Forgoing fireworks this year, we decided to get away in the ‘van again and head back to South Shields to Sandhaven Caravan Park. We were here last year, but due to illness we didn’t get to see much of the area, so we might be luckier this year and be able to sample the promenade and all South Shields has to offer.
We headed off after Cath had finished work and picked up the ‘van. Weather was not looking promising, and in between showers we hitched up and headed to the coast. We arrived promptly, indeed a little bit before the 2pm arrival time, but we were soon allocated to pitch 3 and we began to set-up. The rain began again so it was mac on and brave the elements. We were soon set-up due to the good hard-standing pitch. We got the heating on and relaxed to the start of our seaside visit. The rain kept coming, so our planned walk on the promenade followed with fish & chips looked like it wouldn’t be realised.
The rain stayed with us all night, so the reserve meal of pasta & ratatouille was cooked into action! We enjoyed the rest of the evening whilst trying to maintain a TV signal through the weather and fireworks. Sunday morning came and off to church we went, in the rain! Upon return we went for a brisk short walk, dodging the rain and then spent the rest of the day in the ‘van, not the best of weekends for weather. There were fireworks planned on the seafront, we went down to enjoy them, but lo and behold – they were cancelled due to the weather! I’ll have to plan our return visit to this site at a better time of the year, so we can get to explore the area.
The site has good hard-standing pitches, complete with water and drainage and 16A EHU. Toilet block is fine, with code access. CDP is a little high, but otherwise does the job. The site is open from the main road, so a lot of vehicles tend to fly in and out, not ideal. A great site however, we’ll be back, baby.
- Date: 5th November 2016
- Nights: 2
- Pitch #: 3
- GPS: 54.997688, -1.416795
- A19 > A194 > A183 > Beach Rd > Salisbury Pl > Sea Way