Herding Hill Farm - 5-star Camping & Glamping Site
5-star glamping and camping site with petting farm and dark skies
At a Glance
Best Ages
All ages
Cost
Varies
Time Needed
Half day to full day
Indoor/Outdoor
Outdoor
Weather Fit
All weather
Stroller Access
Good
Washrooms
Indoor and outdoor
Food
On-site shop and kitchen
Parking
Ample on-site
Booking
Required
Parent Effort
Low to moderate
Ideal for families seeking peaceful, well-equipped outdoor stays with animal encounters and stargazing opportunities. Best suited for children aged 3 and up; younger toddlers may be overwhelmed by the wide play area and livestock. Not suitable for large group events without prior arrangement.
About This Place
Herding Hill Farm is a 5-star camping and glamping site located in Haltwhistle, Northumberland, United Kingdom. It offers a range of accommodations including tents, caravans, motorhomes, glamping pods, wigwam cabins, and luxury lodges with outdoor hot tubs. The site is family and dog friendly, open all year round, and features an on-site petting farm with alpacas, donkeys, ponies, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and piglets. It includes a licensed shop, indoor campers kitchen, BBQ hut hire, and a large, secure play area for children. The farm is situated just 1 mile from Hadrian's Wall and provides excellent stargazing in its Dark Skies environment. Facilities include hot tubs, underfloor-heated amenities with sauna, washrooms, laundry, drying room, and a dog wash. It is suitable for families, walkers, cyclists, and travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.
Official Website open_in_newAnimal encounters
Petting farm with alpacas, donkeys, and chickens
Kid-safe play zone
Secure play area with climbing frames and soft surfaces
Comfortable amenities
Private hot tubs and underfloor-heated shower facilities
Night sky viewing
Dark skies ideal for stargazing with minimal light pollution
Good to Know Before You Go
- Accommodations
- Tent pitches, tourers, wigwam cabins, glamping pods, and luxury lodges with private outdoor hot tubs
- On-site Animals
- Petting farm with alpacas, donkeys, ponies, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and piglets
- Family & Dog Friendly
- Yes, dog wash and pet-friendly policies in place
- Amenities
- Licensed shop, indoor campers kitchen, BBQ hut hire, hot tubs, underfloor-heated luxury showers and baths, sauna (available to hire), laundry, drying room, outdoor fire pit
- Stargazing
- Dark Skies designated area, ideal for stargazing
- Booking Policy
- Group bookings require prior discussion; not permitted without prior arrangement
- Quiet Hours
- Site is quiet after 10:30pm
Kid Fit by Age
The site is calm and quiet after 10:30pm, with secure facilities and amenities like heated showers that cater well to infants and families with young babies.
A large secure play area and the on-site petting farm with gentle animals such as donkeys and rabbits are perfect for toddlers' exploration and safe interaction.
The petting farm, play area, and family-friendly layout make this site ideal for preschool-aged children to engage in outdoor learning and safe play.
Children in elementary school will enjoy the animal encounters, secure play zones, stargazing opportunities under Dark Skies, and accessible outdoor activities suitable for their age group.
While the site offers plenty of engaging outdoor space and unique features like hot tubs and stargazing, tweens may find some activities less stimulating unless they are interested in nature or quiet outdoor experiences.
Teenagers may enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, Dark Skies for stargazing, and the chance to escape digital life, but the offerings are more geared toward younger children; suitability depends on individual interests in nature or relaxation over social or high-energy pursuits.
Insider Tips
Book a luxury lodge with hot tub for best stargazing views
Visit the petting farm early to avoid crowds
Use the fire pit after dark for cozy evening relaxation
Ask about night-time stargazing guides
- •Supervise children near animals and play area
- •Keep dogs on a lead near livestock
- •Use caution around hot tub and fire pit areas
- •Familiarize yourself with site emergency contacts
- •Step-free access to reception and main facilities
- •Sensory notes: Quiet location, low light at night
- •Baby change available in main toilet block
- •Accessible toilets and showers for mobility needs
schedule Best Time to Visit
Visit mid-week during weekdays for the quietest experience
shopping_bag What to Bring
- check_boxWarm clothing for cool evenings
- check_boxStargazing blanket or mat
- check_boxPet-friendly towels
- check_boxOutdoor cooking gear
- check_boxInsect repellent
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herding Hill Farm suitable for young children? expand_more
The site is suitable for families with young children, as it includes a secure play area and animal interactions with gentle pets like rabbits and chickens.
Is there parking at Herding Hill Farm, and is it free? expand_more
Free parking is available on-site for all guests.
What food options are available, and what should visitors bring for cooking? expand_more
Food and essential supplies are available from the on-site licensed shop, though guests should bring their own cooking equipment for BBQs or campers kitchens.
Do I need to book in advance, and are group visits allowed? expand_more
Booking is required for all stays; group bookings must be discussed in advance with the site management.
Is the site accessible for visitors with mobility challenges? expand_more
The site is accessible for wheelchairs, with underfloor-heated showers and baths. A few accessible lodges and pods are available upon request.
How long should we plan to stay to make the most of the site? expand_more
A full day, or longer, is recommended to enjoy the play area, animals, hot tubs, stargazing, and walking near Hadrian’s Wall.
Location
Address
Shield Hill, Haltwhistle NE49 9NW, United Kingdom
Phone
+44 1434 320175
Last checked: 2026