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Social District

90%

· Grizedale, England

55 acres hosted by Tom H.

15 tent pitches

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Lake District camping on the banks of Lake Windermere, with direct access to the water.

For days out on Lake Windermere, there’s no better place to stay than Social District. A back-to-nature campsite with exclusive direct access to England’s largest lake, here you can pitch your tent with a view out onto the water in a lovely 50-acre setting. Located next to one of the Lake District’s most popular destinations, the site is flanked by beautiful hikes and footpaths, within close proximity to the south terminal for Windermere ferry and steam train.

The non-electric pitches are kept spaciously apart through a clearing in an oak forest, ensuring privacy for you and your fellow campers. Guests set up camp on the banks of the lake, with access to your own little pebble beach from which to set sail on your kayak or paddleboard or, if you’re brave enough, indulge in some wild swimming. If you're a keen angler, bring your rod for a spot of fishing, too.

The facilities are basic, so come prepared. But there are shared portaloo-style toilets, along with firepits that can be provided for an extra charge; pick up supplies to cook from the farm shop, only a five-minute drive away. The campsite's built for families – the kids will enjoy the high swings on the trees – and dogs are more than welcome, so feel free to bring your four-legged friends.

But it's the location that's the real highlight here. No other nearby campsite has the kind of access to Lake Windermere that Social District boasts, and everything you need to make the most out of your stay is right on your doorstep. You can get to the Windermere ferry stop in a 15-minute walk, where you can embark on a cruise along some of the area's best attractions – the steam train railway, motor museum, and the lovely tourist town of Bowness-on-Windermere, a bustling hub of shops and places to eat. Then it's back to camp, where you can watch the sun setting behind Windermere as you roast marshmallows around the fire.

From bringing your own paddle board or kayak to experience Windermere’s light waves, to hiring a boat or tucking into some tasty food from a cafe in one of the lakeside villages around the national park. When setting up camp alongside lake Windermere, there is so much to see and do. Our site is perfect for you & your family to spend the day exploring & retreat back to a warm fire as we hire fire pits & bags of wood making your adventures that touch cosier & warm.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Beach

Field

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90%

34 Ratings · 18 reviews

Alice F.recommends

June 4, 2024

Lakeside Camping

Beautiful site

Beautiful campsite, you were left to camp pretty much where ever you wanted. Great to have direct access to Windermere from the site. There were lots of lovely local walks. For the most part the camp site was fairly quiet, apart from a few groups they had camping in the first field, I assume this was done so as not to disturb smaller groups, and it worked! Lovely friendly staff available for wood and to answer any questions. The facilities were clean and the showers just about warm enough! Worth baring in mind there isn’t hot water available for washing up, we ended up taking a hot kettle full over to wash. But it was exactly what we needed for a weekend away! Thank you!

Jamesbellingham ?.recommends

June 3, 2024

Lakeside Camping

Beautiful location makes this site

Great site on the edge of Windermere, was exactly what we were looking for from a camping trip. A beautiful patch of land, well separated from the road, surrounded by established trees with a stream running through and direct access to the lake. It’s secluded and not obvious from the road but instructions were clear and there was a warm welcome at checkin. Facilities are basic but clean with toilets, hot showers in the morning/evening and a sink for washing up. It was not too crowded and we found a lovely spot to camp, with direct views of the lake (bring midge spray as they descend at night being so close to the water). Whilst pricy, the location makes up for it and we’d definitely go back again.

Thomas M.recommends

May 19, 2024

Lakeside Camping

Awesome setting and facilities. Stayed for two nights. Great access to the lake.

Michelle D.recommends

August 6, 2023

Lakeside Camping

10/10 Would Recommend!

Beautiful land, stunning views and perfect for families, friends or couples. Nice clean facilities and honestly, will 100% go back!

Suzanne S.recommends

August 3, 2023

Lakeside Camping

A lovely campsite

Although the weather wasn’t kind on this trip this is the perfect campsite if you are looking for a campsite with a pitch right next to the Lake. The campsite isn’t too busy either so there is a good distance between tents. Will be returning when the weather is better for some Paddle boarding and picturesque views

Danielle S.recommends

June 8, 2023

Lakeside Camping

Little piece of heaven on earth!

Wow what an incredible spot! So beautiful felt like we were in New Zealand! Will definitely be back again next year and will bring some of our friends with us. Managed by Tom and his team, they were so friendly and helpful and the site is a little piece of heaven on earth. Can't wait to come back again soon!

