Low Wray Campsite (National Trust)
Cumbria
National Trust lakeshore campsite on Windermere's western shore, fifteen minutes from Ambleside
About Low Wray Campsite (National Trust)
Low Wray sits directly on the western shoreline of Windermere, next to Wray Castle and close to the village of Hawkshead, with Ambleside reachable in around fifteen minutes by car via the ferry crossing or the longer road route around the lake's southern end. Run by the National Trust, the site takes a deliberately low-key approach in keeping with its conservation setting, spreading tents, motorhomes and small campervans across pitches ranging from lakefront positions with water lapping close by to secluded spots tucked into woodland and open meadow further back from the shore.
Electric hook-up is available on a proportion of pitches, and the site's ten camping pods and safari tents give an option for anyone without their own tent or campervan. Toilet and shower blocks are provided on site, and dogs are welcome throughout, making Low Wray a popular choice for families combining a lakeside stay with visits to nearby Wray Castle, itself run by the National Trust and free to explore.
The site is open only from April to October each year, reflecting its exposed lakeside position, and activities directly from the campsite include gentle lake shore walks, off-road cycling on the surrounding tracks and non-powered watersports launched straight from the shingle beach, making a car largely unnecessary once you've arrived.