A night or two next to England’s largest lake is, we think, simply unforgettable. Low Wray sits on the quieter western shore of Lake Windermere, away from the fleshpots of Ambleside and Bowness and, if the weather holds, it can feel like the most relaxing place on earth.
As you’d expect from a National Trust site, it’s well organised with good facilities, but it’s not overly regimented. There are several camping areas, including an elevated meadow (open for a month only in summer) with big views, another patch in a clearing surrounded by trees, and – best of all – a spot right on the shore with sweeping views across the water. There’s a surcharge for the lake-shore pitches (and a slightly longer walk from the car) but you’ll go to sleep to twinkling stars and lights across the water and wake up with the promise of a bracing dip just steps from your tent. Children have the run of the woodland trails, an adventure playground and shallow lake-shore bays, and there's a small campsite shop, which opens during reception hours and has all the basics such as bread, butter, milk etc.
For those without the camping gear, Low Wray Campsite also has a handful of glamping options. There are pods, run by the National Trust, alongside yurts and tipis, which are set up and rented by outside providers. In 2019 they also took the innovative new step of adding a pair of 'tree tents' incredible wood and canvas spheres that are suspended in the trees and decked out with double beds.
Aside from the great location next to England’s largest lake and the possibilities for sailing, kayaking and fishing, the campsite is well-positioned to take in some of the Lake District’s ‘dry’ attractions. There are plenty of opportunities for walking and off-road cycling, with paths leading directly from the campsite. This is also Beatrix Potter country, so a trip here wouldn’t be complete without visiting either her home at Hill Top near Sawrey or the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead, which houses an exhibition of her original paintings.
