Reviews
Here’s your opportunity to tell fellow campers all about the campsites that you know and love. Whether it’s to highlight a hidden gem of a location or praise a sensational site manager, we want to hear from you!
Think of your favourite site and how well you know it. Then imagine being able to tell someone else about some of those wonderful things that make it so special! Advice on getting there, info about the pitches, the low-down on the facilities, what there is nearby to do, see and explore... it could open up a world of possibilities to fellow campers just like you.
Your reviews are important and will be valuable to the Club and Club Members alike, so why not
get writing one now?
phil & tracy (Club member) said...
only our third outing in our caravan & a warm welcome from the staff,easy to tow,easy to pitch. great atmosphere around the camp,brilliant beach not a 10min walk away.i have read facilities clean but dated but believe me i've seen worse!! will be returning soon.
DATE STAYED: May 2012
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED: 
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Coastal
Freda Fletcher (Club member) said...
A beautiful site within easy walking access to the Northumbrian coast We spent six nights here in mid April with reasonably good weather while further down the east coast there was torrential rain.
The staff here are excellent, a warm welcome awaits every visitor and they work hard to keep the site neat and tidy. The shower block is a bit dated but the shower power is the best I have come across on any site.
Recommend eating both at lunch time and in the evening at the Jolly Fisherman in Craster.
DATE STAYED: April 2012
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Coastal,Secluded
Michelle Caie (Club member) said...
Just back from 8 nights at Dunstan Hill, second time we have visited and love it. Like other review arrived on Friday bank hol and very busy, several campers including us had accidentally not booked electric, mainly I think to probs with online booking this year especially not being able to view bookings. That said the staff were first rate and really tried their best for everyone. The warden even gave up one of their electric points so we did not have to go without! The staff are really great and the site is a credit to them! OK the loos and showers are dated but great powerful hot showers and always kept immaculately clean. Surrounding area fantastic, with lots of nice places to visit and eat and the fish and chip van on Friday nights is good. Thanks again to staff who really went beyond the call of duty on that Friday...we will definitely be back! :)
DATE STAYED: April 2012
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Coastal
Paul, Pam and family (Club member) said...
A huge thanks to the wonderful hosts at Dunstan Hill, they all made us immediately welcome and helped us throughout our stay to ensure we were as comfortable as possible (especially during the bad weather). Other family members arrived the day after us but the wardens went out of their way to ensure we were in close proximity to each other. The wardens were professional yet extremely friendly, we had a very enjoyable stay.
Our only dissapointment was the site wi-fi which was very difficult to access (we had paid for a full week) but this was totally out of their control! I'm sure the camping and caravan club will rectify this probelm as soon as possible.
Thanks again for your endless support and for keeping us smiling throughout our stay. We will return!
DATE STAYED: April 2012
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Coastal
C scott said...
I would like to say how impressed we were with the staff on Good Friday. We arrived at the same time as many others and although we had some misunderstanding over the booking (my fault) they sorted this out to our satisfaction with no problems and plenty of enthusiasm whilst also booking in everyone else.
The site is in an ideal place to tour the surrounding areas which made for a very enjoyable short break
DATE STAYED: April 2012
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Coastal
Chris+ Lesley (Club member) said...
We've just returned from another fab weekend at this wonderful site. We've been coming to this site for the many years and love it as much as we did on our first visit 30 years ago. The site was as immaculate as ever - grass neatly cut and tidied and all the wardens were totally professional and could not have been more helpful and amenable - escorting everyone to their pitch and updating new visitors on some of the local attractions - 10 out of 10 for effort! The toilet/ shower facilities, although perhaps a little dated were spotless and had obviously been freshened up with piping hot, powerful showers and our little grand-daughter enjoyed using the child and parents room. For anyone wanting to visit this beautiful Northumbrian coast which is steeped in history, this site ticks every box. There are some lovely walks through woodland, carpeted with primroses down to the most amazing beaches and sand dunes. There are plenty of good pubs serving delicious food and local ales. The new play park in nearby Embleton is great - you can even carry a pint from the pub across the road to enjoy while the youngsters play. What more can we say - its wonderful!!!!!!!!!
DATE STAYED: April 2012
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Coastal
Ian Hills (Club member) said...
