Cumbria's rolling countryside gives way to the secluded bays, estuaries and lakes that tempt wanderers far and wide. Delve into a walkers' paradise around the Lake District National Park or scale to the summit of some of its stunning peaks. Don't forget that many campsites in Cumbria allow you to pitch at the waterside!
Caldbeck, Wigton, Cumbria
Family and dog friendly site on the northern fringe of the Lake District. Some pitches even have private hot tubs!
4.85 /5
Seascale, Cumbria
Dog friendly camping, touring and glamping on a farm close to Scafell Pike, just 15 minutes from Seascale Beach.
4.79 /5
Irton, Holmrook, Cumbria
Small, family camping and glamping site with stunning views in the Lake District. Ten minutes from beaches.
4.93 /5
Crooklands, Milnthorpe, Cumbria
This family-run site is a perfect spot for any tourer to enjoy natural surroundings, next to the Lancaster Canal.
4.84 /5
Ulverston, Cumbria
A small campsite on a Lake District sheep farm, on the fells between Coniston Water and the Duddon Estuary.
4.79 /5
Penrith, Cumbria
Small, family run park offering a quiet base within the Lake District, ten minutes from Ullswater. Dogs welcome!
4.65 /5
Crooklands, Milnthorpe, Cumbria
Tranquil camping 2 minutes from the M6, in a rural setting for the Lakes or Dales. Just 100m from a friendly pub.
4.83 /5
Wigton, Cumbria
Ensuite pods to suit a family or couple, set on the Solway Coast and right by Hadrian's Wall.
4.94 /5
Witherslack, Grange-Over-Sands, Cumbria
Peaceful camping and glamping in the heart of the Lake District National Park near Windermere. Campfires welcome!
4.75 /5
Kendal, Cumbria
Idyllic farm campsite nestled between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales with an onsite farm shop and cafe.
4.8 /5
Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria
Traditional, friendly site with spacious pitches, fabulous views and campfires. Central to the Lakes and Dales.
4.91 /5
Haverigg, Millom, Cumbria
Two minute walk from award winning dog friendly Haverigg beach. Family friendly camping, touring and glamping.
4.5 /5
Mealsgate, Cumbria
Adult only, dog friendly site, ten minutes to the Lake District's northern fells with an onsite shop.
4.81 /5
Penrith, Cumbria
Family farm in the Dales with tent camping, pods and shepherd's hut. Enjoy onsite food and live music in summer!
4.92 /5
Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria
Family-friendly site on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Onsite facilities include a bar, campers kitchen and shop!
4.88 /5
Carlisle, Cumbria
Peaceful camping and glamping in the Eden Valley. Wild swimming, stunning views and hot tubs too! Dog friendly.
4.57 /5
Carlisle, Cumbria
Picturesque camping and glamping on a working farm with fishing and waterside views. Nearby to the Lake District.
4.77 /5
Lake District, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria
Working family-run farm and campsite in the scenic Woodland Valley, near Coniston Water in the Lake District.
4.6 /5
Whicham, Millom, Cumbria
Farm site in the Lake District with valley views, 15 minutes to the beach. Dog friendly with private fire pits!
4.88 /5
Maryport, Cumbria
A small coastal caravan and campsite by Maryport Marina, with scenic views over the Solway Firth.
4.79 /5
Old Hutton, Kendal, Cumbria
A small site at the gateway to the Lake District with Dales close by. Onsite archery, quad biking and axe throwing.
4.61 /5
Hesket Newmarket, Wigton, Cumbria
Nestled on the edge of the Lake District National Park, family friendly camping and pods with hot tubs.
4.84 /5
Hesket New Market, Cumbria
Luxury adult only ensuite pods with hot tubs. Set at the foot of Carrock Fell in the Lake District National Park.
4.96 /5
Caldbeck, Wigton, Cumbria
A riverside dog-friendly site directly on the Cumbrian Way footpath in the Northern Lake District.
4.94 /5
Cunsey, Ambleside, Cumbria
Peaceful family friendly site with access to Lake Windermere. Spacious pitches on a farm, onsite coffee shop too!
4.53 /5
Ambleside, Cumbria
Idyllic and relaxed family and dog friendly site with tent pitches and eco pods, nestled in the Lake District.
4.83 /5
Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria
A peaceful retreat with breathtaking views, on a traditional farm in the heart of the Lake District National Park
4.97 /5
Moorthwaite, Carlisle, Cumbria
Ensuite glamping pods on a 500 acre farm with optional hot tubs and countryside views. Dog and family friendly!
4.93 /5
Torver, Coniston, Cumbria
An idyllic ensuite glamping pod with a hot tub on a tranquil site within the Lakes, backed by ancient woodland.
