Campsites with campfires near Ullswater

Surrounded by high fells including the imposing peak of Helvellyn, Ullswater offers Lake District camping and glamping at its best. The glassy waters of England’s second largest lake reflect the stunning scenery that surrounds it and there are a cluster of pretty villages and places to visit on its shores. No wonder it’s often claimed to be the most beautiful lake in England. Its natural beauty was not lost on the poet William Wordsworth who wrote of “wandering lonely as a cloud” in his most famous poem, Daffodils, about this area.

Tempted yet? You should be. As you’d expect from an area that’s been attracting visitors for a couple of hundred years, the place thrives on tourism and yet manages to have avoided the level of crowding that can happen around it’s bigger sister in the south, Windermere. All this adds up to make Ullswater a pretty perfect spot to pitch up for a camping holiday. And there’s glamping too. The Hipcamp team have sought out some of the best glamping in the Lake District from bell tents and yurts to shepherds’ huts, camping pods and cabins, and you can rest assured that some of it can be found around the edges of Ullswater.

Whether you’re following in the footsteps of the famous Lakeland fell walker Alfred Wainwright, peak-bagging, fell running, kayaking, sightseeing or wild swimming it’s likely you’ll be satisfied with Ullswater. As a Lake District destination, Ullswater offers it all so it’s an incredible place for a camping or Glamping Holiday. There are cosy pubs and quaint villages like Pooley Bridge and Dacre to explore with historic grand manor houses like Dalemain at the other end of the scale. You can cruise across the lake on a historic Ullswater Steamer or use your own initiative to sail, row or paddle around its edges. On land, you can visit the spot that inspired Wordsworth’s most famous poem at Glencoyne Bay and wander up to see the 65ft Aira Force waterfall nearby. You can base yourself near the village of Glenridding for a handy launching point to conquer Helvellyn’s 950 metres or set off on the Ullswater Way footpath around the lake’s shores. Choose camping or glamping near Ullswater and you’re well placed to discover the rest of the Lake District’s treasures too. The largest of England’s 10 national parks, its vast 900 square miles includes England’s highest mountains and largest lakes and is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more information on things to do in the area visit the Lake District National Park website.