Lake District - Camping
Discussion
Evening Chaps,
Most threads are about trips to a chateux or driving across america, However me and the OH fancy something different.
We are up north at the end of this week on business, whilst up there we might aswell have a nose around for a day or two. So having looked at the decent weather report we might chuck a tent up in the lake district.
We have never been before and just wondered whether any of you chaps have? Any recommendations?
So far I have found a 5 star campsite called "Park Cliffe" - this is at the side of windermere. From what I hear this is the most touristy of the lakes - is this true or a problem?
Cheers.
Most threads are about trips to a chateux or driving across america, However me and the OH fancy something different.
We are up north at the end of this week on business, whilst up there we might aswell have a nose around for a day or two. So having looked at the decent weather report we might chuck a tent up in the lake district.
We have never been before and just wondered whether any of you chaps have? Any recommendations?
So far I have found a 5 star campsite called "Park Cliffe" - this is at the side of windermere. From what I hear this is the most touristy of the lakes - is this true or a problem?
Cheers.
Edited by russy01 on Monday 21st May 20:00
russy01 said:
Evening Chaps,
Most threads are about trips to a chateux or driving across america, However me and the OH fancy something different.
We are up north at the end of this week on business, whilst up there we might aswell have a nose around. So having looked at the decent weather report we might chuck a tent up in the lake district.
We have never been before and just wondered whether any of you chaps have? Any recommendations?
Cheers.
The National Trust site in Langdale is good, nice scenery, nice walks, good pub.Most threads are about trips to a chateux or driving across america, However me and the OH fancy something different.
We are up north at the end of this week on business, whilst up there we might aswell have a nose around. So having looked at the decent weather report we might chuck a tent up in the lake district.
We have never been before and just wondered whether any of you chaps have? Any recommendations?
Cheers.
If you want something to do at night, eat out, pubs etc the Caravan and Camping club site at Keswick is ideal.
If you want isolation, but still a good site with decent showers, toilets a pub and meals available Sykeside campsite at Brotherswater is worth a look.
If you go on UKcampsites web site http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/ they have a filter facilty which is easy to use and has lots of good sites on with useful reviews.
If you want isolation, but still a good site with decent showers, toilets a pub and meals available Sykeside campsite at Brotherswater is worth a look.
If you go on UKcampsites web site http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/ they have a filter facilty which is easy to use and has lots of good sites on with useful reviews.
Edited by GAjon on Monday 21st May 20:38
Thanks for your help.
I want to try and keep the miles down so want to stay as close as possible (Im currently beaching it in cornwall - so im looking at windermere and conniston as they are more southern.
National Trust sites look good - will call about them tomorrow.
Or the other I have found is "Park-Cliffe" which has rave reviews.
I want to try and keep the miles down so want to stay as close as possible (Im currently beaching it in cornwall - so im looking at windermere and conniston as they are more southern.
National Trust sites look good - will call about them tomorrow.
Or the other I have found is "Park-Cliffe" which has rave reviews.
Yes, Windermere is the most touristy lake, as it's the first one everyone gets to off the motorway.
But, it's busiest on the Eastern side, as you have the tourist trap of Bowness.
There's a little campsite on the western side at Low Wray (National Trust it turns out), pretty much right on the shore of the lake. Bit quieter over there, but you still have good access to Ambleside, Hawkshead, Coniston and across to Bowness on the ferry. Also fairly close to The Drunken Duck food pub, which used to have a pretty good reputation, if a little pricey.
But, it's busiest on the Eastern side, as you have the tourist trap of Bowness.
There's a little campsite on the western side at Low Wray (National Trust it turns out), pretty much right on the shore of the lake. Bit quieter over there, but you still have good access to Ambleside, Hawkshead, Coniston and across to Bowness on the ferry. Also fairly close to The Drunken Duck food pub, which used to have a pretty good reputation, if a little pricey.
vladcjelli said:
Yes, Windermere is the most touristy lake, as it's the first one everyone gets to off the motorway.
