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Carrshield Camping Barn
  • Home
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Carrshield
Camping Barn

TAKE A LOOK INSIDE
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Escape the everyday logo
LIVING HISTORY

Stay in a converted 19th century mine shop located right on Isaac's Tea Trail

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Carrshield Camping Barn is an independent hostel (part of the Independent Hostel network) located within the former Barney Craig Mine Shop.  This used to be the largest mine shop in south Northumberland. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and was at risk of collapsing beyond repair.  With funding from Historic England and the Heritage Lottery Fund the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership renovated the building using traditional methods and existing materials, converting the upper floors into a basic Camping Barn.  It is now owned and managed by Allen Valleys Enterprise Limited, for the benefit of the local community.  ​
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A WILD AND REMOTE LOCATION

England's last unspoiled wilderness

The Carrshield Camping Barn is located in one of England’s most special places – a stunning landscape of open heather moors and peatlands, attractive dales and hay meadows, tumbling upland rivers, wonderful woods, welcoming communities, intriguing imprints of a mining and industrial past, distinctive birds, animals and plants and much, much more. In recognition of its special qualities the area has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The North Pennines is also a UNESCO Global Geopark – highlighting its globally important Earth heritage.
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CAMPING BARN PICTURE DIARY
SUBMIT  A REVIEW

Happy Campers!

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We have just returned home from the most wonderful and restorative weekend at the Carrshield camping barn 27-29 May '22. What a special place! The barn itself was very clean and the space was great. We shared the rooms between two families and made it very homely. The log burners meant we were cosy even on some chilly evenings. It is situated in the most beautiful countryside and we were able to both walk and swim nearby. Views from all the rooms were fabulous. Paul looked after us and supported with local knowledge. We were even lucky enough to meet the local artist who works near by. All in all we thoroughly recommend the barn to any family who enjoy all the freedom, adventure and joy of camping but with the luxury of knowing you will stay warm and dry. We will be recommending it to everyone we know!

Sawyer & Dugdale families ​

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This was our second visit in two months and we love it! There’s great walks, you can play in the stream and you can have a fire. It’s really pretty and there’s a great stream with gems and lead stones in it. It’s brilliant for dogs and for climbing rocks. We second Izzy’s comments; brilliant location, great accommodation and a really great welcome from everyone associated. Can’t recommend it highly enough for a group or large family location.  We will definitely be back!

Izzy Mavro

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We had a great time here. Second day of a motorbike trip during April '22. The weather was unbelievably cold with snow forecast and we couldn’t face another night under canvas wild camping. Saw this place was free last minute and received confirmation/joining info a little while later. The setting is stunning and the facilities /log burning stove were very welcome!  After exploring the river we spent the evening swapping stories by the fire until the early hours. It is basic, but all part of the charm. What else do you really need?

John Hart

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An excellent location, perfectly satisfactory facilities
​and beautiful hiking country.

Ben Simmons

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We had an excellent time at Carrshield Camping barn! It was perfect for a big group (there were 14 of us) as the rooms interconnected. We were warned ahead of time that it would be a bit chilly as it was February but we wrapped up warm and once the fire was lit we had a very cosy time. It was a very beautiful place to wake up to when snow fell overnight! Our group highly recommends Carrshield to stay in during winter if you're prepared for the weather :)​

Livvy

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A massive "Thank You" from the Allen Valley Scouts! We had a great weekend at Barney Craig, ALL of the leaders and Scouts loved the place and what it had to offer and we can't wait to come back.  The space is absolutely amazing.  We have a booking in the calendar for October and we are already looking forward to it.

Bruce Lenton

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Always have an amazing time here. It’s perfect for a weekend of camping but still having the comfort and warmth of the indoors! The barn is very spacious even for larger groups, and the fire pits outside were perfect for the evenings. Could not recommend Carrshield camping barn enough!

Daisy Cavet

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​What an amazingly unique place to stay. If you really want to be away from it all then this is the place. I have stayed in many different places in my 47 years all over the world, but I must say that Kim is the most thoughtful and welcoming host I have ever had the pleasure to meet. The memories of the interesting things we do in our lives are what make us smile as we get older. I felt like I had stepped into a different world for a night. There's even a view of a small waterfall from the bedroom window. Cosy fire, great for making hot toddies..... The Danes would say this place is pure 'Hygge".

Ash Robinson

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Just had a fabulous weekend at Carrshield with some friends. 
I am so impressed with what has been done with this building and now with electricity and running water it is verging on the point of being luxurious.
The fine views, good weather and the fact that we are all cave and mine explorers and a huge choice of underground sites to explore right on the door step. 

Brian Sutton

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Absolutely love coming to Carrshield Camping Barn! So much that it’s become a yearly tradition :)    Perfect for anyone who loves an adventure
Fantastic walks nearby long and short.  And of course I can’t forget to mention the lovely locals who are always so welcoming.  Can’t wait to come again soon! 

​Kate Mc.

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A perfect base for exploring the North Pennines. The location is amazing, very quiet and remote. The barn itself was lovely, a big stone ‘tent’ with the benefit of log burners in each room. Plenty of logs were supplied which kept our group of 15 warm and cosy despite the cold, wet, and windy night. We’re very keen to come back to explore the area further. Many thanks for a great stay. ​

Tom

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We spent an amazing 2021 New Year weekend at Carrshield. A great camping barn with stunning scenery, easy to book and a very friendly welcome. Lots to do nearby. We had 5 children in the group and they loved it too!

Grace and Ben Rowley

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I was excited to be one of the very first people to stay at the Carrshield Camping Barn after its conversion. We're talking cosy/easy camping in a weather-beating big stone tent! The composting toilet was excellent.  Once the wood burning stoves were lit it was really warm and toasty - and one of the highlights was star-gazing from our beds out of the window!   The remote location was stunning, providing us with a couple of memorable car-free days to walk from the barn up to Killhope Law and back over Black Trod.

Fiona Knox

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Amazing location, had a fab couple of nights, loads of places to explore nearby. Better than I expected - will definitely be back. ​

Harry

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Stayed here with a group of friends for 2 nights. We had such an amazing time! The area around the barn is very nice for a walk and with the wood burners it was lovely and warm overnight. Will definitely be returning. ​​

Charlotte

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5-star (better than I expected)

A great facility in an even better location. Thoroughly enjoyed the stay and looking forward to visiting again!



Dave W.

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SUBMIT  A REVIEW
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The Barney Craig Mine Shop, housing the Carrshield Camping Barn, is owned and operated by Allen Valleys Enterprise (AVEL),  a Community Benefit Society set up to support projects that will safeguard the legacy of the Allen Valleys Landscape Partnership project and allow income generated to be used for the benefit of the local community.
Postal Address: Allen Valley Enterprise Ltd, Allendale Village Hall, Allendale, Northumberland NE47 9PR
For any problems with this website please contact the AVEL web administrator
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The Barney Craig project was completed with funding from Historic England and the Heritage Lottery Fund
The renovation was managed by the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership
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