Barns near Hawkshead with a private bathroom
Camp near Hawkshead for prime access to freshwater lakes, coastal views, and artsy forests.
- Hawkshead
Popular camping styles for Hawkshead
Barns near Hawkshead with a private bathroom guide
Overview
Get a dose of traditional North West England charm in Hawkshead village—an area bursting with whimsy and a variety of camping opportunities. Hawkshead falls within the boundaries of Lake District National Park—England’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View unique artworks nestled in the woods of Grizedale Forest, cruise around Coniston Water by kayak, and watch the ever-changing tides in Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Then, cosy up in a wooden bunkie, set up a tent on a grass pitch, or drive the motorhome into a holiday park with fully-equipped caravan sites before venturing off to explore more of the region.
Where to go
Grizedale Forest
A 10-minute drive south brings campers to Grizedale Forest, where creative forces and mother nature combine. Stroll through 4,000 hectares of woodland and discover outdoor sculptures dotted throughout the landscape. Campers can walk, bike, and horseback ride on numerous trails, ranging from 1–16 kilometres long. Spend the night at bunkies, wooden pods, and yurts that are situated within the forest boundary. Or pitch a tent at the campsite area with toilets and showers—it’s also dog-friendly.
Coniston Water
Refresh at Coniston Water—one of England's biggest lakes—situated 15 minutes southwest of Hawkshead. It’s 8-kilometres long and boasts excellent spots for swimming, fishing, and boating. Find more fun on shore, where campers can conquer the Old Man Coniston hike—a 6-kilometre circular loop that delivers gorgeous views of the lake below. Camping options at Coniston Water include grass and hardstanding pitches with individual electrical hookups, and many nearby private campsites also offer communal flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities.
Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
A mixture of rolling hills, woodlands, and coastal shoreline awaits in Arnside & Silverdale AONB. Head to Morecambe Bay and plan to arrive when “The Bore” rushes in—an awe-inspiring tidal wave. Then, take to the hills and get a panoramic view from Arnside Knott or Warton Crag. Both hills have several walking trails and prime areas for birdwatching. There are several nearby holiday parks equipped with full hookups, as well as tent-friendly pitches on farmland and luxurious lakeside glampsites well-suited for anglers.
When to go
May, June, and July are peak travel times around Hawskead for campers seeking the driest weather and warmest temperatures. August can be unpredictable and rain is very common until March. The weather throughout the year is mild, with temperatures staying above freezing and under 20°C at their hottest. When planning activities, make sure to double-check dates of operation. Guided cruises in Coniston Water only run from spring until the end of October.