My wife and I thought the facilities a little faded and needs renovation. The showers, while hot date back to the 80's, and not the standard of sites like Teversal which set a good bench mark for a modern site. The site is located in the middle of nowhere are is indeed quiet, apart from the odd helicopter taking off from the RAF base nearby.
The wardens were friendly and helpful.Thought the site was next to the coast, but it is a trudge across muddy fields for sometime to get to the castle. Bit disappointed after reading others reviews.
DATE STAYED: October 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Moderate
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Older couples
LOCATION: Country,Coastal
The Buckleys (Club member) said...
This is our 3rd stay here this year and once again it was fantastic.
The site is ideally located for the beautiful Northumberland coastline with a 10 minute walk from the site to the beach and a bus stop directly outside the site entrance.
The facilites are very clean with 2 blocks that both have toilets, showers & dishwashing areas. The bottom block also has a good sized washing machine & tumble dryer. I can also say that the water pressure in the showers is second to none.
The staff are always very friendly & are constantly maintaining the site.
Embleton is approx 10 min walk away with a couple of pubs & a small shop. I can recommend The Greys Inn that serves lovely food & is dog friendly.
If you want a peaceful break in a lovely part of the UK then Dunstan Hill is the site for you.
DATE STAYED: September 2011
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Older couples,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Coastal
The Brown's (Club member) said...
Be as active or sedentary as you wish at this lovely little site. The welcome is warm and the wardens couldn't do enough for us. We went in the half term holidays and the site was busy but not full. There is loads to do locally, with Dunstanburgh and Alnwick castle's in easy reach. Slightly further a field is Berwick Upon Tweed, with Kielder Water and Hadrian's Wall being in reach for a day trip. Lovely place to base yourself and there's a nice path to the coast if you fancy a stroll. Dog's are welcomed and have their own run area.
DATE STAYED: October 2009
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Moderate
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Active break,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Country,Coastal,Secluded
Babz (Club member) said...
My husband and I have just come back from a 6 day stay at this site and would reccomend it very highly. We were given a very warm and friendly welcome from arrival. The staff are all fabulous, helpful and friendly and nothing is a problem or too much trouble for them. The facilities are good and the site very clean and well kept.
DATE STAYED: September 2011
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Coastal
Nets & Kiwi (Club member) said...
Recently returned from another great stay at this site. The staff, as always, were very friendly and the facilities were absolutely fine...spotlessly clean & functional which is all we ask for. The grassed pitches were a little soggy after some heavy downpours so our tents came back a little muddy but other than that we had no complaints. Did notice there were lots more caravans than usual but still plenty open space for tents. Hoping to squeeze another visit in before the end of the season so we can re-visit Chillingham Castle and its wild cattle.
DATE STAYED: September 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Coastal,Secluded
compo (Club member) said...
Visited in September 2011. A little apprehensive regarding previous reviews on shower pressure and temperature.
FORGET THEM!!
Shower buildings are getting on but aren't we all? They are very well maintained and cleaned and the pressure and temperature of the water is now exceptional. If anything, too strong with no problems with heat. Thinking really of economy for the club and the environment.
Had a great few days with lots of coastal walks and nearby pubs...in that order.
Thanks to one of the staff who kindly lent me a heavy duty hammer in light of the aproaching "hurricane."
Go there!
DATE STAYED: September 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Coastal
P Armstrong (Club member) said...
We have been visiting Dunstan Hill for many years with both dome tent, caravan and trailer tent apart from this year! We decided that the showers were in serious need of an upgrade and as such weren't prepared to visit this year. So it's with interest I read that they have had to do something about the pressure but it sounds like it's the wardens more than the club who have dealt with the problem. I wrote to the CCC a few years ago to say for such a busy site they really need to upgrade the shower blocks, not only the pressure of water , but the quality of the the cubicles and the spiderwebs around the windows above etc. Not really good enough..... Hope head office read these comments, and in the grand scheme of their supposed improvements put Dunstan on there list as this is the most beautiful part of the world I really miss.
DATE STAYED: September 2010
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples
LOCATION: Coastal
Cormac, Emily and Ruairi said...
