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.
- Covid-19 FAQ
- General Questions
- Food and cooking on site
- Tent Pitches
- Dogs on site
- Water & Fishing
- Mobile Signal
A note from Steve. Manager at Kielder Campsite.
Due to consideration and assistance from our visitors we have been able to operate a Covid Safe environment, to the best of our ability, since July this year. We take this task very seriously, albeit in the background, so you, our guest, can relax and enjoy your stay.
The current message is that a few rule breakers could ruin the hard work done by the many. Let us take this into account and keep Kielder Campsite a safe place.
As we manage this risk, we hope you can assist us with tolerance, co-operation and smiles. (You've gotta keep smiling.) We aim to meet you outside in the open air, keeping our distance, our site reception is too small to guarantee a hazard free environment. There is no obligation to use a mask outside if you do not wish to. We have a small doorbell next to our window that we wish you to use alerting me, Steve, that you have arrived, or wish to speak with me...I'll pop outside to do this. Please don't enter the office.
Help us to help you to stay safe.
Question: The local restrictions have changed in Northumberland. How does this affect our visit?
We are still open with no change whatsoever to our day to day running. All facilities that were open, except those mentioned in a question below, are open. However.......the owness is now on our guests not to enter other visitors accommodation. [Unless within a support bubble] We have a duty to ensure that this does not happen. You may socially distance outside up to a maximum of 6 persons.
Link to our local alert level.
Question: Will your shared facilities, toilets and showers be open?
Our ablutions will be open but.....to minimise risk to staff and customers we request that visitors having facilities in their vehicles use these most or all of the time. Less people in the ablutions means less risk to less people.
Question: What happens if I experience Covid symptoms whilst at Kielder?
It is imperative that we recognise Covid symptoms in ourselves or others:
symptoms supplied by NHS webpages.
Things are a little more difficult here due to no mobile coverage, therefore it is unlikely you can phone our office or anyone else to assist.
There is very little here to sustain self isolation in such a remote area, in the long run it would be best to look at being moved, as safely as possible to a better place. [Logistically] This decision can only be taken at the time and not considered the only solution.
Priorities:
- Inform Kielder Campsite staff and your immediate neighbours as soon as practically possible.
- Try not to use shared facilities. [Please inform us if you have]
- You may be in a group or bubble. If practical pack up and allow others to drive you all to a safe place to self isolate. [All in the group or bubble will also need to self isolate.] Only do this if you feel it is safe to drive to your designated location.
- Do not go to a hospital or doctors.
- If you are unable to move, we will need to assess the situation with a 'duty of care' package.
Question: What measures have been taken to reduce risk within shared public areas?
Every social area carries greater risk. Ablutions are high on that list; however, they are an integral part of camping life. We always cleaned regularly, this obviously has not changed. We have noticed as we move to the cooler months and as tent guests diminish, our ablutions are being used less. Motorhome/tourer visitors have been able to safely use their own facilities. Thank you. This has made a noticeable impact and assists our staff greatly!
Some on site facilities will be closed and deemed either a major risk or if closed greatly reduce risk, they are as follows:
- On site fridge will not be available. During hot weather or for any visit we recommend cool boxes and ice-blocks. We have kept our public freezer open for freezer block storage and retrieval.
- Site office and shop - not open to public access. If you require the managers attention there will be a bell to ring. All communication will be socially distanced through a window which will be clearly marked. Whilst we stock a few store cupboard items and camping equipment we are unable to offer perishables due to our location and supply issues.
- Arrivals brief. To reduce risk and to follow clearly laid out Government guidelines, we will send all visitors information that explains our arrivals procedure and any changes to our work practice that may affect your stay.
Question: What protocols has Kielder Campsite put in place to assist in social distancing?
For social distancing to work it requires us all to work together. The site has reduced it's pitching capacity, pitching less tents further apart. Shared facilities remain the biggest headache to all. We have hired Portaloo's in addition to our on site toilets. Below are a few suggestions hoping to reduce any inconvenience and improve the site's safety:
- Find out what times the facilities are being cleaned – signs around site will be posted. Plan or stagger your shower timings. Strip wash, if you can, in your tent, awning or vehicle.
- Use the Portaloo's on site. These have been added to assist when cleaning or when the inevitable rush for cubicles occurs; at the worst possible moment!
- We have no mobile phone signal so our wi-fi gets a hammering. Contrary to popular thought closing in to within a foot of the hub with a crowd of others, does not greatly improve the experience Find a space, away from people and then browse.
Question: What facilities will be available in the local area. Has the Covid issue affected anything?
We have very little in the local area with regards facilities. Plan ahead!
The local pub after Chris, the previous owner, passed away; is attempting to re-open under new management. The legal process is taking a long time to complete. We have no local shop and the Tea Room's closed for refurbishment, Covid scuppered that.
The Street Diner is an outside take away establishment offering coffee, soft drinks and a variety of Street Food. It's naughty but very nice and operates outside Kielder Castle on reduced days whilst we are out of season. Go to their Facebook page for the latest information. FB page: The Street Diner Be sure to message them via the personal message button if you have any questions.
