- Hamsterley Forest
The best pets off leash campsites in Hamsterley Forest
75% (8) • 31 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Hamsterley Forest
King Garth
1. King Garth
100%
(9)
1 unit · Glamping · Carlisle, England
Built in 1733, King Garth is also known as The Old Customs House, reflecting its role in these fraught times of smuggling. Its strategic position on the banks of The Eden served as the perfect lookout for a bailiff employed by Carlisle Corporation to protect the very important salmon fishery. The plaques on the building which commemorate the visits by Mayors date back to the 1700s. These visits no doubt involved indulgent banquets centring around freshly caught salmon
I grew up on the opposite side of the river. On family walks along the Eden I was always fascinated by the house on the other side sited in such an amazing position.
In 2010, when I returned to Cumbria I was amazed to hear that this house was for sale. It was a ruin and everyone told me I was mad..... I probably was a little! But I soon realised that I wasn’t alone in my love of this house, everyone I met from the surrounding villages had a tale to tell about this iconic place. King Garth is for sharing - with locals, (we have an annual barbecue), with wildlife and with people like you.
The aim when renovating King Garth was to celebrate and embrace its history. King Garth is off grid and has no running water. It is furnished in a style to reflect its history. It isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’: you have to drive a mile down a muddy lane, there is no hot shower, no electric lighting, and a compost toilet. BUT we offer beautiful evenings of candle light, log burner, hot tub under the stars and bathing in the river.
My priority with King Garth and the land attached was to manage in a way to protect the abundant wildlife. There are also alpacas who you can look after during your stay.
You will be astounded by the din the birds make at dawn and dusk!
Inside the house there is an owl box where one summer a pair of barn owls successfully raised chicks. Since then a kestrel frequents the box and has twice laid there.
This part of the Eden is tidal so both estuarine and river species co exist. Kingfishers and otters are often spotted And even the occasional seal! Kinggarth comes with fishing rights and if you want to fish this can be arranged with the host.
The bird feeders are frequented by tree sparrows, yellow hammers, wood peckers, nut hatches and in winter red poll.
Pets
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£80
/ night
Grinsdale Campsite
2. Grinsdale Campsite
1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · England
Wild camping with water and toilets on site, also the King Charles coastal path, just 2 minutes from Hadrians Wall and next to the River Eden.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
£16
/ night
Rowan Retreat
3. Rowan Retreat
1 unit · Glamping · England
Shepherd's hut in idylic location with extensive views under dark skies,set on its own in a private 5 acre field amidst nature,semi off grid,decking under a canopy,firepit area, centrally located for Lake District,Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland and Scottish borders.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£68
/ night
Lake District Herdwick Huts
4. 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.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£110
/ night
75% (8) • 31 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Hamsterley Forest
King Garth
1. King Garth
100%
(9)
1 unit · Glamping · Carlisle, England
Built in 1733, King Garth is also known as The Old Customs House, reflecting its role in these fraught times of smuggling. Its strategic position on the banks of The Eden served as the perfect lookout for a bailiff employed by Carlisle Corporation to protect the very important salmon fishery. The plaques on the building which commemorate the visits by Mayors date back to the 1700s. These visits no doubt involved indulgent banquets centring around freshly caught salmon
I grew up on the opposite side of the river. On family walks along the Eden I was always fascinated by the house on the other side sited in such an amazing position.
In 2010, when I returned to Cumbria I was amazed to hear that this house was for sale. It was a ruin and everyone told me I was mad..... I probably was a little! But I soon realised that I wasn’t alone in my love of this house, everyone I met from the surrounding villages had a tale to tell about this iconic place. King Garth is for sharing - with locals, (we have an annual barbecue), with wildlife and with people like you.
The aim when renovating King Garth was to celebrate and embrace its history. King Garth is off grid and has no running water. It is furnished in a style to reflect its history. It isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’: you have to drive a mile down a muddy lane, there is no hot shower, no electric lighting, and a compost toilet. BUT we offer beautiful evenings of candle light, log burner, hot tub under the stars and bathing in the river.
