Gill Head Farm - Hipcamp in Cumbria, England

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Gill Head Farm

100%

103 reviews

Penrith, England

40 acres

10 units

1 Glamping

9 Tent

Perfectly peaceful Cumbrian working farm, surrounded by some of the best walks the Lakes have to offer...

Gill Head is a lovely little working hill farm that’s been run by the same family for several generations. Ensconced within the Lake District National Park, yet far removed from the tourist hordes, it offers space for tents and caravans, as well as farmhouse accommodation, a log cabin and six timber camping pods. The main camping meadow is wide and flat with space for around 50 pitches (the 21 hardstanding caravan pitches are in a separate field), offering campers grand westerly views to Blencathra – a ridge of six separate fell tops – and the Northern Fells, stretching right down the valley to Keswick. There are fields and streams to paddle in, an organised play area for children, and decent facilities that include a modern and spacious shower, toilet, and laundry block. For rainy days there’s also a log cabin with a television lounge and undercover barbecue area. Beyond the farm lie the Lakes and a wealth of hiking, biking and water-based activities (Ullswater is less than a 10-minute drive away) and the campsite owners have a good relationship with a local outdoor adventure company, Reach Beyond Adventure, and can help organise anything from bushcraft courses to ghyll scrambling and rock climbing. Those ‘who don’t want to feel like they’re on a campsite’, as the owners put it, can ask to pitch in the ‘hidden’ field – over a bridge as if leaving the site altogether – which comes with its own waterfall and steep, wooded banks. You’ll have to walk further to the shower block but it’s a small price to pay for such pleasant, leafy isolation.

Activities

Biking

Fishing

Hiking

Wildlife watching

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Waterfall

Mountainous

Available pitches

Dates

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Guests

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Location

Penrith, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Amanda S.Joined in January 2017

100%

51 Ratings · 103 reviews

Tanneh B.recommends

November 16, 2021

Grass Pitch - By The River (Quiet Area)

Easy to reach ,smallish site but offering a wealth of accommodation beautiful views I camped in the hidden field by the river and honestly felt like I was wild camping with an amazing tumultuous waterfall as my view on the grassy terrace aIthough I wanted the wild camp experience the site has ample clean and close-by facilities. Last camp of the year and it was an excellent choice and my Frenchie camping companion was just as impressed as her mummy lovely find

Fay ?.recommends

October 28, 2021

Log Cabin

Great break away from busy lives, the log cabin was the perfect stay. Great views surrounding and in a fantastic location. Hosts absolutely lovely too and went above and beyond to accommodate us

Gary C.recommends

October 22, 2021

Log Cabin

Absolutely great, Great location, very quite, clean and tidy amenities. Log cabin cosy, warm and quite, great location for watching red squirrels 🐿 Will definitely use this camp site again either cabin, pod or tent.

Katie T.recommends

September 21, 2021

Grass Pitch - Main Camping Field

Myself, three friends and my pooch spend 3 nights on the farm in a non electric camping pitch. We aren’t regular campers and lacked a few usually vital camping bits such as a stove and bbq. However, this doesn’t matter at gill head. You can hire a fire pit for a very reasonable £20 for your stay. They also sell wood and fire starting kits for your convenience. The views on the field were absolutely stunning and the site is only a 10 min drive from Keswick. There is a pub just a 10 min walk away which does close fairly early, around 9.30, but was a lovely few drinks out nonetheless. there is also a facilities block with washing up, fridge and kettle/microwave facilities. in short, great campsite - will certainly return!

Josefien S.recommends

September 13, 2021

Grass Pitch - By The River (Quiet Area)

Absolutely beautiful campsite; we had a river pitch and managed to pitch up right next to it. It was super private and probably the most beautiful pitch I’ve had at a campsite. Toilets were very clean although did smell a bit (the portable ones by the wild campsite part) and fire pits were very expensive compared to ones I’ve experienced previously which is the only reason I’ve given it 4 stars instead of 5. Great location for hiking and local towns. I would definitely come again!

Phil L.recommends

September 9, 2021

Grass Pitch - Main Camping Field

We stayed at the campsite for a week at the end of August. Overall it was excellent. The toilets and showers were good, showers not too hot for my boys which was reported in earlier reviews. The playground kept the boys entertained and the access to a freezer and kettles was very handy. We didn't use the common room due to dry weather but its nice to have just in case. Local attractions were good and none were too far away. We went to the lake district wildlife park, panning for gold at the mining museum and aira force waterfalls. Had a great time and will return to the site.

From the host

Gill Head Farm is a family run working hill farm, offering high quality farmhouse self catering accommodation and caravan & camping accommodation set against the spectacular backdrop of Blencathra and the northern fells of the Lake District National Park. Whatever you are looking for from your holiday, be it excitement and adventure on the lakes and fells, peace and tranquility whilst sightseeing or strolling around stately homes and gardens, visits to country fairs, or an action packed family holiday. Gill Head’s location with it’s beautiful rural setting ensures we are ideally situated for a wonderful holiday within the Lake District National Park far from the madding crowds.

Nearby attractions

The surrounding area has some of the best walking country in the Lakes – ask on site for info and routes. Ullswater is a short drive away with superb fell and lake shore walks and being England’s second largest lake has a huge range of activities and water sports to offer, including sailing, paddle boarding , kayaking, open water swimming and fishing trips. Rookin House Equestrian Centre (017684 83561) is a family-owned adventure venue with everything from air rifle shooting and archery to riding lessons and trekking. The beautiful market town of Keswick sitting on the shores of the lovely Derwentwater is only 10 drive mins away , ( regular service buses from Troutbeck to Keswick , so why not leave the car on site for the day ) Keswick is a very dog friendly town , with lots of great eating places, local independent shops ,stunning walks from town for all abilities, maybe hire a rowing boat, paddle board , kayak , or take a trip on the launch. A lovely scenic days walk is around the lake on the level and easy path around the lake, Keswick has a thriving street market on Thursdays and Saturdays and of course, Keswick is one of THE places to get all your outdoor gear !Lowther Castle is a really great day out for the whole family, and a visit Whinlatter Forest park, will have something for everyone.

Food and drink

Troutbeck Inn (017684 83635) is within walking distance. The Mill Inn (017687 79632) in calm, unspoiled Mungrisdale serves good food based on traditional Cumbrian fair. Horse and Farrier at the pretty village of Dacre, has a delicious menu (017684 86022) Boot and Shoe at Greystoke village - traditional local pub often with local bands playing (017684 83343)