5 Reasons to Stay at: Waterside House Campsite
This was a spontaneous ‘I need to leave the house and any reminders of my work life’ trip and boy, did it deliver!
Someone was watching over us as we rolled into the site on a windy Friday evening. I was smiling from ear to ear as Ste removed the keys from the ignition to a brilliant lakeside pitch at Waterside House campsite, based just off the M6 in Howtown near Pooley Bridge.
We chose a non EHU as a cheaper alternative to the EHU premium lakeside spots, which meant our pitch was first come first served. So to get this spot was very good luck!
From the Waterside House website:
A Working Farm and Campsite on the shore of Ullswater in the Lake District. Waterside House farm and Campsite have been run by the same family for five generations.
The farmhouse is dated 1694 and is part of a working farm with land covering 279 acres. The farm is home to a flock of Swaledale Ewes, who spend most of their time on the nearby Barton Fell.
The site features lakeside hardstanding and grass pitches as well as pods and bell tents if you fancy a bit more space and luxury. We stayed on a lakeside grass pitch (a reminder that it’s first come first served). It’s an easy 20 minute lakeside walk into the centre of Pooley Bridge where you’ll find pubs, gift shops and lots more.
Visited in September 2021 | Campervan with no electric hook up | 2 persons and 1 dog | 2 nights
Activities
With the lake only steps away from your tent/camper/motor home it would be silly not to make the most of this amazing lakeside location. For me, that was wild swimming. But you can hire Rowing Boats, Canadian Canoe, SUP boards and Kayaks from the site or bring your own of course. I’m so tempted to save up for my very own SUP board! Or you could just while away the hours watching water sports enthusiasts with a brew in hand instead.
The Gathering Cafe
This on-site cafe is an absolute gem. Granted, we would usually bring most of our own food but we decided to treat ourselves to a takeout pizza on the Saturday night. They serve snacks, coffee, breakfasts, lunch and Thurs – Sunday different teatime meals including fish and chips and pizza. The staff were incredibly kind and friendly and it was a pleasure spending our pennies here.
Raised Bonfires are allowed
Our compactible mesh bonfire is the best thing we bought this year! Not all campsites allow them but being allowed to have a raised bonfire on the lakeside made the weekend! We ran out of fuel but managed to buy some more at the on-site shop. First lakeside bonfire complete, I can’t wait for many more!
Early mornings
Nothing beats waking up early, while everyone sleeps, to catch glimpses of a September sunrise whilst making a brew and reading the chapter of a book. Watching the birds race across these wide open skies was so memorable. Our spot looks towards the southern end of Lake Ullswater which I’ve camped at (in a tent) years ago. It was lovely to be on the north side though with a tin top roof and windows this time!
Value for money
Now I know this depends on your circumstances but for a lakeside pitch with stunning views and good facilities, I’m very happy paying £22 a night out of season. It was great value for money, and the amount of people who return each year is testament to that. We for sure will be back as soon as we can, hopefully with a SUP board this time!
Visit the website here: http://www.watersidefarm-campsite.co.uk/
