Waterside Farm Campsite
Waterside House Campsite, Howtown, Penrith CA10 2NA, UK
View on Google MapsA campsite near Pooley Bridge
About Waterside Farm Campsite
Waterside Farm Campsite sits just outside Pooley Bridge with direct access to Ullswater's shoreline — ideal for wild swimming, paddleboarding and messing about on the water. The site rents out kit on site, so you can leave the roof box at home. Back on dry land, facilities are spotless and thoughtfully maintained, with modern showers featuring underfloor heating that takes the edge off chilly mornings.
The friendly team run a popular on-site cafe serving proper breakfasts and lunches, including gluten-free options. Dogs are welcome, campfires allowed, and electric hook-ups available. It's a thoroughly practical base for exploring the northern Lakes, though don't expect wilderness solitude — this is a well-used, amenity-rich site that trades remoteness for convenience and lakeside fun.
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the site before you travel, especially for access needs.
People say this campsite offers excellent access to Ullswater lake for swimming, paddleboarding, and other watersports, with rentals available on site. They also highlight the spotless and well-maintained facilities, including modern toilets and showers with underfloor heating. Guests mention the staff are friendly and helpful, and the on-site cafe provides good food, including gluten-free options.
Summary via Google
Can I bring...?
Lodges & pods
- 8 x Lakeside Pods
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 (CA10 2NA)
Dana Curry House Indian Takeaway
5.0 · Indian, Curry
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.
- Aldi, Penrith 5.1 miles
- Sainsbury's, Penrith 5.3 miles
- Morrisons, Penrith 5.4 miles
- Co-op, Appleby-in-Westmorland 13.8 miles
- Lidl, Kendal 18.9 miles
Straight-line distances — the drive will be longer. Store data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Opening hours
- The pods and general site are open from the March until mid November. Lakeside Tipis are available from the end of April through to the end of September.
What visitors say
This campsite is right against the lake which the family swam in. You can also hire out paddle boards and kayaks. There is a food shack that sells original made wood fire pizza's and loaded fries, I had the steak on top, normal prices for food. The staff are nice. There is a little shop in the reception area. However when you arrive you have to pay per person £20 each which you will get back we you leave. This is a behaviour bond. The amenities are clean and tidy. You will have to book the campsite in advance. Beautiful sunsets.
3 weeks ago · via Google
Great site with ample space for tent, car etc. We stayed in the open field. Toilets and showers were good. Shop on site, as well as a cafe serving loaded fries and pizza in the afternoon/evening. Right next to Ullswater, and nice shallow access for paddleboarding etc. Equipment can be hired on site.
2 weeks ago · via Google
We stayed in a camping Pod was nice with a view of the lake and the welcoming committee of ducks. It's a really nice place. Only thing that spoilt it was a big group of others who found something funny about my other half that upset him so kind of put a damper on the stay so left a day early. Would go back again as it's such a nice place. Hopefully less annoying people next time.
4 weeks ago · via Google
Great campsite with beautiful lake views and a peaceful, quiet atmosphere. This was our first camping experience, and we really enjoyed it. The only downside was that the toilets didn’t seem sufficient during busy times. Overall, a lovely place to stay and we would visit again.
2 months ago · via Google
Report an issue
Spotted something wrong with Waterside Farm Campsite's page — closed, wrong details, broken link? Let us know.