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Perfectly peaceful Cumbrian working farm, surrounded by some of the best walks the Lakes have to offer...
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Gill Head Farm

UK England North West England Cumbria Penrith

Gill Head Farm, Troutbeck, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0ST

Website 01768 779 953
★★★★★ 17 reviews
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Log Cabin
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Grass Pitch - Main Camping Field
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Grass Pitch - By The River (Quite Area)
Grass pitch Sleeps 6 4 Available
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Perfectly peaceful Cumbrian working farm, surrounded by some of the best walks the Lakes have to offer...

Gill Head is a lovely little working hill farm that’s been run by the same family for several generations. Ensconced within the Lake District National Park, yet far removed from the tourist hordes, it offers space for tents and caravans, as well as B&B accommodation and six rather funky timber camping pods.

The main camping meadow is wide and flat with space for around 50 pitches (the 21 hardstanding caravan pitches are in a separate field), offering campers grand views to the mighty Blencathra – known locally ‘Saddleback’, a ridge of six separate fell tops – and Northern Fells, stretching right down the valley to Keswick. In keeping with the splendid, spacious location, the site has a laid-back, natural feel.

There are fields and streams to paddle in, an organised play area for children, and decent facilities that include a modern and spacious shower, toilet, and laundry block. There’s even a log cabin (with TV lounge and undercover BBQ area) for communal get-togethers and wet-weather relaxation.

Beyond lie the Lakes and a wealth of hiking, biking, ghyll scrambling, and water-based activities (Ullswater is less than a 10-minute drive away) and the owners have been thoughtful enough to arrange regular onsite activities, games, and even bushcraft courses (run by local firm Reach Beyond Adventure).

Those ‘who don’t want to feel like they’re on a campsite’, as the owners put it, can ask to pitch in the ‘hidden’ field, which comes with its own waterfall and steep, wooded banks. You’ll have to walk further to the shower block, but it’s a small price to pay for such pleasant, leafy isolation.

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The Owner Says

Gill Head Farm is a family run working hill farm, offering high quality farmhouse self cartering accommodation and caravan & camping accommodation set against the spectacular backdrop of Blencathra and the northern fells of the Lake District National Park. Whatever you are looking for from your holiday, be it excitement and adventure on the lakes and fells, peace and tranquility whilst sightseeing or strolling around stately homes and gardens, visits to country fairs, or an action packed family holiday. Gill Head’s location with it’s beautiful rural setting ensures we are ideally situated for a wonderful holiday within the Lake District National Park far from the madding crowds.
For latest availability and best prices for Gill Head Farm, please use the Date Search above.

Reviews

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★★★★☆

Simple things done well

For our purposes, the site offered everything we needed. We were the only campers and had the "quiet spot" by the river to ourselves. If by quiet you mean silence, you're in the wrong place; the river is vigorous and you will always hear it, which we loved. The camping area is gorgeous and secluded, although a small amount of litter is what loses the fifth star. We can't speak for the rest of the site beyond the showers, which were welcome after hikes. The farm is well placed to avoid the worst of Lake District traffic, but close enough to enjoy the benefits of being connected to all the major through points off the A66. We will certainly look to Gill Head Farm again as a base for our lightweight, quiet-season trips.
Oct 29, 2018 by George
★★★★☆

Lovely site, great for kids

It’s a lovely site, with several different areas, very slightly sloping in parts but pretty easy to find a flat enough spot (even for our massive tent!) Brilliant play area for the kids, and very nice amenities blocks too. There’s a great room, with sofas, tables and chairs to meet in if the weather is a bit rubbish, fortunately we didn’t need it!! Very minor downside is only a small freezer for ice packs. Planning a trip back next year!
Sep 1, 2018 by Beck_ch
★★★★★

This was a beautifully quiet and very clean campsite

I booked just 4 nights in the renovated Gypsy Caravan to see whether I would like glamping. It was indeed in a quiet corner of the site as Gill Head stated with beautiful views. The Caravan was very cosy and well fitted out, even a travel kettle for an early morning coffee. The little cabin alongside had a wooden table and chairs, I had expected a camping table and plastic chairs so that was a pleasant surprise and sufficient cutlery, crockery, washing up bowl and drainer. I will glamp again.
Aug 24, 2018 by Frances
★★★★★

