County Durham is an unspoilt gem with three distinct areas. The majority of the holiday parks in Durham lie along the coastline, it is really fantastic with miles of beaches that are virtually always uncrowded. Explore the countryside of the Durham Dales and Durham itself is a must visit city. There are a good selection of family-friendly caravan parks to see here, view campsites, luxury lodge parks and touring parks in County Durham. Discover beachside holiday parks on the Durham coast, find rural campsites and touring parks in the countryside of the Durham Dales, see dog-friendly caravan sites in Durham around Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle and St John's Chapel.

Find Caravan Parks Covering All of County Durham

Caravan parks in County Durham are spread across several key areas, each offering a different holiday experience:

Durham Heritage Coast – Coastal caravan parks near beaches such as Crimdon Dene, Easington and Seaham, ideal for seaside breaks and coastal walks.

East Durham – Parks located close to coastal towns and villages, offering access to beaches and local attractions.

Durham Countryside & Dales – Inland caravan and lodge parks near rural landscapes, walking routes and quieter villages, including areas around Bishop Auckland and the Durham Dales.

Near Durham City – Holiday parks within reach of Durham’s historic city centre, providing access to cultural attractions and local amenities.

Where Can You Visit Near Our Durham Caravan Parks?

From Crimdon Dene Beach in the south of Durham, to Easington Beach on the coastal path and the great surf at Horden Beach, there are many quiet sandy beaches, pebble beaches and coves to explore along the coastline. Visit the castle and the cathedral in the amazing city of Durham or enjoy a game of cricket at Chester-le-Street. The Pennine Way to the west in the Durham Dales is a fantastic walk and there are some great places to walk, cycle and explore in this area with Barnard Castle, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland and St John’s Chapel as popular bases to explore on a family holiday in County Durham in this remote and wild area. Beamish is a great day out and if you like a bit of nostalgia, the railway museum at Darlington is worth a visit, this is the birthplace of the steam engine after all.

Why Choose County Durham for a Caravan Holiday?

County Durham is a less crowded alternative to larger UK holiday destinations, offering good value, scenic landscapes and a relaxed pace. The county’s mix of coast, countryside and heritage attractions makes it appealing for visitors seeking variety without long travel distances. With a selection of caravan parks, lodge parks and touring sites, County Durham provides flexible holiday options throughout the year.

Browse through our range of caravan parks across County Durham to compare coastal and countryside locations, accommodation options and park facilities, and find the right holiday park for your Durham break.

Park Attributes (field_park_attributes)

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  • indoor pool at Crimdon Dene Holiday Park
  • caravan holidays in Hartlepool at Crimdon Dene Holiday Park
  • Crimdon Dene Holiday Park by the beach
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Best For: Beachside family breaks, coastal walks, all-ages stays
Accommodation Types: Caravans, lodges, touring pitches
Highlights: Near Crimdon Beach, indoor pool, entertainment, dog-friendly

Crimdon Dene Holiday Park is a large family-friendly park located along the Durham Heritage Coast at Hartlepool, offering caravans, lodges and touring pitches just moments from Crimdon Beach and the promenade. The park features an indoor pool, play areas, entertainment and a range of on-site facilities, making it well-suited to classic seaside holidays and activity-filled stays.

Its coastal location also places guests within easy reach of nearby seaside towns, coastal paths and Hartlepool’s attractions such as the Maritime Experience and promenade cafés. With a mix of facilities and strong links to beach and countryside exploring, it suits families, couples and dog-friendly travellers alike.

Why it’s a top pick: Ideal for visitors looking for a lively coastal park with good facilities and quick access to the Durham coastline.

  • Icon of person stretching Activities
  • Icon of a cocktail drink and glass Bar/Restaurant
  • Icon of a beach, umbrella and sun Beach
  • Icon of a paw Dogs
  • Icon of a microphone and musical note Entertainment
  • Icon of an indoor pool Indoor Pool
  • Icon of a playground Playground
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  • heather park holiday park
  • heather park holiday park durham
  • caravan holidays at heather park holiday park durham
hoseasons holiday parks

Best for: Couples, families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful riverside break in Durham.
Accommodation Types: Self-catering lodges and static caravans.
Highlights: Scenic countryside setting with open space and outdoor access. Close to walking and cycling routes, local villages and rural attractions.

Heather View Holiday Park offers relaxed self-catering accommodation in a tranquil Durham countryside location, ideal for guests who enjoy fresh air, open skies and outdoor pursuits. The park’s variety of lodges and static caravans provide flexible options for different types of stays.

The location places guests within easy reach of County Durham’s rolling countryside and scenic walking routes, with charming villages, pubs and cafés nearby. Durham city’s historic cathedral, castle and riverside attractions are also a short drive away, making it easy to combine rural relaxation with cultural days out.

Why it’s a top pick: It’s a top pick for visitors who want a countryside holiday base with comfortable accommodation, scenic surroundings and convenient access to both rural walks and Durham’s cultural attractions.

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  • glamping holidays at sandy park crimdon in durham
  • contemporay glamping pos holidays at sandy park crimdon
  • glamping at sandy park crimdon in durham
hoseasons holiday parks

Best for: Couples, friends and guests looking for a peaceful coastal glamping break close to the beach.
Accommodation Types: Luxury glamping pods and cottages with private outdoor hot tubs.
Highlights: Stylish glamping pods with verandas and hot tubs just minutes from Crimdon Beach. Quiet coastal setting beside a nature reserve with walking trails from the park.