My priority with King Garth and the land attached was to manage in a way to protect the abundant wildlife. There are also alpacas who you can look after during your stay.
You will be astounded by the din the birds make at dawn and dusk!
Inside the house there is an owl box where one summer a pair of barn owls successfully raised chicks. Since then a kestrel frequents the box and has twice laid there.
This part of the Eden is tidal so both estuarine and river species co exist. Kingfishers and otters are often spotted And even the occasional seal! Kinggarth comes with fishing rights and if you want to fish this can be arranged with the host.
The bird feeders are frequented by tree sparrows, yellow hammers, wood peckers, nut hatches and in winter red poll.
Pets
Campfires
Hot Tub
from
£80
/ night
Grinsdale Campsite
2. Grinsdale Campsite
1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · England
Wild camping with water and toilets on site, also the King Charles coastal path, just 2 minutes from Hadrians Wall and next to the River Eden.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
£16
/ night
Rowan Retreat
3. Rowan Retreat
1 unit · Glamping · England
Shepherd's hut in idylic location with extensive views under dark skies,set on its own in a private 5 acre field amidst nature,semi off grid,decking under a canopy,firepit area, centrally located for Lake District,Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland and Scottish borders.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£68
/ night
Lake District Herdwick Huts
4. 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.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£110
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
E
Ellen
October 2025
Group trip
We absolutely loved our stay at King Garth! It is located in such a tranquil location beside the river and away from other houses, but with alpacas for company! The hot tub was perfect to relax in and we enjoyed a cosy, candlelit evening inside by the fire afterwards! It was fascinating to read about the history of the building too! Will definitely be back :)
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S
Sean
August 2025
With pets
We stayed as a birthday treat for my 12 year old. 2 adults, 4 children and our dog. It was a truly fantastic stay from start to finish. Such a unique house and experience. The kids absolutely loved swimming in the river, looking after the alpacas, the hot tub and going back to basics. It was lovely seeing them enjoying themselves with no distractions of the modern world. Games by candle light and food over the bbq, what more could you ask for. Jane was fantastic and made sure we knew everything that was needed before we arrived. Can’t wait to come back.
See moreL
Lucy
August 2025
1 night at King Garth
A truly unique stay in a beautiful location. The lane was a little challenging in my picanto but we managed it and was well worth the trip! So much provided in terms of wood, charcoal, crockery candles! Would definitely stay again :)
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K
Kirsten
August 2025
2 nights at King Garth
We loved staying at the beautiful King Garth, the hot tub was perfect after getting the fire going and sitting in candle light, in front of the fire is the most comforting feeling in the world. A very quiet and peaceful sight with gorgeous views and riverside walks with a pub about 30 mins walk away. We did get lost on the way to the cottage so make sure to follow the map to cargo village and not the middle of a field on the other side of the river 🤣 We even got to feed alpacas and theyre very funny little characters and very friendly. We will be staying again and very recommended
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H
Harrison
July 2025
Weekend Trip to King Garth
What an incredible piece of land. The house holds so much history and retains so much of the original charm. The privacy, quietness, and abundant nature was incredibly therapeutic and relaxing. Jane was great at communicating and we had no issues with anything.
See moreL
Lucy
June 2025
Weekend Trip to King Garth
Absolutely beautiful place to stay. Had everything we needed and sitting by candlelight was lovely
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Pridie
June 2025
With pets
This is a very special place. A chance to step back in time and live simply - supper by candlelight, games played beside a roaring fire, dips in the river. We visited when the elder was full in blossom and the willows whispered full-leafed in the wind. Walking along the river edge was like exploring the mangroves in tropical rainforest - a magical experience for kids, dogs and adults alike! We feel like we've just slipped back into history, sat in the window watching the river, we half expected to see boats carrying cargo past to Carlisle...
Go prepared to step back in time and live simply. Everything you need is provided - candles, wood, crockery - there is a woodfired tub that you can heat yourselves, a beautifully simple kitchen set up with a water system that is carefully thought out, and a compost loo.
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The best pets off leash campsites 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.