Glamping in the Lake District is one of the best vacations for outdoor lovers. The area around Lake District National Park is one of the UK’s most amazing places to visit and has stunning views that will make you visit again. No wonder it receives over 15 million visitors each year. You can spend your days hiking in some of the most picturesque locations in the country and then book at any of the many glamping sites around.
What is Glamping in the UK?
Glamping is luxurious camping. In traditional camping, we leave most of the everyday items and appliances at home and only carry the necessary items. This is not the case with glamping, as camping teams get as much comfort and luxury as possible. Simply put, glamping is a home outside of your home.
Is Glamping Allowed in the UK?
Yes, glamping is allowed. Given that it is just an extension of your usual camping, it is perfectly legal. It is even safer than camping because you get the amenities and facilities that are not available in your usual camping.
The Location of the Lake District
The Lake District is located in the country of Cumbria, which is located in the North West of England. You can access the location by bus, car, bike, and train. Those that are coming from South England can follow the M6 northbound, while those from the north can follow the same route southbound.
The train service has its main station at Oxenholme in the Lake District. Visitors can first explore the town of Kendal. However, it is also easy to visit the neighbouring towns of Barrow, Windermere, Carlisle and Penrith. Stagecoach also has a service to the park from various locations across the UK, which would save you on parking fees.
While there are no definite dimensions for the Lake District, it occupies around 2,292 square kilometres. The highest point in the park is Scafell Park, which is about 2,209 feet above sea level. This is England’s highest mountain and a great location for glamping in the Lake District for hikers and outdoor lovers.
Where Can I Go Glamping In The Lake District?
There are eight main sections that cover the entire Lake District National Park where you can go glamping. Here is a quick look at each area and the activities you can carry out when glamping in the area.
Coniston Water
Coniston Water is known for its mountains and thick woodlands. It stretches about five miles in length and half a mile in width. On the western shore, you will find the famous mountain of the Old Man of Coniston and a village. The lake starts about a kilometre and a half from the village.
On the shores of the lake, you can hire bikes and boats for some outdoor and in-the-lake fun. When hungry, there are several restaurants and pubs across the village where you can eat. For your Lake District glamping and accommodation, there are holiday cottages and tent locations around. When you are not glamping, you can explore Hawkshead to see the Beatrix Potter Gallery, Brantwood House to see John Ruskin treasures or visit the Ruskin Museum for some early history of the area.
Derwentwater, Keswick and Borrowdale
The local lake at Keswick is about a few minutes’ walk from the town. Derwentwater boasts various attractions and things to do, including Castlerigg Stone Circle, which looks similar to Stonehenge, Fitz Park, Hope Park, Pencil Museum, and Go Ape for high-rope fun in the forest. Besides, it is also home to Whinlatter Forest, where you can go biking, walking, and hiking on one of the many trails.
Besides, the vibrant town of Keswick offers all the equipment you need for your outdoor activities, as well as restaurants, cafes, and local dishes for visitors who come for glamping.
Grasmere and Rydal
Grasmere is located at the foot of amazing fells and has its own lake. Visitors to the village enjoy food and drinks in pubs and cafes around the town. You can also buy the legendary Grasmere gingerbread and visit Wordsworth’s grave in the churchyard. Popular walks in this area include Red Bank Road and footpaths along the west shore.
This is a great location for swimming and rowing as there are no motor boats on the lake. You can hire rowing boats on the shores for some fun. At Rydal Water, there is a cave at Loughrigg Terrace and various trails. You can also enjoy some wild swimming in the area.
Langdale Valley
The Langdale Valley offers easier access to the Lake District fells. There are two small valleys named the Great and Little. The village of Elterwater is located here and is famous for its craft shops and pubs. There are amazing trails across almost flat land for outdoor enthusiasts or bikers, and many visitors cycle to Hawkshead, which is 19 km away, and back.
The Northern Lakes
If you are looking for an amazing location to unwind and relax, choose the North Lakes. Located in the north-west of the national park, it is peaceful and serene, giving you the best camping experience. The area does not feature motorboats. Therefore, it is a great location to enjoy other water sports such as paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. You can also walk around the shires while enjoying the sunshine.