4.87 /5
Lyth Valley, Cumbria
Breathtaking views over the Lyth Valley and Lakeland Fells from your adult only glamping pod.
4.93 /5
Best known for the incredible Lake District National Park, the county of Cumbria also boasts a wild coastline – and it's no surprise that the number of outdoor activities on offer here is mind-blowing.
The Romans clearly saw the attraction too, sites such as Hadrian's Wall are dotted around and some incredible castles and historic buildings. Families can be sure of entertainment for the kids, too, from beaches and nature reserves to animal sanctuaries and adventure attractions.
Don't Miss
The Lake District National Park is known as the adventure capital of the UK, so it’s no surprise that there’s plenty on offer! The choice of activities in the lakes is eye watering, but here are a few to sink your teeth into.
In total 16 bodies of water can be found in the park, but Windermere is the acknowledged champion for water sports. There’s sailing, wind-surfing, rowing, swimming, canoeing, surfboarding, paddle boarding and water-skiing on offer. Coniston Water, Derwentwater, Ullswater and Windermere are all lakes with sailing opportunities, too.
Find somewhere to camp deep in the heart of the lakes with our listing of Lake District campsites.
Naturally, the Lakes area is a hiker's paradise and a walk through Cumbria's countryside is one of the most impressive sightseeing tours around. The Catbells, Derwentwater, Buttermere, and Great Langdale boast some of the loveliest views of the district. Alternatively, sweat your way to the top of the Old Man of Coniston to feast on views from its summit. Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk allows you to take in all the highlights, or try your hand at the climbing the Langdale Pikes.
If that hasn’t flexed your muscles enough, cycling, mountain biking and caving are all popular, with gear for rent if needed. The Eskdale Trail is the perfect cycling challenge, at 8 miles in length.
The coast offers over 180 miles of wild expansiveness, and some of the best beaches are at St Bees, Silecroft and Allonby. The Cumbria Coastal Way is a long-distance route between Morecambe Bay and the Solway Firth that can give those with great stamina a view of the entire coast’s diversity.
Wildlife is the star performer in Cumbria, and there are protected species of bats, birds and butterflies active across the county. A great place to start would be nature reserves such as Newton Reigny, Orton Moss or Greenlee Lough.
Before striding out into the hills, foodies should browse the local markets for the best curly Cumberland sausages and salt marsh lamb in the county. Those with a sweet tooth will love Romney's Kendal mint cake and Grasmere gingerbread. Westmoreland Damson's used in the local gin are a real treat too!
When it comes to sightseeing activities there is a fascinating Roman history to be found here, the best of which is arguably Birdoswald Roman Fort, one of the most popular places to see intact sections of Hadrian's Wall.
The county is also dotted with ancient megalithic stone circles such as Castlerigg and Swinside which tempt visitors with their own mysteries. Aira Force is a powerful waterfall nestled within a gorge that proves spectacular up close.
Muncaster Castle is an unmissable day out, with the looks, history, and haunting, and there’s an awesome maze to explore!
A ferry trip to Piel Island is the least Piel Castle deserves, having faithfully protected the coast from pirates since the fourteenth century . Carlisle Cathedral is the smallest Cathedral in the country, but don't let its size fool you, it’s packed with atmosphere and the huge stain glass windows are breathtaking.
In history, a lot of writers artists and creative figures have agreed that Cumbria is inspiring, which means you now have a chance to pry into where they lived. Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage is just such a place and the Romantic Poet enjoys his own museum, too, and then breeze over to Hilltop House for a taste of the lively World of Beatrix Potter.
The landscapes that inspired writers such as Ruskin and Wordsworth are all right on your doorstep. Follow the trail to spectacular views of Scafell Pike, Buttermere, Derwentwater, and Lake Windermere, as well as the mystical forests and tarns in the lower lands.
If the heavens open, you can pass the downpour happily munching popcorn at the wonderful Alhambra Cinema in Keswick. Alternatively, a trip to the Theatre by the Lake will leave you beaming! Set in one of the most beautiful locations, the theatre has a cosy and intimate atmosphere and runs its own productions as well as major titles.
The quirky Rheged Centre is Britain's largest grass-covered building, containing a 6-storey high 3D cinema screen to really bring every film to life. Here you’ll find indoor and outdoor play parks, shops and craft stalls, workshops and a kid's theatre, as well as cafes and places to eat.
Introduce the kids to giraffes, tigers, rhinos and other exotic wildlife at South Lakes Wild Animal Park. Or, get cuddly with rescued pets at Wetheriggs in Penrith, home to a range of critters including sheep, peacocks, parrots, and lizards. Make sure you don't miss lurks beneath Windermere's waterline at the Aquarium of the Lakes.
Kids full of beans will love the Treetop Trek, and can take on 35 challenges high, in the forests canopy with an exhilarating 250 metre zipwire at the end of the course.