Social District

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.