Location

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

Hosted by Tom H.Joined in July 2022

From the host

Social District is a beautifully positioned, back to nature base for camping having exclusive direct access to lake Windermere. Boasting non electric pitches and stretch of lake frontage, it’s a few minutes drive from local restaurants, near the YMCA’s fun activities (laser tag, watersports and more) and ideal for joining the Windermere ferry. 10 minutes from the National Trust’s Hill Top and set beside an English Heritage museum. Just a stones throw away is the Lake Windermere ferry, allowing you to glide across the lake and reach beautiful Windermere village with parks, shops, restaurants, activities such as boat hire and tours etc. It's the ideal start to a day of exploring. Other activities and places to visit in the area include: * Discover & travel around Lake Windermere via the Windermere Lake Cruises Lakeside terminal connecting to Bowness and Ambleside Lakeside also has a café and Aquarium (15 minute walk, 5 minute drive) * Bowness includes Boat hire, miniature golf, Windermere golf course, Escape rooms, Cinema, Marina, Windermere Wakesurfing, VIP Lake tours, Windermere Canoe & Kayak, Sail N Dine, Brockhole on Windermere (Zipline, mini golf & archery (20 minutes drive) * Ambleside includes Grizdale Forest, Rydal Mount & Gardens, Ambleside Climbing wall, Stock Ghyll Force, Rydal Hall Gardens, Waterhead Pier, Rydal Cave, Hayes Garden World, Wray Castle (30 minutes drive or the Ferry Via lakeside (5 minute drive/15 minute walk) * Woodland Xperiences - a base for 1-2 day rewilding adventures, canoeing, climbing and group activities * YMCA activity sessions - climbing, kayaking, ziplining, abseiling and more * National Trust - Hill Top * National Trust - Fell Foot * Kendal (30 minutes drive) * Go Ape Grizedale (20 minutes drive) * Lakeland Wildlife Oasis (30 minutes drive) * South Lakes Safari Zoo (30 minutes drive) * World of Beatrix Potter attraction (20 minutes drive) Local Walks * Knotts Trails bobbin mill (2 minute walk away) * High Dam (10 minute walk away) * Fell Foot Park ( 5 minute drive) * National Trust Claife Viewing station (15 minute drive) * Gummers How (10 minutes drive) * Estwaite water (20 minutes drive) Walks with waterfall * Aira Force (1 hour drive) * Forces Falls Swindale Haweswater (1 hour drive) * Stock Ghyll Force (35 minute drive) * Whorneyside Force ( 45 minute drive) * rydal Falls at rydal Hall (40 minute drive) * Scale Force Crummock Water (1 hour 30 minute drive) * Stanley Ghyll Force Dalegarth (1 hour drive) Popular Walks * Scafell Pike (1 hour drive) * Old Man of Coniston (35 minutes drive) * Tarns How (20 minutes drive) * Rydal Water (35 minutes drive) * Catt Bells (1 hour 15 minutes drive) * Buttermere & Rannerdale Knotts (1 hour 30 minutes drive)

Nearby attractions

Lake Windermere is full of things to do. Graythwaite Adventure is a 5-minute drive from the Social District, providing outdoor experiences that take place on the lake and in the Graythwaite Estate Lakes. Here you can book everything from axe-throwing, to paddleboarding, to off-roading experiences. Aquarium is a 15-minute drive away, filled with freshwater and marine life – its adorable underwater otter tunnel is a real highlight. The ferry stop for a Windermere lake cruise is next to the aquarium, too, so you can hop on and get a better view of the lake, combining your trip with a number of local attractions. The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway takes guests on a journey through time, with steam train journeys around the lake travelling to the towns of Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside.

Food and drink

Lakeside Hotel is a 15-minute drive away next to the ferry stop, where you can enjoy fine dining by the lakeside with an incredible view. This is the ideal spot for a relaxed lunch, with the salmon and cream cheese sandwich coming recommended – on sunny days, enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace, or stay indoors in the conservatory. For something a little less pricey, make your way over to the Boathouse Bar and Restaurant, a 10-minute drive from the site with a view of the boats lining the marina. There's a robust wine list here, along with a varied menu that ranges from mussels to duck. If you're heading into Bowness, be sure to stop by the Folk Tap, a well-loved bar in the centre of the town that serves a range of craft beers along with some towering burgers and hearty sandwiches.

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