The Lake District is a favourite holiday destination for many, and it’s not difficult to see why. With its breathtaking scenery, miles of spectacular walks, and gorgeous towns and villages to explore, there’s so much to do in this stunning national park in the north west of England.
Glamping in the Lake District National Park is a great way to enjoy a stress free getaway in the great outdoors. Even better, we have glamping sites in some of the best destinations, including Hawkshead, Coniston, Grasmere, and Windermere. Our bell tents, tipis, and Landpods make the perfect base for adventures and are suitable for family trips, romantic breaks, and activity holidays with your friends. Read on to find out more about glamping holidays in the Lake District.
Cheap glamping in the Lakes
For cheap glamping in England, there’s no better place than our locations in the Lake District. Our cosy bell tents, cute tipis, and quirky Landpods offer an affordable weather-proof alternative to camping and there’s next to no hassle as you don’t need to set up or put away your own tent at the end of your stay.
Glamping is similar to camping but with extra facilities and a touch of luxury. All your bedding is included in our glamping accommodation, so you don’t need to worry about playing packing Tetris in the car before you set off. Glamping guests are also welcome to use the hostel’s facilities so you are free to cook your own meals in the self-catering kitchen, relax in the spacious social areas, and make use of the toilets and showers. You’re also bound to make many new friends whilst you’re here.
Glamping – derived from merging the words ‘glamourous’ and ‘camping’ – is the perfect solution for a UK break if you love camping but don’t fancy roughing it. Sleep under the stars in some incredible locations overlooking the fells and lakes that this area is known for. If you only have a few days to get away, make the most of it with a short, affordable glamping break.
We have some fantastic glamping sites in the Lake District, and in this article, we take a look at some of the best: YHA Hawkshead, YHA Coniston Holly How, YHA Windermere, and YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe.
Dog friendly glamping in the Lake District
We know that your four-legged friend is part of your family and that there’s no way you want to go away and leave them behind. That’s why dogs are welcome at all of our camping and glamping accommodation in the Lake District.
Make sure your pup doesn’t miss out on your adventures. You can bring dogs glamping for just £10 per dog per night.
Tipis in the Lake District
Our quirky tipis are great for glamping holidays in the Lake District. These festival-style tents sleep up to four people on one double and two single futon beds. All bedding is included, and there’s even a lockable coffee table chest into which you can pop your valuables.
Each tipi comes with a wood burner, comfy bean bags to chill out on, and eco-friendly solar lighting. Our four fantastic Lake District locations are all home to tipis.
Glamping at YHA Windermere
You can find our tipis at YHA Windermere, a stunning historic building located in one of the Lake District’s holiday hotspots. As well as tipis, YHA Windermere has a whole host of camping and glamping accommodation including bell tents and airstream caravans.
Wake up next to the largest lake in England and enjoy panoramic views over to Coniston Fells and the Langdale Pikes, home to some of the best walking routes in the area.
As well as tipis, YHA Windermere is also home to a premium Landpod. This cute and quirky half-pod half-tent sleeps two people, so it’s perfect for romantic getaways in the Lakes. Get back to nature in comfort with this off-grid glamping experience. Premium Landpods are raised up off the ground so as not to impact the landscape and come complete with solar-powered lighting and USB charging points. They also include a wood burner to keep you cosy inside when the temperature drops. Or outside, if you prefer, you can cuddle up on the companion seat with blankets and cushions while warming your hands around your own firepit.
Glamping guests at YHA Windermere are welcome to use the facilities in the hostel, including the rather spectacular terrace. This is a great spot to unwind with a drink and a bite to eat from the restaurant and bar. There is also a dedicated block with a self-catering kitchen, toilets, and showers for glamping guests, so you won’t need to queue during busy times.
If you prefer to go back to basics, YHA Windermere also has space to pitch your own tent. Located in a field adjacent to the hostel, this campsite has one of the best views in the Lake District. What a way to wake up!
