Glamping in Cumbria - the best spots under canvas and stars
There's something magical about falling asleep to the sound of Cumbrian becks and waking up to mist rolling across the fells, but let's be honest - not all of us fancy wrestling with tent poles in a Lakeland downpour. Enter glamping: all the romance of sleeping under the stars with none of the soggy sleeping bag drama.
I've been exploring Cumbria's glamping scene for years now, and the variety is staggering. From converted railway carriages near Ullswater to hobbit holes in the Cartmel Valley, there's something for every taste and budget. Here are my favourite spots for a comfortable night under Cumbria's spectacular skies.
Lake District Heartland
Windermere and Bowness
The Windermere area offers some spectacular glamping with easy access to the lake's attractions. Low Wray National Trust Campsite features beautiful camping pods right on Windermere's shoreline. The pods sleep up to four and come with heating and electricity, perfect for shoulder season visits when the crowds thin out but the scenery remains sublime.
Parking can be tricky around Bowness during peak season, so book the Windermere ferry if you're planning day trips across the lake. The 20-minute crossing to Far Sawrey connects you to Hill Top (Beatrix Potter's farmhouse) without the car park chaos.
Ambleside and Grasmere
Just outside Ambleside, Skelwith Fold offers luxury camping pods with some of the finest fell views you'll find anywhere. The site sits perfectly positioned for tackling Loughrigg Fell, an easy two-hour circular walk that rewards you with panoramic views over Grasmere and Rydal Water. The path can be muddy after rain, so proper walking boots are essential.
For dinner, book ahead at Zeffirelli's in Ambleside - this quirky Italian restaurant and cinema combo gets busy, especially during film showings. Parking in Ambleside is limited, but there's a large pay-and-display car park near the library that's usually your best bet.
Northern Lakes
Keswick and Borrowdale
Borrowdale is glamping gold. The valley's dramatic scenery makes it feel like you're camping in Middle Earth, and several sites have embraced this with hobbit hole-style accommodation. Borrowdale Farm offers both camping pods and traditional shepherd's huts with wood-burning stoves - absolute bliss on crisp autumn evenings.
The location puts you perfectly for exploring Derwentwater or tackling Catbells, probably the Lake District's most popular moderate fell walk. It's a straightforward climb taking around three hours return, but can be busy at weekends. Start early for parking in Hawes End or take the launch from Keswick - much more relaxing and you're supporting the local boat operators.
Ullswater
The eastern lakes offer some of the most peaceful glamping experiences. Sites around Ullswater tend to be quieter than their western counterparts, and the lake itself is simply stunning. Several farms offer shepherd's huts with direct fell access, perfect for wild swimming enthusiasts brave enough to tackle England's second-largest natural lake.
Southern Gems
Coniston and Langdale
Langdale's dramatic valley setting makes it a glamping favourite, though sites here book up quickly. The area around Coniston offers more variety, from converted barns to luxury yurts. Many glamping sites here provide easy access to the Coniston Coppermines Valley, a fascinating area for industrial archaeology enthusiasts and a gentler alternative to tackling Coniston Old Man.
If you're based near Coniston village, the Sun Hotel does excellent pub food and usually has space without booking, unlike many Lakeland establishments. Their car park is free for diners, solving Coniston's parking puzzle.
Cartmel and Kirkby Lonsdale
Don't overlook southern Cumbria's glamping offerings. The Cartmel Valley hosts several luxury glamping sites with a more peaceful, pastoral feel than the central Lakes. These locations work brilliantly as bases for exploring the Yorkshire Dales' western edges or the Cumbrian coast.
Kirkby Lonsdale puts you perfectly for exploring both the Lakes and Dales. The town's famous Devil's Bridge viewpoint is a five-minute walk from most glamping sites, and Ruskin's View over the Lune Valley is considered one of England's finest. Book dinner at The Sun Inn well ahead - it's been Kirkby Lonsdale's culinary crown jewel for decades.
Practical Glamping Tips
Most Cumbrian glamping sites require minimum two-night stays during peak season, and the best spots book months ahead for summer weekends. Consider visiting during May or September for better availability and rates, plus you'll avoid the worst of the crowds on popular walking routes.
Many sites provide bedding and basic cooking equipment, but always check what's included. Pack layers regardless of season - Cumbrian weather changes faster than a Herdwick sheep can bolt, and evening temperatures drop significantly even in summer.
- Book restaurant tables before arriving - many Lake District establishments get busy and don't take walk-ins
- Download offline maps for your phone - mobile signal can be patchy in valley locations
- Bring a torch - rural glamping sites often have minimal lighting
- Check site access routes - some glamping locations involve narrow country lanes unsuitable for large vehicles
The beauty of glamping in Cumbria lies in combining outdoor adventure with comfortable accommodation. Whether you choose a luxury pod overlooking Windermere or a cosy shepherd's hut in Borrowdale, you're guaranteed to fall asleep to some of England's most beautiful scenery and wake up ready for another day of Lakeland adventures.
