Caravanning in Cumbria

There are 157 caravanning sites published on BritStays across Cumbria, and they are spread far wider than the handful of lakeshore names most people know. Knowing where they cluster — and what the listed facilities do and don't tell you — makes choosing between them far quicker.

Where the sites cluster

Keswick has the most with 24, followed by Kendal with 21. A further 10 are listed simply under Cumbria, with Windermere on 9, Bassenthwaite on 6, and Ambleside, Brampton and Ullswater on 3 each. That shape tells you something useful: the north lakes around Keswick and Bassenthwaite are well served, as is the softer, more pastoral south around Kendal, while the busier central strip through Ambleside and Windermere has fewer pitches fighting over more visitors.

If you want walking from the pitch and a town you can reach on foot or by bus, Keswick is the obvious starting point — Derwent Water Caravan Park sits there with a bus stop and EV charging nearby, and High Gaitle Caravan & Camping Park is another Keswick option. For quieter countryside with easier roads for towing, look south: Gatebeck Holiday Park at Endmoor, Woodclose Park at Kirkby Lonsdale, Cross Hall Caravan Park at Sedbergh and Newby Bridge Caravan Park all sit away from the worst of the central-lakes traffic.

Coast, lake or fell

Cumbria's coast is much less crowded than its lakes, and if you mainly want space and big skies it is worth considering — Heather Bank at Blitterlees is listed with EV charging nearby. For lake access, Waterfoot Caravan Park at Ullswater and Limefitt Holiday Park at Windermere put you close to the water, while Bowness on Windermere - Camping and Caravanning Club Site is listed with toilets, disabled access and WiFi. Further out, Grandie Caravan Park at Dufton and Tymparon Hall sit in the quieter eastern countryside, away from the main tourist routes.

Matching the site to the trip

• Families: 23 sites list a playground. Waterfoot Caravan Park combines a swimming pool, bar and playground; Gatebeck Holiday Park has a clubhouse and playground; Woodclose Park lists a playground, toilets and a gift shop. If wet-weather space matters, prioritise the ones with indoor facilities rather than just outdoor play.
• Couples: smaller, simpler sites tend to suit. Limefitt Holiday Park lists a hot tub, bar and restaurant if you want somewhere to eat without driving; Melmerby Holiday Park lists a restaurant, WiFi and a bus stop.
• Dog owners: 47 sites are listed as pet friendly, including Cross Hall Caravan Park, Gatebeck Holiday Park and Newby Bridge Caravan Park. Always confirm the dog policy directly — numbers allowed, breed restrictions and whether dogs can be left in a caravan all vary.
• Car-free or part car-free trips: 34 sites are near a bus stop, and Seacote Park (Beachcomber Site) is listed as near a train station.

Reading the facility lists honestly

The most commonly listed facility is EV charging nearby, on 57 sites, followed by pet friendly on 47 and WiFi on 35. Then come bus stops (34), parking (29), a laundrette (27), a bar (25) and a playground (23). Notice that parking appears on fewer sites than EV charging — that is a quirk of how listings are compiled, not a sign that most sites have nowhere to put your car. Treat these lists as a filter for shortlisting, then ring or email the park to confirm anything your trip depends on: hardstanding, awning rules, electric hook-up amps, late arrival and whether the laundrette takes cards or coins.

What to do once you're pitched

Base yourself near Derwentwater for Keswick Museum & Art Gallery, Knox Wood Wildlife Centre and the West Cumberland Railway Museum, all close at hand on a wet afternoon. From the south, Levens Hall is an easy outing, and Lake Windermere brings Hill Top, Townend and Wray Castle within reach, plus The Lakes Aqua Park for older children. Ullswater rewards a slow day with a walk and a boat. Further afield, Gretna Green, Eskdale Mill, the Laurel and Hardy Museum, Killhope Lead Mining Museum and Mr George's Museum of Time all make sensible day trips if you're happy to drive.

When to book

School holidays, bank holidays and the whole of July and August go first, particularly the family sites with pools and playgrounds — book those months several months ahead if you need specific dates. Late spring and September are the sweet spot: book six to eight weeks out and you'll still have choice. For midweek stays outside the holidays, a fortnight is often enough. Before you confirm, check the towing route rather than trusting the postcode, ask about minimum stays over bank holidays, and note the cancellation terms in writing.