Woodland glamping in Hamsterley Forest

With more than 2,000 hectares of wooded valleys and miles of forest trails to explore, Hamsterley Forest has outdoor adventures for all ages. Mountain bikers can choose from red, blue, and black grade trails, while kids will love the Gruffalo trail and Viking-themed playground. Look out for roe deer and woodland animals as you walk or horseback ride along the nature trails, put your map-reading skills to use on an orienteering course, or enjoy a picnic or barbecue beneath the trees. There’s no camping in the forest itself, but you’ll find plenty of options in the neighbouring North Pennines AONB.

98% (139)

Top-rated campgrounds near Hamsterley Forest

With more than 2,000 hectares of wooded valleys and miles of forest trails to explore, Hamsterley Forest has outdoor adventures for all ages. Mountain bikers can choose from red, blue, and black grade trails, while kids will love the Gruffalo trail and Viking-themed playground. Look out for roe deer and woodland animals as you walk or horseback ride along the nature trails, put your map-reading skills to use on an orienteering course, or enjoy a picnic or barbecue beneath the trees. There’s no camping in the forest itself, but you’ll find plenty of options in the neighbouring North Pennines AONB.

98% (139)

Top-rated campgrounds near Hamsterley Forest

1. Camping at Cardewlees

99%

(47)

37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Carlisle, England

A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall

2. Fairy Bell Wood

100%

(10)

1 unit · Glamping · Lambrigg, England

An off-grid yurt in a private woodland between the Lakes and the Dales

3. The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%

(60)

1 unit · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere

4. Woodland Chase Glamping

100%

(1)

2 units · Glamping · Felton, England

Romantic, two-person cabins with hot tubs in Northumberland

5. Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%

(108)

3 units · Glamping · Penrith, Cumbria, North West England

Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra

6. The Black Swan

100%

(26)

3 units · Glamping · Kirkby Stephen, England

Our three, brand new wood and canvas yurts are nestled in our private, woodland hotel garden beside the beautiful conservation (SSSI) river of Scandal Beck. Just a short drive from The Lake District, The Yorkshire and Durham Dales as well as The Scottish Border, we are perfectly located for you to explore. The yurts themselves are individually decorated with full size furniture, electricity and double beds. The yurts are all located in the garden of The Black Swan Hotel, Ravenstonedale, a multi award-winning hotel, restaurant and bar; recipient of 2 AA Rosettes as well as AA pub of the year for England 2018/19. As part of your stay in our yurts you will receive a full cooked breakfast and buffet option included in the price for 2 people in our hotel restaurant. We like to think of ourselves as a cosy home from home with a relaxed dining atmosphere throughout. We are very dog friendly in the hotel, restaurant, bar and yurts so please bring your furry family members. Our beautiful woodland is also home to red squirrels (which are seen daily), protected, freshwater crayfish in the river, an otter (seen very infrequently but the nemesis of our ducks), 6 Indian runner ducks, free range chickens and our two cockerels! (Dogs are very welcome but are to be kept on a lead whilst in the woodland itself). We are very dog friendly and charge an additional fee of £15 for 1 dog/ £20 for 2 dogs for an additional cleaning fee and for some dog friendly goodies such as poop bags and treats. The price of this yurt is based on an occupancy of 2 people. Any other people who will be staying on the sofa bed will add a charge of £40 per person per night for breakfast and their stay. All yurts come with electrical battery pack, chargeable lanterns, tea/coffee, homemade biscuits, log burning stoves, towels, full breakfast included from the hotel, an outdoor seating area and access to our outdoor toasty warm woodland shower as well as our very cute, wooden toilet cabin. Hairdryers are available in the hotel for your use.

