The Lake District is one of the most popular destinations for campervan enthusiasts in the UK.
With its stunning scenery, picturesque lakes, and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some quality time in nature. In this campervan guide to the Lake District, we’ll take a look at some of the best family-friendly campsites, mountain bike trails, hill walking routes, popular towns, restaurants, and visitor attractions that the region has to offer.
Lets start with a campervan guide to the lake districts popular towns and villages
The Lake District in northwest England is known for its stunning scenery, picturesque towns, and charming villages. Here are some of the must-see towns and villages in the area, along with their top-rated attractions, pubs, and restaurants:
1. Ambleside
Famous for: Its location at the northern end of Lake Windermere, surrounded by fells and forests. Top-rated attraction: The Armitt Museum and Library, which houses a collection of Beatrix Potter’s original artwork and letters. Top-rated pub: The Golden Rule, a traditional pub with a cozy atmosphere and real ale on tap. Top-rated restaurant: The Old Stamp House, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern British cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
2. Grasmere
Famous for: Its connections to the poet William Wordsworth, who lived in the village for many years. Top-rated attraction: Dove Cottage, the home of William Wordsworth that is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. Top-rated pub: The Jolly Anglers, a traditional pub with a riverside location and a menu of classic pub dishes. Top-rated restaurant: The Good Sport, a gastropub serving locally sourced food and a good selection of beers and wines.
3. Hawkshead
Famous for: Its historic buildings, charming alleyways, and connections to the writer Beatrix Potter. Top-rated attraction: The Beatrix Potter Gallery, which displays a selection of Potter’s original illustrations and manuscripts. Top-rated pub: The Kings Arms, a traditional pub with a cozy interior and a menu of hearty pub food. Top-rated restaurant: The Queens Head Inn, a 17th-century coaching inn serving classic British dishes and local beers.
4. Keswick
Famous for: Its location at the heart of the northern Lake District, surrounded by stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Top-rated attraction: The Keswick Museum and Art Gallery, which explores the history and culture of the Lake District. Top-rated pub: The Dog and Gun, a traditional pub with a large beer garden and a menu of classic pub dishes. Top-rated restaurant: The Lake Road Kitchen, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern British cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
5. Bowness-on-Windermere
Famous for: Its location on the shore of Lake Windermere, and its connections to the writer Arthur Ransome. Top-rated attraction: The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, which brings Potter’s characters to life through interactive exhibits and activities. Top-rated pub: The Angel Inn, a traditional pub with a large beer garden and a menu of classic pub dishes. Top-rated restaurant: Porto, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients.
6. Coniston
Famous for: Its location at the foot of the Old Man of Coniston, a popular hiking destination. Top-rated attraction: The Ruskin Museum, which tells the story of the village and its connection to the writer and artist John Ruskin. Top-rated pub: The Black Bull Inn, a historic pub with a traditional interior and a menu of classic pub dishes. Top-rated restaurant: The Steam Bistro, a restaurant housed in a converted Victorian steam yacht, serving modern British cuisine with a focus on local produce
7. Cartmel
Famous for: Its historic priory and racecourse, and its famous sticky toffee pudding. Top-rated attraction: Cartmel Priory, a 12th-century church with impressive stained glass windows. Top-rated pub: The Royal Oak, a traditional pub with a large beer garden and a menu of classic pub dishes. Top-rated restaurant: L’Enclume, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative modern British cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
8. Grange-over-Sands
Famous for: Its elegant promenade overlooking Morecambe Bay, and its mild climate. Top-rated attraction: The Cartmel Peninsula, with its picturesque villages and stunning coastal views. Top-rated pub: The Commodore Inn, a traditional pub with a large beer garden and a menu of classic pub dishes. Top-rated restaurant: The Hazelmere Cafe and Bakery, a family-run cafe serving homemade cakes, sandwiches, and soups.
9. Ravenglass
Famous for: Its location on the coast, and its connections to the Roman Empire. Top-rated attraction: The Roman Bath House, which dates back to the 2nd century AD and provides a fascinating glimpse into Roman life in the area. Top-rated pub: The Ratty Arms, a traditional pub with a cozy interior and a menu of classic pub dishes. Top-rated restaurant: The Pennington Hotel, a historic coaching inn serving modern British cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
10. Glenridding
Famous for: Its location at the southern end of Ullswater, and its access to some of the Lake District’s best hiking trails. Top-rated attraction: The Ullswater Steamers, which offer scenic boat rides on Ullswater. Top-rated pub: The Travellers Rest Inn, a traditional pub with a cozy interior and a menu of classic pub dishes. Top-rated restaurant: Fellbites Cafe, a family-run cafe serving homemade soups, sandwiches, and cakes.
