Tyne & Wear

Most visitors base themselves at one of the coastal parks. Sandhaven Caravan Park and Lizard Lane Holiday Park sit near South Shields, putting the beach and the mouth of the Tyne within easy reach, while Whitley Bay Holiday Park does the same further north along the coast. Redcar Beach Caravan Park offers another seaside option, and for something further from the water, Derwent Caravan Park sits inland. Those after a quieter, more rural stay can look to Brockwell Wood or West Wood Yurts at Cut Thorn Farm, both a step away from the caravan park crowd.

Days out here tend to split between coast and city. The beaches around South Shields and Whitley Bay are the obvious draw for anyone staying at the seaside parks, with promenades, dunes and long stretches of sand to walk. Newcastle and Gateshead sit at the heart of the region for anyone wanting a city day, with the Quayside and its bridges a short trip from most of the campsites listed.

Eating out is where Tyne & Wear really shows its range, with 187 restaurants across the area. South Tyneside alone has an enormous spread, from family-run spots like Into the Woods Family Cafe to Italianish for something Italian, J Barbour & Sons for a more traditional feel, and Jarrow Happy Garden and Kelly Deli for something quicker. Jarra Teas is worth knowing for a proper cup of tea, and there are plenty of familiar names too, from Jumbo Jim to KFC, for when you want something simple after a day on the beach.