WHERE TO CAMP IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
Eight great campsites to explore the wonders of Cumbria
ULLSWATER
The Quiet Site campsite is situated between Little Mell Fell and Ullswater with perfect views and an alpine feel. All of the pitches are terraced and a mix of grass and pea gravel, offering flat camping areas. This site is like heaven for the walking enthusiast and maps of walks are available from reception. One leads to nearby National Trust Aira Force Waterfalls which leads through a mixture of open land and woodland terrain, with the falls definitely worth a visit. A distinctive feature of The Quiet Site is its Olde-worlde bar housed in an old converted barn with open log fire and pool table. This is a welcoming and cosy place, perfect for days with inclement weather or for a relaxing drink after a day exploring the surrounding fells and countryside. You can also hire electric bikes from the site and enjoy a network of up to 60 miles in the Ullswater area.
The Quiet Site
Ullswater, Cumbria CA11 0LS
07768 727016
www.thequietsite.co.uk
Facilities: Newly refurbished amenity building, family bathrooms and laundry room. Dishwashing sinks and access to a microwave, fridge and freezer. Well-stocked shop on site, and a large children’s playground plus indoor playroom.
WINDERMERE
This is a great campsite which is tranquil and has great views from its pitches. Park Cliffe has two camping areas. The first, Ghyll Side, is across a minor lane from the main park and allows you to reserve a pitch and electric hook-up if needed. The second, Fell Side, is set on undulating slopes giving the stunning views of the surrounding area. You choose your own pitches here and there is no electric. The campsite has a list of walks in the area and other local activities include cruises on Lake Windermere, the South Lakes Wild Animal Park, many outdoor activities and watersports too. The on-site restaurant and bar is perfect for drinks or a meal at any time of day, and the licensed shop stocks a selection of groceries and camping goods. There’s also an adventure playground and small indoor games room to keep children occupied.
Park Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate
Birks Road, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3PG
01539 531344
www.parkcliffe.co.uk
Facilities: Modern shower block with underfloor heating and dry changing space in showers and bathrooms available to hire. There’s also a fully-equipped laundrette.
THORNTHWAITE
Lanefoot is located between Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwentwater with views of the surrounding fells. The campsite is divided into two fields, both of which are about two acres in size. The Meadow Field has some tree screening and is a more secluded camping area. The Open Field has views towards Skiddaw and Lord’s Seat and presents open camping with lots of room. Campfires are permitted on site and kindling and dried logs are available to buy. Lanefoot sits below the Whinlatter Forest Park and it a great site for bikers and walkers. Because it is a mountain forest the mountain bike trails are demanding and the views stunning. There’s also a play trail for children and a visitors’ centre. Bikes can be hired here and there is a café, picnic areas and viewpoints.
Lanefoot Farm Campsite
Lanefoot Farm, Thornthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5RZ
01768 778097
www.stayinthornthwaite.co.uk/?c=lanefootfarm
Facilities: Toilets and heated showers. Electric hook-ups. Also a drying room and a small shop stocking the essentials.
HOLMROOK
Set in idyllic Lake District walking country and a valley setting makes this campsite a walkers’ paradise. England’s highest peak - Scafell Pike - can be reached from site, as can England’s deepest lake - Wastwater. For those who prefer flatter terrain, there’s a route which follows the River Esk. The village of Boot offers three traditional pubs within walking distance of the site and the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway terminates at Dalegarth Station which is a few minutes’ walk from the site. Also worth checking out is Stanley Ghyll Force, a 60ft high waterfall in a deep and narrow gorge. This site has a drying room which is extremely handy for walkers to get their boots and coats clean and dry. Many of the pubs in the local area welcome muddy boots and are dog-friendly. Non-members welcome.
Eskdale Camping & Caravanning Club Site
Boot, Holmrook, Cumbria CA19 1TH
01946 723253
www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
Facilities: Toilets, showers and wash basins, disabled facilities and a family shower room. Dishwashing, laundry and drying room. There’s also the addition of a shop (selling basic food supplies and camping gear), play area and ice pack freezing facility.
