Riverside 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.

98% (51)

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.

98% (51)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Camping at Cardewlees

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

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

2. King Garth

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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.

3. The Black Swan

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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.

4. Hut in the Sheep Wash

1 unit · Glamping · Grizedale, England

A shepherd’s hut in it’s own riverside field in Cumbria

5. Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash

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3 units · Glamping · Hawes, North Yorkshire, North East England

Smardale Mill Shepods are the perfect place to escape, unwind and relax. These modern style shepherds huts are tucked away in an idyllic setting in Cumbria. Situated on a working family farm there is always plenty to see and do. Each shepod sleeps two comfortably with the option of a further two guests on the sofa bed.

6. Lake District Herdwick Huts

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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.

7. Inside Out Yurts

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(9)

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

Rustic yurt glamping with a riverside setting, fell views and an enviable Lake District location

Camper favorites in and near North Pennines AONB

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Hut in the Sheep Wash

1 unit · Glamping · Grizedale, England

A shepherd’s hut in it’s own riverside field in Cumbria

Smardale Mill Shepods The Ash

88%

(4)

3 units · Glamping · Hawes, North Yorkshire, North East England

Smardale Mill Shepods are the perfect place to escape, unwind and relax. These modern style shepherds huts are tucked away in an idyllic setting in Cumbria. Situated on a working family farm there is always plenty to see and do. Each shepod sleeps two comfortably with the option of a further two guests on the sofa bed.

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.

Inside Out Yurts

100%

(9)

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

Rustic yurt glamping with a riverside setting, fell views and an enviable Lake District location

Stories from the community

E

Ellen

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to King Garth

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 :)

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.

S

Sean

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to King Garth

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.

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

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 :)

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

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.

L

Lucy

June 2025

Weekend Trip to King Garth

Absolutely beautiful place to stay. Had everything we needed and sitting by candlelight was lovely

Pridie

June 2025

With pets

1 night at King Garth

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.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Riverside 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.