This is a really great site, very well kept and clean. facilities are slightly basic but very clean and plenty of hot water so are more than adequate. lovely hot powerful showers and lots of hot water for washing up. good facilities for babies too, with a baby room nicely decorated with Pooh bear which our 19 month old loved! there is a small play ground but there is a large one in the next village embleton - well worth a visit if you have children to tire out.
The staff at the site are really friendly and helpful, we were camping in the hurricane winds and julian gave us additional ropes to tie the tent down and to the car! he also parked his car in front of the tent to act as a wind break and made us feel very looked after during a couple of windy scary nights.
the walk to the beach is well worth it - ask a warden or fellow campers about the route and you will find a super beach and walk to dunstonburgh castle.
loads to do nearby and lots of lovely pubs - joiners arms a firm favourite with us.
DATE STAYED: September 2011
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Coastal
Penny, Keelan and OLI. (Club member) said...
I arrived with son and Cockerpoo (Oli) in tow to find I had booked incorrectly. I thought I had a 2 week hardstanding pitch with hook up, but no standard pitches are different to Caravan Club sites!( Be aware). Maxine and Mark(Site Wardens) did all they could to accomodate us and we had 5 fantastic days before moving upto Dunbar which is a lovely site. Dunstan is in a perfect spot with easy access to a fantastic coast line. The sites facilities are a little dated but I have no complaint over how clean it was and just how friendly all the Wardens were....(George was our favourite he agreed with everything we said witha wag of his tail). I am so pleased with the site that I am now looking into doing a seasonal site booking. Dont be put off by some of the reviews its a friendly site and the staff will do everything they can to help. I have only just joined the Camping and Caravan Club but wish I had years ago. Well done to all the Staff at Dunstan Hill. Oli carnt wait to get back!
DATE STAYED: August 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families
LOCATION: Coastal
James's family (Club member) said...
Lovely site. friendly staff, Location fantastic about a 1 mile walk from gorgeous beach. Had choice of pitches for our family tent. grassy site a bit wet but the heavens opened. Facilities all you need hot showers, clean as good as any other top site. We took a walk in the dark from site to the beach with our 5 & 10year olds through the woods and too empty beach at 9pm!! amazing - just us and the gentle waves plus lots of interesting toads & snails out in the sand dunes nice adventure for us (even though we're quite 'wildlife & outdoory'). Highly recommended site, but please don't go as we don't want it to be too busy when we return!!excellent weekend
DATE STAYED: September 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Coastal
Trevor Siggs (Club member) said...
Good location within 10 miles of Alnwick, Bamburgh, Beadnell, Craster. Friendly and very helpful staff. Very well kept site. Only 15 mins walk to fantastic beach leading to Dustanburgh Castle. Refurbished showers now very good.
DATE STAYED: August 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Moderate
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Country,Coastal
Gloria Johnstone (Club member) said...
After 30+ years of happy camping at Dunstan Hill,Embleton, Northumberland the pleasure has been enhanced by the new improved showers - perfect!
DATE STAYED: August 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Coastal,Secluded
Paul and Nicky, Northallerton (Club member) said...
Our initial greeting wasn't particularly friendly (lady) when we pulled into the site car park and was immediately asked to move to another car park but we were given free choice of 3 pitches for our tent (gentleman).
The top field ladies shower block was clean and fairly warm and although previous reviews said the water pressure was low, we were happy with it. Pumps were installed during the week we were there and they did have some teething problems of running out of hot water on a couple of days but think it had been resolved when we left. The bottom field showers for ladies were definitely dirtier.
We had a lot of rain during our week which didn't drain as much as we'd have liked but don't think the site managers could have done anything about the grass really, it did mean we couldn't enjoy the site as much as we'd hoped but it was sheltered and you could hear the sea which was lovely.
Fantastically situated for Warkworth, Bamburgh, Lindisfarne and Alnwick. Carlo's fish and chip shop in Alnwick has to be the BEST fish and chips we've ever tasted very reasonable prices. The Greys Inn in Embleton provided a very welcome open fire (yes in August)after a torrential day of non stop rain, wonderful food if not a little pricey. Great park in Embleton, 15 minute walk away from site. Beautiful beaches also 20 minute walk away.
DATE STAYED: August 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Active break,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Country,Coastal,Secluded
Heather Silano-Hennessey said...