Peaceful and Idyllic setting

We had a lovely time staying in the Kipper Cabin this week! It was cosy yet well-equipped with everything we needed for a few days in the Lake District. We had plenty of space for the two of us and our greyhound and the scenery was gorgeous. Really enjoyed watching the red squirrels from our rocking chairs on the veranda and the wood stove kept us cosy and warm on an evening. We’ll definitely be back!
Aug 23, 2018 by Holly and Dave
★★☆☆☆

OK site spoiled by pricing and road noise

This site is close to the A66 and there is a fair bit of road noise. Also, I was astonished to be charged £21 as a solo traveller in May - I was told that they charge for the site, not per person. This was by a significant margin the most I was charged during a 3 week trip to Scotland and the Lakes. Felt very seen off but was meeting someone there so couldn't walk away.
Jul 6, 2018 by Rob P
★★★★★

Brilliant family friendly site with amazing views

Just returned from a weekend break and I have to say what a fantastic site this is! Friendly owners and staff, well maintained and clean. Well laid out pitches and the option of a firepit whilst you watch the sunset over the mountains! Just a quick drive to Keswick if you fancy a stroll around the shops or a bite for lunch. It's a ten minute walk from the site to the lovely troutbeck inn, which again has lovely friendly staff and fantastic food. We will be returning to Gill head farm very soon with family and friends and hopefully many times again over the years. I really can't recommend this place enough! LOVED IT!
Jul 4, 2018 by Simon Perry
★★★★★

Perfect

A lovely little adventure! We only stayed one night, camping in the ‘quiet’ field. Although it wasn’t particularly quiet, it was a lovely spot. we took advantage of the stream, water fall and natural pools to cool down. The facilities were nice and clean. There was a children’s play ground, which my little girl loved. Bacon butties we’re available to order, and fire pits available to hire. And a pub close by, which served lovely food. All in all, a lovely location and a great camp site
Jul 2, 2018 by Andrea
★★★★☆

Lovely time!

We've just returned from a lovely trip to Gill Head Farm, we stayed in the quiet area which was perfect for us as the main area was quite busy with the children's play area. Having said that it was bank holiday and half term so it's to be expected and on an evening it was peaceful. Well appointed with a kitchen and laundry room and the toilet block/ showers were clean enough. Would recommend this site, just be aware that there are lots of children and main camp-site is near to the playground.
May 29, 2018 by Dani
★★★☆☆

Spoilt by the road noise

Had a 1 night stay at Gill Head Farm in our campervan. The site is in a great location for walking the Fells & Ullswater is nearby.The grounds were well tended & tidy & the larger field for tents enjoys fabulous views of Blencathra. However the smaller area with hook ups was rather disappointing. Most of the pitches seemed to be taken by 'semi-permanent' caravans ( with awnings/ TV aerials/ garden furniture etc. ). Only 6 pitches seem to be available for visiting campers. A children's play area with a large trampoline sits in the middle of this area, very close to the pitches- just pleased that we visited mid-week .Sufficient toilets & hot water in the showers, however the toilet/shower block was in need of a good clean- the mop provided for washing down the showers was sitting in a full bucket of filthy water which left the shower even dirtier than before I tried to clean it! Finally , as others have stated , there is quite a lot of noise from the A66 which is very close to the site. Sadly the road remained busy all night.Peacocks were rather noisy too!
May 16, 2018 by Yorkshirelass
★★★★☆

Stay in the main field.

We stayed here at the end of the school summer holidays for 3 nights, initially in the "quiet" area as recommended by others here. Unfortunately it was the worst night of sleep that we had for our 2 week holiday - the "quiet" area is the closest part of the campsite to the A66 and there is a lay-by just on that side of the road. A lorry (or maybe more than one) parked up, with a unit which turned on an engine approximately every 45 minutes, just as you were dozing off again from the previous disturbance. You've been warned! Maybe we were unlucky. Having said that, we asked to move and went up to the main site the next morning which had the most incredible views of Blencathra and we had 2 lovely nights of sleep after that. It was end of a very wet season so parking near to tent was limited, but that suits us with children anyway. Campfires allowed, great washing up facilities, good sized playground for the kids, friendly staff and great location for getting about. Red squirrels and hedgehogs if you're lucky. The views are not to be missed, stay up on the main site.
Oct 11, 2017 by 4_under_canvas
★★★★★

