Camping in Newcastle, County Down

Camping around Newcastle means pitching somewhere between mountain and sea, and the town's three main sites reflect that range. Bloody Bridge Campsite, on the Ballagh Road at the southern edge of Newcastle, markets itself as the closest campsite to the town and sits right where the Mourne coast road meets the foot of the mountains, with tent, caravan, campervan and motorhome pitches plus a couple of self-catering cabins for those who want a roof rather than canvas. Its position gives easy access to both the beach and the southern stretches of the Mourne Wall without needing a car.

Windsor Holiday Park, on the Dundrum Road at the edge of Newcastle, is a longer-established, multi-award-winning holiday park geared towards static caravan owners and touring visitors alike, with a shop, launderette, games room and children's play area that make it a straightforward choice for families wanting facilities on site. It sits within walking distance of the seafront and at the base of Slieve Donard itself.

For a base squarely in the mountains rather than the town, Meelmore Lodge near Bryansford, a short drive from Newcastle, runs a seasonal campsite alongside its hillwalkers' bunkhouse and on-site bistro, set directly below Slieve Meelmore and the Hare's Gap. It suits walkers heading into the high Mournes more than beach-goers, with the trade-off of being a drive rather than a walk from Newcastle's promenade. Between the three, campers can choose beach proximity, family facilities, or direct mountain access depending on what the trip is for.