Camping in Cumbria

Cumbria's campsites spread well beyond the honeypots of the central Lakes, and that's often where the better pitches are found. Around Penrith and Hesket Newmarket, farm sites like Cherry Trees Farm and Croft Foot Farm sit close to the fells without the summer crowds, while the Eden Valley near Appleby-in-Westmorland and Kirkby Stephen offers quieter, greener ground for tents and tourers alike.

Glamping has taken hold strongly here too, from timber pods at Carrock Glamping Pods and Carrock Pods to more rustic set-ups such as Howgills Hideaway and Sandwath Farm. Further west and south, Kirkby-in-Furness and the Lyth Valley bring you nearer the coast and the southern fells, while sites around Carlisle and Longtown suit those exploring the Solway coast or breaking a journey north.

With so many small, family-run sites like Bank House Farm and Ivy House, it's worth thinking about which landscape you want on your doorstep - fell, valley or coast - rather than distance from Kendal alone.