Hillcrest Park
UK England North East England North Yorkshire Richmond
Oh to be out on the hills, leaning against the full force of the North Yorkshire wind and squinting through the rain for a herd of lost sheep. This hardy image of the sheep farmer isn't exactly what springs to mind when we first imagine our holiday – more the rolling, sun soaked dales riddled with inviting looking footpaths – but it’s exactly this lifestyle in the great outdoors that inspires many campsites to be born in the north of the country.
Once a working farm, Hillcrest Park, is just such a spot, now fully committed to it’s new life as a campsite. Old outbuildings have been tastefully converted into holiday cottages and a large area of land has been set aside for campervans, all with electric hook-ups. The scene is one that still echoes its agricultural past – views across acres of farmland, mowed and turned for hay in early summer, and buildings converted out of old storage spaces. But at its heart, Hillcrest Park is now a warm and welcoming campsite, a seemingly natural step in the place’s evolution.
Perhaps most notably, or so we think, are the 10 timber glamping pods, which create the perfect getaway for those who want to experience the outdoors without having to worry about the weather. Well spaced-out and each fronted by a large wood-chipping area ideal for barbecues and meals in the sun, the pods are intended as a handy year-round replacement for the standard camper’s tent. Inside they are well insulated and come with an electric heater, double glazing and sockets. Otherwise it’s up to you to bring your sleeping bag and blankets along (inflatable mattresses can also be hired onsite).
The local area follows the trend of history combined with new, modern hospitality. Around seven miles away the picturesque market town of Barnard Castle – named after the castle it grew around – is home to the famous Bowes Museum, a grand gallery set inside a 19th-century French-style chateau. The museum houses the best collection of European fine and decorative art in North England, though it’s unclear what you’re meant to admire most, the artwork or the setting.
Elsewhere, the dog-friendly campsite is matched by miles of footpaths and endless space to explore, with nearby Hamsterley Forest riddled with family biking trails, just a short drive away. Or, of course, you could start from the site itself, taking in a section of the Teesdale Way that leads you to Fernaville’s Rest, a pet-friendly, Grade II listed pub around four miles away. Before you get there be sure to stop on Whorlton Suspension Bridge for a quick game of pooh sticks. It's the earliest such road bridge in the country and an ideal spot for enjoying the last of the river before you cocoon yourself away in the pub!
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The Owner Says
Hillcrest Park is our rural, 6 acre, holiday park in Teesdale. Surrounded by farmland, it offers peace, tranquillity and beautiful views in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere – yet is only 10mins from the A66. It is ideal for walkers, cyclists and dog owners and is close to Richmond, Barnard Castle, High Force Waterfall, Raby Castle and a host of other Dales attractions.Reader Reviews
Add Your Review1 night rural stay - recommend
Peacefull
A cosy pod with lights, electric & a heater
Lovely getaway
Response from Hillcrest Park
Hillcrest Park
Hillcrest Park, Caldwell, Near Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL11 7UD
Pitches
10 timber glamping pods, 20 hard standing pitches with 10 amp electric hook ups and 5 holiday cottages that were once single storey farm outbuildings.
Who's In
Our main ‘poddery’ area is designated as adults only ensuring that whether it is school holidays or not, you needn’t worry about little ones (sorry, little ones, but sometimes the grown ups need a bit of me-time!) Although the ‘poddery’ is adults only, this does not mean there will be no other children on the site, as we also offer other accommodation. However, the ‘poddery’ is in a separate area which no other visitors should access. This area of the site offers wonderful views of beautiful Teesdale, so you can sit on your deck with a relaxing glass of something delicious and take in the sunset – in peace and quiet!
Podders with dogs – yes. Party groups – no.
Facilities
A centrally-located amenities building contains free showers, hairdryer, hot water for dishwashing plus a coin-operated laundry. A communal kitchen facility is stocked with hotplates, microwaves, toasters, kettles and a fridge. The pods have a lockable window and French doors – all double glazed and the pods are insulated with Cumbrian sheep's wool. There is also a lamp and two electric sockets, while outside there are picnic tables/benches provided for each pod as well as hardstanding for BBQ's. There is a small shop onsite selling basics, and an occasional pop up cafe during the summer. You can also pre-order a breakfast pack with local produce (although this needs to be done at leasat 72 hours ahead of your arrival).
Nearby
To the north, it's just 10 minutes or so to Raby Castle (01833 660202) – one of the finest examples of a medieval fortress in the North of England, also boasting a beautiful walled garden and a 200 acre deer park. A similar distance away is Barnard Castle, a picturesque market town where, among other things, the fantastic Bowes Museum (01833 690606) can be found. In the opposite direction, 17th century Headlam Hall (01325 730691) is a grand country house where you can find a challenging 9 hole golf course and a strikingly modern, spa retreat. It's about 10–15 minutes in the car. For natural wonders try High Force, the largest waterfall in England or visit nearby Hamsterley Forest, known for both its beautiful walks and its mountain bike trails.
Food & Drink
The Bridgewater Arms (01325 730302) is a half hour walk or five minute drive from the campsite and known in the area for its exceptional sea food, or try The Brownlow Arms (01325 718471), a traditional country pub, a similar distance in the opposite direction. Fernaville's Rest (01833 627341), in Whorlton, is a beautifully decorated, dog-friendly pub with a fantastic food, and legendary Sunday lunches!
Open
All year. There is a two night minimum stay during the school holidays and summer weekends.
Getting There
From A1(M), north or south, take the A66 Westbound at Scotch Corner. Travel 2 miles and take right turn onto B6274 signposted ‘Winston’. Go through Caldwell Village. Continue for 1 mile and Hillcrest Park is on the left hand side.
If travelling south from Scotland on M6, take A66 East at Penrith, J40. Head towards Scotch Corner and take B6274 signposted ‘Winston’. Go through Caldwell Village. Continue for 1 mile and Hillcrest Park is on the left hand side.
If travelling North on the M6, at J38 take the A685 to Brough. From Brough, take A66 Eastbound towards Scotch Corner and take B6274 signposted to Winston and Staindrop. Go through Caldwell Village. Continue for 1 mile and Hillcrest Park is on the left hand side.Public Transport
The nearest train station is Darlington (08457 484950), which is a 20 minute drive away.
Facilities
- Adults Only
- Drying room
- Electricity
- Dogs welcome
- Laundry
- Campervans permitted
- Caravans permitted
- Wifi
- Electrical hook-ups
- Showers
Looking For...
- Nice Views from Site
- Good walks nearby
- Bicycle routes nearby
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