“We have always enjoyed walking and camping and spent most holidays on long distance trails with backpacks, especially in remote areas. So Northumberland’s beauty and tranquillity appealed to us; there is simply so much to explore."
Bellingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site is located in the peaceful North Tyne Valley, within reach of some of Northumberland’s finest scenery. Guests enjoy walking and cycling in the area, simply relaxing on site, or visiting the many historic towns and attractions nearby. By night, the site often welcomes stargazers to enjoy the stunning and dark night skies.
When we chatted to the owners, Johanna Avis and David Berrisford, preserving Northumberland’s natural beauty was on their minds.
“Before relocating to Bellingham, we were both trained scientists working within university academia. However, as our children approached their teens, we decided to switch careers in order to spend more time with them and change our lifestyles.
“We have always enjoyed walking and camping and spent most holidays on long distance trails with backpacks, especially in remote areas. So Northumberland’s beauty and tranquillity appealed to us; there is simply so much to explore.
“When it comes to our favourite place it’s so hard to pinpoint, however, we do always enjoy Druridge Bay as a family. It is getting very popular now which is lovely to see because it is so magical.
“We want people who visit our home county to understand that we live here all year round and wish to see it kept as pristine as it should be. Please do not damage the environment you are here to enjoy.
“We adore animals and have amazing wildlife right on our doorstep - there’s so much for visitors to see. To preserve that wildlife, there are some simple steps people can take when enjoying our rural communities. Even well trained dogs must be kept on leads so as not to frighten the wild animals, such as nesting birds or young deer, badgers and foxes. Dog mess must be picked up, and please bring spare bags to take litter away in.
“Many local livelihoods also depend on the welfare and security of farm animals and that can be disrupted by cars blocking roads, inconsiderate parking or loose dogs disturbing lambing season. Summer also brings additional risks of moorland fires, so bringing picnics rather than barbecues is important.
“All that we do has to be sustainable in every sense and, as part of tourism being sustainable, the continued goodwill of local people is a vital ingredient in any successful tourist economy."
"Leave no trace'’ is a simple statement but it really does sum up how we should all behave in the county (and anywhere else for that matter!).“