10 January 2018
So, you’re heading to the Lake District and want to experience the great outdoors in all its glory, but maybe you’ve never been camping before, don’t own a tent, or simply don’t want the hassle.
Introducing glamping in wooden camping pods, a great alternative to camping where you can still enjoy the full experience of nature.
Glamping is outdoor living with all the comforts of home. It’s a way of being outside but being inside, of getting away from the hum-drum of city living and finding peace in luxury. It's a different sort of experience than a holiday cottage or hotel and often brings people back to nature, to muddy boots and to deep sleeps.
Camping pods are one of the many forms of glamping accommodation and come in many different shapes and sizes.
From glamping pods with hot tubs, en-suite bathrooms and comfy beds, to family camping pods, there's something for every comfort level and group size.
Glamping is an opportunity to sleep somewhere you wouldn’t usually sleep, to enjoy the luxury of breakfast delivered to your door but instead of stepping into a hotel restaurant, you can step outside and be surrounded by trees and wildlife while you sip your morning brew.
At night you’ll be surrounded by nothing but the sound of wildlife, rivers babbling and owls chatting in the treetops.
Normally made from wood, camping pods are generally very well insulated and are therefore effective at keeping you warm during the colder months.
In summer, the large French doors, as well as reflective layers in the roof, keep the pods well ventilated and cool.
Most camping pods come with nothing but mattresses, so you’ll need to bring all the supplies and home-comforts you think you’ll need. Theses supplies include, but are not limited to:
However, for those who like their outdoors with a touch more glam, there are plenty of luxury camping pods throughout the Lake District. Many of these come with an en-suite, meaning that you won’t need to use the shared bathroom facilities at campsites, as well as chairs, bedding and all the mod-cons needed to eat, drink and be merry. Dog friendly camping pods are also available, so you can explore the Lakes with your four-legged friends, but be sure to check with the campsite well-ahead of time to ensure space for your pooch.
Beautifully crafted and often eco-friendly pods are dotted all over the Lake District, with availability and options for all levels of luxury available in all your favourite haunts. From Windermere to Ullswater, Coniston to Derwentwater, there are log pods just waiting to be the base of your next Lakes adventure.
Coniston camping pods
Coniston Water is the third largest of all the lakes and is five miles long, around a half-mile wide and dominated by the mountain, Old Man of Coniston, in the north. It's the perfect base for visiting the Ruskin Museum in Brantwood, exploring the world of Beatrix Potter in Hawkshead and hiring bikes and boats to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Best Coniston camping pods Coniston Park Coppice
Situated right next to Coniston Water, Coniston Park Coppice is right in the heart of the Lake District, with any and all facilities nearby and available. The camping pods here are on the luxurious side of life, and come with much more than your average pod. These pods can easily sleep a family of four, making it the perfect destination for a family who want to take the hard work out of a holiday in the outdoors. These pods are insulated well and have huge double glazed doors, meaning you can stay cool when the sun is shining and warm when it goes down at night. Everything and the kitchen sink is provided in these pods, including Wi-Fi, and all guests need to bring with them are towels, a hairdryer, soap and any DVDs for evenings spent snuggling up together. Unfortunately, Coniston Park Coppice is not dog friendly.
Derwentwater
Derwentwater is Keswick’s local lake and can be reached by just walking ten minutes out of town, but the area is so much more than this. To the west of the lake rise the Cat Bell Fell, which rises 451 metres above sea level and is one of the most popular walks in the whole of the Lakes. To the east is Friar’s Crag where you can enjoy one of the best views of the area and the south is the entrance to the stunning Borrowdale valley.
Best Derwentwater camping pods Castlerigg Hall
This lovely campsite on the outskirts of Keswick sits on top of a hill with sweeping views of both Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake, as well as those gorgeous fells the Lakes are so well known for. The camping pods at Castlerigg are camping without the canvas. Standard pods are simple and there are no beds provided, but there are heaters and electric sockets in each pod. The site also has new Castle Pods, which have a double bed and bunks, making it the perfect accommodation for a family of four exploring the great outdoors. Beds are provided, but bed linen and duvets/sleeping bags will need to be brought by guests. Up to two dogs are permitted in some of the pods at an extra cost (from £1.65 per dog in low-season), so check the website for availability before booking.