Shopping deliveries from the large supermarkets can be made. If you are thinking of a delivery, book as early as you can. Ensure, if you do expect a delivery, have food for a meal or two on hand. Things have gone awry before with deliveries being delayed or not turning up. All this with empty larders, hungry mouths to feed and nothing open nearby.
Nearest shopping:
Kielder Waterside has a small shop at their reception open 24 hours manned by security staff after the daytime staff have left. Limited produce available.
Otterburn 'The Border Reiver' Border Reiver FB page. This is an excellent one stop shop, great service without the fuss. [Highly recommended.] 20 miles 30 mins.
Bellingham 19 miles. 30 min drive, one way.
Newcastleton [Scotland] 17 miles away. 25 min drive, one way.
Major supermarkets:
Hexham 35 miles. 1 hours drive one way.
Hawick [Scotland] 34 miles. 1 hours drive
Question: I've booked with friends and family. Can we pitch together?
You can provided you follow the rules currently in place. Available on our homepage and within our FAQ section.
Do you stay open all year?
We do not stay open all year.
“We are open 7 days a week until 31st October 2020. All facilities are available.We will be open for weekends only: Friday & Saturday, departure Sunday, during November 2020 for hardstands and Pods only. No tented accommodation accepted due to winter ground conditions. The site closes for the season on 29th November 2020. We plan to re-open late March 2021, dates to be finalised by Feb 2021 when online bookings recommence.”
I have a Kielder Discovery Pass, do I get discount, if so, how do I book?
We offer a generous 15% discount to all discovery pass visitors, with further bonuses after three visits. For further updates use this link: Kielder Discovery Pass link-click here.
I have a vehicle I use to sleep in, not a tent. Can I do this?
We request that you book and use a hardstand. If you don't require electric, let us know and we'll refund the difference. We do not allow vehicles to park on any of our grass.
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.]
Can we use a generator on site.
No, not at any time.
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 and Kielder Waterside and all information centres 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. For tented visitors who wish to return after the observatory, please inform the Manager who will show you the late night car parking area. This is for late night departure as well as your return.
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 or Newcastleton, on the way in can supply logs. [9-5 hours Mon-Sat only]
Where can I eat locally?
The Street Diner winter opening hours: Winter Opening hours-click here. This take away offers excellent street food not forgetting their fantastic Fishy Friday Scampi, Fish, Chips + extra's. Check out their menu board for details. This is a take away, no delivery service outside Kielder Castle. For more details go to their FB page: Street Diner FB page.
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. Ensure you bring everything with you. Our most asked for items are consumbles: bread, milk & butter. We have an onsite freezer and fridge you can use. We suggest freezing such items, allowing them to defrost slowly, or if you are here for a while put them in our freezer and defrost the day before. Fridge currently closed with covid restrictions in place.
Kielder Waterside has a small shop at reception with limited stock.
The nearest shops: Bellingham - 30 min drive. Newcastleton - 30 min drive. Both have small supermarkets and village butchers. Not 24 hours, please check village websites for details.
Bellingham links:
Co-op. Bellingham Craft Butcher. Bellingham Hardware and Country Store.
Newcastleton links:
Directory of all outlets in Newcastleton.
Can I get an online shop delivered to the site?
Yes. Asda and Tesco will deliver. We take no responsibility for your orders. This is an arrangement between you and your retail provider. Ensure you bring supplies to feed your family if the delivery arrives late or there is an issue.
Can I order a takeaway?
No. We have no local takeaway outlets. Takeaway service is extremely limited. Bellingham, 20 miles away, has a chinese takeaway. Perhaps a good idea to visit on the way if you are arriving late.
Where can I eat out?
We are currently limited in our eat offerings. Newcastleton in Scotland is currently out of commission due to the local road being closed.
Find below our closest eateries currently available. Early booking essential, by early we mean days in advance, not hours.
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; picking up after your dog and dispose of any doggy doo in our refuse bins is statutory. Failure to comply will result in eviction from the site. Our static caravans have a no-pets policy.
Do you charge for pets on site?
There is no charge for dogs that we allow on site.
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. We respectfully ask dog owners to bring a mat/bed or blanket for your dog to lay on.
Can I bring my dog to stay in one of your static caravans?
No. We have a no pets policy with regards our static caravans.
Is there a maximum number of dogs we can bring?
We do not have a number, as long as the dogs are safely and responsibly managed around the site. This includes on and around your pitch.
Do you have a list of breeds we cannot bring?
No. Once again, as long as any owner controls their dog in a safe and responsible manner, around site and on or around their pitch, we too, are happy to accommodate.
Where can we walk our dog?
Under The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 ( CROW Act ) most of the wooded areas around Kielder offer you the right to roam. This opens up hundreds of hectares for you and your pet. If your dog is good on recall this is even better as you will be able to walk your dog off the lead. There are currently no farms nearby rearing livestock. If you have any issues or questions, be sure to ask on arrival. For further info checkout the Forestry England webpage: Dog Code Forestry England.
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.