How this site gets such high star ratings is an obvious collation issue, the wardens are great, it's a nice site in quite a traditional way (big circle with a tenting area in the middle), it's great for getting into to Durham and as a North/South stopover, but the noise really is the worst in 30+ years I've ever come across. Yes it's no surprise as you have 8 lanes of traffic thundering past on 3 sides, the A1M issue is no surprise but you also have the main Sunderland to Durham dual carriageway next to the site as well. This means a steady drone which you might just lose after a bit doesn't happen and in any event the traffic level is not constant on either road and certainly never quiet for long. You also have a Highways England main depot as a neighbour but the road sounds actually drown out the gritters etc coming and going. Ear plugs are a requirement for a nights sleep which if you can live with them does work. The other issue has to be pollution, that many diesels etc is not going to be good for your health. It's no good saying oh well you know the road is there what can anybody do? Really you want to know just how loud it is before you think of staying. The tent area in the middle was not in use, though how you could possibly get a nights sleep in a tent is a moot point, I also would be wary of having tents and vans is such close proximity. On the positive side, it's a nice site in and of itself with good modern facilities, the wardens are lovely and you are just short drive from Durham - it's cheaper to park in town than use the park and ride if there are two of you. Armed with ear plugs it's a handy North/South stopover which I think is what most people use it for. I could not recommend it for sitting around having a BBQ and a nice chat. Of course if you are deaf, can turn off your hearing aid and not bothered by pollution risks you'll be fine.