We had a wonderful ti e at a site in a fantastic location. The wardens are very friendly and helful and do all they can to make your stay enjoyable. However they are struggling to keep outdated facilities clean and in order. The showers need seriously updating. This was the only blip of an otherwise fantastic two weeks at this site. The beach is a lovely 15 minute walk away and believe me it is worth the walk. It is stunning, a fantastic bay which is dominated by the lovely old ruin of Dunstanburg castle. There are loads of beautiful beaches and little coastal towns in the area. Alnwick castle of Harry potter fame just a short distance away and in the nearby village of Embleton a couple of good pubs with decent grub. It is a dog friendly area which was important to us as we had our much loved family dog with us. To sum up, a great site, lovely wardens, showers need attention. We will be back!
DATE STAYED: July 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Coastal
sue thorpe (Club member) said...
Just a quick update on the showers:
Dunstan Hill was the first CCC site we used (in 2006) and we could not remember the showers being particularly bad then. On the first night last week my shower was fine - warm enough and the water pressure was reasonable. Then on Monday, workmen arrived to work on the shower block and I had to use the ones at the far end of the site which were not quite as good. But on Tuesday I returned to the top shower and it was much improved. The water was hotter and the pressure was better - thanks to those shiny new pipes.
So don't be put off by earlier reviews as the showers are being updated.
DATE STAYED: August 2011
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Older couples,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Coastal
The Allsopps (Club member) said...
Just got back from Dunstan Hill. We chose the site for it's location, rather than its facilities, which is probably just as well. The area is beautiful and the site is in a perfect location.
if we had younger kids and/or a dog we might have go more out of the site as there were armies of both. That said it was dead silent come 1030pm, but don't expect a lie-in if you like it quiet in the morning.
There wasn't much in the shop and we didn'y find the staff particularly helpful, but it was a busy day when we arrived and everybody has their moments. To echo other reviewers, the shower blocks were pretty awful. They were kept as clean as is possible, no complaint there, but they were probably very nice twenty years ago and now look a bit tatty and the showers themselves left a lot to be desired.
Pitch management was a bit hit-and-miss. We were careful to peg out as directed by the warden but were then dismayed to see that this wasn't enforced elsewhere. Huge tents with massive extensions and "garden/barbecue" areas were allowed to spill out as far as they liked, so we ended up penned in and had trouble getting our car to our pitch on a couple of occasions. Our neighbours ended up almost sharing tent pegs with the next tent as there weren't enough pitches left to keep the 6m gap.
We had a very nice holiday. using this site as a touring base, it's good for Alnwick and the coast, and that's basically what we wanted. If you haven't got youngsters and you are looking for a quiet, friendly site with good facilities you might want to look elsewhere.
DATE STAYED: August 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Active break
LOCATION: Country,Coastal
CHRIS said...
EXCELLENT SITE, area was beautiful and the staff where lovely, helpful and friendly. I could not help when I was around and about the site hearing other members moan and would just like to say that the staff do not get the thanks and praise that I feel they deserve. Some people are never happy it seems!!!
My kids loved it and I only wish the staff on other sites I have been where as nice. The scenery was amazing and the town was lovely cant not wait to go back! Chris H
DATE STAYED: July 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Coastal
campcrazy said...
beautiful area, so much to se and do. campsite pro caravans, road around site full of potholes, showers two working ,not very nice. hairdryer in toilet block. Floral display outside reception poor hence collection tin on the counter. Choice of two pitches, note dont choose the one next to mobile hill you will have to listen to all loud conversations. A wonderful area to visit, Chillingham Castle a must and Bamburgh beach.
DATE STAYED: July 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED: 
LOCATION: Coastal
WinandMo (Club member) said...
Great location for exploring the Northumberland coast, including Bamburgh, Seahouses (for Farne Islands) and Holy Island. Village of Embleton a walk away for good pub food.
Beach a 15min walk away through woodland and fields, which the children loved. Tent pitches flat. Facilities were clean. Staff friendly and helpful, particularly when we lost our son (we found him again!).
We intend to return and would definitely recommend to others.
DATE STAYED: July 2011
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Younger couples
LOCATION: Coastal
Bishbashbosh (Club member) said...
