Campsites in Cumbria

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
• Hadrian’s Wall and Roman forts
• Superb walking trails such as Wainright’s Coast to Coast Walk
• Muncaster Castle

 

Activities in the heart of nature

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!

 

Breathtaking sights

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.

 

Other activities

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.