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The UK’s ‘holiday park of the year’ has been revealed and it has everything including cosy glamping pods, beautiful beaches on the doorstep and incredible stargazing opportunities

An eco-friendly holiday park close to Morpeth in Northumberland was named the best in the region at last night’s (March 19) Destination North East England Tourism Awards.

At the annual ceremony, now in its 24th year, Tranwell Farm Holidays was named the winner in the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year category. The site is on a farm that has been cared for by the family for over 60 years, and since 2022 it has offered a range of unique glamping experiences.

Accommodation options include grass pitches, where you can camp surrounded by beautiful meadows, or you can bring your own caravan or campervan. There’s a cosy shepherds hut for two, a comfortable camping pod, and two woodland lodges surrounded by trees which come with a private log-fired hot tub.

Guests can also enjoy some unique experiences while they stay on the farm. There are sessions where they can meet the park’s rare breed lambs, and you may even get to bottle feed one or witness a birth. The park is also set in an area with an official ‘dark sky’, meaning it’s an incredibly spot for stargazing.

Guests can hire a stargazing kit including binoculars, hot water bottles, and a rug, and can even hire a telescope to help them explore the cosmos from Earth.

Less than a 10-minute drive away is Morpeth, a historic market town with the River Wansbeck running through its centre. It has a traditional high street with a mix of chains and independent shops, as well as the indoor Sanderson Arcade where you’ll find upscale boutiques.

Stroll along the riverfront Carlisle Park and spot historic buildings such as Morpeth Court. Once the town’s court and gaol, it now houses a colourful antiques centre and café, as well as holiday apartments. The Morpeth Chantry is another unique place to visit. This medieval chantry house, which once held church services, is now home to a bagpipe museum which often has live performances.

Northumberland is known for its long, beautiful and unspoilt beaches, and there are a few that can be explored nearby. About half an hour away is Blyth Beach, a sand and shingle beach that has a long promenade and colourful beach huts. Its waters have been rated as ‘excellent’ by the council, so you can take a dip or surf if the conditions are right.

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Cambois Beach is also just a short drive away and this sandy beach has pretty sand dunes and footpaths among the sandy dunes. It’s a quieter spot with fewer facilities, but perfect for a peaceful walk and popular with dog walkers. You may even share the beach with a few people who are fishing, as it’s a great spot to catch flounder and cod.

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CAMPING in the great outdoors is not everyone’s cup of tea – but what if you could have a glass of cider instead?

This campsite in Dorset is set within the grounds of an apple orchard used to make award-winning cider.

Called Dorset Nectar Orchard Campsite, the site has room for just 14 tent pitches, so each is spaced out and fairly private.

There won’t be any children running about either as guests staying here have to be over 20-years-old.

For cider fans, this campsite is the dream stay as it’s set within an orchard with over 3,000 apple trees that forms part of the cider farm.

The main building at the campsite is a taproom where campers are welcome to buy and try 13 types of award-winning cider on offer.

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It also sells apple juice, craft beers and apple cider vinegar.

You can sip away on a tasty cider at one of the picnic benches while enjoying the spring sunshine.

There’s also the chance to barbecue or cook up a storm by your tent at one of the raised firepits.

Campers can join a tour of the cider farm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays too.

Along with the taproom and tours, the campsite has a hot food spot called Oliver’s Kitchen which opens on Saturdays offering hot food like cider sausage baps.

On Saturdays, there’s also live music in the Cider Garden.

For nature lovers, head out on one of the footpaths through fields and down to the River Brit.

For those who want to take home a souvenir, there’s a cider shop which sells biscuits, chutneys, jams, sausages, craft ales, local wines and of course, apple-related products from the orchard.

When it comes to pitches, it has to be a tent which sleeps up to a maximum of six people.

Prices start from £34 for a one night stay for two adults – or £17 per night.

When it comes to reviews, lots have praised the campsite particularly for its cider experience.

One wrote: “We loved the quirkiness of camping between the orchard rows. The trees give your pitch separation and privacy and it’s so peaceful!

“Added bonus having a taproom just up from the pitches with a wonderful beer garden with lots of space in the sunshine.”

Another said they loved the “relaxing live music and fab homemade Burgers on the Saturday as well as sampling their delicious ciders.”

Dorset West Bay beach which sits on the Jurassic coast is just a 15-minute drive away.

The beach might be recognisable to TV fans as it’s where the ITV drama Broadchurch, starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman, was filmed.

It’s known for its sweeping golden sands with enormous cliffs in the background.

The campsite reopens on March 27 with the bar open between April 1 and August 15, 2026.

Here are the UK pubs that have their own campsites with cheap pitches.

And here are more campsites that are affordable with some of the country’s best views.