A beautiful family home for six generations and now the ultimate country retreat, Blaithwaite Country House Estate boasts some 250 acres of estate grounds, set within five miles of the Lake District National Park. For folks of all ages the place is a boon. There are vast woodlands to explore, a walking trail that covers over two miles of the estate, plus off-lead dog walks, play areas and farm animals to pet. But if you're in to more organised fun, the estate also offers a woodland warrior laser game, bushcraft courses and various other events throughout the year. That's before you've even ventured out into the Lake District proper. Put it this way, you won't be bored.
For most people, even without the activities, the campsite alone offers a nice slice of rural Cumbria to enjoy. If you’re camping you will either find yourself in their original George’s field or the newly developed paddock field, both with a mix of electric and non-electric pitches, while the more basic Ellrigg field offers 'proper' off-grid camping pitches in a grassy meadow. There are toilet and shower facilities, all fully heated and regularly cleaned, as well as washing up areas and drinking water. Additional firebowls and wood crates are also available to hire if you want something more than the communal fire area, and picnic tables are dotted around the place.
Alongside the traditional camping there are also glamping options for those on the hunt for a few modern comforts. Choose from luxury tipis and bell tents or, if you’re really going all out, try the en-suite lodge pods with mezzanine bedrooms inside and a private hot tub on the deck. Uniquely constructed, the pods and, indeed, the campsite, is still built with suitability in mind, with clever touches like the biomass heating for the showers.
Mature trees and great oaks that were probably planted around the time the house was built break up views of the open countryside. You can't see the peaks of the Lake District to the south but it takes around 15 minutes in the car until you're standing at the edge of Bassenthwaite Lake with Skiddaw rising above. It's half an hour to Keswick, the real hub town of the North Lakes, but there are quieter parking spots for good walks on the north side of the mountains that are closer still, good for climbing Knott and High Pike. On sunny days a similar-length drive to the Solway Coast holds equal appeal, returning in time for a good campfire cook out and more time for the kids to make friends with the neighbours.
The medieval town of Wigton is 10 minutes' drive away, dominated by the tower of Highmoor Mansion and the 19th-century fountain in the centre of the town. But most people come to this area to visit the Lake District, 10 minutes' drive south. The mountains of the North Lakes are closest – Skiddaw, Blecnathra and Knott are particularly popular – and Bassenthwaite is the nearest lake, though, if you want to go boating, you're better off going to Derwentwater and hiring boats from Keswick (a pretty Lakeland town that's well worth some time to explore). The Solway Coast is a little further away, taking 20 minutes by car, but the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is well worth the extra miles. Besides the incredible landscape, there are historic buildings dotted around and, during the height of summer, it can offer quieter walking routes than the busy spots in the Lakes.
Aspava restaurant (01900 267330) is just over 15 minutes’ drive away. A great option for something a little different, they serve traditional Turkish dishes made from imported Turkish ingredients for an extra edge of authenticity. The Sun Inn at Red Dial (016973 42167) also comes highly recommended by the site owners.