Ullswater and Glenridding
Ullswaters is located to the south of the lake and has stunning mountain scenery. To the north of the lake are some soft hills. The location is great for walking, hiking, and walking. There is also the Lowther Castle, the Delemaian Historic House and various villages across the area, including Glenridding, Pooley Bridge and Howtown, where you can have fun exploring.
If you love spending some time on the water, you can take guided kayak tours, hire boats, take part in the canoe trail or explore the waters on a yacht.
Wastwater and the West Coast
Wastwater is England’s deepest lake and is located in Wasdale, which is to the west of the national park. The area offers great views of the mountains beyond the lake from the south-western end, such that it was voted Britain’s Favourite View by television viewers in 2007. From this point, you are able to view the Great Gable, Yewbarrow and Lingmell. This picturesque background forms part of the national park’s logo.
When glamping in the area, you can explore various villages, including Wasdale Head, Ravenglass, Nether Wasdale and Around Eskdale among others. There are attractions such as the Eskdale steam railway, the amazing Stanley Ghyll waterfall, biking, hiking and walking trails.
Windermere and Ambleside
Windermere is the largest lake in the district, covering an area of about 18 km. It is also the name of the small town on the shores of the lake. There is also a town called Bowness-on-Winderemere, which has jetties for cruise boats. On the other hand, Ambleside sits on the north part of the lake and offers a great location to start your fell walks.
When glamping across the area, you can spend your time hiking, walking or hiring a boat for tours around the lake. In addition, the area boasts other attractions such as the Lake Aquarium, which has the largest freshwater fish collection in the UK; Fell Foot Park, where there are facilities for picnics, kayaking and rowing; and Brockhole on Winderemere, which offers grounds for playing and has access to the lake for games such as rowing, motorboats, and paddling.
You can select glamping sites across each of these eight areas so that you can enjoy many of the attractions around you. Each section has several amazing sights and luxurious gambling sites in Lake District.
Top Lake District Glamping Sites
There are dozens of glamping sites Lake District. Below are some of the most popular and best ones.
Wasdale Yurt Holiday
A yurt is a round, portable tent that is covered with felt or skins. It is also called a ger and was a common dwelling place for the nomadic tribes that lived in Central Asia. Wasdale Yurts pitch their tents on raised wood decking for additional comfort. The yurts overlook the stunning Scarfell Pike, allowing you to enjoy amazing views of the landscape around you as you sleep in your bed.
The yurts are modern living spaces. They have a cosy bed, electricity, a wood-burning stove and a constant supply of hot water for your warm drinks. In addition, you get to use a hot shower and a toilet to freshen your muscles after a hard day of hiking. The average cost per night at the Wasdale Yurts is £125.
Herdwick Huts
If you wish to spend some time in the woodland, the iconic huts of the Herwick Huts are the best place to spend the night. The glamping location is located at Ryal and offers a romantic experience for lovers and solo visitors to escape for the weekend.
You are provided with everything that you need to have a luxurious stay outdoors. You only need to come with your clothes and towels. A wood stove will warm you up on your chilly nights. There is also a communal toilet along with hot showers. You do not have to cook as there is a communal tea room where you can get your tasty breakfast in readiness for the day’s exploration. A night at Herdwick Huts will cost you about £75.
Kelker Well Round House
The Kelker Well Round House is a unique glamping site where you can enjoy a luxurious stay across the year. It is set on a Lakeland farm in a location that offers guests a chance to view the mesmerising landscape around them. It mixes the experience of a traditional camping ground with contemporary luxury.
You get to enjoy a hot tub that is heated by wood. There is also an herb garden and hammocks for those lazy warm afternoons. Other facilities that you get on location include a wood-burning stove, a sofa, dining tables and chairs, a shower with a toilet and a king-sized bed. You spend about £150 to enjoy a night at Kelker Well Round House.
Waterside Farm Campsite
If you wish to stay on the shores of the lake, Waterside Farm Campsite offers you luxurious glamping at the edge of the waters. It is located on the shores of Ullswater and features some spacious bell tents that give you quality accommodation while affording you an amazing view of the plains beyond the lake.
