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Stone Raise Bells

83%

· Carlisle, England

3 acres hosted by Emma Heseltine A.

3 lodging sites

Off-grid bell tents on a working farm in Cumbria’s Eden Valley

The bell tents at Stone Raise Farm provide a handy way to go camping in Cumbria’s Eden Valley. If you’re not sure where that is, you’re not the only one. “I don’t think people realise how nice it is around here,” says host Emma. But the name might give you the first clue. It’s England’s Eden: a green and pleasant land of countryside around the river, which sits between the Lake District and the Pennines. Stone Raise Farm is towards its northern extremes, not far from Carlisle and Hadrian’s Wall.

There are just five bell tents, pitched up in a field that’s big enough for many more. That’s part of the appeal of the place: there’s space and plenty of it. And views for miles. This isn't "glamping" though. These are bell tents on a working farm. They might make camping easy but it’s still a simple set up, with tractors sometimes rumbling by. There’s no electricity on site and you need to bring your own bedding and cooking kit if you want more than a campfire dinner. Camp beds are provided in the tent, though, along with a raised firepit outside.

Out of camping season, the field is grazed by sheep so everything is moveable. That means facilities are simple: a portable loo and a portacabin where you’ll find a hot shower, a washing-up sink and a mini shop. Here, Emma shares produce from the farm when it’s available and a bit of local info. There’s a woodland next door that’s great for walks and the river bank is another option. If you like a hike, you can reach al pub in 40 minutes. But, of course, it’s less than that in the car if you want to visit the better-known places nearby: Carlisle, Hadrian’s Wall, the northern Lakes, the Solway Coast—and even Gretna Green.

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83%

3 Ratings · 2 reviews

Paul S.recommends

May 27, 2024

Site 3 - Bell tent

Great hosts and great location. Secluded with serene countryside views and a pretty easy 2.5mile hike to the pub. Also next to forestry walks. Shower and drinking water/cleaning area available.

Joel W.recommends

September 2, 2023

Site 3 - Bell tent

Simple and perfect

Awesome spot. Five big tents on the edge of a field with a fantastic view and a short drive (10 minutes) from Carlisle. A little toilet, running water and a place to do the dishes and that’s it. Reasonably priced firewood if you need it, and our little girl and our dogs loved it too. If you really like being outdoors you’ll love it 😊

Location

Carlisle, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Emma Heseltine A.

Joined in June 2022

From the host

Wild Camping? Well almost, let us take away the hassle and stay in one of our Bell tents, pitched and ready for your stay. With spectacular views down the Eden Valley, you can relax at our peaceful farm location. As a small pop-up site, you can expect oodles of space and simple facilities. There are plenty of wonderful local walks including High stand wood and the River Eden which is just a short walk away. There are several lovely village pubs in easy reach. We encourage a back to nature approach and as such you’ll find no electric or wifi, but you will find books, games and a chance to unwind and decompress in a beautiful setting. So put your feet up by the fire, a peaceful break awaits in our spectacular area of Cumbria. Our canvas bell tents are spacious and modern with zipped in ground sheets and fly screens. What we provide... Pitched Bell tent Air beds Fire pit (wood available on request at an extra cost) Portable shared toilet facilities Solar shower Washing up area and communal area with info and honesty shop with some homegrown/made produce What you need to bring... Stove and cooking equipment Bedding Torches Food and Drink (excellent local village shop 3 miles away) Set in the beautiful Eden Valley the pop-up bells at Stone Raise are a perfect base to explore the Lake District and the surrounding area. Carlisle 'the great border city' boasts a spectacular Cathedral, Castle and easy access to Hadrian’s Wall. The famous Settle-Carlisle train line runs past the farm, there are stations nearby at Armathwaite and Wetheral which can take you on day trips across the north. Carlisle 8 miles Penrith 15 miles Hadrian’s Wall 18 miles Ullswater 24 miles Keswick 32 miles

Nearby attractions

Stone Raise Farm is next door to High Stand Woods where a network of footpaths provide a pleasant place for a walk. The River Eden is a short walk away from the site and there are footpaths along its banks too. Follow them for three miles south and you reach the village of Armathwaite where there’s a choice of two pubs or in the other direction for four miles to the pretty village of Wetheral. Oak Tree Farm is an animal charity which rescues and rehomes animals three miles from the campsite. You can visit to see some of them: donkeys, ponies and goats included. There’s also a play area and tea room. Carlisle, eight miles from Stone Raise Farm, is home to a castle, a cathedral, museums, shops and plenty of other historic buildings. It’s on the Hadrian’s Wall Path but to see an intact section of this Roman fortification, head further to Banks (15 miles) or perhaps to Birdoswald Roman Fort (18 miles). The edge of the Lake District National Park is within 20 miles of site and Ullswater is one of the closest lakes. From Pooley Bridge (21 miles) on the northern shore, you can jump aboard an Ullswater Steamer for a cruise around the lake or you can head out on a walk around its edges. For walking in the high fells, you could take on the mighty Skiddaw from Keswick (30 miles) or Hellvellyn from a starting point in Glenridding (28 miles) on the edge of Ullswater. There are some lovely beaches on the Solway Coast and even over the border on the Scottish coast around Annan (28 miles).

Food and drink

Eggs and farm-fresh veg are sometimes for sale in the mini shop in the facilities cabin, occasionally alongside jars of homemade jams and cakes. For more than that head for Eden Stores in Armathwaite village (three miles). The village also has two pubs which both offer home-cooked food: The Fox and Pheasant and The Dukes Head. The Greyhound Inn (two miles) in Cotehill is another option a short distance away offering a menu of pub grub. Wetherall is the place to head for a fancier meal out. Try Fantails restaurant, The Wheatsheaf or The Crown. Carlisle (eight miles) has a full range of independent shops, supermarkets and eateries.

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