkworth and good facilities. Will definitely stay again. So nice to go to a campsite which isn't too commercial.
Lovely Peaceful Spot
Walkmill had a lovely friendly vibe. We visited in August so it was peak time. There were 3 distinct areas - the top field by the farmhouse (caravans and campervans with hook up), a bottom field of tents and the circle field with only four tents or campervans. Although the site was busy, each area is quite distinct and there is loads of extra space in the field for running around, walking the dog, flying a kite etc. At first we felt the facilities were a bit limited (one one shower / bathroom for the whole campsite - and that room also contained one of the 4 loos and 2 basins). But everyone staying on the campsite was very considerate, nobody was in a rush and it's no problem to have a shower at quieter times. My teenage son was delighted to find a chair, table, socket and mobile phone signal in the mobile home! Warkworth and Amble are attractive little towns with lots of independent shops and good places to eat. We had a stand-up paddle boarding lesson on the River Coquet with Jon at Northside Surf School, which the whole family thoroughly enjoyed. We had our bikes and cycled in to Warkworth over the footbridge one day - it would be quite a long walk, but an easy bike ride. The beaches are all fabulous in Northumberland, so much quieter than Cornwall or Deven and a lot easier and cheaper to park. We would thoroughly recommend Northumberland as a destination and Walkmill as a really lovely place to stay.
Fantastic Settings
Where do i start? I was recommeded to this little site by a friend who previously happened upon it. I live not too far from this site and having bought a new caravan decided to try it out for a few nights. I called in when passing to have a look around and to book a pitch. I was met by the owners whom were a lovely friendly couple, I was shown around and was impressed by the tranquility and the setting. The site is surrounded by hills and trees and is accessed by a small track from a road which is easy to find. I enjoyed the fact the site was run by a couple, family orientated and not commercially orientated. The site is well kept, with all the facilities you could need including toilets, hot shower, electric if you require it and access to fishing. We went out for a meal in the local village on our first night, when we came back it was an awesome experience to see the stars without the interruption of street lighting and light pollution. I wished we had brought a telescope. A peaceful nights sleep, a trickling river in the background, my partner a great fan of owls was entertained by a hooting owl on our second night. We would thoroughly recommend this site to anyone wanting a quiet, no nonsense, break-away whilst having access to facilities. We cannot wait to come back.
Lovely
This is a really lovely campsite. Location is superb. We pitched our tent right by the river, loads of space, so quiet. Campsite is very clean and tidy. To be able to use the static caravan for a bath or shower and a useable kitchen with microwave, fridge and freezer was brilliant. Lovely walk to Warkworth castle too. Wish we'd booked a few more nights to explore more of Northumberland. Highly recommend.
Amazing Place
We have just returned from a four day visit to Walkmill and it's our new favourite campsite. We were lucky enough to have a non electric pitch right next to the River Coquet and were completely alone in a large field, apart from the sheep and lambs which we found to be ideal companions. The top camping area has electric hook ups aplenty but we prefer a more basic camping experience and have a gas fridge, cooker and lamp in our little 80's tourer. Also in the top field is an impeccably clean static with shower, BATH!! and toilets as well as two new flush toilets outside. You are able to charge devices, wash up, and use microwave, kettle, toaster, watch DVDs and TV (don't know why you'd want to) and sit in a comfy environment (if you're in a tent). The owners are just the right amount of friendly too, a brilliant place.
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Pitches
Only 10 x 50-ft tent spaces on a flat, grassy area beside the river at the bottom of a sloping field. 9 pitches (on the top level) available for caravans and motorhomes.
Who's In
Tents, caravans, motorhomes, campervans, kids, and well-behaved dogs – yes.
On Site
Walkmill’s static caravan acts as an info centre and bathroom, with a hot shower, bath and 2 toilets. There are 2 further toilets located adjacent to the caravan. Use of the kitchen’s sinks, microwave, fridge-freezer and kettle is permitted. Firepits available for hire. Fishing day tickets are available for salmon and trout in the River Coquet.
Off Site
From the top of the private farm track it's a pleasant 30 minute walk to Warkworth Castle (01665 711423). The impressive cross-shaped keep, rising above the River Coquet, dominates one of the strongest fortresses in England. It presides over the remains of a great hall, chapel, fine gatehouse and a virtually intact circuit of towered walls. Half a mile from the castle and accessible only by boat, stands a late medieval cave. Overshadowed by trees on the north bank of the River Coquet, Warkworth Hermitage is part of the Manor of Warkworth, built as a chantry chapel during the period 1332-49. Bicycles can be hired from Breeze Bikes (01665 710323) in Amble, whilst surf schools (with private lessons), coasteering and kitesurfing can all be experienced a little further up the coast.
Food & Drink
Know your Knickerbocker from your Neapolitan? Then you’ll love Spurelli (01665 710890); a boutique ice-cream makers in nearby Amble. Located within The Old Chandlery, customers can stay and watch the world go by from the outside seating area. Take a tour around the ‘Town Trail’ and discover Amble’s hidden secrets as well as searching out bargains at the town’s Sunday market. The fish stalls sell wonderfully fresh seafood at good prices, whilst the Cumberland sausages from the butchers are also popular with the locals. Small convenience stores are found in Amble and there are two larger supermarkets in Alnwick, 15 minutes away.
Open
March – October, however bookings are accepted at other times of the year if required.
The Damage
Adults £7.50, teens (13–17yrs) £5, children (2–12 yrs) £3, under-2s free. Additional cars £1. Gazebo's and cook tents £1. If you're booking a pitch as a single camper you will be required to pay £10 per night in total, so please add the £3 supplement on the extras screen when booking through Cool Camping.
Getting There
From Warkworth, take the first left immediately after the bridge. Follow the road for a mile, over a railway crossing, and turn left towards Guyzance Brotherwick. Drive past Brotherwick Farm and continue for another ½ mile. Turn left at the bend, up and over a small stone railway bridge, and turn immediately right on to the farm track to Walkmill.
Facilities
- Dogs welcome
- Electrical hook-ups
- Groups welcome
- Showers
Looking For...
- Beaches nearby
- Bicycle routes nearby
- Fishing nearby
- Good walks nearby
- Nice Views from Site
- On the farm
- Remote location
- Surfing nearby
- Waterside Campsite
