Your seven top touring destinations in north west England
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Looking for a first-rate campsite in the north west of England – Cheshire, Lancashire, or Cumbria? Look no further than one of our Premier Parks, each individually assessed by the editorial team behind Caravan, MMM, and Camping magazines
Elm Cottage Touring Park, Winsford
Only about ten miles from the M6 and located between Winsford and the Oulton Park racing circuit, this is a peaceful and beautifully-maintained campsite. All 35 touring pitches have electrical hook-up, and most of them are on hardstanding. There is also a 6½ acre camping field which hosts rallies. The environmentally-friendly toilet facilities are spotless and the small shop on site provides camping essentials. There’s even a decent pub within walking distance.
Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park, Keswick
Few campsites – even in this most scenic of areas – can boast views as spectacular as Castlerigg Hall. In an elevated position over Derwent Water and with Bassenthwaite Lake visible in the distance, this is one of the best vistas in the northern Lake District. The campsite is highly rated with high quality facilities including privacy cubicles, laundry, bathroom and even a dedicated dog wash. Eco-friendly ground source heating keeps the carbon footprint down, while the on-site shop, restaurant, and campers’ kitchen meets most daily needs. An unusual bonus here is the campsite’s art and craft gallery, with some impressive works on show.
Park Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate, Windermere
This is one of the most civilised campsites you are ever likely to visit, with immaculately laid-out hardstanding pitches and first-rate facilities including private bathrooms which can be reserved for your exclusive use. Just half a mile from the shores of Windermere, it has an excellent on-site restaurant and a well-equipped games room to keep the youngsters occupied on those rare Lake District rainy days. Outside, a delightful stream trickles though the campsite providing an alternative type of wet play opportunity.
Shepherds Views Holidays, Holmrook
Tucked behind a working farm with an impressive panorama back to the spectacular hills of Eskdale, Shepherds Views is in a great area for cycling and walking, with lots of great trails nearby (Hadrian's Cycleway passes the entrance). Grass and hardstanding pitches and a large camping field accommodate most camping needs and the local area with shops and golfing just a mile away at Seascale provides plenty to keep you busy. The attractions of Ravenglass and Muncaster Castle are a short distance away, and there is a pub within walking distance.
The Quiet Site, Penrith
While the campsite itself is of high quality, the thing most people rave about after a visit to The Quiet Site is the characterful on-site pub, converted from an old building. Local ales are featured, including a unique brew for the campsite (and we can vouch for its deliciousness). It’s not all old-time charm here, though, with bang up-to-date eco-friendly biomass boilers and other environmental features. The campsite has delightful views across Ullswater and there are excellent walks in all directions directly from here.
Wild Rose Park, Appleby-in-Westmorland
This lesser-known corner of Cumbria is something of a hidden treasure, yet on this campsite there is no shortage of first-rate facilities. The Eden Valley lies between the fells of the Lake District to the west, the hills of Teesdale to the east, and the Yorkshire Dales to the south. Wild Rose Park is a fully-equipped campsite with great views, two swimming pools, restaurant, bar and a large shop. It’s quite a large campsite with modern toilet blocks and loads of places to go within a comfortable drive – including the lovely town of Appleby, just a couple of miles away.
Holgates Silverdale Caravan Park, Carnforth
With views over Morecambe Bay – well known for some of the best sunsets in the UK – this gem of a campsite has a brilliant range of facilities. The local shingle beach is a ten-minute walk, while the Arnside area offers excellent cycling and walking. The campsite itself is spacious and has several play areas, while the main building houses a swimming pool and sauna complex better than that in many towns. There is also a great bar and restaurant here, along with a games room and well-equipped shop.
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