7. Lake District Herdwick Huts

100%

(1)

5 units · Glamping · Rydal, England

You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. These beautiful huts are nestled underneath the Fairfield horseshoe mountain range and Nab scar, so there is no need to drive anywhere for the finest mountain hikes. With Rydal Lake, a wild swimmers hot spot, and waterfalls and plunge pools on site, it really is hard to beat! You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. Grasmere is on the doorstep, voted one of the top places to visit in the Lake District, with the famous '‘Coffin route’ walk offering a spectacular lake and mountain view stroll straight from your hut door. With low level to high level walks exploring the Lakes from Rydal caters for everyone. Ambleside and Grasmere are both walking distance for cafes, restaurants and cinemas and Rydal offers scenic off-road strolls to arrive by. Each with fresh linen, wood burning stove and cast iron gas hob, you are sure to be comfortable even in the thick of winter.

8. Freespirit Glamping

90%

(5)

5 units · Glamping · Pickering, England

We are located at Cliff Stud Retreat, a 220 acre former stud farm, just outside Helmsley on the foot of the North Yorkshire Moors. We are a top-rated luxury glamping site and we can't wait to welcome you! With amazing views and off a very quiet country lane that leads directly into the Moors, you'll be able to arrive, kick off your shoes and start relaxing, enjoying a beer and roasting marshmellows over the BBQ, whilst watching the sun go down. Our ethos is all about family, fun and living simply among nature. Our off-grid glamping site has just five, well spaced, luxury bell tents, each with their own allocated private compost toilet and shower. your own garden area with firepit, BBQ and seating area.

9. Hollow Gill Huts

100%

(3)

3 units · Glamping · Settle, England

Shepherd's huts with views across the Yorkshire Dales near Settle

10. Cliff Stud Retreat - Ski Lodge

3 units · Glamping · York, England

A 220 acre estate set within the traditional market town of Helmsley in. The North Yorkshire Moores. Two cosy cottages which sleep five people and three luxury lodges that sleep two each, set in a private forest. The cottages are ideal for families and we accept your four legged family members. The lodges are ideal for adult only escapes to the country.

Camper favorites in and near Hamsterley Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Woodland Chase Glamping

100%

(1)

2 units · Glamping · Felton, England

Romantic, two-person cabins with hot tubs in Northumberland

Ewe Love Camping Pods

98%

(108)

3 units · Glamping · Penrith, Cumbria, North West England

Modern Lake District glamping pods among the trees, with exceptional views of Blencathra

The Black Swan

100%

(26)

3 units · Glamping · Kirkby Stephen, England

Our three, brand new wood and canvas yurts are nestled in our private, woodland hotel garden beside the beautiful conservation (SSSI) river of Scandal Beck. Just a short drive from The Lake District, The Yorkshire and Durham Dales as well as The Scottish Border, we are perfectly located for you to explore. The yurts themselves are individually decorated with full size furniture, electricity and double beds. The yurts are all located in the garden of The Black Swan Hotel, Ravenstonedale, a multi award-winning hotel, restaurant and bar; recipient of 2 AA Rosettes as well as AA pub of the year for England 2018/19. As part of your stay in our yurts you will receive a full cooked breakfast and buffet option included in the price for 2 people in our hotel restaurant. We like to think of ourselves as a cosy home from home with a relaxed dining atmosphere throughout. We are very dog friendly in the hotel, restaurant, bar and yurts so please bring your furry family members. Our beautiful woodland is also home to red squirrels (which are seen daily), protected, freshwater crayfish in the river, an otter (seen very infrequently but the nemesis of our ducks), 6 Indian runner ducks, free range chickens and our two cockerels! (Dogs are very welcome but are to be kept on a lead whilst in the woodland itself). We are very dog friendly and charge an additional fee of £15 for 1 dog/ £20 for 2 dogs for an additional cleaning fee and for some dog friendly goodies such as poop bags and treats. The price of this yurt is based on an occupancy of 2 people. Any other people who will be staying on the sofa bed will add a charge of £40 per person per night for breakfast and their stay. All yurts come with electrical battery pack, chargeable lanterns, tea/coffee, homemade biscuits, log burning stoves, towels, full breakfast included from the hotel, an outdoor seating area and access to our outdoor toasty warm woodland shower as well as our very cute, wooden toilet cabin. Hairdryers are available in the hotel for your use.

