Campsites near Pooley Bridge

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Nestled in Cumbria’s Lake District National Park is the charming waterside village of Pooley Bridge. After taking in the traditional stone buildings, shops, cafes, and pubs in town, campers can explore nearby nature with a leisurely stroll along Ullswater Lake. On a warm day, campers can boat, canoe, and kayak on the serene waters, as well. Walk through ancient trees and enjoy the impressive cascades of the Aira Force waterfall nestled between beautiful woodlands. Or travel to the nearby village of Glenridding, where activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and sailing abound. Pitch a tent near the village, park the caravan in a holiday park under the night sky, or rest in style in private glamping pods nestled in the surrounding nature of Pooley Bridge.

96% (634)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camping Field

12. Stretton House Campsite

92%
(12)
144km from Pooley Bridge · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
If you like the sound of having farm shops and ice cream farms nearby, as well as access to lots of walking and cycling trails, Stretton House Campsite should be a fine pick for you. It has a strict no noise policy after 10pm, meaning that you should get a peaceful night's sleep too. This site is in the grounds of the 400-year-old Stretton House surrounded by the Cheshire countryside with handy transport links nearby and outdoor activities in no short supply… that includes things like alpaca walking, golf or Manley Mere’s watersports haven (a 20-minute drive away for the latter). You’ll have your pick of two fields, both with car parking by the pitch free of charge and dogs allowed. The facilities include separate male and female toilet blocks, pay per use shower block, mobile phone charging facilities, free wifi and chemical toilet disposal and a drinking water standpipe. You’ll have permission to start up a barbecue or firepit too (subject to the correct safety measures). When you’re ready to get going, the friendly owners will be willing to help out however they can and suggest possible days out, which may include fishing or walking at Pickmere Lake (10 minutes’ drive), visiting an ice cream farm (within 10 minutes’ drive of the site) or going to the local golf course (five minutes’ drive). For food, there’s a farm shop just two minutes’ walk away from the site where you’ll be able to get your hands on local produce. Pubs aren’t far away either – there is one pub five minutes' walk away, and another 15 minutes' walk away. Festival goers are very welcome, and the Creamfields Festival site is five minutes’ drive away. Please respect the quiet hours (no noise is permitted after 10pm) and environment, as the owners' home is on the grounds (and stick to the field's facilities only). No waste accepted onsite. All rubbish must be taken home at the end of your stay.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night
Bowcliffe is our latest addition to the site and is available for booking from May 2024.

18. Ravensdale Glamping Retreats

100%
(3)
124km from Pooley Bridge · 4 units · Glamping · England
Discover a unique short getaway with just two or three days to spare! Enjoy your own private hot tub or outdoor bath, a BBQ, and a spacious patio—all included! Our glamping pods offer the perfect retreat for couples seeking a romantic weekend or families wanting to enjoy the great outdoors. Nestled on a charming old dairy farm and overlooking a tranquil pond, our beautifully designed, luxurious, and fully-equipped pods provide an ideal base for exploring the picturesque surroundings. A brand-new pod was added Summer 2025 bringing the total pods to just four! Located near the historic city of York, Castle Howard, and plenty of pubs, restaurants, and shopping destinations, there's something for everyone. Celebrate special occasions in style with our exclusive packages. Ravensdale Glamping Retreats is the perfect spot to create lasting memories with loved ones. Plus, our dog-friendly pods mean your furry friends can join in the adventure too!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£150
 / night
King Garth

19. King Garth

100%
(9)
37km from Pooley Bridge · 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
Trash
from 
£80
 / night

Nestled in Cumbria’s Lake District National Park is the charming waterside village of Pooley Bridge. After taking in the traditional stone buildings, shops, cafes, and pubs in town, campers can explore nearby nature with a leisurely stroll along Ullswater Lake. On a warm day, campers can boat, canoe, and kayak on the serene waters, as well. Walk through ancient trees and enjoy the impressive cascades of the Aira Force waterfall nestled between beautiful woodlands. Or travel to the nearby village of Glenridding, where activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and sailing abound. Pitch a tent near the village, park the caravan in a holiday park under the night sky, or rest in style in private glamping pods nestled in the surrounding nature of Pooley Bridge.

