A small caravan park in County Durham has become an unexpected international hotspot, welcoming visitors from across Europe, including France, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands.
The Paddock Touring Park, nestled in Wolsingham, started as a humble horse exercise paddock but has grown into a thriving 22-pitch site attracting guests from far and wide - but is now marking its tenth year in business.
With key attractions like Beamish Museum, Kynren, The Auckland Project, Raby Castle, and High Force nearby, the site has found popularity among those seeking a peaceful countryside retreat.
A shower and toilet block, additional pitches, and family-friendly facilities have made the site more appealing.
Notably, the past decade has brought in an array of visitors, including European travellers passing through the region on their journeys.
“Some of our most interesting guests have been those who just turn up unexpectedly in unique vehicles,” says the park’s owner.
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“We’ve had huge converted horseboxes, ex-army trucks, and even a bright red Dutch fire engine that had been transformed into a motorhome. Our European visitors usually arrive late in the evening, ringing up to say, ‘The barrier is closed, can you let us in?’”
One of the park’s most memorable visitors was a Frenchwoman now residing in Tasmania, highlighting the park’s global reach.
Others have included Dutch and Czech tourists making their way across the UK, often staying for a night or two before continuing their travels.