Very friendly ran quiet site , play area for children is fine , great food at Greys inn less than 1 mile away. Ideal base to see the Northunbrian coast & castles, all you can hear at night is the sea in the distance, Bliss !
DATE STAYED: May 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Coastal
Trish (Club member) said...
First time on this site, beach easily reached on foot. Staff were friendly but did not seem to have any idea of pitchs still available on our arrival, we travelled with friends & not able to get 2 pitches together, however another camper offered to move his motorhome to alow us to be side by side (very kind) this however seemed to cause staff a headache in altering thier records. Toilet & showers totally unacceptable in this day & age, bare brick walls, no heating, showers had hot water but no water pressure in 2 out of 3 of them, tried to shower one day to find all I had was a drip running down the pipe, not even enough to rinse of soap so had to wipe off with towel, reported this to staff, but issue not resolved when we left. Cubicles small & not really that clean, mould growth on tiles & ceiling beams, lighting poor, a mop is provided but does not dry floor at all so floor always wet, not pleasant. Will never win Loo of the Year. This is the WORST tiolet/shower block I have encountered.
Area has beautiful beaches & lots of places to visit. Nearest supermarket is in Alnwick, Seahouses has good fish & chip shop, Low Newton is really pretty & easily reached along the beach, Golf Club at Dunstan Steads has excellent food, cafe in Bamburgh is dog friendly also with good food & another great beach, Rothbury is another pretty town with a river running through it.
Enjoyed the area & will certainly visit again but will NOT stay at this site unless it is seriously updated.
DATE STAYED: July 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Active break,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Coastal
alexpdb said...
I arrived sunburnt and blistered from a day walking the coastal path. Staff were really friendly, checked me in immediately and gave me a spot close to the toilets so I didn't have too far to walk. Facilities were ample and very clean, and the site is only a short walk from Dunstanburgh beach which is lush. Definitely recommend.
DATE STAYED: July 2011
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Coastal
Durham Silver Camper (Club member) said...
After a 30 year break from camping, my husband and I decided to start again and decided to go to Dunstan Hill to try out our new tent and equipment. We had camped here many years ago and remembered it as a peaceful, coastal site. We were not disappointed.
The site was much busier than our previous visit, with almost every pitch being used. However, it was extremely quiet, peaceful and well organised. The welcome from the staff was beyond reproach and they were professional, friendly and very helpful. The facilities were spotless and there was always one toilet block open while the other was being cleaned. The ground is level and the grass was kept well trimmed. The weather was excellent too, which only added to the whole pleasurable experience. It is only a short drive to the local beach, which is like all of the Northumberland beaches, quiet and with white sand. Perfect for families. We shall definitely be making this one of our regular weekend destinations.
DATE STAYED: June 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Coastal
JET (Club member) said...
Have stayed at this site many times over the last twelve or so years and love it. Always a friendly welcome. The only thing that lets it down is the shower facilities, they have never changed over the years we have been visiting. They are in desperate need of updating, especially the water pressure - because of the trickle of water that comes out of the shower heads it takes much longer to rinse off shampoo/ shower gel.
This is the only reason I would not recommend this to anyone at the moment, so pleeeeease do something with the showers.
DATE STAYED: June 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Moderate
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Active break,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Coastal
Auton (Club member) said...
Spent 5 nights (none school holidays) with wife and 2 children (18months + 3yrs). Site is very very clean and can not fault the toilet/shower facilities at all. Cleaned every day without fail.
Nice welcome and shown to our pitch promptly. Although I did overhear one guy arguing that he wanted a receipt for his gas - but they were unable to give him even a written receipt due to the reception only having C&Camping letterhead paper.
Rained very heavily but the sited drained very quickly as it is on a slight slope - no issue's or worries with having a tent.
Only slight downfall is that the childrens play area is 1 baby swing, 1 child/adult swing and 1 slide!! Be warned during school holidays I can imagine there being a lot of children standing in line to take a turn.
Location is fantastic - 10minute drive from Alnwick, 2 minute drive from the beach which was very very clean. Cleanest I have seen in the UK.
Reception sells basic items - but Alnwick is close enough.A newspaper van coming every morning and chip van twice a week.
