Woodland glamping in North Pennines AONB

Not only a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the North Pennines are also an UNESCO-listed Global Geopark, making this vast region of moorland, meadow, woods, and waterways a must-see for any outdoor enthusiast. Home to one of England’s largest waterfalls, High Force, plus an array of native fauna, including black grouse, red squirrels, and short-eared owls, there’s plenty here for hikers, bikers, and wildlife watchers—especially during the bird breeding season of March to August. From wild-style sleeping beneath the stars to convenient caravan parks, here are our top camping spots for the region.

99% (168)

Top-rated campgrounds

Not only a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the North Pennines are also an UNESCO-listed Global Geopark, making this vast region of moorland, meadow, woods, and waterways a must-see for any outdoor enthusiast. Home to one of England’s largest waterfalls, High Force, plus an array of native fauna, including black grouse, red squirrels, and short-eared owls, there’s plenty here for hikers, bikers, and wildlife watchers—especially during the bird breeding season of March to August. From wild-style sleeping beneath the stars to convenient caravan parks, here are our top camping spots for the region.

99% (168)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. 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

2. Woodman's Huts

99%

(58)

3 units · Glamping · Cumbria, North West England

Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes

3. Camping at Cardewlees

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(47)

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

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

4. Broom Fisheries Campsite

4 units · Glamping · Dumfries, South Scotland

Luxury caravans ideally situated next to picturesque Scottish fishing lakes

5. 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

6. The Black Swan

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(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. Peaks and Pods

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(25)

5 units · Glamping · North Yorkshire, North East England

Luxury pods with extra special touches, sandwiched between the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales National Park

8. Fairy Bell Wood

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(10)

1 unit · Glamping · Lambrigg, England

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

9. Lake District Herdwick Huts

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(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.

10. Woodland Chase Glamping

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(1)

2 units · Glamping · Felton, England

Romantic, two-person cabins with hot tubs in Northumberland

11. Hollow Gill Huts

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(3)

3 units · Glamping · Settle, England

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

12. Hedgehope Retreat | Sleeps 6

1 unit · Glamping · Swarland, England

Hedgehope gains its namesake from one of the beautiful mountains within the cheviots, just a short journey away from where this luxury caravan is situated. Nestled within woodland that has stood for hundreds of years, this beautiful caravan offers the chance for a Northumbrian escape. We also pride ourselves in being as environmentally-friendly as possible so offset our carbon as a business! Hedgehope is encapsulated by a small area of woodland, allowing for beautiful scenery to be seen through the patio doors to the front of the caravan and running alongside also. Through the trees to the front of the retreat, views of the Cheviots can be seen, alongside the private golf course which can be used at your leisure throughout your stay at no extra cost, the course is 18 hole, par 72 and can be booked through the park reception. Also included within your stay is free access to the sports court, which can be used for tennis, 5-a-side or any other sports you can think of, a fantastic children’s adventure playground, situated next to the park’s reception and picnic tables, and of course the beautiful woods that surrounds Percy Wood holiday park. There is also a launderette on site, allowing for washing to be done easily one your longer stays. This retreat is situated on the edge of the idyllic village of Swarland, which boasts a well-kept sports centre with multiple facilities, a large children’s playground and many walks to chose from, as well as being in an excellent location with the A1 being only a 5-minute drive away, providing easy access to other parts of Northumberland. Within your stay, we will provide advice and guidance for the best places to visit whilst in this stunning part of the UK, but if you’re wondering what there is to do in Northumberland whilst booking your stay, let us boast about our amazing county. Alnwick is a 15-minute journey up the A1 from your stay, which is the traditional county town of Northumberland, it includes the incredible Alnwick castle and gardens; which you may recognise from movies such as Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, one of Europe’s largest second-hand book stores set in a Victorian train station and Alnwick playhouse; an arts centre, theatre and cinema. If you prefer the beach to towns, Northumberland is host to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, from Alnmouth to Amble, there is a variety of beaches to chose from that you can spend all day at. For more inland activities, you have the entirety of the county to chose from for countryside activities. The observatory in our national park, Cragside in Rothbury; which hosts some of the first ever hydraulic powered machinery, Ingram valley; for picnics in the south cheviots, you will never be bored on your trip to Northumberland.