But, it's busiest on the Eastern side, as you have the tourist trap of Bowness.
There's a little campsite on the western side at Low Wray (National Trust it turns out), pretty much right on the shore of the lake. Bit quieter over there, but you still have good access to Ambleside, Hawkshead, Coniston and across to Bowness on the ferry. Also fairly close to The Drunken Duck food pub, which used to have a pretty good reputation, if a little pricey.
Cheers vlad, low wray is one of the ones I'm looking at. Lake side camping sounds nice, I'll call tomorrow and see what they have available.But, it's busiest on the Eastern side, as you have the tourist trap of Bowness.
There's a little campsite on the western side at Low Wray (National Trust it turns out), pretty much right on the shore of the lake. Bit quieter over there, but you still have good access to Ambleside, Hawkshead, Coniston and across to Bowness on the ferry. Also fairly close to The Drunken Duck food pub, which used to have a pretty good reputation, if a little pricey.
Low Wray is excellent and so is the Langdale one, although the Langdale campsite is a bit of a trek along a narrow road. Personally I hate Windermere/Bowness, it's too touristy for me. Keswick is a much nicer area of the Lakes and easy to get to from the M6, along a great road if there's little traffic
MagicalTrevor said:
Low Wray is excellent and so is the Langdale one, although the Langdale campsite is a bit of a trek along a narrow road. Personally I hate Windermere/Bowness, it's too touristy for me. Keswick is a much nicer area of the Lakes and easy to get to from the M6, along a great road if there's little traffic
Fair enough, I have heard this from a few people now. I think this time we will try this area (all be it the opposite side to bowness) as we are only there for a day or two. But we'll have a drive around the area and see where we like for a proper trip later in the year.As for the driving, I don't really want to find too many great roads as we are taking the practical car (can't get a weeks worth of suits, tux, ball gowns and camping gear in the s2000!) Although I can hardly winge, we have the s2000 in Cornwall and its seen plenty of vtec and embarrassed several MX5's with big exhausts.
This was 10am this morning - guess the beach? It's one of our favourite places.
Edited by russy01 on Monday 21st May 21:35
billzeebub said:
russy01 said:
I wont keep you hanging. Godrevy/Gwithian.
great photo, love that stretch. Just over a month till Gwithian Farm beckons..can't waitBack to the lake district, we have just arrived in Harrogate (after a nightmare 5.5hr drive - practical car threw a wobbly and I had to reset the ecu in a layby) and are here for a few nights, we have decided to then go onto keswick - I have asked around a few people and the general consensus is that Windermere etc is a bit too touristy etc.
As for camp sites we are just going to decide when we arrive, have a poke about the area and choose where to stay when we're there.
May be too far for you to go, but we always headed to Wasdale Head. Top walking right from the front door, pub etc and a choice of camping, self catering or hotel accommodation.
Tomorrow we're off to Falmouth - but just for one night to recover our son. Pooh. Maybe I'll get an hour on the beach...
Tomorrow we're off to Falmouth - but just for one night to recover our son. Pooh. Maybe I'll get an hour on the beach...
Recommend the Langdale site. If you want a true experience of the Lakes, its hard to beat.
Keswick is a good town with plenty of places to eat/drink. Dog & Gun is a fave in the winter for the Goulash.
Bowness-on-Windermere is a winner in the summer as theres a nice atmosphere on the street when its warm in the evenings. Plenty of eateries.
Alternative is the campsite at Glenridding. Pretty basic but theres a nearby pub and you're only a short walk from Ullswater or even a stroll up the hillside towards Helvellyn.
Keswick is a good town with plenty of places to eat/drink. Dog & Gun is a fave in the winter for the Goulash.
Bowness-on-Windermere is a winner in the summer as theres a nice atmosphere on the street when its warm in the evenings. Plenty of eateries.
