Cumbria is famous as the home of the Lake District, but with the North Pennines forming its eastern border and miles of coastline to explore, it has much more than just lakes and mountains to enjoy.
Coniston Park Coppice is a camping and glamping site in a tranquil location set beside the water and surrounded by trees and wildlife.
View siteA great getaway for nature lovers and walkers, Troutbeck Head is nestled in a picturesque valley and offers stunning views of Blencathra.
View siteThe county has its fair share of sandy beaches – Silecroft and Haverigg are among the best – which are gently shelved and ideal for families. The red sandstone cliffs at St Bees Head are home to an RSPB reserve where puffins and black guillemots nest, while the St Bees beach is great for dipping into rock pools and playing in the surf.
As home to 12 of England’s largest lakes, over 3,000km of public footpaths and the country’s highest mountain – Scafell Pike – the Lake District is a truly breath-taking place to enjoy the great outdoors. Clusters of trees line the shores of deep blue lakes and steep, rocky fells rise above them to the sky. Whether you’re into climbing, caving, fishing or mountain biking, glamping in the Lake District is the perfect chance to do the things you love best.
Whether you prefer land or water, there are lots of ways to enjoy the region’s stunning scenery when you’re camping or glamping in Cumbia.
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One of the best walks in the Lake District is accessible from our Coniston camp site. Known as the “Old Man”, the fell overlooks Coniston Water and has several routes up to the summit. The most popular starts in Coniston and takes you firstly along the road before passing through the ruins of the slate quarry. You’ll reach Low Water and then brave the steeper climb to the top of Old Man, where you can enjoy panoramic views across the Lake District.
Just outside the National Park and close to the coast in Cockermouth, the market town where William Wordsworth was born. There are some pleasant circuits that take in the birthplace of the poet and the surrounding countryside. Allerdale Ramble is a popular track that has some lovely views.
If it’s a coastal walk you fancy, the cliff top path starting at Whitehaven is ideal. From the harbour you can join the wagon way where coal trucks used to travel, see an old sandstone quarry and – if you choose to walk the full 6.5 miles – visit the 12th century St Bees Priory. Needless to say, your efforts will be rewarded with gorgeous views of the sea and headland.
Cumbria’s coast is not only fascinating, it’s also a wonderful place to relax with your family. There are several sandy beaches that are ideal for building sandcastles and splashing about in the waves, including Silecroft Beach, which has a vast stretch of golden sand that’s exposed at low tide. It’s popular with locals and you can try horse riding, sea angling, kiting and other activities here. You can even bring the dog, and there’s a pub nearby for a spot of lunch. Along the coast is Haverigg beach, which is set at the mouth of the Duddon Estuary and boasts views up to the southern Lake District. The shingle gives way to a wide expanse of sand and there’s a children’s playground and café for refreshments.
Further north, beneath the dramatic St Bees Head is St Bees beach, which has fine golden sand that’s exposed at low tide. It’s great for sunset strolls, playing in the shallows and discovering the wildlife hiding in the rock pools. St Bees Head is home to nesting black guillemots, puffins, kittiwakes and more.
In an area replete with lakes, it would seem silly not to try a few water sports. Whether it’s water skiing, canoeing or paddle boarding that takes your fancy, you can have a go on one of the navigable lakes such as Coniston Water or Lake Windermere.
Canoes and kayaks can be hired from around £20 and are a leisurely way to spend an hour or two exploring the lakes. For something a little more thrilling, take a wakeboarding or water-skiing lesson from the qualified instructors at Low Wood Water Sports on Windermere. There’s nothing quite like skimming along the water’s surface with the wind in your hair, surrounded by lush scenery.
If you prefer not to take the strain yourself, why not hire a motor boat and coast along the water admiring the countryside? There’s space for the whole family, and you can even pop a picnic in for a memorable floating lunch. Coniston Boating Centre has several options to suit groups of all sizes.
At Experience Freedom, our camping pods in the Lake District give you the chance not only to experience the great outdoors while retaining a few home comforts, they also provide access to the best of the region’s activities. From our sites, you can reach the lakes and tarns, walk the fells and even visit the seaside. Choose us and you’re sure to have a visit that’s as action-packed or as restful as you wish. Select a site for full details or to make a booking.
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