AMBLESIDE
The National Trust has four campsites on its land in the Lake District and as well as enjoying excellent facilities and spectacular locations, all campsite fees go towards supporting their conservation projects. So as well as enjoying yourself, you can feel pleased that you’re helping to protect the countryside for future generations. Three miles from both Hawkshead and Ambleside, Low Wray campsite is set on the banks of Windermere and has 200 pitches. It is a fairly basic site geared around walkers, anglers and those looking to canoe or sail on the lake. The campsite shop sells basic groceries and there are two pubs within a two-mile radius. The site itself has an orienteering course (just buy a map from reception) and mountain bikes to hire. There are plenty of cycling routes both on quiet country lanes and off road and the site staff should be able to give you plenty of advice.
Low Wray National Trust Campsite
Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0JA
01539 463862
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Facilities New shop and reception selling local produce; Kids playground; hot water/showers/toilets; washing up area; lakeside beach; boat launching for non-powered craft; camping pods available
BORROWDALE
Chapel House Farm’s campsite is a back to nature site, consisting of a single open field in the valley of Borrowdale, and the view is astonishing. Cars are not allowed on the site itself and must remain in the car park, making the place more relaxed and adding to that feel that camping is a return to the simple life. There’s really no need to use it again either, as there’s a bus stop outside the site, with regular services to Keswick and even over Honister Pass to Buttermere. When staying here you should take advantage of the many fell-walking opportunities, and Borrowdale is ringed by the high fells. But there’s also miles of relaxed river and lake-side strolling in the wooded valley. Chapel House Farm is popular with young families too, with the nearby Stonethwaite Beck, and a little gorge called Black Moss Pot in Langstrath Beck being great for children to splash about in.
Chapel House Farm
Stonethwaite, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5XG
01768 777256
www.chapelhousefarmcampsite.co.uk/
Facilities: Toilet and shower block. Bed and breakfast at the farmhouse. Several pubs nearby. Nearest shops in Keswick, a 20-minute drive.
PATTERDALE
Side Farm, on the eastern side of the Lake District, is one of the most scenically situated campsites, sandwiched between the slopes of Place Fell and the shores of Ullswater. The view across the lake to the Helvellyn Fells is beautiful and if you choose a pitch here, you can open your tent to that stunning sight every morning. There’s a small pebbled beach onto the lake, where you can launch canoes and paddle Ullswater. For those who prefer walking, board one of the Ullswater steamers at Glenridding, sail to Howtown, then stroll back along the lakeside path to Patterdale and the site. For the more adventurous walker, the slopes of Helvellyn will call to you. The walk which you should do is the dance across the top of Striding Edge - one of the most attention-grabbing and exhilarating in England. The site itself has flat pitching and simple facilities. There are local pubs providing food nearby and a small tea room based at the farm.
Side Farm Campsite
Patterdale, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0NP
01768 482337
Facilities: Clean, simple facilities of toilets and showers, with a covered washing up area with washing machine and dryer.
WASDALE HEAD
Wasdale campsite nestles under the Scafell mountain range at the head of Wastwater, the deepest lake in England. This stunning place is attractive for its remoteness and peace. The dramatic landscape will inspire the most adventurous outdoor enthusiast. England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, is within striking distance as are many other high fell walking routes. If you like to be amongst big scenery, then Wasdale Head is about as good as it gets in Britain, with the mountains towering above the campsite on all sides. The Wasdale Inn is a short walk away for those who fancy some pub grub after a day exploring the hills. The local area is ideal for outdoor activities and watersports. Nearby family attractions include Muncaster Castle and Gardens, home to the World Owl Centre with over 200 amazing birds.
Wasdale Head, Cumbria CA20 1EX
01539 463862
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Facilities: Showers, toilets and disabled facilities. Washing up area, laundry and shop selling local produce.