Camper favorites in and near North Pennines AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Peaks and Pods

100%

(25)

5 units · Glamping · North Yorkshire, North East England

Luxury pods with extra special touches, sandwiched between the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales National Park

Fairy Bell Wood

100%

(10)

1 unit · Glamping · Lambrigg, England

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

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.

Woodland Chase Glamping

100%

(1)

2 units · Glamping · Felton, England

Romantic, two-person cabins with hot tubs in Northumberland

Hollow Gill Huts

100%

(3)

3 units · Glamping · Settle, England

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

Hedgehope Retreat | Sleeps 6

1 unit · Glamping · Swarland, England

Hedgehope gains its namesake from one of the beautiful mountains within the cheviots, just a short journey away from where this luxury caravan is situated. Nestled within woodland that has stood for hundreds of years, this beautiful caravan offers the chance for a Northumbrian escape. We also pride ourselves in being as environmentally-friendly as possible so offset our carbon as a business! Hedgehope is encapsulated by a small area of woodland, allowing for beautiful scenery to be seen through the patio doors to the front of the caravan and running alongside also. Through the trees to the front of the retreat, views of the Cheviots can be seen, alongside the private golf course which can be used at your leisure throughout your stay at no extra cost, the course is 18 hole, par 72 and can be booked through the park reception. Also included within your stay is free access to the sports court, which can be used for tennis, 5-a-side or any other sports you can think of, a fantastic children’s adventure playground, situated next to the park’s reception and picnic tables, and of course the beautiful woods that surrounds Percy Wood holiday park. There is also a launderette on site, allowing for washing to be done easily one your longer stays. This retreat is situated on the edge of the idyllic village of Swarland, which boasts a well-kept sports centre with multiple facilities, a large children’s playground and many walks to chose from, as well as being in an excellent location with the A1 being only a 5-minute drive away, providing easy access to other parts of Northumberland. Within your stay, we will provide advice and guidance for the best places to visit whilst in this stunning part of the UK, but if you’re wondering what there is to do in Northumberland whilst booking your stay, let us boast about our amazing county. Alnwick is a 15-minute journey up the A1 from your stay, which is the traditional county town of Northumberland, it includes the incredible Alnwick castle and gardens; which you may recognise from movies such as Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, one of Europe’s largest second-hand book stores set in a Victorian train station and Alnwick playhouse; an arts centre, theatre and cinema. If you prefer the beach to towns, Northumberland is host to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, from Alnmouth to Amble, there is a variety of beaches to chose from that you can spend all day at. For more inland activities, you have the entirety of the county to chose from for countryside activities. The observatory in our national park, Cragside in Rothbury; which hosts some of the first ever hydraulic powered machinery, Ingram valley; for picnics in the south cheviots, you will never be bored on your trip to Northumberland.

Stories from the 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.

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.

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 North Pennines AONB guide

Where to go

Consett and the Derwent Reservoir

On the eastern edge of the North Pennines, this rural region is a convenient launch point for wider Pennine exploration, with spacious, frill-free campgrounds and family-friendly holiday parks aplenty. Watersports enthusiasts can find plenty to do on the enormous reservoir, while Derwent Gorge and Muggleswick Grange are popular stops on the region’s rambling and riding trails.

Carlisle

Just beyond the western border of the North Pennines, the county town of Carlisle is an important railway hub, offering direct connection to London, Edinburgh, and beyond. The surrounding countryside is home to caravan parks, glamp sites, and working farms aplenty, ensuring easy access to the city, as well as AONB attractions such as the RSPB Geltsdale Nature Reserve and Cold Fell Mountain.

Haltwhistle

Nestled between the North Pennines and Northumberland National Park, and within a stone’s throw of Hadrian’s Wall, this rural parish is an ideal camping location for any outdoor enthusiast. A walking festival takes place bi-annually, ensuring an intimate glimpse of the historic region. Caravan parks, no-frills farmland, and exclusive glampsites provide plenty of accommodation options.

Barnard Castle and the Tees Valley

Overlooking the River Tees, this castle town just outside the Pennines is a popular destination for canoeists and anglers, as well as history lovers. From here, riverside rambles and waterside bike rides can take adventurers deep into the heart of the AONB via its intense waterfalls, while touring parks and farm sites provide plenty of overnight options. The area is also home to several adults-only sites.