Coastal campsites near Newcastleton
Just a few miles from the border, the hills and forest around Newcastleton are a top draw for cyclists.
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Coastal campsites near Newcastleton guide
Overview
Nestled in the valley of Liddesdale, the pretty village of Newcastleton is a gateway to the Scottish Borders. Surrounded by rolling hills, the area provides a wide range of recreational activities including walking, horse riding and cycling—the town is Scotland’s first bicycle friendly village and is home to the 7stanes mountain biking centre. Experienced cyclists can follow the Cross Border trail to English-Scottish border. Those with an interest in history can also learn about local history at the Heritage Centre and explore the remains of the 13th-century Hermitage Castle on moorland north of town.
Where to go
In Town
Attractions in the centre of town include the Rock UK adventure sports centre and Newcastleton Golf Course. Also in the centre is the Lidalia Touring Caravan Park, where all pitches are hard-standing, with some set around duck ponds and others are by the wooded hillside, which is filled with red squirrels and birds including pheasants.
Kielder Forest
Just over the English border, and a 20-minute drive from Newcastleton, Kielder Forest is a playground for cyclists and walkers, a haven for wildlife and home to the best dark skies in England. Kielder Village Camping and Caravan Site enjoys a quiet forest location, close to the Kielder Observatory.
Gretna Green
A 30-minute drive west of Newcastleton, the small border village of Gretna Green is famed as the UK’s marriage capital thanks to the days when young English couples would elope to marry in Scotland. A few minutes from the village, King Robert the Bruce’s Cave Caravan and Camp is set on the Cove Estate, 14th-century refuge of Robert the Bruce.
When to go
With its mild climate, Newcasteton and the surrounding Scottish Borders region is a year-round destination, but best experienced in the summer when daylight hours are long, the sun is (with luck) shining and the calendar is filled with activities. The year’s highlights include the Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival and the Common Riding, a spectacle of horsemanship and pageantry, both of which take place in July. If visiting at this time, booking your site in advance is recommended.
Know before you go
- Not all sites in the area open year-round: check opening dates before travelling.
- Wild camping is legal throughout most of Scotland but illegal just over the border in England.
- While you can get around by using public buses, having your own transport offers more flexibility. The closest train station is in Gretna Green, which is 20 miles (32 kilometres) away.
