How many does each Yurt sleep?
Our Yurts at Kestrel Lodge Campsite can comfortably accommodate six people. Each has a double futon and four singles. During day the futons can be folded to make a pleasant seating area. All the beds come with freshly laundered, sheets, duvets and pillows.
Is a Yurt holiday suitable for children?
Yes, a yurt holiday is ideal for children as it is fun, different and above all, exciting. There are also loads of things to do both in the surrounding area and beyond.
Will I be warm enough?
Yes, the yurts are fully equipped with a 4 KW wood burning stove which will keep you all cosy and warm. We provide one large basket of seasoned wood and firelighters upon arrival. Further baskets of wood/kindling are available for sale on site.
Is the Yurt waterproof?
Yes, the yurts are covered with a tough waterproof canvas layer which keep out the worst the Lake District weather can throw at it.
What are the check In/Out times
Guests can check in anytime after 4pm and check out is by 10am on the day of departure.
Are the yurts secure?
Yes, the yurts have lockable doors. However, please be aware that they are located on a campsite which is accessible to all. Long Valley Yurts takes no responsibility for any loss or damage incurred during your stay.
Do we need to bring bedding?
No, all your bedding is provided. Each yurt comes with freshly laundered sheets, pillows and duvets. Please note; beds are made up for the number of occupants shown on the booking confirmation. Also, the double bed is always set for two unless requested otherwise.
Can we bring our pet?
Yes, we have two pet-friendly yurts on site (subject to availability). The cost is £5 / pet / night up to a maximum of two pets per yurt.
Kestrel Lodge Campsite is a wonderful place to bring your pet. Please note the following:
- Whilst on site you have to keep your pet on lead at all times.
- You must ALWAYS clean up after your dog(s).
- Your dog must be vaccinated, preferably chipped and not be on the dangerous dogs list.
Please remember: your pet is your responsibility and must be under your control at all times for the happiness and safety of everyone, including your dog too. Please read the Terms & Conditions with regards to booking your pet in to stay with us before booking.
Should you wish to bring your pet and the dog friendly yurts are not available then they are still welcome however, we do not allow them inside yurts that are not dog friendly. Some guests have still brought their dog, but also brought along a dog bed and had the dog sleep in the car which can be parked close to the Yurts. Others have brought along a portable kennel which they have placed outside the door of the Yurt.
What do we need to bring with us?
We have tried to provide everything you might need to make your stay as relaxing and comfortable as possible. However there are a few things that you will need to bring from home.
- We do not provide towels or tea towels
- The Yurts do not have any refrigeration system so we recommend you to bring a cool box with cool bricks. Cool bricks can be re-frozen on site
- A torch to find your way at night. It can get extremely dark especially when there is no moon to light your way.
- While the Yurts do come fully equipped with a wood burning stove and duvets it can still get cold at night, so if you feel the cold bring along a couple of extra blankets, thermals and cold weather gear just in case.
- Slippers, an absolute must for keeping the inside of the Yurt clean and your feet warm and toasty.
- If you have them onesies are brilliant for the kids at night.
In addition, we advise you bring suitable clothes and footwear for all conditions, the weather can be somewhat un-predictable.
Click here to see a downloadable list of everything we provide.
What’s the weather going to do?
The Lake District weather is every changeable, when it’s good there is no better place to be. When it’s not so good it can be pretty bad. While the yurts do have a log burning stove which keeps them toasty and warm it is still well worth bringing some extra layers, thermals and waterproofs and extra blankets just in case
What is there to do?
The simplest answer is everything and nothing. Whatever type of break you are looking for there is something here for everyone as the Lake District has a lot to offer. We have teamed up with outdoor activity providers and are now able to offer almost 40 different outdoor activities from rock climbing and canoeing to bushcraft and survival and many more! You can also go exploring the hills, valleys and lakes, taking photographs, reading, writing or just having a picnic, etc. However, if you choose to do nothing but just sit back, relax and enjoy being in a truly magical setting away from all the hustle and bustle of modern day life then that’s definitely available too.
Before you arrive you will be sent an information pack via e-mail which gives you a comprehensive guide to what’s on in the Lakes and other visitor attractions for all ages. We have also included a list of Long Valley Yurts hot spots and recommendations of places we really like. We hope you will too. See the ‘Things To Do‘ section on the website for more information.
