When the sun’s shining and you're pitched at the end of Borrowdale, one of the Lake District's most beautiful valleys, it’s hard to imagine camping getting any better. This laid back site is located on a working farm and romantically nestled amidst dramatic mountain scenery and close to England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike. Seathwaite Farm is a real ‘get away from it all' site, and gives visitors the chance to reacquaint with nature among some of the most beautiful and unspoilt landscapes in the whole of Britain.
If you’re looking for luxury camping, then Seathwaite Farm isn’t for you. The facilities can only be described as basic and the site is only suitable for tents and small campervans due to a narrow access road. But what really matters here is not how neatly trimmed the pitches are, nor how contemporary or stylish the shower block may be, but simply for visitors to soak up the remarkable, breathtaking scenery that makes Seathwaite Farm such a special place to camp.
Campers are inevitably here for the walks, with hikers lured by the towering peaks of Scafell Pike. These are pretty challenging treks, but visitors can warm up with one of the easier routes that snake these fells, including fabulous walks at Great Gable, Great End, and Glaramara.
The whole of the Lake District is easily accessible from Seathwaite Farm by car, but the local area deserves some serious attention, so be sure to bring a pair of extra comfy walking boots.
The 13th century market town of Keswick (meaning farm where cheese is made!) is only nine miles up the road, and well known for its scenic landscape and opportunities for a wide range of outdoor activities. Adrenaline junkies are catered for at the Keswick Adventure Centre (01768 775687), with abseiling, tubing, biking, canoeing, and zip-wiring all on the menu. Experience Via Ferrata at Honister Slate Mine (01768 777714), or Go Ape at Whinlatter Forest Park, near Keswick (0843 770 3558). Ever been to a pencil museum? Me neither. But a visit to The Cumberland Pencil Museum (017687 73626) may prove more interesting that you first thought. Visitors can discover Keswick's industrial heritage, with artist demonstrations and workshops held throughout the year. Oh, and you can’t leave without seeing “The World's Longest Coloured Pencil”! Keswick Market (Thursday & Saturday) has around 40 stalls selling a wide range of both locally and internationally sourced crafts, clothes, pottery, and carvings. There’s also a good selection of delicious home-made jams, meats, and other produce.
Only two miles north is the homely Langstrath Country Inn (017687 77239), a lovely rural pub and a great place for a bite to eat. Originally built around 1590 as a miners cottage, this popular spot for walkers serves a wide range of local ales from the Black Sheep and Keswick Breweries. The food is also locally sourced, with the (huge!) fish & chips proving a real winner. Grange Bridge Cottage Tea Shop (017687 77201) is the perfect venue for a riverside brew and lunch. Popular choices include the asparagus soup or the leek and ham pie, but the real draw is being able to sit outside and watch the river flow lazily past. The best valley pub is the Riverside Bar at The Scaffel Hotel (017687 77208), a great place to relax after a long walk. Guests can “fill yer boots” with tasty, hearty food in front of the open fire.
