Gillside
Gillside Farm, Glenridding, Penrith CA11 0QQ, UK
View on Google MapsA dog friendly, idyllic break in the Lakes, set in Glenridding and ideal for Ullswater and walks on Helvellyn.
About Gillside
Tucked into Glenridding with Helvellyn rising dramatically behind, Gillside puts you right at the trailhead for some of the Lake District's finest fell walks. The campsite's real draw is its setting—stunning mountain views and immediate access to the fells, making it a favourite with hikers keen to tackle Helvellyn or explore the ridges above Ullswater. Pitches come with electric hook-up at very reasonable rates, and the 20p hot showers are a bargain after a long day on the hills.
Weekend breakfasts on site add a welcome convenience, while friendly, helpful owners keep things ticking along smoothly. Dogs are welcome, so four-legged walking companions can join the adventure. Facilities are straightforward rather than elaborate, but for a no-frills base in one of Cumbria's most dramatic corners, Gillside delivers exactly what fell-walkers need.
Photos
Photos via Google
People say this campsite offers stunning views and is ideally located for hiking, with easy access to trails like Helvellyn. Visitors highlight the reasonable prices for pitches and the availability of hot showers for 20p. They also mention the friendly and helpful staff, along with convenient on-site breakfast options on weekends.
Summary via Google
Can I bring...?
Hook-up
Facilities
Takeaway & food delivery
Handy if you fancy a night off cooking — here's what delivers near this site.
Just Eat — 1 takeaway delivers to this postcode (CA11 0QQ)
Just Greek - Penrith
5.0 · Greek, Grill
Checked 26 Aug 2026 — always confirm on justeat.co.uk before ordering, as coverage can change.
Nearest supermarkets
Handy if you're self-catering or need to stock up on arrival.
- Tesco (small store), Ambleside 7.7 miles
- Aldi, Penrith 11.3 miles
- Morrisons, Penrith 11.7 miles
- Sainsbury's, Penrith 11.7 miles
- Lidl, Kendal 17 miles
- Asda, Kendal 18.5 miles
- Co-op, Appleby-in-Westmorland 19 miles
Straight-line distances — the drive will be longer. Store data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Opening hours
- Monday
- 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday
- 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday
- 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday
- 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday
- 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
What visitors say
Cheap and cheerful campsite located right by Glenridding village. Plenty of varied locations for a pitch, although the lower levels are flatter. We opted for the far corner by the walk path / stream. Adequate clean facilities by the farmhouse reception. Butty van on the Saturday morning was decent. Plenty of pleasant people to share the site with, no riff raff or loud noises beyond reasonable hours. Would recommend and would come back any time.
2 weeks ago · via Google
This was my first time staying at Gillside. We dropped on a perfect pitch right next to the river; it made our bank holiday just that bit better. Fabulous bank holiday weekend. The facilities on the site are a little dated but clean. You get what you need, and you certainly cannot argue with the price, so I wouldn't hesitate to go back. I feel I got what we paid for and more. My riverside view sealed the deal on this campsite for me, and I'm prepared to pay more if I book again to get a good pitch. I can live with the showers and toilets there; suitable, and functional. I've seen worse. Maybe a little background music would be nice; most sights do, as it's a little quiet when needed. The loo nudge nudge. Campsite is in a great location 10/10 Facilities 7/10 Site Cleanliness 10/10 Would I return Absolutely
2 months ago · via Google
Such a hidden gem in a beautiful valley. Very well kept site, although a wee bit dated the toilet and shower block is just perfect and the pot washing area is great too. The tree swing is brill ( maybe in need of a new seat) but my daughter spent ages just chilling, swinging around on it. Very relaxing, easy walk to pub, will be back 😀 hard standing pitches only for vans, you will need hard ground pegs and a mallet to be in with a fighting chance of getting any awning up!
3 months ago · via Google
Awesome views and a super convenient base for nearby hikes, especially the Helvellyn loop. On top of that, the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful. I accidentally left my hiking boots behind, and a kind lady went out of her way to package them up and post them back to me. Really grateful for that ❤️ Would definitely recommend and happily stay again!
3 months ago · via Google
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