Where is the nearest food shop?
Booths supermarket is the nearest to the site located in Keswick (8miles). Cockermouth (8 miles) has a Sainsbury’s and an Aldi. There are also a Morrison’s, Sainsbury’s and another Booths in Penrith (25 miles).
There is an on site shop located stocking everyday essentials; open everyday during the summer from 8.30am-10am and 5pm-7pm. However, there is always someone about should you really need something.
Where is the nearest pub / restaurant?
The nearest pub is a short walk away from the site in the village of Bassenthwaite (if walking ask for directions from the reception if required). It has an open fire, a great selection of local ales, good food and a great atmosphere. Well worth a visit.
Further afield you are spoilt for choice with a number of equally great country pubs within a short drive. Here are a few of our recommendations;
- The Catle Inn, Bassenthwaite (2 miles away)
- The Distillery Bistro, Bassenthwaite – Whisky/Gin Distillery – Highly recommended (3 miles away)
- The Pheasant Inn, Bassenthwaite (4 miles away)
- Mae’s Tea Room, Udale. Quirky artist gallery and tea house (4 miles away)
You are also spoilt for choice in Keswick or Cockermounth with a large number of great pubs, cafes, restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
Where is the nearest bank?
The nearest banks with cash machines are in Keswick or Cockermouth (Barclays).
Where is the nearest town or village?
Bassenthwaite village is a short 20 minute stroll from the site. An ideal distance for a pint or a meal in The Sun Inn (just over the bridge in the village). The market towns of Keswick and Cockermouth are just 8 miles away and boats an array of tourist activities.
Where is the nearest bus stop?
There is a bus stop in the village on the village green but thr bus only stops there twice a week!!!
So the main bus stop is on the A591 at the bottom of School Rd (approx. 1.5 miles from site). The bus goes to Keswick, Cockermouth, Wigton and Carlisle from there.
For more information on timetables, etc., please see;
Where is the nearest Train Station?
The nearest train station is in Penrith (25 miles).
How safe is it to walk on the fells?
Please refer to the Lake District National Park Authority website for some useful guidelines on how to be safe whilst on the fells. Alternatively, go to the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team website.
Where are some good walks for families?
There are countless walks starting from the campsite which are suitable for all abilities. Whether it’s Wainright bagging, a short stroll with your dog, a more strenuous all day expedition then there is plenty on offer directly from the door of the site. Louise, who runs Kestrel Lodge Campaite is a keen fell walker and would be more than happy to give you a few pointers. The Kestrel Lodge website (https://www.kestrellodge.co.uk/outdoor-activities/walks) has a vast selection of walks available to choose from. The question is which one to do first!
A must during your stay and just a short stroll from the site is to Bassenthwaite village for a pint in the wonderful Sun Inn. Have fun making your way through woods and along the lane, take a torch if you think you may get waylaid in the pub!
The more adventurous and those wishing to bag some of the larger Lake District peaks have the entire Lake District within easy reach here including a quick route out to the lesser visited northern side of the national park.
A map is advisable and the routes too numerous to outline here. Please refer to www.lakedistrictoutdoors.co.uk for further ideas and advice or www.lakedistrictwalks.com Maps and guides can be obtained from various shops around the area or ordered by post by calling Keswick Tourist Information Centre on 017687 75738.
Can we go fishing nearby?
Yes fishing is available all around the Bassenthwaite and Keswick area. There’s plenty of options for all types of anglers. For more information and where to get permits etc see; https://www.keswick.org/what-to-do/fishing
Are there any laundry facilities?
Yes, there is a washing machine available on site.
What places are there to visit nearby?
If you can muster the energy to leave the comfort of the yurt and the slow relaxed pace of yurt living then the Kestrel Lodge site is ideally placed for an array of excursions both from the door of the yurt or a short drive away. It offers easy access to the northern fells and less visited but stunning beautiful north western part of the Lake District National Park.
If you have come on holiday to get away into the fells and perhaps tick off some of the 214 ‘Wainrights’ then this is a good place to start. There are nine you can tick off from Kestrel Lodge without even getting in your car. Within a short drive there is plenty to keep even the keenest of walkers occupied.