Lake District Herdwick Huts

100%

(1)

5 units · Glamping · Rydal, England

You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. These beautiful huts are nestled underneath the Fairfield horseshoe mountain range and Nab scar, so there is no need to drive anywhere for the finest mountain hikes. With Rydal Lake, a wild swimmers hot spot, and waterfalls and plunge pools on site, it really is hard to beat! You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. Grasmere is on the doorstep, voted one of the top places to visit in the Lake District, with the famous '‘Coffin route’ walk offering a spectacular lake and mountain view stroll straight from your hut door. With low level to high level walks exploring the Lakes from Rydal caters for everyone. Ambleside and Grasmere are both walking distance for cafes, restaurants and cinemas and Rydal offers scenic off-road strolls to arrive by. Each with fresh linen, wood burning stove and cast iron gas hob, you are sure to be comfortable even in the thick of winter.

Freespirit Glamping

90%

(5)

5 units · Glamping · Pickering, England

We are located at Cliff Stud Retreat, a 220 acre former stud farm, just outside Helmsley on the foot of the North Yorkshire Moors. We are a top-rated luxury glamping site and we can't wait to welcome you! With amazing views and off a very quiet country lane that leads directly into the Moors, you'll be able to arrive, kick off your shoes and start relaxing, enjoying a beer and roasting marshmellows over the BBQ, whilst watching the sun go down. Our ethos is all about family, fun and living simply among nature. Our off-grid glamping site has just five, well spaced, luxury bell tents, each with their own allocated private compost toilet and shower. your own garden area with firepit, BBQ and seating area.

Hollow Gill Huts

100%

(3)

3 units · Glamping · Settle, England

Shepherd's huts with views across the Yorkshire Dales near Settle

Cliff Stud Retreat - Ski Lodge

3 units · Glamping · York, England

A 220 acre estate set within the traditional market town of Helmsley in. The North Yorkshire Moores. Two cosy cottages which sleep five people and three luxury lodges that sleep two each, set in a private forest. The cottages are ideal for families and we accept your four legged family members. The lodges are ideal for adult only escapes to the country.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

V

Virginia

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping at Cardewlees

Lovely location, beautiful views. Comfortable pod and great with enclosed garden for the dog. Good facilities too.

n

natasha

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Fairy Bell Wood

We stayed in the yurt at Fairy Glen Wood and it was just perfect. It had everything we needed for a relaxing little retreat peaceful, comfortable, and surrounded by nature. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely love to come back!

K

Kerry

September 2025

3 nights at The Damson Shepherd's Hut

I absolutely loved it here . It was my own piece of heaven ❤️

E

Elma

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Black Swan

Initially I wasn’t sure taking the lantern to do your (compost) toilet trip of 1.5 minutes but it worked as long as your mind doesn’t run wild in the dark when you’re on your own! But it all adds up to the whole experience of glamping without running water and electricity in the yurt. I loved the hot shower outside (I also used it to wash my hands after using the toilet), the sound of the stream, the hares who were very elusive, the log burner and the pub breakfast (included in the booking) and the pub food. I had to leave very early, it was still pitch black and I looked at the sky, it was magical with the stars and I even thought I could see 1-2 galaxies; I’m probably exaggerating but it was that clear without the light pollution. I loved the whole experience! Thank you!

L

Lisa

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Fairy Bell Wood

This is a truly beautiful space. We've stayed in lots of yurts and this is the nicest by far. It's fab to have somewhere to sit inside if you need. But lovely spots outside too. The kitchen area is really useful and has everything you'd need. We followed the instructions for the shower and it worked perfectly. I loved the full length window to lay in bed and watch the sunset. Best of all if you're as anti social as me..... It's totally on it own! We re already planning our next visit.

