Eskdale Family Camping & Caravanning Holidays, Cumbria
Boot, Holmbrook, Cumbria
This beautiful family campsite, high up in the Lake District, is open from 1st March 2011 - 14th January 2012.
The Eskdale campsite is not the most accessible of campsites in the Lake District but it has certainly got to be ranked highly as one of the most stunning locations. Walkers can reach England's highest peak - Scafell Pike - and England's deepest lake - the awe-inspiring Wastwater - from the site. There are also walks for those who prefer flatter paths, including one that follows the route of the River Esk. The beauty of Eskdale and indeed the Western Lakes is that it is completely off the radar for the hordes of tourists, which is a blessing for those who want to experience the 'real' Lake District.
Eskdale Campsite is part of the Camping and Caravanning Club, which recognises how important it is for campers especially with children to find clean amenity blocks with a high standard of fixtures and fittings - this particular one has a family shower room. You also have additional on-site laundry facilities and there is a really useful drying room, which allows you to store and dry wet clothes and boots securely.
There are three camping fields available with the family camping area having no through road to allow kids to play safely. Next to the family camping field is a small wooded area - great for little legs to explore and there is a large trampoline with safety enclosure.
The children's outdoor playground consists of a couple of swings next to where the wooden pods are located. The Site shop sells local meat from Bewleys Butchers and organic bread, pies and cakes from Millstones Artisan Bakery as well as milk and fishing nets, which are ideal for the nearby tumbling Whillan Beck river.
Your pitch will be available after noon on your arrival day and you will need to vacate it before noon on your last days stay.
Camping Barn at Eskdale, Cumbria
This traditional Lakeland barn, recently converted, sleeps up to eight comfortably - the front door entrance has a restricted head height! Perfect for walking, cycling or family groups this fully-equipped, luxury camping barn provides everything you need for a break in this idyllic part of the Lake District. Downstairs the modern kitchen is fully equipped for preparing breakfast and evening meals; includes all crockery/pans, microwave, fridge, cooker, kettle, toaster and hot water. A wood-burning stove will keep you warm and toasty whatever the season. Up the spiral staircase is the sleeping area. Comfy camp beds provided - just bring your own sleeping bags and pillows. Just a stones throw from heated showers, shop and family room. Take advantage of the BBQ area by day or simply sit and look up at the stars by night.
Camping Pods at Eskdale
Fancy the thought of camping beneath the stars at one of the Lakes' most beautiful remote valleys but don't want the hassle involved with pitching a tent? At Eskdale you and your family can leave the tent at home but still experience a camping holiday in the great outdoors. Eskdale's ten Camping Pods have been designed to fit in with the glorious Lakeland countryside around Eskdale. Ten Pods are available - each sleeps four with portable gas heating and battery operated lighting.
Things to do and Family Days Out in Cumbria
The scenery and walks are amazing and varied from the campsite. The village of Boot boasts three traditional Lakeland pubs within easy walking distance of the site and is home to Eskdale Mill, one of the oldest water powered corn mills in England (the last remaining working mill in the Lake District). The Ravenglass and Eskdale narrow gauge steam railway - La'al Ratty - terminates at Dalegarth Station, a few minutes' walk from the campsite. This is a very popular attraction and a great day out for all the family!
Hardknott and Wrynose Pass offer a thrilling car ride over the mountains to Ambleside and Windermere - not for the faint hearted and certainly to be avoided in bad weather and the route is unsuitable for motorhomes and vehicles towing! The waterfall Stanley Ghyll Force is 60ft high in a dramatic deep and narrow gorge.
Muncaster Castle has an interactive facility in the Old Dairy. It gives visitors more information on the castle, gardens and owls as well as games and quizzes. The quiet, undiscovered coast of Cumbria and the Roman harbour at Ravenglass are a short drive away.
Ps Avoid sat nav navigation which will may direct you over the Wrynose and Hardnott passes - Englands steepest road with gradients of up to 1 in 3.