Side Farm Campsite

As you're bumping along the farm track to Side Farm you may idly wonder if your suspension is going to hold up but don't worry the views more than make up for any failed MOT. The track really is narrow and rough in places, so take it slow, and if you're on foot it's a good fifteen minutes in from the road. In fact unzipping the tent door to be confronted with Ullswater is a tune-up for the soul with Side Farm boasting some of the most beautiful camping in the country.

The site slopes spectacularly up from the bank of Ullswater making the site popular with canoeists, paddleboarders and even swimmers who are willing to brave the chilly waters, a pebble beach allows easy launching and when you've worked up an appetite the little on-site shop does homemade flapjacks, oatcakes, ice cream and a decent coffee. The site caters for tents and smaller campervans rather than caravans, and welcomes all types from families to groups; a communal evening gathering with an acoustic guitar is not unusual at Side Farm. It runs first come, first served, so arrive early in peak season rather than expecting to book ahead.

Off site Patterdale is a short walk where you'll find good pub fare at the White Lion. Slightly further afield is Glenridding with the Inn on the Lake a fine spot for food and drinks. From here you can catch the Ullswater steamer that sails to Howtown and walk back to the site. Hikers are spoilt with Helvellyn on your doorstep and there are several routes leading from the campsite. Facilities wise you have to remember that it's the views that are the luxury here, the toilets are a little basic and you'll struggle to bag a completely level pitch but this won't be what you remember. It'll be the sight of Ullswater in the morning sun as you pull on your boots for the adventures that lay ahead.