You can also visit the warm town of Pooley Bridge to buy the necessities you need for your camping. There are also nice restaurants and bars where you can enjoy some hearty meals and drinks as you cool down at the weekend.
Waterside Farm Campsite offers visitors various amenities, including free WIFI at the reception, an expansive children’s play area and fully equipped laundry facilities. In addition, each tent comes with such facilities as a gas stove, cooking utensils, and a double futon bed.
Highside Glamping Pods in Keswick
The stunning pods are located at Keswick in the Cumbria area. Do pods have electricity? What of other facilities? These amazing glamping pods in the Lake District are famed for their creative exterior and interior design, and electricity, along with luxurious facilities to make your stay enjoyable. Visitors to the pods enjoy free private parking and stunning views of the amazing landscapes and greenery around them. There are also several biking and hiking trails nearby, among other attractions.
Hen House
Hen House is a family glamping pod set on a working farm and surrounded by refreshing greenery in Underbarrow. Guests enjoy luxurious garden and barbecue facilities as well as various amenities for a luxurious stay. The Hen House is located some eight kilometres from Bowness-on-Windermere, where you can have guided tours of the lake.
Some of the facilities at the gambling site include private parking for two, two separate bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a large living room, and a bathroom. You also get bed linen and towels in the holiday home.
Waterfoot Park
Waterfoot Park is located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Lake District National Park. You get to enjoy quality accommodation in a historic setting and are surrounded by amazing scenery. Waterfoot Park provides you with luxurious accommodation that includes free complimentary Wi-Fi, kitchen seating, a dining table, a TV and parking, among other amenities. There are also facilities for self-catering and guided tours for individuals and families.
Around the location are various activities to do, including water sports, biking, riding, and taking walks in the heritage. Waterfoot Park is just 27 kilometres away from Windermere, and Keswick is some 20 kilometres away.
You can check out other glamping sites Lake District and see what amenities and facilities are on offer.
Tips for Glamping in The Lake District
What Makes a Good Glamping Site?
A good camping site should have the following characteristics:
- It should be in a safe location
- It should be easily accessible by car and near a town or village where you can have supplies
- It should have basic facilities such as toilets showers and electricity
- It should be near your place of interest or near activities you want to enjoy when glamping
Now that you know where to go glamping and some of the best glamping pods in the Lake District, it is time to prepare for your trip and go camping. Here are a few things that you should do, along with a few things to keep in mind.
Research Your Glamping Location
Pick one of the eight locations discussed above for your next glamping trip and explore everything from the area around your tent to the facilities that are available. You may want to contact the glamping lake district company to know what facilities are on offer and what you should bring for the trip. For example, most facilities do not offer bedding and towels. You need to carry your own.
Check out what there is to do in the area. Are there biking, riding, or historical tours? What water games will you engage in? How much will you be paying to hire gear? This information from the glamping lake district ensures that you have an eventful stay when glamping in the lake district.
Make a Meal Plan
It is important to determine what you are going to eat when you get to your destination. Unlike hotels and restaurants, here you have to plan everything except for locations that give you breakfast. If there are restaurants nearby, you may decide to get your meals there. Otherwise, preparing your own meals over a wood fire gives you the ideal camping experience.
Go for meals that offer a balanced diet and are easy to prepare. Some glamping locations will give you a fully-furnished kitchen for your cooking. Others will give you a few essentials. You can also shop for groceries in the nearby towns.
Come with Some Reading Material
You will be spending some time at the glamping location. It is good to make use of the time, especially the evenings. You may consider reading a favourite book as you sip some coffee and warm yourself by the stove. Carry one or two books depending on your stay at the location. You can download a Kindle or a few podcasts to keep you entertained as you unwind in the evening.
Pack the Right Clothing and Essentials
Pack the clothes that you will need for your stay at the glamping site and what you will wear for your hiking and biking trips. Even during summer, be sure to pack a few warm clothes to take care of chilly evenings or occasional showers when you are outdoors. In the same breath, go for comfortable boots and some water for hydration.
If you are taking some medication or suffer from a condition such as an allergy or a terminal disease, be sure to carry your medical records and prescription medicine. Buy enough medicine to last you the entire glamping trip. Have a beautiful time glamping in the Lake District!
