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!
Our Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
Book with complete confidence at Hillcrest Park with the Cool Camping Coronavirus Booking Guarantee. We guarantee the following clear policy for your booking:
- A low deposit of 30% to secure your booking
- Balance due 30 days before your holiday
- Complete flexibility to move bookings up to the end of 2021 in the event of Coronavirus restrictions
- Due to the flexibility provided we are unable to offer refunds
- This guarantee supersedes any other policies
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Details
Facilities
Suitable For
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.
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 single drop waterfall in England or visit nearby Hamsterley Forest, known for both its beautiful walks and its mountain bike trails.Food & Drink
The Brownlow Arms (01325 718471), a traditional country pub, is just over a mile away in Caldwell is reopening on 4 July.Opening Times
All year. There is a two night minimum stay during the school holidays and summer weekends.
Why book with Cool Camping?
- Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions
The Owner Says
Social Distancing Measures
This site offers our Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
Accommodation
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.Large, Dog Friendly, Camping Pod for Two
Large, Dog Friendly, Camping Pod for Two
Large, Dog Friendly, Camping Pod for Two
Small Pod
Location
Contact Hillcrest Park, Hillcrest Park, Caldwell, Near Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL11 7UD
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. The nearest train station is Darlington (08457 484950), which is a 20 minute drive away.
Reviews
Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 10 reviews
Perfect Stay
Response from Hillcrest Park
Fab pod experience
Relaxing
Response from Hillcrest Park
We loved it
Response from Hillcrest Park
Great experience - Fantastic site with great facilities.
Peaceful...
1 night rural stay - recommend
Peacefull
A cosy pod with lights, electric & a heater
Lovely getaway
Response from Hillcrest Park
Why book with Cool Camping?
- Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions
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