Side Farm Campsite
Side Farm, Ullswater, Penrith CA11 0NL, UK
View on Google MapsA dog friendly, scenic site between Ullswater and Place Fell. Peaceful, with access to boating and canoeing.
About Side Farm Campsite
Side Farm Campsite occupies a genuinely enviable spot between Ullswater and Place Fell, delivering the kind of lake-and-fell panoramas that make the Lake District so magnetic. Direct access to the water means you can be paddleboarding or wild swimming within minutes of pitching up, and the setting feels peaceful despite its popularity with families and dog owners. Facilities are straightforward rather than elaborate—showers, toilets, drinking water—but they're kept in decent nick, and prices remain reasonable for the location.
The access road does have a reputation for being narrow and tricky, so larger outfits may need a bit of nerve on the approach. Once you're settled, though, it's hard to beat for a no-frills, scenery-first Lake District stay.
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Paid car park
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the site before you travel.
Photos
Photos via Google
People say this campsite offers stunning views of Ullswater and provides direct access to the lake for swimming and paddleboarding. Guests also highlight the friendly staff, basic but maintained facilities, and reasonable prices.
Some reviews mention the access road can be difficult.
Summary via Google
Can I bring...?
Hook-up
No electric hook-up listed — worth confirming directly if you're bringing a caravan or motorhome.
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 0NL)
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 7.5 miles
- Aldi, Penrith 10.8 miles
- Sainsbury's, Penrith 11.1 miles
- Morrisons, Penrith 11.2 miles
- Lidl, Kendal 16.1 miles
- Asda, Kendal 17.7 miles
- Co-op, Appleby-in-Westmorland 17.9 miles
Straight-line distances — the drive will be longer. Store data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Opening hours
- Monday
- 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday
- 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday
- 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday
- 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
What visitors say
Stayed here whilst walking the coast to coast. Beautiful views but the entry road is a bit narrow and tretrious, or if you're walking it's a good 15 minutes walk dodging cars to get to the camping field. Pretty much the whole camping area is on a slope, and quite steep in some areas. That being said if you get a good spot it's a lovely.
2 months ago · via Google
Lovely campsite just off the shore of Ullswater although a little down hill. If you don't mind camping on a slight slope you will love the views and location for walkers water activities or just relaxing as it's down a farm track off the main road a little rough but easily manageable is somewhat narrow in a couple of places (wide enough for sprinter or crafter van ) and very reasonably priced . The tea room on the way has good coffee and cakes ( fruit flapjack is amazing and also very reasonably priced) owners are very helpful and friendly thanks we will be back soon
2 months ago · via Google
Brilliant location sandwiched between ullswater and place fell. Access to the banks of ullswater perfect for swimming, paddle boarding etc. Brilliant little shop on site selling homemade snacks like oat cakes, flapjakes etc aswell as ice cream, drinks, crisps. Very nice staff. The Track to the field isn't for low sport cars so be warned. Very few flat pitches so be prepared to be sleeping on a lean. Facilities are very basic, showers are free but on a timed push button that only lasts 5 seconds so be prepared to be pressing that button constantly. Wash room available. Perfect place to stay for walking the fells aslong as you don't expect luxury. Looks over ullswater to Glenridding. Walking distance to patterdale and the patterdale hotel, the white lion pub and the water view bar. Good cheap prices.
3 months ago · via Google
Great site, basic but excellent location. Owners very friendly and helpful! Been here many times over the years, good memories. However, this time too many unsupervised kids with footballs and frisbees damaging tents and cars, with indifferent parents! Will use again, but not in school holiday periods, and yes, l have my own kids!
2 months ago · via Google
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