YHA Borrowdale
This lovely Youth Hostel Association site is set in a gorgeous green valley with extensive grounds to explore, mountain scenery and a very relaxed and informal atmosphere. The site offers traditional camping pitches, with most sitting along the River Derwent and the fells. There are only three camping pods here, which are only suitable for two, with two futons for double use as seating and sleeping, bedding, heating and an outside decking area for al fresco dining and evening wine drinking. You’ll need to bring most of your camping kit when staying in these pods, apart from bedding, as equipment is not provided. Staying here gives the luxury of not having to zip and unzip your tent door in the middle of the night, being able to stand upright when getting dressed in the mornings, but still basic enough for cooking over an open fire! Perfect!
Grasmere
Grasmere has to be one of the Lake’s most popular villages and with its spectacular location it’s easy to see why. Sat at the bottom of some of the area’s most stunning fells, its own lake to explore by row-boat, Wordsworth’s grave and many shops, pubs and cafes to wander, there is plenty to do in and around Grasmere.
Best Grasmere camping pods Grasmere Glamping
Grasmere Glamping is one of those camping sites which takes staying in the great outdoors to a whole new level. The camping pods here are built with luxury in mind and make any stay in the Lake District a comfortable and memorable one! This glamping site is located on elevated farmland, meaning that there is not only easy access to many mountain and valley walks, but there are stunning views from almost anywhere you stand. The camping pods here are made for those with luxury in mind, and the owners have gone to town on the facilities. Inside are a sofa, log burner, dining table and chairs, wall-mounted telly, a fully fitted kitchen, WiFi, bluetooth sound system, double bed with all bedding, your own personal bathroom and eco-friendly heating system. Pets are not permitted at Grasmere Glamping.
Windermere
Ah, Windermere! Arguably the Lake’s most famous lake at ten and a half miles long and 219 feet deep, there is so much to do and see in the area. Whether you want to go fishing, kayaking, walking or sampling as many cream teas in the area as possible, there really is something here for every member of the family.
Best Windermere camping pods Hill of Oaks Park
Hill of Oaks is exactly what it says on the tin- a hill of ancient woodland with a lovely little campsite nestled within the trees. They also offer almost an exclusive whole mile along the shore of Lake Windermere, where guests can launch boats, sit with their toes dipped in the water with an ice lolly in hand or simply watch the ever-changing view as the day passes. There are four deluxe lakeside camping pods here, which all include a kitchenette, sofa, shower, toilet, TV, Wi-Fi and underfloor heating. Fishing can be done directly off the pod’s decking area, but you will need to ask about a fishing license at reception if this is something you would be interested in. Only one pod is dog friendly, so be sure to enquire when booking if you intend to bring your four-legged friend along for the ride.
Park Cliffe
Sat slap-bang in the middle of 25 acres of unspoilt Cumbrian countryside, Park Cliffe is an award-winning campsite which offers tranquility and peace. There is an on-site bar and restaurant which serves up home cooked grub, perfect for filling your boots after a long day hiking in the hills! These Ambleside camping pods here are eco-friendly and made locally. These pods are basic, and the standard pods come with only heating, carpet and electric sockets for charging your all-important electricals. Premier pods are also available, and come with beds for up to four people too. For an added touch of luxury, private bathrooms can be hired for the entirety of your stay too, so you won’t need to share with other families or groups.
Ullswater
At seven miles long, Ullswater is the second largest lake in England. Not only is it an impressive body of fresh water, but it also has some pretty impressive views too. Big mountains dominate the southern end of the lake, while gentle fells soften the views to the north. Whether you choose to explore Ullswater by boat, foot or bike, this area of the Lake District is nothing short of stunning.
Best Ullswater camping pods Waterfoot Park
Just a short walk from Ullswater, Waterfoot Park campsite sits in the ground of a Georgian mansion and offers a great location for exploring the Lakes. Inside the mansion is a bar, Wi-Fi, lounge area for when the weather is bad and a large range of events throughout the summer. There’s also a children’s play area, making this one of the best family-friendly sites in the whole area. There are four camping pods, or Wigwams as they are better known on site, all with running hot water, en-suite bathroom, double bed and sofa bed, as well as a small range of kitchen appliances. There is also an outdoor BBQ area with each pod. Dogs are welcome in selected wigwams only, so make sure to make the right selection when booking.
Hillcroft Park
Hillcroft is a campsite that has it all - gorgeous views, perfect location, camping pitches, holiday homes, lodges and pods. The facilities here are low-key, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t perfect. There is also a children’s park and launderette available for everyone on site to use. The camping pods at Hillcroft Park are suitable for up to two adults and two children and are equipped with a light, heater and carpet. You’ll need to bring your usual camping equipment with you here, such as sleeping mats and bags, cooking stuff etc. All pods come with an outdoor decking area, perfect for muddy boots and sitting around a BBQ in the evenings. Dogs are permitted in some pods, and pre-booking is required.
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