Here’s our campervan guide to the Lake District campsites
1. Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Estate:
This campsite is located near Windermere and offers pitches for campervans and motorhomes. It has modern facilities including a laundry room, a shop, a children’s play area, and a bar and restaurant. The site is near Windermere Lake and the town of Bowness-on-Windermere.
2. Skelwith Fold Caravan Park:
This campsite is located in the heart of the Lake District and offers pitches for campervans and motorhomes. It has modern facilities including a shower block, a launderette, a shop, and a restaurant. The site is close to the villages of Ambleside and Grasmere.
3. Braithwaite Fold Camping and Caravan Club Site:
This campsite is located near the town of Bowness-on-Windermere and offers pitches for campervans and motorhomes. It has modern facilities including a shower block, a laundry room, and a children’s play area. The site is near Lake Windermere and the town of Ambleside.
4. Low Wray National Trust Campsite:
This campsite is located on the shores of Lake Windermere and offers pitches for campervans and motorhomes. It has modern facilities including a shower block, a laundry room, and a shop. The site is close to the villages of Hawkshead and Ambleside.
5. Coniston Hall Campsite:
Very popular with the Dubbed Out Community, this campsite is located near the village of Coniston and offers wild camp pitches for campervans and tents. It has modern facilities including a shower block, a laundry room, toilets and a food outlet. The site is on the waters edge of Coniston lake and is very popular (Busy) in season.
6. Eskdale Campsite:
This campsite is located in the Eskdale Valley and offers pitches for campervans and motorhomes. It has modern facilities including a shower block, a laundry room, and a shop. The site is near the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and the village of Boot.
7. Wasdale Head National Trust Campsite:
This campsite is located in the remote Wasdale Valley and offers pitches for campervans and motorhomes. It has modern facilities including a shower block, a laundry room, and a shop. The site is close to England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike.
8. Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park:
This campsite is located near the town of Keswick and offers pitches for campervans and motorhomes. It has modern facilities including a shower block, a laundry room, and a shop. The site is close to the Castlerigg Stone Circle and the market town of Keswick.
9. Hill of Oaks Lodge and Caravan Park:
This campsite is located on the shores of Windermere Lake and offers pitches for campervans and motorhomes. It has modern facilities including a shower block, a laundry room, and a shop. The site is close to the villages of Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside.
10. Sykeside Camping Park:
This campsite is located in the Dovedale Valley and offers pitches for campervans and motorhomes. It has modern facilities including a shower block, a laundry room, and a shop. The site is close to the village of Brotherswater and the town of Patterdale, which is a popular starting point for hikes up Helvellyn, the third highest mountain in England.
The Lake District is a popular tourist destination in the UK known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions. Here are ten top visitor attractions that are worth visiting during your trip to the Lake District:
1. Lake Windermere
– This is the largest lake in the Lake District and a popular destination for boat trips, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can hire equipment and explore the lake at your own pace or take a guided tour.
2. Beatrix Potter’s House
– This charming house in Near Sawrey is where the famous author and illustrator Beatrix Potter lived and worked. It’s now a museum and has a delightful garden to explore.
3. Hill Top
– This historic farmhouse in Near Sawrey was once home to Beatrix Potter and is now a museum dedicated to her life and work. Visitors can explore the house and gardens and learn about the author’s life and legacy.
4. Dove Cottage
– This historic cottage in Grasmere was once home to the poet William Wordsworth and is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. Visitors can explore the cottage and gardens and learn about the poet’s life and works.
5. Castlerigg Stone Circle
– This ancient stone circle near Keswick is one of the most impressive in the UK and is believed to have been built around 3000 BC. It’s a popular destination for visitors interested in history and archaeology.
6. Honister Slate Mine
– This historic slate mine near Keswick offers guided tours of the mines and workshops, as well as opportunities to try your hand at slate mining and learn about the history of the industry in the Lake District.
7. The Lakes Aquarium
– This aquarium in Lakeside is home to a range of aquatic creatures including otters, sharks, and rays. It’s a great place to visit on a rainy day or to take a break from outdoor activities.
8. The Ruskin Museum
– This museum in Coniston is dedicated to the life and work of the artist and social reformer John Ruskin. It also features displays on the history and culture of the Lake District.
