The Lake District by Motorhome

bridge lake district

The Lake District is a special place. The stunning lakes, the lush green valleys and the magical towering mountain peaks. It's a landscape that's famous for its beauty, inspiring poets, authors, philosophers and artists across generations. Wordsworth, Ruskin and even Beatrix Potter all fell for the Lake District's charms, and after 5 minutes driving through the Cumbrian countryside, you’ll feel just as in love.

It’s a region that shouldn’t just be looked at, it should be experienced! From hiking to cycling, climbing or sailing, the Lake District is full of active ways to explore the landscape. Topping them all is exploring the Lake District in a motorhome. Whether you bring your old faithful or pick up a VW campervan hire in the Lake District, pitching up in the lake district camping sites, or motorhome sites, gives you the ultimate freedom to roam across the valleys and peaks and drink in everything a spot of Lake District camping has to offer.

Head to The Lakes:

It’s called the lake district for a reason and if you do one thing while there make sure you explore the magical lakes. The jewel in the crown has to be Lake Windermere. The largest lake in England, framed by picturesque little towns and ranging mountain peaks, the lake offers all kinds of activities from picturesque walks to boat trips, as well as being serviced by some spectacular local pubs and cafes.

Windermere may be the biggest, but Ullswater is probably England’s most beautiful lake. Nestled amongst the fells of Eden Valley Ullswater is more than just stunning, plenty is going on both on and off its’ waters. From kayaking, sailing and even steamboat rides on the lakes’ surface to stunning walks, cycling, horse riding and fishing. The Lake has its own charming villages lining the shores that offer up a bite to eat and some lovely views over the water.

Those are the big two, but there are plenty of other lakes worth a trip. Buttermere, Derwentwater and tiny Rydal Water all have something unique to offer. The Lake District is a fantastic place to explore and when your home is on four wheels, and there are plenty of motorhome sites in the Lake District to choose from. A tour of the Lake District lakes is a must.

Hike the Hills:

If staying at a lake district campsite, then bring your walking boots, your sun cream, and maybe your waterproof gear. There’s no guaranteeing the weather, but you can guarantee some phenomenal hiking routes. The region is known for its walking trails. There’s hiking up Helvellyn, the highest peak of the Helvellyn mountain range and best tackled via Striding Edge for the most spectacular views. For something easier wander up to Orrest Head from Windermere, a gentle walk that can be done in as little as 20 minutes or up to an hour and a half depending on which route you take. The Cat and Bells is another favourite, short and steep it’s made worthwhile by the exceptional views of the lakes and mountains.

There are literally hundreds of routes all offering unrivalled views and outstanding natural wildlife. It’s amazing how quickly even sofa-slobs get addicted to wandering the hills, valleys and lakesides of the Lake District. Pick up a guide to the walking routes that labyrinth across the Lake District camping grounds or at one of the local pubs. Locals are generally pretty happy to give you their personal favourite walks too, so don’t be afraid to ask around.

Sniff Out the Local Sport:

What’s hound trailing you ask? A pastime unique to the lake district, hound trailing is part dog-race, part (ethical) hunt, part local tradition and part excuse to have fun. Track one down and you’ll find yourself standing in a field with a drink in hand as the local hound owners line up their dogs. Over the hill, the trail-setter will appear, and as he crosses the starting line, the hounds are released to an almighty roar from the crowd. The dogs will quickly disappear over a hill while the locals lay bets, eat good food and drink local brews while the dogs follow a pre-laid trail over the crisscrossing tracks of the Lake District.

Just when you’re starting to wonder where the dogs are you’ll hear the crowd begin to scream as the first hound makes it over the horizon. Once the winner is crowned the party kicks off again as congratulations and commiserations are passed around. There are annual fixtures posted by the hound trailing association, and the races are taken seriously, while also being fabulous fun. It’s quirky, it’s local, and it’s definitely something to experience while Lake District camping. And with so many spots to park nearby, once you’ve picked up your campervan hire - you can get right in with the action!

Motorhome Sites Lake District:

You know what you’re going to do, so where are you going to stay? Luckily for those of you with homes on four wheels, the Lake District loves campervans, caravans and all things on wheels. Whether you are looking to find a VW campervan hire, or a big RV so that you can turn your holiday into a full-on road trip? Or maybe you want to just settle down in one spot, you’ll have no problem finding motorhome sites Lake District to rest your weary head!

If you want to stay near Lake Windermere, then you’re definitely in luck. The Lake Districts most popular lake has a vast array of sites lining its edge, from bustling holiday parks to cheap and cheerful pitches. If you want to be right on the water check out Braithwaite Fold Lake Distict Camping sites or the Caravanning Club Site are perfect and give you unrivalled access to the lakes water sports. While, for those with nature at the forefront of their minds, why not go for something a little different. Whether you’re looking for a Renault, ford, or VW campervan hire - you can drive on over to either Park Cliffe Camping Caravan Estate or Hill of Oaks Park - both are deserving picks and combine amazing lakeside locations and excellent facilities with awards from environmental bodies for either eco-friendly approach or contribution to Lake District conservation respectively.

Ullswater

Another star lake with plenty of Lake District camping sites is the beautiful Ullswater. Head to Waterfoot Park for tonnes of fun both out on the water and on the shore. The site sits in the grounds of a Georgian mansion and opens onto the Ullswater footpath, connecting you to the 4-main pier stops, the Ullswater steamers and Pooley Bridge village. Alternatively, The Quiet Site does exactly what it says on the tin while also boasting a fabulous Olde Style bar, excellent facilities and a gorgeous viewpoint over the country’s most beautiful lake.

Don’t overlook the lesser-known lakes when it comes to picking a site though. The National Trusts’ own Wasdale Camping sites lake District offers a peaceful, secluded and breathtakingly beautiful spot to pitch up. Another great option is Castlerigg Hall Caravan, and Camping Park, which boasts an elevated position overlooking Derwentwater Lake as well as some stunning woodland walks leading to either the lake, an ancient stone circle, or the charming town of Keswick.

There are some excellent motorhome sites in the Lake District, a little further from the lakes, that provide stunning panoramic views and are located next to multiple Lake District attractions. Sykeside Lake Distict Camping Sites is a particularly popular choice thanks to its stunning central Lake District location, incredible views and excellent facilities.

If you’re not sure where to even begin on your search for campervan hire in the Lake District, let me make it supe- duper easy for you… Yescapa is the easiest way to find a motorhome in the Lake District to suit you and your families needs. So why not surprise them this weekend? You know they deserve it!

Joseph T

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