One of the most popular tourist locations in the UK is the beautiful Lake District. With rugged mountains and deep, glassy lakes it can provide as much relaxation or adrenaline as you want.
When you think of the Lake District you probably imagine either expensive hotels or muddy campsites but thankfully in the past few years a number of glamping sites have cropped up to bridge the gap between the options.
One of my favourite glamping companies in the Lakes is Wild in Style. They have a couple of different site locations including yurts and a romadome close to Coniston and yurts, berber tents, geo domes and gypsy wagons at Low Wray which is only a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Ambleside. The Low Wray site is literally a stone’s throw from Lake Windermere so it is ideal if you have a canoe or kayak as you can launch meters from your front door. Some of the yurts are in a wooded area which fills with stunning bluebells in the spring. The facilities e.g. shower block are shared with the adjacent national trust campsite but in my experience they have always been spotless. They even have a double yurt which is ideal for larger families and groups as the adjoining yurt affords a bit of extra privacy. A new addition is their pizza stove where you can have delicious pizzas cooked to order!
If you would prefer to stay in the Northern Lake District then Waterside House Campsite is an ideal choice. It is within walking distance of Pooly Bridge and close to both Penrith and Keswick. They have cute tipis complete with solid floors, beds and gas stoves. If you’re lucky you will get one right on the edge of Ullswater. Although you have to bring your own duvet and pillows there are pretty throws and cushions to make the interior a little bit special. These tipis are ideal if you want to try glamping but can’t necessarily afford to hire out a yurt.
My final choice is a glamping site with an eco-focus. Drybeck Farm is situated on the banks of the River Eden near Armathwaite, just outside of the Lake District National Park.
The accommodation is filled with upcycled items and includes yurts, a gypsy caravan and there is even a 1970’s caravan that has been upgraded to include liberty fabrics and a cute French enamelled stove. There are composting toilets and an eco-hot tub so you can really relax. Drybeck is a working Farm so if food miles are important to you then you’ll be pleased to know that things such as eggs, bacon and sausages in the breakfast hamper literally come from the place you’re staying. The added bonus of having livestock is that children are welcome to help with things such as feed times, or, if you would prefer you could even go out in a horse drawn carriage.
There are a number of other glamping options in the Lake District but carefully consider what you want from your stay. Some of the sites are tucked away in the hills with views of either distant lakes or mountains whereas others are right next to the waters edge. No matter where you choose you will be guaranteed stunning views, a huge of array of activities and cosy local pubs to end the day so make the Lake District you next staycation destination!
This article was brought to you by No Time For Travel which aims to provide travel inspiration to people who want to make the most of their precious downtime.