K

Kitty

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Freespirit Glamping

Andy was really helpful, the site was perfect for what we wanted. Peaceful, time with the family and to go back to basic living. We will definitely go again had an amazing time. Close enough to the coast if you want to coast and lots to do around the area.

S

Saskia

July 2025

3 nights at Ewe Love Camping Pods

We had a wonderful little getaway here, exactly what we needed nice and quiet and surrounded by nature, the pod was clean and cosy and provided everything you need for a stay. The bbq was really nice and worked well. Can was really wonderful and helpful especially with a little mishap we had. 10/10 I would recommend going here and we will definitely be back!

Nicholas

July 2025

4 nights at Ewe Love Camping Pods

Another brilliant stay. Can't fault it. Will be returning.

S

Steve

July 2025

6 nights at Freespirit Glamping

A wonderful experience of nature Just getting away from the big city and enjoying some quality time away from distraction. Truly a wonderful place

T

Tim

June 2025

Weekend Trip to The Damson Shepherd's Hut

It was an outstanding stay at Jo's place. It was everything we wanted - quiet, peaceful, and very pretty. This was the ideal Lakes location.

L

Lisa

May 2025

3 nights at The Damson Shepherd's Hut

What a delightful little find. Absolutely lovely little hut in total isolation. Everything you need to get away from it all. Perfect evening sitting outside by the fire listening to the countryside. But equally great tucked up inside with the log burner on listening to the pouring rain.

Charles

May 2025

Weekend Trip to The Damson Shepherd's Hut

Cosy hut in a perfect location, I would highly recommend.

J

John

May 2025

Weekend Trip to The Damson Shepherd's Hut

Beautiful little hut, on an incredibly picturesque plot of land. We had everything we needed (including the weather) to make for a great couple of days. Jo was amazing. Thank you

A

Alex

May 2025

2 nights at Ewe Love Camping Pods

A lovely stay, with excellent facilities and a great view! Would recommend to anyone looking for a destination in the Keswick area.

D

Darcey

April 2025

2 nights at The Black Swan

This was such an amazing place to say! It was so accommodating! Teas and coffees, a cosy bed and fire, It was such bliss after a day of hiking. Lovely time

T

Tom

April 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Black Swan

Great experience, lovely comfortable Yurt and super close to the Pub for luxury. Great combo! Plus we saw red squirrels in the ground! The kids loved this trip.

E

Esther

April 2025

With pets

2 nights at Hollow Gill Huts

My daughter and I just returned from a 2 night stay. The accommodation, the view, the hospitality and the lovely little extra touches made us feel so welcome and exceeded all expectations. The accommodation was clean and bright and had everything we needed and more. Emma was a superb host and nothing was too much trouble. What an absolutely perfect getaway in the quiet, watching the sunrise and the sunset with the sounds of the birds, seeing the rabbits running around. Simply cannot recommend this place enough for couples or families.

E

Eleanor

March 2025

Weekend Trip to Ewe Love Camping Pods

An amazing stay, amazing location with an even better view! The pods were well equipped and the underfloor heating was amazing. I will definitely be returning. Perfect location for our hike up Blencathra.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Woodland glamping in Hamsterley Forest guide

When to go

Summer is the most popular time to visit Hamsterley Forest, but it can get busy. Set out early to snag a parking spot and get a jump on the crowds. Outdoor activities are possible year-round, and it’s worth revisiting to make the most of each season. Come in spring to stroll through the bluebell woods, in fall to admire the changing leaves, or in winter for crisp walks through the snow.

Know before you go

Haldon Forest is located on the eastern edge of the North Pennines AONB, about a 30-minute drive from Durham.
You will need your own transport, as there are no public transport links to the park. Paid parking is available.
There are restrooms and a café in the park.
Some of the park’s trails are wheelchair accessible.