Bell tents in the Lake District
Upgrade your regular camping experience with a stay in one of our bell tents. These spacious tents sleep up to five people in a double bed, two singles, and a futon that can also be used as a chair.
Each tent includes all bedding, eco-friendly solar lights, comfy bean bags, and a wooden storage trunk that you can store your belongings in and use as a coffee table. There’s also a wood burner to keep you nice and toasty plus a fire pit outside if you prefer to sit al fresco.
Sleep under canvas at YHA Hawkshead
In addition to its festival-style tipis, YHA Hawkshead also has premium bell tents on site, so you can choose which type of tent you’d prefer to sleep in. For an activity break in the Lakes, there’s nowhere better.
Walking and cycling routes can be found nearby. If you’re into adrenaline-fuelled mountain bike rides, head to Grizedale Forest for a 17-mile route full of rocky riding across the fells. For an adventure in the forest with the children, head to GoApe. Kids will love swinging through the trees on the Treetop Challenge or the Zip Trekking Adventure.
If you fancy a more relaxing break, then follow in Beatrix Potter’s footsteps and visit the nearby gallery, which is full of original artwork and interactive exhibits. The beloved children’s author wrote many of her books in Hawkshead, and you can also visit her home in the village of Near Sawrey.
Back at the hostel, you can enjoy drinks in the licensed bar while you enjoy the spectacular views over the tranquil Esthwaite Water. Challenge some of your fellow guests to a pool tournament or grab one of the board games for more fun. And it’s not just bell tents. YHA Hawkshead also offers cabins and camping pods if you prefer to glamp in a more rigid structure.
Landpods in the Lake District
Landpods are a unique glamping experience with a quirky half-tent, half-pod like structure. They sleep up to four people on two small double mattresses. There’s plenty of storage for all of your outdoor kit, and all bedding is included, so you get to leave those sleeping bags at home. There’s a cosy seating area so you can relax inside if the weather isn’t on your side. Pop on the LED lighting and curl up with a good book, or grab a board game from the hostel and start your own tournament. We take no responsibility for any competitive fall outs!
Our Landpods have a canopy roof that you can open and raise up. Get closer to nature on warm summer evenings and stargaze as it gets dark. When it drops cool, you can light the firepit outside and cuddle round it with blankets and hot chocolates. We provide one pack of wood for you to use, so all you need to bring is the marshmallows.
Glamp in comfort at YHA Coniston Holly How
YHA Coniston Holly How has some quirky Landpods for family stays, romantic breaks, or adventures with your pals. There are also tipis if you prefer to catch your zeds in a tent.
The hostel is close to Coniston Water, the fifth-largest lake in the area. Here, you can hire a motor boat or rowing boat or take part in water sports including canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. The hostel also makes a great base from which to conquer the Old Man of Coniston, one of the higher fells in the Lake District.
Glamping guests at YHA Coniston Holly How can use of the hostel’s facilities, including the self-catering kitchen and the bathrooms. Of course, you’re also welcome to pop into the hostel’s restaurant for a light bite or a hearty classic to refuel after a day of fell-walking. Grab a pint and relax while you share stories about your day with other guests.
Glamping in style at YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe
Enjoy a camping experience with some added extras with a Landpod stay at YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe. This glampsite is a great base for exploring the picture-postcard town of Grasmere, and it is situated within walking distance of the town itself.
There are plenty of walks starting from the town here, including Silver How, where you’ll get spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. Stock up with some of the famous Grasmere gingerbread on your way back to your Landpod.
If a Landpod doesn’t float your boat, YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe also has quirky tipis available to stay in. These are the festival-style tents with all the fun of camping but none of the hassle. Or if you prefer, you can also bring your own tent and camp in a secluded corner of the hostel grounds. Camping and glamping guests can use the hostel’s facilities, including the bathrooms, social areas, and self-catering kitchen.
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