Would return again, although would like to see some investment of a few more childrens swings etc - there is plenty of room around it to expand and it is out of the way so it is not as if there will be more centralized noise or anything.
DATE STAYED: June 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Coastal
Rhodes Family (Club member) said...
We have just returned from 6 nights at this lovely site in a great location. Being school holidays the the site was very busy, but still provided for the peaceful break we wanted. It was well run, we recieved a friendly welcome and offered a choice of pitches. The facilities which are in 2 identical blocks were always clean and more than sufficient and even though the site was full we only once had to wait for washing up. The shop/reception was open all day while we were here. The small play area seemed a hit with the children - some swings and a climbing frame/slide which were on par with other club sites. The site is ideally located for touring the Northumberland coast, about a 20 minute drive from Alnwick. An easy 20 minute walk from the site takes you to Embleton village (lovely playground with lots of picnic benches!) or to the pretty beach at Embleton Bay and the coastal path. Lovely walks to Dunstanburgh Castle or north to The Ship Inn at Low Newton. We will definately be returning to this site.
DATE STAYED: June 2011
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Groups,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Coastal
Clive Hoyland (Club member) said...
The site is located on a very picturesque part of the |Northunbrian coast line, there is an outstanding beach within easy walking distance from the site at Embleton which is overlooked by Dunstanburgh Castle ruins. The beach is clean in a peaceful bay bordered by sand dunes with a golf links course running the entire length of the beach, which is unsploilt & tranquill for every type of visitor. There are rock pools to explore 7 a large strip of dry sand beach which the tide never seemed to reach.
The site is just outside the quiet village of Embleton which has 1 pub, & 2 hotels the Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel serves good local food at very reasonable prices. There is a brilliant play park in the village for childrem of all ages.
The site itself is well located for all the Northumberland Coast visitor attractions & Beaches as it is situated just of the official coastal route.
The site facilities were limited, although adequate & the staff were very friendly & kept the site in very clean condition. Reception seemed only to be open on a limited basis, not that this caused us any issues. The toilets 8& showers were clean & well kept, although the showers were very warm they were very weak with sometimes only a trickle of water comimg from them, & sometimes the trickle was that hot you could not stand under it. The club need to address this as it spoils the experience a bit. The pitches were well laid out and well kept. The childrens play area was just Ok with a swing & a slide, it could have done with more equipment if they want to attract more families with kids.
The site is very easy to get to from the A1, as is Alnwick. All in all a very good site, & ideal as a base for touring Northumberland, I was pleased we went.
DATE STAYED: April 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Groups,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Country,Coastal
Johnston Family (Club member) said...
Could not fault the Wardens - all 4 of them - very friendly and helpful, Bruce very funny and helpful when choosing pitch for sun!. Site nice and in excellent location for exploring area and walking to Dunstanburgh Castle direct from site which is superb. People walking through your 'pitch area' alittle annoying. Play area a little poor compared to other sites visted. Toilet blocks alittle disappointing -on one hand very clean but on the other very cold even with glorious sunshine - they are not insulated so cold all times of day and night and water pressure low. 3 showers in each block when site busy leaves a queue! The toilets and personal wash sinks being in same block is not the best, and shower area has no defined area so drying area even with curtain closed leaves floor very very wet.Will go back to area as there is so much to do especially when you have children with you but will choose another site.
DATE STAYED: April 2011
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Older couples,Groups,Active break
LOCATION: Country,Coastal
Sue and Andrew (Club member) said...
At first arrival we were somewhat disamayed to see an army of children and dogs. The site is a very busy site and popular but don't let this put you off though. The beach is a mere field away and what a beach it is, you can walk for miles along it and when bored with that you can head inland along the marked walking routes, a dog walkers paradise.
The staff were friendly, always ready to help.
Alnwick Castle a must for Harry Potter fans but beware it is very pricey.
Planning on a return trip
DATE STAYED: April 2010
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Active break
LOCATION: Coastal
Ally (Club member) said...
Hi, This is a lovely site, peaceful, and a lot of nice walks as well, wardens were great and very friendly and very helpful, toilet block first class and very clean, we stayed here for 7 nights in oct. ***
DATE STAYED: October 2009
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Active break,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Country,Coastal
DMC (Club member) said...