96% (634)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camping Field

12. Stretton House Campsite

92%
(12)
144km from Pooley Bridge · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
If you like the sound of having farm shops and ice cream farms nearby, as well as access to lots of walking and cycling trails, Stretton House Campsite should be a fine pick for you. It has a strict no noise policy after 10pm, meaning that you should get a peaceful night's sleep too. This site is in the grounds of the 400-year-old Stretton House surrounded by the Cheshire countryside with handy transport links nearby and outdoor activities in no short supply… that includes things like alpaca walking, golf or Manley Mere’s watersports haven (a 20-minute drive away for the latter). You’ll have your pick of two fields, both with car parking by the pitch free of charge and dogs allowed. The facilities include separate male and female toilet blocks, pay per use shower block, mobile phone charging facilities, free wifi and chemical toilet disposal and a drinking water standpipe. You’ll have permission to start up a barbecue or firepit too (subject to the correct safety measures). When you’re ready to get going, the friendly owners will be willing to help out however they can and suggest possible days out, which may include fishing or walking at Pickmere Lake (10 minutes’ drive), visiting an ice cream farm (within 10 minutes’ drive of the site) or going to the local golf course (five minutes’ drive). For food, there’s a farm shop just two minutes’ walk away from the site where you’ll be able to get your hands on local produce. Pubs aren’t far away either – there is one pub five minutes' walk away, and another 15 minutes' walk away. Festival goers are very welcome, and the Creamfields Festival site is five minutes’ drive away. Please respect the quiet hours (no noise is permitted after 10pm) and environment, as the owners' home is on the grounds (and stick to the field's facilities only). No waste accepted onsite. All rubbish must be taken home at the end of your stay.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night
Bowcliffe is our latest addition to the site and is available for booking from May 2024.

18. Ravensdale Glamping Retreats

100%
(3)
124km from Pooley Bridge · 4 units · Glamping · England
Discover a unique short getaway with just two or three days to spare! Enjoy your own private hot tub or outdoor bath, a BBQ, and a spacious patio—all included! Our glamping pods offer the perfect retreat for couples seeking a romantic weekend or families wanting to enjoy the great outdoors. Nestled on a charming old dairy farm and overlooking a tranquil pond, our beautifully designed, luxurious, and fully-equipped pods provide an ideal base for exploring the picturesque surroundings. A brand-new pod was added Summer 2025 bringing the total pods to just four! Located near the historic city of York, Castle Howard, and plenty of pubs, restaurants, and shopping destinations, there's something for everyone. Celebrate special occasions in style with our exclusive packages. Ravensdale Glamping Retreats is the perfect spot to create lasting memories with loved ones. Plus, our dog-friendly pods mean your furry friends can join in the adventure too!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£150
 / night
King Garth

19. King Garth

100%
(9)
37km from Pooley Bridge · 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
Trash
from 
£80
 / night

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Campsites near Pooley Bridge guide

Where to go

Ullswater Lake

Eight minutes away from Pooley Bridge sits Lake Ullswater. Campers can rent rowing boats, kayaks, and canoes, or even take a leisurely cruise on one of the traditional steamers that operate on the lake. Anglers may want to cast their lines from the shore for a day of fishing for species like brown trout, pike, perch, and roach. Or hike The Ullswater Way, a 20-mile circular walking route that takes you around the lake, passing through woodlands, charming villages, and along the lakeshore. Caravan campers can park lakeside in one of the on-site camping parks that offer electric hookups, showers, and laundry facilities. Or set up in nearby tent pitches for a tranquil experience with basic facilities.

Aira Force

Situated in the Lake District, Aira Force is a majestic 20-metre waterfall. Campers can hike the Aira Force Circular Walk to marvel at the beauty of the waterfall from different angles. Find designated picnic areas to relax and enjoy a packed lunch amidst the sound of the water. Keep an eye out for a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers and nuthatches. Campers can combine their visit with walks to other nearby attractions, such as Gowbarrow Fell or the Ullswater shoreline, via the connecting trails. Then, return to a nearby campsite for tents, campervans, or motorhomes.

Glenridding

Just a short drive out of Pooley Bridge sits the charming village of Glenridding, offering campers stunning views of the fells and access to Ullswater Lake. Campers can engage in activities such as hiking, boating, and fishing, or mountain biking along picturesque trails, including the challenging ascent of Helvellyn. Area campsites provide convenient bases with beautiful surroundings and amenities like shower and toilet facilities, electric hookups, and laundry facilities.

When to go

Spring weather in Pooley Bridge tends to be mild, with occasional showers and increasing daylight hours. Summer brings warmer temperatures, averaging around 19°C. Autumn offers cooler temperatures and colourful foliage, but rain becomes more frequent. Winter is the off-season for camping, characterised by colder temperatures around 6°C, shorter daylight hours, and the possibility of snowfall.