Barn at Beal Restaurant & Campsite

The restaurant used to be a regular favourite of ours but our experience yesterday was very disappointing. It was also embarrassing as we’d taken overseas visitors. Despite the visual cue of my wife’s walking stick and the fact that staff had acknowledged us, after five minutes we were still left standing. The place was half full at best and there were several tables free. At this point the four of us decided to get takeaways instead and sit outside where none of the tables were taken. Two of us went in to order. The treatment we were given, notably by the older lady who seemed to be in charge, was unfriendly and curt to the point of rudeness. Our drinks and cake did arrive in a timely manner but one of the tray bakes wasn’t what we ordered. Unfortunately one of our group had already cut into it so we let that go and didn’t complain. Our four hot drinks and three pieces of traybake came to over £26. This was about 25% higher than at the other places we’d been to in the last fortnight. The portion sizes were considerably smaller too. We may give this place another chance but will probably not bother.

Had coffee and cake here many years ago so on the strength of that after visiting Holy Island recently wanted to try them again. Turned out not a great idea. Food over priced for what it delivered. Had to wait for seating to become available despite there being several empty tables. Must have waited a good 20 minutes at the very least for food. It was acceptable but not outstanding for the cost. Finally went to pay, despite someone literally being in front of the till the person at it decided they needed to be somewhere else. When they return we gave our table number and they couldn't find anything in the system... Maybe the reason for the long delay for food to arrive. Overall there are many better places to go, but not with this view of holy island. Anywhere else and I don't think it would be a viable establishment.

Brilliant and beautiful with fabulous staff and food. We stayed over on our way back from a festival in our tiny vw campervan. Superb facilities all built with aesthetics in mind. Lovely showers. Perfect flat pitch. Huge thank you to Jackie the manager for looking after us so well and Ollvia who served us a wonderful breakfast in the sunshine. We had a late lunch and breakfast, the food was lovely. Also we really appreciated how dog friendly this place is. The views are lovely too from all pitches and terrace. We will be back. I did notice how hard working the staff were. Highly recommend. Its busy so book ahead. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We knew the campsite was next to a farm, as stated on their website, but we never expected its activity to affect our stay so much. The campsite is divided into two areas: one further away with better views, and another we called “the ramp of shame,” which is directly next to the farm/factory. During our stay, farming machines (tractors and harvesters) worked until 8:30 pm. The noise was annoying, yes, but the real issue was the dust: every time they passed by, a cloud of dust blew straight into the pitches. We traveled in a small campervan, and cooking outside was a nightmare. Everything—table, chairs, kitchen—was covered in dirt. On top of that, the constant smell of manure was unbearable. Our arrival was extremely unpleasant; we honestly couldn’t believe this place was considered suitable for camping. The most shocking thing was seeing all the campers hiding inside their caravans. What’s the point of going camping if you can’t even sit outside? We tried to get help at reception, but it was closed. A sign directed us to the restaurant, which was also closed. There was no contact number displayed anywhere, so we searched online and called the number listed on their website… it only went to voicemail. The next morning, we were woken up at 7:30 am by tractors. Later on, we finally spoke to management, but they were rude and simply told us that their website already mentions they are “next to a farm.” Meanwhile, the noise and dust continued non-stop. I honestly don’t understand all the positive reviews. I suspect negative ones get removed somehow. If you’ve been lucky enough to find this review, do yourself a favor and choose another campsite.

Review of the campsite We visited the Barn for 2 nights last week following a recommendation. We are so pleased we did ! Fabulous views and access over to Lindisfarne and a great sized pitch. Showers were new and always spotlessly clean although please note the ladies toilets are in a separate building . Site felt safe and well kept . We had breakfast in the restaurant on our first morning sitting out in the sunshine - although our was rushed off his feet , breakfast came with a smile and warm welcome . Thanks to Jackie for all her efforts trying to fit us in for an extra night despite the site being so busy . Would highly recommend and look forward to returning again .

