- Glamping with hot tubs
Glamping with hot tubs in Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve
100% (48) • 54 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve
Camping at Cardewlees
1. Camping at Cardewlees
99%
(47)
Carlisle, England · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£16
/ night
King Garth
2. King Garth
100%
(9)
Carlisle, England · 1 unit
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
Cooking equipment
from
£80
/ night
Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts
3. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts
100%
(13)
Brampton, England · 2 units
Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£210
/ night
Broom Fisheries Campsite
4. Broom Fisheries Campsite
Newbie, Scotland · 4 units
Luxury caravans ideally situated next to picturesque Scottish fishing lakes
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£167
/ night
Pirnie Lodge Farm
5. Pirnie Lodge Farm
100%
(2)
Slamannan, Scotland · 3 units
Lodges with hot tubs in peaceful countryside near Falkirk
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from
£152
/ night
Ayrshire Airstream
6. Ayrshire Airstream
100%
(2)
Irvine, Scotland · 1 unit
A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£187
/ night
Garrison Shepherd's Huts
7. Garrison Shepherd's Huts
100%
(2)
Bowness On Solway, England · 4 units
Shepherd’s hut glamping near Hadrian’s Wall and the Solway Firth.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from
£100
/ night
100% (48) • 54 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve
Camping at Cardewlees
1. Camping at Cardewlees
99%
(47)
Carlisle, England · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming, family-run farm campsite between the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£16
/ night
King Garth
2. King Garth
100%
(9)
Carlisle, England · 1 unit
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
Cooking equipment
from
£80
/ night
Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts
3. Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts
100%
(13)
Brampton, England · 2 units
Two yurts with hot tubs in the Cumbrian countryside just a mile away from Hadrian’s Wall
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£210
/ night
Broom Fisheries Campsite
4. Broom Fisheries Campsite
Newbie, Scotland · 4 units
Luxury caravans ideally situated next to picturesque Scottish fishing lakes
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from
£167
/ night
Pirnie Lodge Farm
5. Pirnie Lodge Farm
100%
(2)
Slamannan, Scotland · 3 units
Lodges with hot tubs in peaceful countryside near Falkirk
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from
£152
/ night
Ayrshire Airstream
6. Ayrshire Airstream
100%
(2)
Irvine, Scotland · 1 unit
A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£187
/ night
Garrison Shepherd's Huts
7. Garrison Shepherd's Huts
100%
(2)
Bowness On Solway, England · 4 units
Shepherd’s hut glamping near Hadrian’s Wall and the Solway Firth.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from
£100
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
E
Ellen
October 2025
Group trip
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 :)
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S
Sean
August 2025
With pets
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.
See moreL
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 :)
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L
Louise
August 2025
With kids
Absolutely everything about the site was immaculate and so carefully thought out. Beautiful yurts, beautiful surroundings and the most amazing glamping trip.
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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
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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.
See moreL
Lucy
June 2025
Weekend Trip to King Garth
Absolutely beautiful place to stay. Had everything we needed and sitting by candlelight was lovely
See moreJ
Jon
June 2025
Weekend Trip to Hadrian's Wall Country Yurts
Caroline was fantastic! She made the check-in and check out so easy and ensured our comfort throughout, and the yurt and its facilities were perfect! This place is a gem!
External cooking facilities were great, as was the wood fired hot tub!....perfect for a just needed getaway!
Would certainly stay here again and again!...the yurts décor and cleanliness was exceptional.
Top tip...order the pizza oven...its really worth it.
Thanks again Caroline....
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Pridie
June 2025
With pets
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.
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Dan
January 2025
2 nights at Pirnie Lodge Farm
From the minute we arrived Anne was welcoming and gave us all the information to do with the lodge, the lodge itself was spotless and felt homely from the minute we walked in. Anne also left a welcome pack which was an added bonus, the hot tub was ready on arrival and Anne also shown us how to use this before leaving
Anne gave us recommendations on places to visit and where we could go for days out, we were recommended the milk barn which was delicious, the ice cream and milkshakes were perfect!
We would also recommend going there!
Thank you Anne, we love our stays
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Glamping with hot tubs in Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve guide
When to go
Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve is open to visitors all year round. Spring and summer are the best times to visit the Southern Uplands as the weather is typically at its best and daylight hours are long. As with everywhere in Scotland, the summer school holidays draw the biggest number of visitors.
Know before you go
- There is a small entry fee, which is paid at the car park (admission is free for National Trust for Scotland members.
- Interpretation panels in the car park provide useful visitor information.
- The nearest bathroom facilities are five miles away at St Mary’s Loch.
- There is no public transit access to the reserve: your own vehicle is essential.
- Even in summer, the weather can quickly change. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy walking boots are essential.
- If wild camping, be sure to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.