We very much enjoyed our stay at Dunstan Hill. Embleton bay and Dunstanburgh Castle are easy accessible walks and the views when you get down to the coast are stunning. We also visited Holy Island, Anwick Castle and went on the Heatherslaw Miniature Railway.
The campsite isn't the best we've stayed at, although the staff are friendly and the site clean and tidy. We stayed during the last week of August so expected it to be busy, but the tents were crammed in to maximise space. There were some big noisy groups there which spoilt the atmosphere at the site. Because of football games we were unable to sit outside much. The site is also very windy and wet under foot.
DATE STAYED: August 2010
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Groups
LOCATION: Coastal
Mrs Slaughter (Club member) said...
A very popular site it seems as it was very busy when we were there. Wardens amended our pitch to a more suitable one without concerns. Disabled facilities superb - by key and always clean with plenty of room. Family room great! Youngest son loved having a bath at camping....one facility that would be handy in that room would be a loo for the little people :) but not an essential. Laundry facilities were spot on too. Eldest son thrilled as there were nesting swallows on site too. Enjoyed the coastal walk to Dunstanburgh Castle (hope that I got the name right).
DATE STAYED: July 2010
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Active break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country,Coastal
Site reviews (Club member) said...
Lovely peaceful site, helpful staff, let down by poor facilities especially wash and shower facilities. Need urgent refurbishment.
DATE STAYED: September 2010
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Coastal
paul cooper said...
Found dunstan hill campsite very clean and quiet lovely walkks for dogs but lacks things for children to do and very regimented also we paid £51 for a tent for 2 nights off peak which we found very expensive for a tent.overall though very nice site just to expensive.
DATE STAYED: January 2008
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples
LOCATION: Country
campingholsuk (Club member) said...
good site but thought it was to regimental. we went when there was a howling wind and because of the way we told to pitch found it hard to shelter our tent from the gales.
the camp site itself was great. the showers were a bit slow and it took a while to shower due the water trickling out.
the shop stocked enough of what you need if you run out. the village was near enough to the site but just far enough to make the site quiet.
DATE STAYED: September 2010
MEMBER FOUND TOWING: Easy
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families,Older couples,Peaceful break
LOCATION: Coastal
helenterrapin (Club member) said...
A friendly welcome and shown to our pitch, in first field (we were a couple, and there were fewer children there), by warden on bike. Children's play area in the second field.
The site is on a gentle slope, pitches in the first field seemed level, hard standings adjacent to the roadway. The first field got the sun in the afternoon/evening, much of the second field was in the shade by then. EHU to some pitches but not all & some a long way from pitches. We were lent an to reach. Water, waste water point, bins in several locations.
The showers/toilets are very clean- each block is closed for cleaning at a set time each day. The showers and toilets are in separate rooms. There are two blocks (one in each field) with three showers, toilets & sinks, two sinks in cubicles in each block. There was also a hairdryer (20p) but nowhere to plug your own in.
The laundry, disabled washroom and family washroom are in these blocks with the CDP at the side and washing up room- very small with three sinks, but difficult to get three people in. Always a queue to wash up.
The field was soft underfoot and the area to the side of our tent never dried out all week, even though no rain until the day before we left. Half a day of rain flooded the roadway and the area outside the gents toilets in first field was even worse. The wardens were out next day with chipping to fill in the holes on roadway.
A fish and chip vans calls at the site on Wednesdays and Fridays. They weren't that good and the portions were very small. Reception has a small shop selling essentials, but only open limited times. There is also an information room with maps and leaflets. The village is about a mile along the lane.
We walked to Dunstanburgh castle via the beach from the site. The footpath runs alongside the site and is the dog walk. I would also recommend visits to Border Bookshop in the old Alnwick railway station, Alnwick castle garden, Cragside house and Lindisfarne Castle.
DATE STAYED: August 2010
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Older couples,Peaceful break,Younger couples
LOCATION: Country
Elaine (Club member) said...
Although the ground was wet the warden was helpful and found us the best spot to pitch our tent, we only stayed a couple of nights but it was a nice break would go back in nicer weather to this site.
DATE STAYED: April 2010
RECOMMENDED:
SUITABLE FOR: Families
LOCATION: Country
