Brandon Ford
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We have just returned from an 8 night stay at Brandon Ford, which is part of a 900 acre working farm. Very friendly owners and, even though they must be busy, are always ready for a chat and some useful information. The hardstanding pitches are fully serviced and the whole area of the CL is kept very tidy by Cameron. Very peaceful spot, no noise apart from occasional farm machinery and a few cows in the distance. There’s a convenience store and petrol station just under 2 miles away on the A697. A short walk across the river brings you to the Branton Lakes nature reserve, and you can hear the resident geese morning and evening. The Breamish valley is very attractive and the cafe in Ingram is very good too. It’s a great place for star watching with dark skies - we had an amazing view of the Milky Way one evening. Your own transport is probably required if you want to visit further afield. To top it all we were lucky enough to have marvellous weather too! Will we be back? Absolutely yes, already booked next year.
A SITE NOT TO BE MISSED
We have just spent 3 nights at this idyllic site (it was supposed to be 4 nights but a phone call from home meant we had to leave early). This site is a beautiful, extremely well kept site. Some people could be put off by it being on a working farm. Don't be. It is a beautifully quiet site, away from the farm buildings and the only farm noise we heard was the bleating of distant sheep. Whether you want to explore the Northumbrian countryside or coast or just chill out on the site this is the place for you. The River Breamish is about 200 yards away and a bridge takes you over the river to some woods which then leads to 2 lakes which you can easily walk around there is a cycleway and many hill walks too, a great place to take your dogs. The owners are unobtrusive but are easily contacted if necessary and they came to empty bins etc. at teatime everyday. My only suggestion of a slight improvement is a sign out on the road to direct you into the site. We nearly passed by but we noticed the roofs of caravans in the trees so we spotted it in time. All in all this is one of the best CLs we have seen and hope to be back again.
One of The Best
This site is ideally located to explore the Northumberland countryside and places of interest. The site is extremely well kept and maintained. The large pitches are nicely spaced and the overall impression on arrival was "wow". It would suit most members and is ideal for walkers, ramblers, cyclists, tourists, and for those who just want to chill out. The site owners are really friendly and always on hand if needed - covid rules kept the socialising to a minimum. We will definitely return and recommend it to our more energetic family members and friends.
daveinsuffolk
Reviewed on 03/07/2021 15:11
Top Class CL
Immaculate CL. Grass cut prior to our arrival & once during our stay clippings collected. Fully serviced hard standing level pitches that are Excellent for walking with or without a dog direct from site. Also excellent for cycling direct from site. Easy access and directions. If you need it 4g signal (EE) was good as is TV signal. Recycling on site including bins for BBQ ashes. Free range eggs for sale when available. Cameron very welcoming & not intrusive. If you like peace & quiet this CL is ideal. Seeing how busy the site was I would say advance booking is essential. Website was informative but for those that don’t have it perhaps an information area would be beneficial. Thanks for an enjoyable stay. Next time we are in Northumberland we will be checking in with you.
Exactly what a CL should be
Just back from a 3 night stay at Brandon Ford CL. This site has level hardstanding pitches, each with their own water, drainage and EHU, The site is very well maintained with cut grass and well managed bins/recycling and waste disposal. Access is easy as the road between the site and main road is still quite wide. The area itself is excellent for walking/Cycling and visiting the surrounding area. It is in my opinion what a CL should be in that it is quiet, rural, essential services, without adding unnecessary extras. I would recommend this site to anyone visiting the Northumberland/Alnwick area, and would like to return to explore some more.
DKO2
Reviewed on 08/05/2021 15:47
Perfect
I can’t think of a bad thing to say about this site. Each pitch was hardstanding and fully serviced. The views were amazing, and the site’s presentation was immaculate. We had a long bike ride into Wooler but there are more local rides as well as beautiful walks nearby. As I say, perfect.
Just what the Dr ordered.
The site was excellent very peaceful, beautiful views lots of walking ,and the pitches were very spacious, fully plumbed in which is always bonus. The free range eggs the farm has are the best I have ever had .The owners are very welcoming and friendly, definitely recommend . Definitely put on our favourite list and will be back .
What a gem
We stayed here in early July 2020 immediately after sites reopened. We had stayed at the Club site nearby previously and once when out walking from there we noticed this site and it looked so attractive we decided that we would like to visit it, even though it had no toilet/shower and we have in the past preferred sites which have such facilities. However, in the new post-lockdown situation, we decided to rely on our own facilities which is made easier if the pitches are fully serviced which all are here. The pitches are on a grass field which is regularly cut and very attractive - it looks like a garden. All the pitches are well spaced out and level or near level with a gravel base ( completely free of weeds ). The site is superbly placed for walks straight from the site. The River Breamish is literally just outside the site and great for dogs to paddle around in. The road outside the site leads westwards up the Ingram valley which is very attractive but there is a superb walk straight from the site northwards on the Northumberland Sandstone Trail - see Northumberland County Council’s website for details of it - into completely peaceful rolling hills.
Excellent Site
I can only agree with the previous review. Friendly owner, peace and quiet, lovely surroundings. Will definitely be returning to one of the best sites we have used in nearly twenty years.
Perfect CL
The CL itself is very flat and is immaculately maintained with short, well mown grass (with clippings collected!). The four hard standings are not particularly long (our van is not long but we had to have the jockey wheel on the grass), but are quite wide meaning that vans could be pitched either way. There are two grass pitches which are alternated to protect and maintain the grass quality. Each pitch, grass or hard standing, has its own water tap and drain and EHU points between pitches.
Wildlife abounds in the area with a nature reserve and lakes just across the River Breamish bounding the CL. There is a footbridge over the river next to the ford but unless you have a substantial 4 x 4 I wouldn't suggest trying to go through it. It is very rocky).
As has been mentioned the petrol station in Powburn seems to sell everything and as a bonus for those with the club fuel card it is an Esso station. The well used road from the site to the main road (A697) is a bit twisty, bouncy and slightly narrow in places but this is only just over 1 mile so isn't a problem.
Others have already written about what is in the area so I won't repeat it other than to mention Chillingham Castle and the Wild Cattle about 10 miles away. The castle interior and its contents can only be described as fascinatingly 'bizarre' whilst a visit by Land Rover to see the wild cattle is a unique experience. If you're lucky (or unlucky depending on your point of view) you may witness a fight between the bulls which happens quite frequently, apparently. To see everything in the castle and then see the cattle I suggest making two visits as the castle is only open during the afternoon and the last cattle tour is at 3.15pm (no cattle tours on Saturdays).
This is certainly a CL that I can highly recommend and will use it again if touring that area of Northumberland in the future.