Baysbrown Farm
UK England North West England Cumbria Hawkshead
Tourist traffic jams can be a bit of a problem in beautiful places, especially when the place is as enchanting as the Lakes. Fortunately, there is some respite from this mayhem in the lake-free valley of Great Langdale, at the heart of which serene Baysbrown Farm nuzzles up against a steep fell on one side while the other overlooks three generously sized camping fields that gently slope down to the valley’s river.
The entire site lies beneath the humbling rocks of Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and the Langdale Pikes, which seem to swallow up your tent, the farmhouse, and distant Chapel Stile village, and give a sense of scale rarely found in the Lakes. Peering out each morning at the mist-shrouded peaks is worth the entrance money alone. You and your tent will be at the centre of an 800-acre farm. Baahs float over the lichen-drenched walls from the resident flock of sheep and chickens run amok around your guy ropes, much to the kids’ delight.
Life is so much simpler here – as is the camping style. The site doesn’t have any designated pitches; just rock up and find your corner of tranquillity.Then, when you’re done putting up your tent, just walk up to the farmhouse to announce your arrival through the ever-open kitchen door and hand over your fee. There’s no such thing as booking in advance here; it’s not that kind of place.
The bridle paths in the valley make for good, suspension-testing cycle routes, and many mountain bikers use the farm as a base. However you’ve worked up that salty brow by day end, nourishment and that wellearned pint can be found at Chapel Stiles’ sole watering hole – Wainwrights’ Inn. If all the valley’s frolicking lambs haven’t caused you to question your carnivorous cravings, then try their infamous, overly generous portion of lamb shoulder.
Despite Baysbrown being a working farm, there’s no produce available to throw onto the gas stove, although a short amble to the café in Chapel Stile can fill your larder with the basics. Come night-time Bruce, the farmer, likes to maintain the silence so there’s no-nonsense and no-noise after 10.30pm. And it’s almost like the rest of the valley heeds this imposed watershed, too, bar the odd hoot of an owl or baa from a sheep. If you’re after a quiet rural escape from a case of Lakes-induced hydrophobia, then the lake-free Langdale valley is where you’ll find it. In the seclusion of the farm grounds and the shelter of the dale, you’ll be twiddling reeds between your teeth without a care in no time.
And, just like all Lake District sites, Baysbrown won’t leave you short of things to do; grab a bike, put your boots on, or lie on the grass and stare at the peaks, thankful you’re not stuck in the traffic for the Lakes.
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Details
Facilities
Approximately 200 first-come, first-served pitches. There are free hot showers, 2 toilet blocks (one quite basic and the other newly built) and a washing-up area. Facilities: solar-heated showers (5W, 5M), and separate toilet block (9W, 8M). Battery charging at the farm. It’s a family- friendly place – no music, no noise or BBQs after 10.30pm. BBQs off the ground allowed. No campfires.
Suitable For
Tents, small motorhomes/campervans/ caravans (narrow site entrance with hump bridge so anything large or low won’t fit), dogs (always under control) – yes. Large, loud groups – no.
Nearby
If you’re not into hardcore hiking or valley strolls, you’re probably staying in the wrong place – though even the resolutely unfit can manage the walk up the head of the valley to the Hiker’s Bar at the Old Dungeon Ghyll inn (01539 437272). Otherwise, Ambleside and its many tea rooms, shops and attractions are a 20-minute drive away. Click here for activities, sights & attractions to see and do in the Lake District.
Food & Drink
The Drunken Duck Inn (01539 436 347) near Ambleside sets off salivary glands with its gastronomic menu and views out over tarns and craggy fells. Open fires and real ales at the Langdale Estate’s Wainwrights' Inn (01539 438088), under a mile from the site; or another half-mile down the valley, at pretty Elterwater, the Britannia Inn (01539 437210) is a classic Lakeland pub with good food and real ales. Escape to refinement at Gilpin Lodge (015394 88818). This fell-based country house near Windermere dishes up Michelin-rated delights (they have 1 star) amongst its private 20 acres. Rooms range from £125 to £180 per person per night.
Click here for more pubs, restaurants and places to eat & drink in the Lake District.
Opening Times
March–October.Location
Baysbrown Farm, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9JZ
Getting There
Get yourself to Ambleside and take the ‘Langdale Rambler’ (bus 516) to Chapel Stile. Disembark at Brambles Caf?, the campsite is signposted on the right 1?4 mile further down the road.
Reviews
Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 8 reviews
my favourite.
Blissful Bank Holiday
Spent five sunny days camping here, it was just perfect. The farmer was friendly, the facilities were spotless, and even when busy it was quiet with minimal queuing. The area is stunning and we had a great time. There is a little wood, a river and lovely walks on the doorstep. We didn't really drive! Will return.
We love it here
We have stayed here many times and we keep returning. Stunning views, clean facilities and great location for a great price. We often walk to the Britannia Inn, which is the best pub in the UK for an excellent pint of Bluebird. Beware with flimsy tents in high winds!
Beautiful
Friendly, easy-going campsite - in a truly gorgeous location. I look forward to returning.
keep coming back
Great facilities, everything you need (hot showers!) and friendly people at the farm. Beautiful views to wake up to once you crawl out of your tent in the morning and plenty of lovely walks in the area, whether it's an easy stroll along the river or conquering Harrison Stickle. It's not too far away from Ambleside and yet far enough away from hoards of tourists. There's a reason why we keep coming back here!
Off the beaten track = paradise
A little hard to get to if you don't own a four wheel drive vehicle but its quiet, secluded, in the middle of great walking area and far away from the main mob tourists. Cheap too. Facilities are clean and everything works! No too hot/too cold showers. Only stayed one night but would love to go back for longer!
Baysbrown Farm
Baysbrown Farm
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