Sandy Park Holiday Park is a small, tranquil retreat offering a collection of modern glamping pods and cottages designed for relaxed coastal stays. Each unit focuses on privacy and comfort, with outdoor hot tubs and open views that suit guests looking for a quieter, boutique experience.

The park is located a short walk from Crimdon Beach, making beach walks, sea air and coastal scenery a central part of every stay. Nearby nature reserves, coastal paths and open countryside provide peaceful walking routes, while Hartlepool and Durham city are within easy driving distance.

Why it’s a top pick: It’s a top pick for guests who want a beachside glamping experience with hot tubs, scenic walks and a calm setting that feels removed from busy holiday parks.

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  • witton castle country park in durham near Bishop Auckland
  • fishing at witton castle country park near Bishop Auckland in durham
  • paddle boarding at Bishop Auckland
hoseasons holiday parks

Best for: Families, couples, anglers and outdoor lovers seeking countryside activity breaks and historic scenery.
Accommodation Types: Self-catering lodges, caravans, holiday homes and touring/camping pitches.
Highlights: Fishing lakes, historic castle grounds, woodlands and trails for walking and cycling. Easy access to waterside picnics and nature spotting.

Witton Castle Country Park offers self-catering accommodation set within a unique blend of landscaped parkland, woodland and lakes centred on the historic Witton Castle estate. The park’s tranquil setting and open space make it ideal for active breaks, with scenic trails and wildlife-rich areas right from your doorstep.

Anglers will find peaceful fishing opportunities on the estate’s natural lakes, while families and couples can enjoy walking paths that wind through woodlands, along water’s edge and towards open parkland. Play areas and picnic spots add to the relaxed, outdoor experience.

The location places guests within easy reach of County Durham’s rolling countryside and local villages, while the city of Durham with its cathedral, castle and riverside attractions is a short drive away. Traditional pubs, cafés and local shops are also close by for convenience and exploration.

Why it’s a top pick
It’s a top pick for visitors who want a countryside break rich in outdoor activity, historic charm and scenic views, with quality accommodation and memorable on-site fishing and walks.

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County Durham Holiday Parks – FAQs 

Where are the best areas to stay in County Durham for a caravan or touring holiday?

Most holiday parks and caravan parks in County Durham are either along the coast or set inland in quieter countryside locations. Crimdon Dene is one of the main coastal bases, giving direct access to the beach. Inland, areas around Stanhope, Weardale and Barnard Castle offer a very different experience with more space, scenery and walking routes. If you want a mix, staying slightly inland gives easier access to both coast and countryside.

What are the beaches like along the Durham coast?

The Durham coastline is quieter and less commercial than most UK seaside areas. Crimdon Beach is one of the best known and sits next to Crimdon Dene Holiday Park. Seaham has a more developed seafront with cafés and walking routes, while beaches around Easington and Blackhall are more open and less crowded. These are not traditional resort beaches, but they are ideal for walking, space and uninterrupted coastal views.

What can you actually do day to day from a holiday park in County Durham?

Most days involve heading out rather than staying on site. A typical day might be a coastal walk around Seaham, followed by food at the marina, or a trip inland to places like Hamsterley Forest for cycling and walking. Many visitors also plan days around Beamish Museum or head into the Durham Dales for scenery and quieter villages. It is more about exploring than staying in one place.

Which inland locations are worth visiting from Durham caravan parks?

Barnard Castle is one of the main inland towns and works well as a base for exploring Teesdale. From there, High Force waterfall is within reach and is one of the most impressive natural spots in the North East. Stanhope and the wider Weardale area offer smaller villages, open countryside and quieter routes. Bishop Auckland is also worth visiting, particularly around Auckland Castle and the Deer Park.

Are there any standout attractions worth planning your stay around?

Beamish Museum is one of the biggest attractions in the region and can easily take a full day. Raby Castle, near Staindrop, combines historic buildings with large grounds and deer parkland. Kynren in Bishop Auckland is a large scale outdoor performance that runs during the summer. High Force waterfall is another key draw, particularly if you are staying inland.

Where are the best countryside walks and outdoor areas in County Durham?

Hamsterley Forest is one of the most accessible outdoor areas, with walking and cycling routes suitable for all levels. The Durham Dales, including Weardale and Teesdale, offer more open and less crowded walking routes. Sections of the Pennine Way pass through the area, and routes around High Force and Middleton in Teesdale are particularly popular.

Is County Durham better for coastal or countryside caravan holidays?

It depends on the type of break you want. The coast is quieter and more open than typical seaside resorts, making it better for walking and relaxed days. Inland areas offer more scenery, space and traditional countryside experiences. Many visitors choose a location that allows access to both, as distances between coast and countryside are relatively short.

Are there good touring caravan parks and campsites in County Durham?

There are a smaller number of touring caravan parks and campsites compared to other counties, but they are often well placed. Coastal sites near Crimdon and Seaham provide direct access to the sea, while inland campsites around Weardale and Teesdale offer quieter settings with strong views and access to walking routes. This makes Durham more suited to relaxed touring rather than large scale resort parks.

What makes County Durham different from Northumberland for a holiday park break?

County Durham is more compact and less focused on large scale coastal tourism. Northumberland has bigger beaches and more widely known coastal destinations, while Durham offers quieter coastline and stronger access to inland areas like the Durham Dales. It feels less busy overall and works better if you prefer a slower pace and more varied day trips.