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Kestrel Lodge Campsite

97%
·
· 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 legacy: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Best tent sites: 2nd place
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
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
97%
159 Ratings · 147 reviews
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Dávid K.recommends
September 26, 2024
Grass Tent Camping Pitch
Great green space with very well maintained facilities. Great to have a separate area for dogs to run around off lead. Good and useful items in the fridges and honesty boxes. Direct access to gorgeous walks. Would defo come back again.
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Clowdidiana R.recommends
September 16, 2024
Grass Tent Camping Pitch
About a mile trek from Bassenthwaite Village...fabulously large area with a multitude of different pitches next to individual fire pits. Cases was a fantastic when I met her, very warm and friendly. 100% will be pitching here again!
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Jayde H.recommends
July 22, 2024
Grass Tent Camping Pitch
Camping trip!
This was a fantastic campsite. Everybody was friendly, there was a 24 hour shop selling wood and all necessities for a fire, aswell as them providing a fire pit. Every morning there were cockerels and chickens which came to greet us when waking up. There was a lovely undercover seating area which was for all campers to use aswell as of lots of parking on site. The on site shop sold everything that you needed for your camping weekend. The toilet and shower facilities were very clean and the showers were porweful. You could start your hikes from the campsite, but it meant passing cows, sheep and bulls along the way.
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Laura M.recommends
July 8, 2024
Grass Tent Camping Pitch
Big pitches, well stocked shop, picnic tables under shelter. Showers were always hot and never busy. Pub 20 minutes walk away
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Jason D.recommends
June 26, 2024
Grass Tent Camping Pitch
Dream camping
Stunning location and a perfect campsite, incredibly relaxing and spacious whilst being well maintained with everything you need there including local maps and knowledge. They had 3 well equipt yurts , a dog running area, free roaming chickens, fire pits and logs etc and walks to the local fells accessible from your tent too. Lovely all round! Can't wait to go back.
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Denise W.recommends
June 24, 2024
Grass Tent Camping Pitch
I found the site to be beautiful as well as the views were stunning, plus i can honestly say that the site was well maintained and kept clean especially the toilet block. I will certainly be booking the site again and hopefully for a longer stay. Yours Denise
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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