Oh dear! In order Rooms My partner booked for 3 nights camping, we were surrounded by 4 families all known to each other with around 8 preschool children including babies. They were flouting camp guidelines around curfew and open fires ( we were all made to wake up before 6 and my partner has a breathing problem exacerbated by smoke). We raised this with management who seemed unaware of their own policies, though to be fair after convincing them they did intervene. Service We booked at the Barn because of the site pub. When we arrived a waitress told us we needed to book for the restaurant but not the pub of we wanted food. We went to the pub and a different were told we needed to go to the restaurant as the pub wasn't serving food, it was agreed we could come back later after the meal. However when we did it was closed because nobody was in, when we pointed out this was because we gad all been sent to the restaurant, it was met with a polite smile. When we raised this with management we were told the pub only stayed open after 6 if they had received a minimum of 4 food booking. Right hand and left hand? Re the food we had fish and chips that was mainly batter and manky overcooked chips. The allegedly homemade tarter sauce may have been handmade before it was bottled. At £20 each this was poor value. Location The views were beautiful, but this did not make up for the extremely disappointing overall experience of amateurishness and ineptness. Avoid.

An absolutely beautiful campsite, just a few miles off of the causeway for holy island, the staff are so helpful, every single one of them are talkative & help with anything you need, all of the facilities are clean. The views are amazing when the weather is clear, as seen in the photos I’ve put, you can see the island from the campsite! There’s a petrol station not too far from the campsite too! The location & experience of the campsite is amazing, we will definitely be returning sometime in the future!

We really liked the campsite. The communication in advance was clear and understandable and access was automatic without any complicated registration. The sanitary facilities were very clean. The site is perfect, it is very quiet with a beautiful view of Lindisfarne. We would be happy to recommend this campsite to others.

The Barn at Beal is ideally located for anyone who is going to be visiting Lindisfarne with it being just a few minutes drive from the causeway that gets you over to the island. There's a good selection of light bites and main meals and I can really recommend the soup and sandwich which was very welcome after a morning photographing on the windy beaches around Lindisfarne Castle. The walls of the barn are covered in attractive art-work which is available to buy and there's also a Bird of Prey centre next door to the cafe.

Modern light, airy cafe with a bothy bar next door (presumably aimed at campsite users) and a wood burning stove. Very handy to wait to cross causeway to Holy Island. Views over fields to Lindisfarne and local photography/art on display including by a former Eastenders star who played Charlie Stubbs! Arrived here after an early start from Edinburgh to get to nearby Bamburgh Castle (in Bamburgh) where nowhere was open on Sunday morning for breakfast or brunch except Victoria Hotel, where we must have had our invisibility cloaks on so we moved on! Staff at Beal on the other hand were friendly and helpful. Had the vegetarian breakfast and would really recommend it. Fresh asparagus and mushrooms were a nice touch and everything tasted cooked with attention to texture and taste. We were asked if we wanted the coffee while we waited or later, which is how it should always be! We stayed for quite a while reading papers with coffee. My only comment, which I say about everywhere, is that I would like the option of a pot of tea or cafetiere/refill coffee. They're taking reservations now for Christmas and definitely have space to accommodate larger group bookings.

Pretty awful food. unfortunately I found myself there on successive days in December. A group of 5 and everyone found their food inedible. nice setting and nice waitresses. They run out of many things on their menu after 1pm. The days that I went they ran out fish and chips, potatoes and two of three beers which they had on tap. Very poorly run kitchen and food management. If you must eat here keep it simple

Always excellent local fare in a spectacular location. Warm, friendly service and an ideal stop-off for cyclists, walkers and day-trippers on the Coast and Castles route.

Fast, friendly service in this cafe/restaurant. Good range of vegetarian options as well as roast dinner option (we were there on a Sunday - may be different on other days). Reasonably priced with quite generous portions. Lovely views across the causeway to Lindisfarne and good location either just before going to Holy Island or as you come back.