Alternative is the campsite at Glenridding. Pretty basic but theres a nearby pub and you're only a short walk from Ullswater or even a stroll up the hillside towards Helvellyn.
Enjoy Falmouth I was there last Saturday (was dead as the Olympic torch was elsewhere).
As for the lakes - in Harrogate now and heading off to Keswick direction in the morning - looking to camp there somewhere (some castlerigg place possibly) - we'll then head back via windermere direction on Saturday and head back home for late Saturday night.
As the weather is so great I'd love to stay longer (keswick forecasted 29deg for Sunday) but I have to be in London on Sunday night (via somerset) which kind of kills it.
I'll let you know how I get on. Thanks for all suggestions etc.
As for the lakes - in Harrogate now and heading off to Keswick direction in the morning - looking to camp there somewhere (some castlerigg place possibly) - we'll then head back via windermere direction on Saturday and head back home for late Saturday night.
As the weather is so great I'd love to stay longer (keswick forecasted 29deg for Sunday) but I have to be in London on Sunday night (via somerset) which kind of kills it.
I'll let you know how I get on. Thanks for all suggestions etc.
Chicken Chaser said:
Recommend the Langdale site. If you want a true experience of the Lakes, its hard to beat.
Just down the road running from Chapel Stile there's a site called Bayesbrown Farm on the left hand side. Reasonable facilities, pitch wherever you want and the same stunning views of the Langdale Valley. I looked into the NT site but opted for the freedom of Bayesbrown as we were going in a small group and were able to claim a patch away from everywhere else. It's also a 10 minute stroll from the gastro pub down the road in Chapel Stile (the name escapes me but the food was good, and it wasn't extortionately priced.)Worth looking into - I'll be going back there again, we loved it.
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revi...
Thanks for the advice in this thread.
I am now back, I had a fantastic few days up north, I stayed in Harrogate, York and finally in Keswick.
I had blue sky, full sun and temps over 25deg for the whole stay.
Harrogate was lovely, very similar to Bath which is on my doorstep.
York continues to be one of my favourite places in the country.
So back to camping - I stayed at the caravan and camping club site in Keswick. I will never stay in one of their sites again.
Before I arrived I called (when sat at Keswick launch) asking whether they had space for our tent for the night - I was told no the campsite was 100% full, I said it was 1 tent for one night surely they could squeeze me in even in a back corner - again told no.
We drove down to the site next door to them - they were full also. I decided to go into the first site on foot and ask in person, I stood in reception in a queue behind two couples - they had both turned up without bookings and were both given pitches. So I get to the reception and I'm faced with Maureen, a sour old cow who turned out to be the manager. I asked for a pitch for the night, her response "you do know this place isn't for parties, it's a quiet site which is all about the views", my response was "yes I know that, that is the reason I am here. I maybe young but trust me I act as old as you most of the time." she comes back with "you cant go playing loud music or being noisy late at night". I answer with "I am with my partner I want to sleep for 1 night, if I wanted a party night I would not be in the lakes in a caravanning club campsite" - she sighs says ok and then takes payment - 25 bloody quid for 1 night!! If it was earlier and I knew I could have camped elsewhere I would have walked. She then asks my tent size to workout where I can be put - I give her the exact dims and the model name. I get allocated a fantastic pitch literally on the edge of the lake with a great view.
So the next step was to get back to the car and wait to be let in (they have a stupid system where they close the gates so vehicles can't get in) so everyone has to queue outside waiting for a codger to realise there is a queue of 10 cars trying to get in). So we get in and another codger shows us our pitch, it's fantastic, we park up and get to setting our tent up. About 20mins into setting the tent up (were about to put ropes up) one of the codgers runs across saying we can't put our tent as its too big and that I had lied about the size of my tent. I was angry, I said your manager was the one who dealt with it and she even knew the name of my tent. They demanded I took the tent down and they would find us another place to camp at the othersideof the campsite. I considered carrying the constructed tent over but the chap said it was too far. So 15 mins later we had it all back in the car and were moved to our new pitch - which was about 30 f
king metres away!! I was furious - but laughed it off - we then set the tent up again from scratch.
