Trip number 9 Dunstan Hill

Friday 22nd - Monday 25th May 2009

Day one
We decided to try a different part of the Northumberland coast this time so headed for Dunstan Hill - what a great campsite. As usual we arrived pitched up and had sausage sandwiches for tea - yum. We didn't do much else as we arrived quite late, but a cup of tea in the evening sun was a perfect end to the day.
Day two
We brought the bikes with us and set off in the morning to explore the area. We cycled into Craster and Matt bought some famous Craster kippers (which stunk out the fridge). We then parked up the bikes and walked to Dunstanburgh Castle. The views of the coast and the castle itself are just stunning. It was a great place to spend an afternoon. We then cycled a long way round to the campsite via Embleton. There are great cycle paths in the area. The rest of the evening was spent hiding from the pollen in the van!
Day three
We decided to spent the day chilling out so had a leisurely morning drinking tea and then ventured out for a walk to the beach. It's only a 15 minute walk from the campsite and the beach has great views of Dunstanburgh castle. We sat in the glorious sunshine and then paddled in the sea, before heading back to enjoy another evening of al fresco dining.

Day four
Time to go home again. We decided to make the most of our day by setting off early and going to Alnwick gardens. We got there for opening time and sat in the glorious sunshine with cake and a cuppa. We had been to the gardens years ago and it was nice to go back and see all the extras. We had lots of fun with the water features, spent ages making lists of plants to buy for the garden and went on a tour of the poison garden ( if you love Harry Potter you'll find yourself believing to be an expert on the tour!). The higlight was definitely the treehouse and rope bridges. We definitely have plans to go back and eat in the treehouse restaurant.

Details for those who are interested!

Cost: £19.47 per night with electric hook up and awning (high season)

Website: http://www.siteseeker.co.uk/aspx/details.aspx?id=6130

Dustanburgh Castle: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-dunstanburghcastle
Alnwick Gardens: http://www.alnwickgarden.com