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14th October 2025

A Weekend on Wheels: Our Favourite Short Touring Break Itinerary

There’s something special about arriving at South Meadows Coast & Country Park, switching off the engine, and knowing that adventure is all around you. Once your caravan or motorhome is set up, the weekend stretches ahead – full of coastal air, countryside drives and the promise of a good cup of tea somewhere lovely.

To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve put together our favourite three-day touring itinerary, perfect for anyone enjoying a short break in Northumberland. Everything here is within easy reach of our park in Belford, so you can spend more time exploring and less time driving.

Day 1: Coast and Castles

Start your Northumberland weekend with a bit of grandeur. Just a ten-minute drive from South Meadows sits the mighty Bamburgh Castle, standing proudly above miles of golden sand. Wander the ramparts, take in the sea views, and enjoy a stroll along the beach with the waves lapping at your feet.

Afterwards, pop into Bamburgh village for a light lunch or a slice of cake at The Copper Kettle Tearoom or Wyndenwell – both firm favourites with locals and visitors. If you’ve got time in the afternoon, carry on to Seahouses for a classic seaside stop. You can book a boat trip to the Farne Islands, grab some fish and chips on the harbour, or simply watch the fishing boats come and go.

Before heading back, take the scenic route via Budle Bay, where the birdlife is incredible, especially at sunset. Then it’s back to South Meadows for a peaceful evening, perhaps a BBQ outside your motorhome, a quiet chat with fellow travellers, or just a moment under the stars.

Day 2: Countryside and Local Flavour

After a good night’s rest, start your day with breakfast in Belford village. We love Sunnyhills Farm Shop & Café, just up the road because it’s perfect for a hearty fry-up or a fresh pastry with locally roasted coffee.

Next, stretch your legs with a walk to St Cuthbert’s Cave, a peaceful woodland trail that rewards you with wonderful views across to Holy Island. It’s an easy-going walk that’s ideal for guests with dogs, too. For a touch of shopping and local charm, head inland to Wooler, a friendly market town often called “The Gateway to the Cheviots”. Browse independent shops, stock up on picnic bits, or take a gentle countryside drive with rolling hills as your backdrop.

If you fancy a slightly longer trip, Alnwick is around half an hour away and well worth the drive. Home to Alnwick Castle and the famous Barter Books, it’s a lovely place to spend an afternoon wandering cobbled streets and historic gardens. Back at the park, wind down with a glass of something chilled. Our guests often say evenings at South Meadows are the highlight — the peace, the birdsong, and the feeling that you’ve found your own little corner of Northumberland.

Day 3: A Slow Sunday by the Sea

Sundays are for slowing down. Take your time with breakfast, perhaps a coffee outside your caravan while the morning mist lifts over the trees.

Before heading home, we recommend one last trip to the coast. Beadnell Bay and Embleton Bay are both beautifully unspoilt, perfect for a gentle stroll along the sand or a spot of shell-collecting. If you’re not quite ready to leave, stop at a nearby farm shop or tearoom on your way back – Eleanors Byre near Embleton is a lovely choice for coffee and gifts.

Back at the park, you can enjoy one final wander through our woodland walk, listening to the rustle of the trees and perhaps planning your next visit. After all, once you’ve had a taste of Northumberland, it’s hard not to come back.

Your Northumberland Touring Break Awaits

From castles and coastlines to countryside cafés, every moment of this touring itinerary captures what makes Northumberland such a joy to explore. And the best part? You can do it all at your own pace, with South Meadows as your comfortable, eco-friendly base.

Whether you’re in a touring caravan, motorhome, or campervan, you’ll find everything you need right here, including spacious pitches, modern facilities, and a friendly team always happy to share local tips.

Ready to plan your own weekend on wheels? Book your touring pitch at South Meadows and make Northumberland your next touring break adventure.