A SHORT BREAK touring Northumberland seemed an excellent way to make good use of a week’s holiday in mid-summer.
We decided on one campsite in the south of the county and another further north, so we could visit parts of this beautiful region that we had not previously seen.
Our first stop was Well House, a Caravan and Motorhome Club CL at Colwell, near Hexham. Although this site is tucked away, it makes a great base for exploring the area, and provides really amazing views over the countryside. Late afternoons were spent watching the swifts swooping and flying over the fields right in front of us.
We drove to Hexham on the Saturday morning. This fine old market town dates all the way back to Anglo-Saxon times and is rich in fascinating history.
As always, whenever you visit a busy place, there are the practicalities of parking to deal with. We found a spot in the Wentworth Car Park and began our explorations by venturing up Hallstile Bank, a steep but mercifully short walk leading directly into the Market Place.
There was a bustling Farmers’ Market on the go here and local producers were displaying a huge range of foodstuffs on stalls around the market square, known as The Shambles, which dates back to the 18th century.
Our eyes were soon drawn to Hexham Abbey, alongside the marketplace. Sadly, scaffolding was covering the front of the building when we visited, but this did not diminish its imposing presence.
Historic Hexham Abbey
Denne historien er fra June 2023-utgaven av Practical Caravan.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 2023-utgaven av Practical Caravan.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Uncooperative utilities
Gracious friends didn't mind using Penny with no water or electric for a weekend, but it was puzzling news to Nigel Donnelly
PC GUIDE TO...The low-down on lighting
Good lighting makes all the difference to any caravan interior, but which type is best for you? Sammy Faircloth looks at options for upgrading
STAY SAFE! TOWING AROUND VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
A poorly driven car and caravan can do a great deal of damage, especially around vulnerable road users. Here’s how to keep everyone safe
FORD KUGA
Ford has upgraded the Kuga SUV with improved hybrid powertrains, high-tech features and a better infotainment system.
BAILEY PEGASUS MODENA (2016)
This fixed-bed layout offers ideal touring for two, says Andrew Jenkinson
How to buy SECONDHAND
There are brilliant used bargains to be had if you know where to look and how to avoid the pitfalls. Here's what you need to know, says former salesman Peter Rosenthal
ELDDIS AVANTÉ 520
A sleek new profile graces the exterior of this compact two-berth and inside, there’s an impressive washroom
COACHMAN LASER 845 XTRA
The opulent living space in this comfortable four-berth makes the 845 an ideal choice for a seasonal pitch
See the best of France
Enjoy a trip to the most beautiful regions of France with a stay at these brilliant campsites
48 HOURS IN...ST MALO
Our regular series highlights top attractions and itineraries to help you make the most of a weekend visit