Seeking a fun family staycation in a beautifully secluded corner of the Lake District? Look no further than Kestrel Lodge Campsite!
Boasting jaw-dropping views across the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Keswick, our family-friendly glamping site at Kestrel Lodge provides the perfect base to explore the Lake District and northern fells. Keep reading to discover more about our Keswick site…
Kestrel Lodge Campsite: Site Highlights
Our Kestrel Lodge site boasts three 18-foot yurts, comfortably sleeping up to 6 people per yurt. This beautiful site provides a peaceful retreat for families, friends, and couples alike. Bilberry and Middlefell yurts are even dog-friendly!
Site highlights include:
- Stunning views over Bassenthwaite Lake
- Quiet, peaceful site off the beaten track
- Campfires encouraged
- Easy access to all the Lake District has to offer
- Close to Keswick
- Plenty of superb walks from the door
Site amenities include:
- Electric hook up available at £9 per yurt per night
- Dog friendly site with two dog friendly yurts
- Fire pits included with every yurt
- Clean toilets, hot showers and washing up area within a short walk
- On-site shop selling basic supplies
- WiFi available
Kestrel Lodge Campsite: Things to Do
Directly from the campsite, you can enjoy some of the best fell walking routes the Lake District has to offer. Tick nine Wainwrights off without even getting in the car! There’s a fantastic local pub within walking distance of the site where you can enjoy great food and fine local ales.
The site is just a stone’s throw away from six of the county’s favourite lakes, ideal for a spot of wild swimming, picnicking, photography, or just relaxing and enjoying nature. The picturesque Lakeland towns of Keswick and Cockermouth are just 15 minutes’ drive away from the site; jam-packed full of shops, cafes, and restaurants, there’s something for everyone.
There is a wide array of outdoor activities available just a short drive away. Try your hand at some fantastic water-based activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding; land-based activities such as gorge scrambling, rock climbing, and other activities as well as all manner of Bushcraft experiences.
Specific activities include but not limited to:
- Kayak Taster – learn the basics of kayaking with fun games and nature-watching on Derwentwater
- Canoe Taster – learn the basics of canoeing with fun games and nature-watching on Derwentwater
- Canoe the View – develop basic canoeing and paddling techniques on this 3-hour trip around Derwentwater
- Middle Derwent River Trip – discover how to control and manoeuvre a canoe on a 3.5-hour Middle Derwent River journey
- Canoe & Bushcraft – combines open canoeing and practical bushcraft experience on this full-day experience
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) – discover how to manoeuvre your paddleboard through the water on this half-day water sports activity
- Raft Building – design, build and paddle your raft on Derwentwater during this half-day team building exercise
- Stonycroft Gorge Scrambling – an introduction to the amazing sport of ghyll scrambling on this fun-filled half-day activity
- Lead Rock Climbing – develop your rock-climbing skills and become self-sufficient with trad climbs on this full-day outdoor excursion
- Adrenaline Day – combines Gorge Scrambling and Via Ferrata eXtreme on a challenging full-day expedition
Kestrel Lodge Campsite: Walking the Wainwrights
The Wainwrights are a collection of peaks (also known as fells) that were outlined in British walker Alfred Wainwright’s seven volumes of the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. The peaks don’t have any distinguishing characteristics other than the fact that they are all mountains within the Lake District National Park.
Alfred Wainwright has inspired millions of visitors from near and afar to tackle the fells. Here are some of the Wainwrights you can tick off from our Kestrel Lodge site:
- Skiddaw (931m) – the fourth highest fell in the Lake District, one of four that stands over 3000ft, looks stunning from the south as a backdrop to the beautiful town of Keswick
- Blencathra (868m) – one of the finest fells in the national park, provides a stunning sight when approaching along the eastern A66
- Skiddaw Little Man (865m) – often overshadowed by Skiddaw, Wainwright named the Little Man as the “finest viewpoint of them all”
- Carl Side (746m) – forms part of the Ullock Pike ridge that runs from Bassenthwaite to Skiddaw, the western neighbour of Skiddaw
- Long Side (734m) – part of the Ullock Pike ridge, leads up to Carl Side, offers an impressive approach to Skiddaw
- Lonscale Fell (715m) – the eastern neighbour of Skiddaw, its east face sees a steep plunge down to Glenderaterra Beck
- Knott (710m) – the highest of the rolling hills behind Skiddaw with easy walking routes across grassy slopes
- Bowscale Fell (702m) – flat summit, the beautiful Bowscale Tarn is situated on the northern flank
- Great Calva (690m) – distant from roads and fairly remote, can be seen through the gap in between Skiddaw and Blencathra
- Ullock Pike (690m) – a steep-sided ridge, offers a fantastic ascent to Skiddaw from the north, continues to Long Side ridge
- Bannerdale Crags (683m) – curves round to the south of Bowscale Fell, eastern slope features two slopes that are divided by the east ridge
- Bakestall (673m) – a peak on the northern part of ‘Back o’ Skiddaw’, distinguished by the Dead Crags below the summit
- Carrock Fell (663m) – a peak on the eastern edge of ‘Back o’ Skiddaw’, the summit is home to the remains of an ancient fort
- High Pike (658m) – the highest peak within ‘Back o’ Skiddaw’, the most northern Lakeland fell, offers spectacular views across the Solway to the Galloway hills
- Great Sca Fell (651m) – the highest of four Uldale Fells (the other three are Longlands Fell, Meal Fell & Great Cockup), the lowest of the Sca fells (the other two are Scafell & Scafell Pike)
- Mungrisdale Common (633m) – situated on the northwestern slopes of Blencathra, Wainwright’s ‘least favourite’ fell
- Brae Fell (586m) – forms part of the Caldbeck Fells (alongside High Pike and Carrock Fell), can see Scottish Borders from the northern peak
- Meal Fell (550m) – one of the four Uldale Fells, western neighbour of Great Sca Fell, divided by the deep pass of Trusmadoor
- Great Cockup (526m) – one of four Uldale Fells, western peak of ‘Back o’ Skiddaw’, divided by the pass of Trusmadoor
- Souther Fell (522m) – straightforward ridge, most famous for the “spectral army” who were said to have been marching along the fell on Midsummer’s Day in 1745
- Dodd (502m) – forms part of the Skiddaw range, was once covered in woodland but now clear of trees
- Longlands Fell (483m) – one of four Uldale Fells, most northern fell in the Lake District, forms part of a ridge with Great Sca Fell
- Binsey (447m) – isolated dome-shaped hill, ancient burial ground on the summit, one of Wainwright’s favourites
- Latrigg (367m) – Skiddaw’s southern foothill, rises above Keswick, experience the best views for the least effort
Holidays with a Breath of Fresh Air at Our Keswick Site
Long Valley Yurt glamping holidays offer back-to-nature living, without compromising on any home comforts. We are currently running a special offer rate of £225 for all mid-week (Mon-Fri) stays in May up until the 27th May. Click here to book your glamping break in the Lake District today!