Heading to a Lake District caravan park will let you take in the area’s undoubted natural beauty, ranging from the unforgettable Lake Windermere to the tallest mountain in England, Scafell Pike
It’s a truly wonderful region to explore, with the best caravan sites in the area making great bases for partaking in water sports and embarking on enjoyable walks with breathtaking views. There are also plenty of beautiful towns and villages to explore, including Keswick and Ambleside. Alternatively, why not take a trip on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway?
We’re sharing our pick of the best Lake District caravan parks to help you get the most from your tours to the area.
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Lake District Caravan Parks: our top picks
Keswick Club Site
Waterfoot Caravan Park
Lakeland Touring and Camping Site
Skelwith Fold
Park Foot Holiday Park
The Quiet Site
Park Cliffe
Hillcroft Park
Castlerigg Hall
The best Lake District caravan parks are:
Keswick Club Site
Crow Park Road, Cumbria, CA12 5EP, https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
This Lake District caravan park has an excellent location, sitting on the shores of Derwentwater. It’s well-placed for visiting the picturesque town of Keswick, while Skiddaw can also be accessed easily.
Then there’s the Derwentwater itself; this beautiful lake is ideal to head to if you want to take to the water.
Other notable attractions to visit include Castlerigg Stone Circle and the Catbells – the latter may not be the tallest of the Lake District fells, but it will certainly provide you with amazing views of the area.
Waterfoot Caravan Park
Pooley Bridge, Ullswater, Cumbria CA11 0JF, waterfootpark.co.uk
A site that made it into our Top 100 Sites Guide 2023, Waterfoot Caravan Park is well-placed for exploring the delights of the western part of the Lake District.
Guests can pitch up at hardstanding fully serviced pitches in mature woodland at this picturesque campsite. Facilities include an onsite shop and a bar, while children can make use of a games field and outdoor play area.
There will be plenty to do in the surrounding area of this dog friendly caravan park. The northern banks of Ullswater are within walking distance, while guests can head to the nearby village of Pooley Bridge, set off on two wheels to soak up the breathtaking environment, or explore the water, including on one of the Ullswater ‘Steamers’.
Lakeland Touring and Camping Site
Moor Lane, Flookburgh, Cumbria, LA11 7LT
If you’re looking for a family caravan park which is perfectly placed for exploring the Lake District, Lakeland Touring and Camping Site could be the destination for you.
There will be plenty to keep everyone entertained on-site, from swimming pools to a nine-hole golf course. Then there is the chance to hire kayaks and paddle boards for use on the site’s activity lake, as well as bike hire for easier exploration of the picturesque surroundings.
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly caravan park in the Lake District, it ticks that box too, with walking areas provided and the option of bringing them into the restaurant, so long as they’re well-behaved.
Visitors will be able to visit the memorable Grizedale Forest, as well as the remarkable Lake Windermere. For something different, take a trip to Lakeland Motor Museum too.
Book your holiday at Lakeland Touring and Camping now.
Skelwith Fold
Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0HY, skelwith.com
A peaceful stay is sure to be provided at the picturesque Skelwith Fold, a site that may have 320 static caravans, yet avoids feeling crowded. It makes a brilliant base for embarking on beautiful strolls around the Lake District.
One place you can head to is the quaint town of Ambleside. It’s only 1.5 miles from the park, and provides a number of excellent pubs and restaurants. From there, you’re only a short walk away from Stock Ghyll Force too, a magnificent 70 foot waterfall.
It’s a dog friendly Lake District caravan site too, and you’ll find plenty of excellent locations to explore, ranging from woodland walks to strolls around Lake Windermere. The dog wash facilities will mean you don’t have to worry about any muddy paw prints appearing in your van as well.
There are two children’s play areas to keep little ones entertained, while the five acre recreation area provides excellent views of the nearby fells and mountains.
Park Foot Holiday Park
Howtown, Pooley Bridge, Penrith, CA10 2NA, parkfootullswater.co.uk
This family-run caravan park is only a mile from the village of Pooley Bridge.
The site offers its own beach and launching facilities, and there is also the option of fishing on the Lake during the season, although you’ll need a rod licence to do so.
If you want to check out Ullswater, you can set off on a steamer which stops off at Pooley Bridge, Glenridding and Howtown along the way.
There will be plenty to do on site too, including a tennis, basketball and football court, as well as a children’s play area. Then, after a day of adventuring, you can head to TJ’s Bar & Restaurant for some delicious food.
The Quiet Site
Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LS, thequietsite.co.uk
This is a Lake District campsite that prides itself on its green credentials, with 80% of its energy sustainably generated onsite.
The carbon-neutral park, which is nestled in the centre of the Lake District National Park, provides walkers with a great base for some excellent expeditions.
This includes a walk to the Ullswater Way, a 20-mile circular walk that lets you take in the spectacular views of the stunning area, while the campsite is also close to both Aira Force Waterfall and Lowther Castle.
On site facilities include a children’s games room, electric car charging points, and a bar that is hosted in a traditional Cumbrian barn. The site also offers free WiFi, as well as all-weather serviced pitches.
Park Cliffe
Birks Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3PG, parkcliffe.co.uk
The best Lake District caravan parks showcase the beautiful area in all of its glory, and that’s certainly something Park Cliffe does. Offering a peaceful stay, it’s only three miles from Bowness-on-Windermere and based near Lake Windermere’s banks too.
The park, which has won a David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award, has plenty of on site facilities on offer, including a games room, a bar and restaurant, a modern shower block and a children’s playground.
Thanks to its great location, you’ll be well placed for embarking on some outdoor activities, ranging from water sports to hiking
Hillcroft Park
Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2LT, hillcroftpark.co.uk
This family-operated site is set in the Ullswater Valley and is found near Pooley Bridge, a quaint village that is well worth exploring.
A useful shop is located on site, which provides a mixture of everyday staples and local produce, ideal for rustling up some delicious feasts in the evening. The campsite also has some luxurious facilities, including a shower block that was opened in 2018 by Johnny Vegas. Other features include a children’s play area, a games room and dog shower.
There are an array of walks to choose from in the area too, with Ullswater Way, a 20 mile circular route around the lake just one of the options. If you fancy a touch of history, you can always pay a visit to Lowther Castle and Gardens.
Castlerigg Hall
Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4TE, castlerigg.co.uk
Castlerigg Hall is another Lake District caravan park that’s perfectly situated for exploring the breathtaking area, as well as providing a great base for spotting wildlife. While you’re there, you may get to see deer, red squirrels, badgers and owls, while you’re only a 15 minute drive away from an observation point where you can take in the majestic sight of Ospreys.
Off site, you’ll find Keswick is only two miles away; upon arrival, you’ll be able to take a stroll through the quaint town and, if you’re touring with a canine companion, stop off at one of the area’s dog-friendly pubs.
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