Author
Kat Englishman
Image courtesy Canopy & Stars
The loveliest spot that man hath found” was what native Cumbrian and English poet, Williams Wordsworth had to say about the United Kingdom’s Lake District National Park. Covering an impressive 2,362 sq km (912 sq mi) in England, the Lake District is the first of four national parks in the UK containing the nation’s highest peaks—Scafell Pike, Sca Fell, Helvellyn, Skiddaw, and Saddleback—and its largest lakes, Lake Windermere chief among them. What makes this location so awe-inspiring is the variety of natural features that have been carved into the earth’s surface by glaciers long ago, creating a dramatic landscape of waterfalls, sparkling lakes, and rocky peaks flanked by deep valleys, woodlands, and rolling countryside. Its countless slopes and tarns make it an incredible destination for outdoor recreation in a uniquely remote, pristine place.
Whether you’re there to hike, climb, paddle, or find a little peace and quiet, you’ll want to be sure to find accommodations somewhere with easy access to the outdoors. Luckily, glamping in the Lake District is a popular and accessible option that puts you close to nature with plenty of modern comforts so you don’t have to rough it. A portmanteau for "glamorous" and "camping," glamping is a global travel trend that blends outdoor adventure travel with resort-style accommodations, often in canvas safari tents and bell tents. Lake District glamping options include glamping pods, yurts, secluded cabins, and restored shepherd’s huts or “bothies” that are cozy basecamps for all your adventures.
Ready to get out and explore the area from the valleys to the peaks? Here are the 12 best places to go glamping near the Lake District National Park.
The 12 Best Glamping Sites Near England's Lake District National Park
The Hog House — Cumbria, UK
Vibe: Haven on the Hill
Cozy doesn’t even begin to describe the feel of this converted shepherd’s bothy. Renovated from a barebones hut to a veritable glamping hideaway, this storied building situated between Coniston and Ambleside is a warm and inviting retreat with some of the best views in the Lake District. The painted stone wall interior, raw-edge wooden table, and fuzzy blankets give this charming bothy even more character that will take you back in time. There's enough room for two with a double bed, and a full kitchen makes self catering easy.
Rate: £113/night
Hinterlandes Hidden Hut — Lorton, UK
Vibe: Peak Glamping
Entirely self-contained, this hideout utilizes solar power and an energy-efficient design to create a cozy cabin with a low carbon footprint. Inside, the knotty wooden interior paneling and wood-burning stove create a hygge atmosphere that’s a perfect spot to take in the wide-open views of the valley through the large picture window. Hike, paddle, or bike the vast network of trails and enjoy a homemade wood-fired pizza every night. Keswick, Cockermouth, and Whitehaven Harbour make for quality day trip options too.
Rate: £150/night
Erika's Cottage — Scales, UK
Vibe: Dog Paradise
Situated on the edge of private woodland, with stunning views of the surrounding farmland, this one-bedroom cottage is perfect for a solo getaway or romantic weekend. A pet-friendly escape, there's a fenced-in backyard and plenty of picturesque hikes to take with your furry friends, or pubs and restaurants a short drive away for the humans.
Rate: £142/night
Helvellyn Hut — Keswick, UK
Vibe: Valley Viewpoint
The idyllic Helvellyn Hut is known for its incredible views of the surrounding mountains and lush countryside, and it’s designed to give you a good look from every angle. Located on a farm, this is anything but farm camping—relax in the hammock swing on the wraparound porch or take in the scenery as you steep in the on site Japanese hot tub that’s built into the deck floor for some serious R+R. There's a double bed, a fully equipped kitchen, a fridge, and a BBQ to make this small hut your home away from home.
Rate: £131/night
Great Langdale Glamping — Ambleside, UK
Vibe: Farm Stay
These handcrafted oak pods were built with panoramic glass doors and skylights designed to let the outside in, night or day. Nestled in the heart of the Lake District near Lake Windermere, these inviting glampsites are also located on a traditional working farm for a rural retreat with plenty of amenities—like a wood-fired hot tub and ensuite bathroom—for a touch of countryside luxe. Take note that there's no wifi, but that's part of the fun of a lakeside farm glamping holiday.
Rate: Starts at £325/night
Barkbeth Farm & Shepard's Huts — Keswick, UK
Vibe: Cabin for Two
Located on sprawling farmland, the cozy Barkbeth Farm Shepherd's Huts are friendly glamping cabins perfect for a much-needed nature retreat. Inside the quaint interior, there's a lush king-sized bed, kitchenette, and tiny dining table, and outside, a picnic table and fire pit for campfires under the stars.
Rate: Starts at £131/night
Hinterlandes VW Bus — Lorton, UK
Vibe: The Magic School Bus
Transported from the U.S. across the pond, this converted school bus has been outfitted with cushy modern comforts while still maintaining the bus’ former features, like the driver door mechanism for a bit of extra fun. It makes for a unique spin on four-wheeled glamping, but with a surprisingly spacious interior with a kitchen, dining area, wood-burning stove, and a lofted bedroom in an attached VW camper rooftop, you won't miss the caravan park one bit.
Rate:£125/night
Cumfrey Yurt — Kendal, UK
Vibe: Comfort in Cumfrey
Set in a meadow of bluebells with a sunlit, handcrafted wooden interior, this Spanish-style yurt looks and feels like something straight out of a storybook. Expect to get back to nature as you collect fresh water from the nearby mountain spring, cook over an open fire pit, and experience a truly dark sky at night. The yurt has excellent access to Yorkshire Dales National Park as well as the Lake District, and the Hawkshead Brewery is a 20-minute drive away (among other Lakeland pubs).
Rate:£110/night
Hadrian’s Wall Country Yurts — Brampton, UK
Vibe: Rural Retreat
Recently opened in 2021, this family-run retreat features several yurts located amongst rolling farmland. Each yurt features a central wood-burning fireplace, friendly decor, kitchen equipment, a wood-burning hot-tub, and a private outhouse. If that wasn't enough, fresh eggs come free with a stay for the full countryside experience.
Rate:£140/night
Netherby Treehouse — Longtown, UK
Vibe: Elevated Border Abode
Set on an estate near the Scottish border, this elevated escape provides plenty of views of the surrounding countryside and easy access to multiple national parks and villages. The treehouse has a double bed and two twins in the loft, a kitchen for meal prep and a quaint dining space, plus a wood burner, a fire pit, and wood burning hot tub.
Rate: £170/night
Yurt 1 in Rydal Hall — Rydal, UK
Vibe: Poetic and Picturesque
The historic grounds of this cozy yurt and glampsite have long been revered for their tranquility and inspiration for famous poets and writers like Williams Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter (an attraction dedicated to Potter is nearby in Bowness-on-Windermere). Get a little glimpse of that serenity for yourself with a stay at this inviting glampsite by walking the woodlands, hiking the mountains, and experiencing the many waterfalls nearby or by heading to any of the region's famous lakes: Dockey Tarn, Grasmere, Windermere, Esthwaite Water, Thirlmere, Ullswater, and Derwentwater are all nearby.
Rate: £144/night
Ewe Love Camping Pods — Penrith, UK
Vibe: Old North Oasis
In the foothills of Blencathra’s towering peak, these three glamping pods/camping cabins are keeping history alive. Instead of calling them pods one, two, and three, they’re named “yan, tan, and tethra” as a nod to the traditional Cumbric language. Although they’re channeling the old Brittonic past, each pod has plenty of modern day conveniences—like double beds, toasters, kettles, fire pits, BBQs, and picnic tables—that make for an ideal place to unwind after exploring the ancient landscape.
Rate: £85/night
Published 04-13-2023
