The safari tents themselves have everything you need. Bedecked with a luxury interior, they include beds for up to six people, sofas, dining furniture and a handy kitchenette with cooking hobs, fridge and microwave. Each has private parking and a large amount of space around it, where you can play ball games or sit in the sun, peeping over the drystone walls to the countryside beyond.
Facilities are excellent too. While the tents are well equipped, their location within a larger campsite means you also have access to top-notch ablutions with the likes of a drying room – for airing out your post-climbing footwear – and an onsite shop with daily newspapers. Next door to reception there’s even an onsite pub – pop your nose in for a chat before you head out or have a browse of the information boards. There’s plenty of friendly advice to be found.
It’s a pleasant mile and a half walk to Stavely or drive to Windermere town and make the 20-minute stroll up through the woods to Orrest Head (784ft). The views in every direction are worth the clamber and those looking for more intrepid climbs will see the taller peaks poking up in the north – Stony Cove Pike, Red Screes, Helvellyn, the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell – these famous and more challenging routes are all within an easy half hours drive.
Little known but worth a mention is the most local village, Stavely, a short and pleasant walk from the site. There is a micro brewery (01539 825260) in the centre and an artisan bakery (01539 822297). By Windermere itself visit what is arguably the most beautiful private house in the Lake District, Blackwell (01539 446139), or for a more diverse range of family fun try The World of Beatrix Potter (08445 041233), bringing her tales to life as well as giving a little more info about the author. On the water try Windermere Lake Cruises (01539 443360) or avoid the touristy vibe by hiring your own kayak (01539 444451) and dabbling about on the lake yourself. The other local spot worth a mention is the market town of Kendal, the main hub there is The Brewery Arts Centre (01539 725133) and there is a cluster of excellent shops. For one weekend each November the town comes alive with the Kendal Mountain Festival, one of the biggest outdoor festivals in the world and a magnet for adventure seekers, or enjoy Kendal Calling in the summer for a lively music scene.