Then comes the facilities - they are clean but whoever designed them needs a slap. There were 10 basins in individual cubicles yet only 4 showers - so I spent half hour queuing for a shower at 8am next to 10 empty basin cubicles.
Every single way they could Extract fun from a holiday and add a rule and a grumpy face they did. I imagine they do this to keep young people away, but it annoys me how they judged me by my cover. I'm 24 and my OH is 23 and I do like to party, but once every couple weeks. I could see their point had I turned up in my s2000, music blaring with a footy shirt on. But I arrived in walking gear in a Toyota Auris.
Also to add we were kept up late by an older couple (60's) and their yappy terrier.
Happy camping.
I am now back, I had a fantastic few days up north, I stayed in Harrogate, York and finally in Keswick.
I had blue sky, full sun and temps over 25deg for the whole stay.
Harrogate was lovely, very similar to Bath which is on my doorstep.
York continues to be one of my favourite places in the country.
So back to camping - I stayed at the caravan and camping club site in Keswick. I will never stay in one of their sites again.
Before I arrived I called (when sat at Keswick launch) asking whether they had space for our tent for the night - I was told no the campsite was 100% full, I said it was 1 tent for one night surely they could squeeze me in even in a back corner - again told no.
We drove down to the site next door to them - they were full also. I decided to go into the first site on foot and ask in person, I stood in reception in a queue behind two couples - they had both turned up without bookings and were both given pitches. So I get to the reception and I'm faced with Maureen, a sour old cow who turned out to be the manager. I asked for a pitch for the night, her response "you do know this place isn't for parties, it's a quiet site which is all about the views", my response was "yes I know that, that is the reason I am here. I maybe young but trust me I act as old as you most of the time." she comes back with "you cant go playing loud music or being noisy late at night". I answer with "I am with my partner I want to sleep for 1 night, if I wanted a party night I would not be in the lakes in a caravanning club campsite" - she sighs says ok and then takes payment - 25 bloody quid for 1 night!! If it was earlier and I knew I could have camped elsewhere I would have walked. She then asks my tent size to workout where I can be put - I give her the exact dims and the model name. I get allocated a fantastic pitch literally on the edge of the lake with a great view.
So the next step was to get back to the car and wait to be let in (they have a stupid system where they close the gates so vehicles can't get in) so everyone has to queue outside waiting for a codger to realise there is a queue of 10 cars trying to get in). So we get in and another codger shows us our pitch, it's fantastic, we park up and get to setting our tent up. About 20mins into setting the tent up (were about to put ropes up) one of the codgers runs across saying we can't put our tent as its too big and that I had lied about the size of my tent. I was angry, I said your manager was the one who dealt with it and she even knew the name of my tent. They demanded I took the tent down and they would find us another place to camp at the othersideof the campsite. I considered carrying the constructed tent over but the chap said it was too far. So 15 mins later we had it all back in the car and were moved to our new pitch - which was about 30 f
king metres away!! I was furious - but laughed it off - we then set the tent up again from scratch.Then comes the facilities - they are clean but whoever designed them needs a slap. There were 10 basins in individual cubicles yet only 4 showers - so I spent half hour queuing for a shower at 8am next to 10 empty basin cubicles.
Every single way they could Extract fun from a holiday and add a rule and a grumpy face they did. I imagine they do this to keep young people away, but it annoys me how they judged me by my cover. I'm 24 and my OH is 23 and I do like to party, but once every couple weeks. I could see their point had I turned up in my s2000, music blaring with a footy shirt on. But I arrived in walking gear in a Toyota Auris.
Also to add we were kept up late by an older couple (60's) and their yappy terrier.
Happy camping.
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