Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find some answers to common questions. Use the tabs below to reveal answers. If you have a question that is not answered here, scroll down to send a message.

I can't get to your site before 7.00pm, is that a problem?

It can be if the site manager is unaware. E-mail your intentions if possible and we'll go from there. If you have been out of reach and arrive late, ensure you read the pitching information on the site office door prior to setting up. Failure to pitch in the correct area or parking on the grass may incur the wrath of a thousand beasts. You could be banished from Kielder to a dark place for an eternity. [In a nutshell: you'd have to shift if you were in the wrong place.]

Do you allow generators on site?

No.

Midges!

This information is reliant on a number of factors, we are giving you what normally occurs in this region: Midges are active from the end of May through to early September. Weather plays an important part in their activity. A midge does not enjoy: Wind, cold, extreme heat or heat from a hot sunny day. They will become active if it is warm, moist, overcast or no breeze. They are prevalent when the sun starts to set and in the morning....before I forget and all through the night.

Midges reside in the grass and undergrowth all around the Kielder area along with other parts of the UK. We strongly advise not to stay during these dates if you have any medical or emotional concerns. It is not up to site staff to inform you on midge forecasts or preferred pitches.

Does the area accept card?

Kielder campsite, the local pub, Cafe at the Castle and Kielder Waterside all accept chip and pin/contactless payments. There is no cashback opportunities. The local Post Office can supply cash from a UK bank account, using a chip and pin card. [Local Post Office hours apply]

I'm going to the observatory. Can I return late to your site?

We do not have any access restrictions to our site. Late arrivals to our site must drive slowly and reduce all noise accordingly. For example, not slamming car doors and talking loudly. Sound carries on our site at night.

All of your hardstands come with electric hook up. I don't need it.

You will need to book and pay for your hardstand and electric hook up. Send a covering e-mail explaining that you will not be needing the electric. We refund your card as soon as we read the message. This has been very successful so far.

Can I use a fire-firepit-firebowl on your site?

Yes, provided that it is high enough off the ground not to damage our site. We ask you to act responsibly around it. Logs are limited so bring your own supply. Do not cut trees down from the surrounding area. Bellingham, on the way in can supply logs.

What shops are in the area?

We have very little to offer in the local area. No off-licence and no local shops. For a list of options with distances and opening times go to the: “Know before you go” button on our webpage.

Can I get an online shop delivered to the site?

Yes. See our: “Know before you go” info on our webpage.

Can I bring a Barbecue?

Any barbecue off the floor that will not damage the ground is fine. Please use disposable barbecues with care. Disposables are not to be used on our benches, wooden structures or directly on the grass. Use a slab, rock or the gravelled areas on site.

Can I use a Cobb Cooker?

By all means.

Do you sell Calor or Camping Gaz?

We have limited supplies and cannot guarantee stocks: this is subject to availability. Please contact us prior, if you can. Local stockists are quite a way off and are not available Bank Holidays or on a Sunday. Planning required!

What shops are in the area?

We have very little to offer in the local area. No off-licence and no local shops. For a list of options with distances and opening times go to the: “Know before you go” button on our webpage.

Can I get an online shop delivered to the site?

Yes. See our: “Know before you go” info on our webpage.

I would like a quiet pitch please. Which one is best?

The site is promoted as a small yet quiet site. All pitches are quiet. Due to it's longitudinal shape there are no 'out of the way' or 'tucked in the corner' locations. There are no pitches 'under the trees'.

I want to pitch my tent with my friend please.

The tent pitching area is a large area of grass with a track running through it, no formal pitching plan. [See the site map found on our webpage] The visitor selects their part of the grass. Work it out amongst yourselves, if one arrives early....bagsie a bit of grass nearby and use one of our reserved signs, held in the office, to secure your friends pitch. Numbers of tents or people need to be aware of our noise/group booking policy. Anti-social behaviour or noise after 10.00pm will not be tolerated during your stay.

I have a tent and want to stay next to my friend who has a motorhome.

This is a judgement call from the manager and depends on how busy the site is. It is not a given. We are not too keen on this occurring having caused friction in the past. A discussion prior to booking is required.

Do you have electric hook up for tents?

We only have a few hook ups for tents. These are booked as a separate pitch on our booking page. If you do not see electric hook up for tent offered, then they are fully booked.

Do the large tent pitches come with electric?

No.

Do you allow dogs onto your site?

We allow well behaved dogs on site. They must be on a lead at all times. You must pick up after your dog and dispose of any doggy doo in our refuse bins. Our static caravans have a no-pets policy.

Are the local establishments dog friendly?

The Anglers Arms pub in Kielder village and the Boat Inn, Kielder Waterside, allow dogs in the bar area only. The Cafe at the Castle, Kielder Village, is dog friendly too.

Can I bring my dog to stay in a pod?

Yes, providing the pod is left as requested and that you bring a dog mat or bed please.

Are you close to Kielder Water?

We are 10 minutes walk, 5 minutes by bike to Kielder Water. The route is accessible by foot or bike. Use google maps to find our exact location.

Can I bring Kayaks, canoes or boats, or swim on Kielder Water?

There are stringent rules regarding using Kielder Water. The link shown on this page was current at time of publication. Please refer to Northumbrian Water direct for any further questions or confirmation. Rules for using Kielder Water.

Can I swim or paddle in Kielder Water?

There are stringent rules regarding using Kielder Water. The link shown on this page was current at time of publication. Please refer to Northumbrian Water direct for any further questions or confirmation. Rules for using Kielder Water.

Where can I fish locally?

Kielder Water can be fished with a current rod licence, available online and a day permit purchased from either Tower Knowe or Kielder Water reception. Prices and conditions are available either online or by phoning: 01434 251000. You can also fish our local burns. For further information go to: Kielder Burn fishing link.

With no mobile signal, what happens in an emergency out of hours?

There is a pay phone on the ablutions wall. Using this, members of the public can phone for the emergency services. This is a free service and does not require coins. There is an out of hours button to phone the site managers house for other emergencies or incidents. Note: phoning for citronella candles at 9.00pm is neither an emergency or an incident.

How can I be contacted with no mobile signal?

We have a payphone on site, you can arrange a time to either phone out or have persons phone in. [It accepts incoming calls.] We have a limited wi-fi service around the car park area where you can contact others via differing apps.

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