A campsite by river UK, NE

.

By Stephen Neale

Don’t tell anyone. But this little gem has been the best kept secret on the camping circuit for more than 20 years.

Bring your own boat and sail from the seawall on the Humber Estuary. If you’re a little less ambitious, there are land drains (similar to canals) to the rear of the campsite that can be navigated for miles.

“It’s like being on the Amazon when the sun shines,” says Simon Taylor, owner of Stone Creek House. “I never see a soul.”

Simon has his own sailing boat in the front garden and is happy to offer advice on navigating the estuary.

Spurn Head – the unique sand, peninsular to the east of Sunk Island – is nearby at the mouth of the estuary.

Dogs are welcome. There’s no electricity, so fill your sails. Perfect. web link

.

AMAZON?: Canoe on the Keyingham Drain (By Simon Taylor)

.

A quiet site on the banks of the River Tweed. A short riverside walk to Paxton House.

.

.

Camp in a clearing of Bellister Wood, managed by the National Trust, on the River Tyne. Fishing is possible from the site. more info

.

.

Easy access from A1(M), this is a chance to explore the River Ure by boat or canoe. Fishing for roach, perch, dace, pike, chub, trout and grayling is avialable from the site. The market town of Boroughbridge is within walking distance. more info

.

.

By Stephen Neale

This is how to enjoy one of Britain’s most exciting and historic cities on a budget. Rowntree Park combines cityside, riverside and countryside. On the banks of York’s River Ouse, the campsite is one of the most popular in the Caravan Club network, so it’s worth booking up early.

The river path guides walkers to the centre of the city, which is just 10 minutes away.

There’s so much to do here, from visiting the historic monuments to enjoying the many restaurants and pubs.

A few of the top attractions are free: the national railway museum, walking the city walls and cycle routes in and around the city.

There’s also York Minster Tower, Jorvik Viking Centre and York Castle and Castle Museum.

Rowntree is a great base for exploring North Yorkshire, Whitby and Scarborough.

All 102 pitches are hard-standing and divided by hedges. Flooding can be an issue during heavy rainfall, so consider fitting winter tyres.

Campers are expected to vacate pitches by 11.45am and arrivals are only accepted after midday because of the single lane access. A fish and chip van calls at the site on some evenings.

Open all year.

web link

.

By Stephen Neale

The perfect location, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, on the banks of the River Ure.

A great site for fell-walking and outdoor activities, which is why it’s popular at Christmas and New Year for those who wants to escape it all.

Walkers can hike from the camp to Aysgill falls near Gayle, or Cautley Spout falls. The Pennine Way is a ramblers’ paradise.

Lake Windermere is just over an hour away in a car. The cobbled streets of Dent village on the Cumbrian border are well worth a visit.

Closer to home, Hawes is one of the highest market towns in England, and is a 10 minute walk away.

Open from March until January. web link

.

.

CANOE: Campsite is right next to marina at Bishopthorpe

ACCESS: Boating on the River Ouse