A short drive from the site you will find the pretty market town of Keswick. A hub for tourists and an ideal spot to pick any camping or outdoor related items you may have left at home or treat yourself to that new Goretex jacket! In and around Keswick there’s something here for everyone from the indoor climbing wall, pitch and putt course, the launch on Derwent Water , the thrilling via ferrata at Honsiter Slate mine to the famous Pencil museum and the worlds largest pencil! The following is a list of just a few of the trips and excursions in the local area;
- Keswick Boat Launch, Boat trips – http://www.keswick-launch.co.uk/
- Derwent Pencil Museum – https://www.derwentart.com
- Mirehouse & Gardens – https://www.mirehouse.co.uk/
- Whinlatter Forest Park – https://www.forestryengland.uk/whinlatter
- Wordsworth House – Cockermouth – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wordsworth-house-and-garden
- The Lakes Distillery & Tours – https://www.lakesdistillery.com/
- The Lake District Wildlife Park – Bassenthwaite – https://www.lakedistrictwildlifepark.co.uk
For more information on all these attractions and more see the Kestrel Lodge Campsite for more information;
https://www.kestrellodge.co.uk/local-area/family-attractions
Also available a short drive away are an array of outdoor activities. Why not try something more exciting and adrenaline filled? Through our partners we now offer almost 40 different outdoor activities from rock climbing and canoeing to bushcraft and survival and many more! Adventure awaits, seize the day.
Which is the nearest lake?
Bassenthwaite Lake is the nearest and is a haven for water sports enthusiasts at 6km long and 1 and ½ km wide makes it well sized for a day’s exploration or more.
It’s also quieter than many other lakes in the National Park. Fantastic scenery, free parking, and no motor boats other than rescue vessels really do make this a stunning lake to spend time on.
To maintain these special qualities it is necessary to obtain a permit to use the lake. These are available from the Castle Inn, which you’ll pass on your way to the lake from Kestrel Lodge. To get the update cost per boat call 017687 76401 or email them on reception@castleinncumbria.co.uk. Or you need to be a member of the Bassenthwaite Sailing Club.
Bassenthwaite Sailing Club is open for members and allow launches for those who are members of the RYA, or RYA Affiliated Clubs, are invited to use our facilities and launch from our grounds at a cost of just £10 per day. They also have a massive program of events throughout the year.
Other points to consider if you’re going it alone, the north end is used by the sailing club for racing, the east shore is all private, and the south end of the lake in and out of Bowness Bay has wildlife sanctuary zones in place, so please be careful in there. The wind also tends to blast down the lake so you could end up fighting it for a while.
Stuff you can do on the lake:
- Sailing
- Canoeing/kayaking/rowing/Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Wild swimming—use a tow float for safety
- Fishing
Around the lake there is some beautiful walking and photography opportunities and stunning picnic spots. Due to wildlife sanctuary zones there is an abundance of birdlife to watch for those so inclined. Including the ospreys, oystercatchers, lapwings, sandpipers, and many more.
Useful map link:
https://www.keswick.org/UserContent/doc/17727/bassenthwaite-map.pdf
Derwentwater
Derwentwater is 5km long and 1 and ½ km wide lake. There are loads of islands and bays to explore, magnificent scenery, no permits required, easy launch, lots of parking (pay and display), and canoe/boat hire is pretty easily done.
For those wanting to enjoy the water without the sweat you can also try the Keswick Launch, and take a lovely tour of the lake, while someone or something else does the hard work for you.
Walking around the lake is stunning. One of our favourite days out is to get the launch from Keswick to Hawes End climb Catbells and then drop back down to High Brandelhow to get back on the launch and enjoy the ride back to Keswick. But a low level walk around the whole lake is lovely. There are more eatery options in Keswick than you can shake a stick at. Hot dinners and other options around the lake too. The Chalet in Portinscale, the Lodore Falls Hotel, for those who fancy a detour up to the waterfall, are just a couple of options.
Useful map link:
https://www.keswick.org/UserContent/doc/11038/derwentwater%20walk%20downloadable%20map.pdf
For more information on all the Lakes in the Lake District please see the Kestrel Lodge Campsite website at; https://www.kestrellodge.co.uk/local-area/lakes-and-walks