How to plan a campervan tour of the Lake District

The Lake District is one of the UK’s best-loved national parks, and for good reason. This is a region that’s inspired walkers, painters, writers and poets for centuries. And, from glacial valleys and deep blue lakes to lofty peaks and waterfalls, it's UNESCO-listed landscapes offer plenty of opportunities for adventure.

Tackle some of England’s highest peaks, from Scafell Pike to Helvellyn. Reinvigorate yourself with a freshwater dip at lakes like Ullswater or Buttermere. Or stroll the cobbled streets of picture-postcard towns like Keswick and Windermere, stopping in at quirky museums and antique stores. Part of the beauty of the Lake District is its variety. So why stay in just one part of the national park when you could wake to a different landscape each day in your very own motorhome? Buckle up — here’s how to plan the ultimate Cumbrian road trip. 

Where should I go?

There’s a forested fell, a tempting wild-swimming spot and an appealing tearoom around almost every corner of Cumbria. Hikers should make straight for Wasdale Valley, where England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, rises above Wastwater, the country’s deepest lake. Wasdale Campsite is the perfect base in the area and accepts campervans under 6.5m in length. From here, it’s a 20-minute stroll to the Wasdale Head Inn, one of England’s most remote pubs, where you can enjoy a selection of real ales and hearty post-hike meals amid cosy interiors. For further on-foot exploration, make a base in the picturesque town of Keswick, from which the popular ascents of Helvellyn, Catbells and Haystacks are an easy drive away.

For a literary-inspired Lake District adventure, drive south to Windermere. To the west of the lake lies Beatrix Potter’s 17th-century farmhouse, Hill Top, which is said to have inspired her much-loved woodland characters. In the north, poetry lovers should visit Rydal Mount, William Wordsworth’s home. Here you’ll find serene Rydal Water as well as some incredible fell walking right on the doorstep.

If you love a freshwater dip, there are plenty of wonderful wild swimming sites around Windermere and across the Lake District. Highlights include Loughrigg Tarn, a peaceful lake in a big open meadow; Black Moss Pot, a deep, fairytale pool surrounded by craggy rocks tall enough to jump off; and Ullswater, where you can join guided swim sessions.

What route should I take?

Pretty much any road you follow in the Lakes will be spectacularly scenic — hugging the curves of a glassy lake one minute and steering through a medieval market town the next. But the Lake District’s roads can be narrow, winding and steep — especially around the central and western fells — so they’re better suited to compact vans.

For classic Cumbria, make a loop drive through Grasmere and Ambleside, exploring Windermere and Coniston Water. Adventurers should head to Ambleside and Eskdale for world-class hill hiking. Or for a feeling of space, try the coastal route heading north from Barrow-in-Furness to Whitehaven — where there’s a 200-mile mapped route to follow along the sea.

Where can I park up?

While wild camping in a tent has traditionally been tolerated to a point in the Lakes, the only legal places to park a motorhome are formal campsites — unless you have permission to use someone’s land. Luckily there are plenty of great campsites dotted across the Lake District, ranging from basic fields where the only real amenity is the gorgeous view, to large touring sites with state-of-the-art facilities.

In the region’s west, Eskdale Campsite offers great amenities in a deep-green valley. More centrally, Gillside Farm provides pitches at the foot of Helvellyn and just a 15-minute walk from the shores of Ullswater. Campers can stock up on fresh milk and eggs from the working farm, or head to nearby Glenridding for an evening meal. For a more basic, secluded stay, Low Wray Campsite's hardstanding pitches sit on the western shores of Lake Windermere and enjoy beautiful views amid tranquil surroundings. And if you're after the ultimate off-grid experience, sites such as Brit Stops and Wild with Consent offer campervan pitches on private land.

What should I bring?

All you really need for a Lake District campervan adventure are hiking boots, warm and waterproof clothing, a swimsuit and a sense of adventure. However, there are plenty of additional items that can make your journey much more comfortable — and enjoyable. Part of the joy of the Lake District is its wild and rugged nature, but away from established campsites, you won’t have access to electricity, water or waste-water disposal. As a result, it’s key to have your own facilities, such as a refillable water container and a portable power supply. Batteries charged by solar panel are a great option to ensure you’ll always have power in the wild, whether you need to charge phones, cameras or torches.