9. The Wordsworth Museum and Art Gallery
– This museum in Grasmere is dedicated to the life and work of the poet William Wordsworth and features a collection of his manuscripts, paintings, and personal belongings.
10. The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
– This historic steam railway in the western Lake District offers a scenic journey through the countryside, with stops at picturesque villages and stunning views of the surrounding hills and lakes.
The Lake District is a beautiful and popular destination for campervanners with mountain bikes, with a wide variety of trails for riders of all abilities. From the challenging and technical routes of Grizedale Forest and Whinlatter Forest Park, to the more moderate rides of Claife Heights and Skiddaw, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These trails offer riders a chance to experience the stunning landscapes of the Lake District, with breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and forests. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, why don’t you stack up your bike rack, as these trails are sure to provide an exciting and unforgettable mountain biking experience in one of England’s most beautiful regions.
Mountain Bike Trails
Here are ten popular mountain bike trails in the Lake District, along with their location, length, and difficulty level:
1. Whinlatter Forest Park
– The Altura Trail Location: Near Keswick, Cumbria Length: 19 km Difficulty: Red (Difficult)
2. Grizedale Forest
– The North Face Trail Location: Near Hawkshead, Cumbria Length: 16 km Difficulty: Red (Difficult)
3. Grizedale Forest
– The Black Trail Location: Near Hawkshead, Cumbria Length: 24 km Difficulty: Black (Severe)
4. Claife Heights
Location: Near Windermere, Cumbria Length: 18 km Difficulty: Blue (Moderate)
5. Whinlatter Forest Park
– The Quercus Trail Location: Near Keswick, Cumbria Length: 7 km Difficulty: Green (Easy)
6. Grizedale Forest
– The Blue Trail Location: Near Hawkshead, Cumbria Length: 10 km Difficulty: Blue (Moderate)
7. Grizedale Forest
– The Green Trail Location: Near Hawkshead, Cumbria Length: 8 km Difficulty: Green (Easy)
8. Whinlatter Forest Park
– The Quercus Trail Extension Location: Near Keswick, Cumbria Length: 5 km Difficulty: Blue (Moderate)
9. Skiddaw
Location: Near Keswick, Cumbria Length: 16 km Difficulty: Red (Difficult)
10. Borrowdale Bash
Location: Near Keswick, Cumbria Length: 36 km Difficulty: Red (Difficult)
A guide to the Lake District hill walking routes.
Here are 10 walking routes in the Lake District along with their reviews, location, facilities, difficulty level, and distance.
1. Scafell Pike:
Located in the Wasdale Valley, Scafell Pike is England’s highest mountain. The route is 6.8 miles long and is considered difficult due to the steep ascent. There are no facilities on the route, so walkers should bring their own supplies.
2. Helvellyn:
Helvellyn is a popular mountain in the Lake District, located near the towns of Glenridding and Patterdale. The route is 8.5 miles long and is rated as moderate to difficult. Facilities are available in both towns.
3. Catbells:
Catbells is a hill located on the western shore of Derwentwater. The route is 3.5 miles long and is rated as moderate. Facilities are available in the nearby town of Keswick.
4. Grizedale Forest:
Grizedale Forest is a large forest with many walking routes of varying difficulty levels. The forest is located near the town of Hawkshead and has facilities such as parking and a café.
5. Buttermere:
Buttermere is a lake located in a valley between two mountain ranges. There is a circular walking route around the lake that is 4.5 miles long and is rated as easy. Facilities are available in the nearby village of Buttermere.
6. Coniston Old Man:
Coniston Old Man is a mountain located near the town of Coniston. The route is 7 miles long and is rated as difficult. Facilities are available in the town.
7. Ullswater:
Ullswater is a lake with several walking routes around it. The longest route is 20 miles long and is rated as difficult. Facilities are available in the nearby towns of Glenridding and Pooley Bridge.
8. Wansfell Pike:
Wansfell Pike is a hill located near the town of Ambleside. The route is 4 miles long and is rated as moderate. Facilities are available in the town.
9. Tarn Hows:
Tarn Hows is a picturesque lake with a walking route around it that is 1.8 miles long and is rated as easy. Facilities are available in the nearby town of Coniston.
10. Langdale Pikes:
Langdale Pikes is a group of mountains located near the village of Chapel Stile. The route is 8 miles long and is rated as difficult. Facilities are available in the village.
Overall, the Lake District offers a wide variety of walking routes for all levels of ability. It is important to check the difficulty level and facilities available before embarking on any walk, and to be prepared with appropriate clothing and supplies.
