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Kestrel Lodge Campsite

97%
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· Keswick, Cumbria, England
4 acres hosted by Cassy F.
10 tent pitches
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Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best tent sites: 2nd place
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Romantic
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.
A family-friendly Lake District campsite, nestled between the quiet shores of Bassenthwaite Lake and the beautiful Cumbrian fells

Louise Smith and Andrea Bramhall seem to have found a winning formula – find an old farm in the most enviable location thinkable, give it a good make-over with a lawn-mower, a few sign posts and a spanking new block of showers, then open up the gates and let the campers roll in! Their first campsite in North Norfolk – that they took over 10 years ago – received a solid two thumbs up from all the Hipcamp clan – and it's no surprise that the same is true at Kestrel Lodge. And to top it off, they've been joined by Louise's parents Sue and Dave to make it a family-run campsite for all the generations.

Set in the shadow of mighty Skiddaw, climbing away to the south east, and a stone’s throw from sparkling Bassenthwaite Lake to the south west, Kestrel Lodge Camping is a traditional Lakeland campsite on an 18th-century farm. Grassy pitches enjoy stonking great vistas across the adjacent fields to where the hills rise and fall, speckled with woodland like barnacles on a whale's back.

There’s nothing formulaic about the welcome you receive though. Louise, Andrea and the three generations of family brought together to share the dream, are personable and friendly and just as in awe of the surroundings as most visitors. They can point you in the direction of each of the nine Wainwrights walkable from the campsite, as well as the nearest pub – a cosy little spot in Bassenthwaite with real ales on tap. It’s with fond memories that they too remember their younger days camping here and it’s clear they want to explore the surroundings of their new home as much as every guest. You almost feel guilty trekking off into the hills without them.

The ethos, they tell us, is “small, quiet, friendly, traditional, but with nice hot showers, and somewhere to clean your boots and dogs.” And the result is the very antithesis of a holiday park. For proper camping with proper views, Kestrel Lodge should be top of the list.

Kestrel Lodge is a quiet, family friendly, Lakeland campsite suitable for tents and trailer tents. We are a traditional camping ground with a modern shower block, situated in a quiet corner of the National Park. Sitting in an enviable position, below Skiddaw with views across the valley to Bassenthwaite Lake, Kestrel Lodge Campsite is surrounded by some of the best fell walking routes in the country. It’s a perfect base for exploring the Lake District and Northern Fells. For the Lake District, pitches are pretty flat, and the ground is well drained, so doesn't flood, but in the heaviest of weather, it will get a little muddy in parts like everywhere else. It's the Lake District! The camping field is also surrounded by well matured trees, which offer shelter from the worst of the wind and some shade from the sun. There is a secure fenced area for dog walking, a field where kids can kick there ball around and have a great time, and ample parking for 1 car per pitch, so please leave the second car at home, folks. Prices are based on a per person per night basis with a minimum of 2 people sharing a pitch. 
Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Paddling
Natural features
Mountainous
Field
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97%
145 Ratings · 141 reviews
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Kate T.recommends
June 22, 2024
Grass Tent Camping Pitch
I absolutely loved camping at kestrel lodge. The campsite had everything you need, the firepits with each pitch were a bonus. Will definatly be returning in August!
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Daniel F.recommends
June 13, 2024
Grass Tent Camping Pitch
A perfect spot for camping.
Everything about this spot was perfect. The welcome was warm, quick and informative. The camping spot was a big plot allocated, you had lots of space to enjoy yourself. The fire pits were a great addition and we weren’t expecting them. Had we been there longer we would have definitely had a fire (logs are available on site). You can also buy a few bits of food onsite if needed. The facilities were great. 3 sinks to wash, a couple of toilets and a shower for each gender. The water was LOVELY and warm! A pub is a 15 minute walk down the road, which was nice for an evening drink. We weren’t sure what the best walk was and the reception gave us good directions to walk up Skiddaw via Dash. This was about 2 and a half hours each way. You’d need hiking shoes, but wasn’t too challenging. I couldn’t recommend this any higher, if you’re looking for a great place to camp in Keswick.
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Gemma O.recommends
June 1, 2024
Grass Tent Camping Pitch
Very clean and tidy, lovely views and very family orientated. Our children were really sad to leave. Would definitely recommend.
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Alice W.recommends
June 1, 2024
Grass Tent Camping Pitch
Excellent family campsite
Brilliant campsite, incredibly clean facilities and fantastic welcome. Very good for children younger and older. Off the beaten track so little disturbances. Quiet from 10pm which was welcomed.
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Sarah G.recommends
May 31, 2024
Grass Tent Camping Pitch
Traditional family camping in a quiet spot with easy access to North East Lakeland. Very clean and spacious. Our children enjoyed the friendly free range chickens. We liked the 10pm quiet rule. Excellent hot showers.
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Katie H.recommends
May 27, 2024
Grass Tent Camping Pitch
Great campsite - all the necessities you need. Nice and quiet and super safe for kids to just run round. Will definitely be returning
Location
Keswick, Cumbria, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Cassy F.Joined in December 2016
From the host
Kestrel Lodge Campsite is a hidden gem in the Lake District, offering a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere amidst stunning natural surroundings. With Bassenthwaite Lake and Skiddaw on its doorstep, campers can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including walks and cycling, while Keswick's charming town centre is just a 15-minute drive away, providing easy access to amenities and attractions. Our ethos is simple; a small, quiet, friendly, traditional campsite, but with nice hot showers, and somewhere to clean your boots and dogs. A covered area for rainy days, and a large space for camp fires. A campsite where campfires are allowed and where you can walk or cycle for days without needing to get in your car. A campsite where you can easily walk to a pub that offers good food, traditional ale, and a warm welcome. We're looking forward to seeing you soon!
Nearby attractions

Skiddaw looms on the horizon and therefore gets all the glory but there are nine other mighty mountains that can be tackled from the campsite. It's around 5 miles to the summit of Great Cockup, a 7 mile walk up Binsey or take on the strenuous 11 mile loop that takes in Bakestall, Carlside, Longside, Ullock Pike and Skiddaw itself. Louise and Andrea can help you plan the route if needed. It's 6 miles to Keswick and 7 to Cockermouth, both full of excellent eateries, shops and museums that all prove there's more to the Lakes than just walking and cycling. Derwent Pencil Museum (017687 73626) in Keswick, Honister Slate Mine (017687 77230) and Wordsworth House and Gardens (01900 824805) are all good examples.

Food and drink

There's a great pub in Bassenthwaite village, The Sun Inn (017687 76439), serving comforting pub food and with real ales on tap. It's a pleasant 20-minute or so walk (around a mile).

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