Camping Inspiration: The Lake District

Introduction: Camping destinations in the Lake District

(Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

If there’s one part of the country where campers are spoilt for choice it’s the Lake District.

Whatever your reason for visiting this part of the world, you’ll be awestruck by its beauty. Everywhere you turn there are tranquil lakes backed by towering peaks – you won’t fail to be impressed on your camping trips.

The outdoor capital of England

It is the largest of the United Kingdom’s national parks, containing 16 lakes – including Windermere, the largest in England – and more than 150 high peaks. Four of them are over 3,000ft, including England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, which stands at 3,206ft. There are six national nature reserves, 100 sites of special scientific interest, and more than 50 dales.

Ullswater, the second biggest lake in England, is worth some time on your visit to the Lakes, if just to admire its stunning beauty and take some photographs. It’s here Wordsworth was inspired to write his famous poem 'Daffodils'.

Beautiful towns and villages to visit

The Lake District boasts 400 towns, villages and hamlets within its 885 square miles and almost every one has something to offer visitors. In the north Lakes is Keswick, which sits on the shore of Derwentwater and is surrounded by the fells of Skiddaw, Catbells and Grizedale Pike. It’s a bustling town with plenty going on and an ideal base to explore the Lakes.

Elsewhere are the charming towns of Ulverston, Kirkby Lonsdale and Cockermouth as well as Whitehaven on the west coast and Penrith and Appleby to the east. The towns in the central Lakes, like Kendal, Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside and Grasmere are massively popular so try to visit them outside peak times, if you can.

A great place to camp

The Lake District also has a huge number of excellent campsites. Some are hidden away on remote fells, with very basic facilities. You’ll also find numerous family holiday parks, packed with every facility you will ever need. In between, there are countless wonderful campsites that would be perfect for family trips or as a base camp for exploring the magnificent Lakeland countryside.