Breathtaking

I have literally just returned from two nights camping and loved it so much I have booked another four nights in September. This place leaves me speechless. I stayed in the quiet site next to the river. It was just what i was looking for. I pitched up next to the stunning waterfall. The quiet area even has electric hook up should you need it. They say it's a walk to the showers from there...its only two minutes and I've never known anywhere where an route to the showers you are greeted by chickens.....and peacocks...amazing. The showers are clean powerful and hot. Just what I needed after walking the 21 mile Ullswater Way. I had a walk around The rest of the site. The main camping field has spectacular views of the surrounding fells. There is also a router caravan area which I have told my parents about. I was surprised to see static caravans there but don't expect the regimented layout of many holiday parks. They are all individually situated and are lovely to look at and add to the good feel of this place. I was greeted by the owner on arrival who was helpful and really friendly. Nothing is missed at Gill Head. The grounds are perfectly maintained. I even found a big pot of herbs growing near my site. I picked a few and cooked with them...thyme...basil...mint. lovely. I really didn't want to pack up my tent this morning especially as the sun was shining. Oh...let me tell you about the sunset...in fact I wont...you can find out for yourself. I can't wait to get back there next month.Great base for exploring the northern lakes. Thank you😁
Aug 9, 2017 by Franksy
★★★★★

Excellent site

Our first venture into camping and we couldn't have picked a better place. Easy to find. Excellent amenities, showers and toilets were well maintained. Wash up areas and children's play area were brilliant. Stayed on the secret field near the beck and waterfall. Quiet and peaceful, only tip I would give us take some midge repellent!
Aug 8, 2017 by Russ
★★★★★

Excellent site

Just got home from four beautiful days at Gill Head Farm. The site is easy to find from the motorway and well signposted; even for novice towers like us! As you drive up it is clear where to go depending if you're in a tent or van and there is space to park close to reception. I paid with a delightful young gentleman who was very charming. The site owners are lovely and very helpful without being overbearing; as it is a working farm they aren't always immediately available but seem to be on site pretty much constantly and there is a contact telephone number in case of difficulties. I had called earlier in the day and was told to go straight up to the caravan field, as we went out of season there was ample space to choose from. The pitches in the caravan field were predominantly hard standing with a couple of grass pitches. All had hook up and some had water points as well, although we didn't pick one of those. There is a large children's play structure with swings, slides, climbing wall bit etc and a couple of trampolines. These are next to a large communal area for campers to eat and hang out in, with an undercover barbecue area and some washing up facilities. We didn't use the hang out room but the washing up sinks have very hot water and good pressure. There is a toilet block with two toilet cubicles and three showers, plus a large cubicle with toilet, sink and shower in the ladies; I'm told the gents had two toilet cubicles, one urinal & four shower cubicles. Again, water is hot and good pressure, the button is a little short time-wise to me but it might be because I was enjoying it ☺ Our only very minor niggle was that the lighting over the chemical disposal wasn't great, which made an unforeseen toilet emptying trip in the dark a little more risky than we'd like, but as long as you're more sensible than we are and empty in daylight hours it's all good! All in all a top class site that we are already planning a return trip to! If you go make sure you ask for directions to the hidden field, it is well worth the short walk, and say hi to Tigger the dog!
May 16, 2017 by CrazyDogLady
★★★★★

Amazing place if you know where to go!

I love this campsite but you have to know where to go. The Cool Camping review is spot on. Head out the back of the campsite to the special tents-only area down by the river. (Ask when you book if they don't mention it). It's like it's own seperate campsite. A special private area away from every thing else. So nice! it of a walk to showers but worth it. The other camping area is also okay. I had a wander around and the mian area does have great views of the mountains around. So there are plenty of options!
Aug 2, 2016 by James Smith
★★★★☆

Gill Head Farm

A lovely little campsite with stunning views and a relaxed feel.

Myself and three others stopped for a five day period in early june and had a great time, the campsite is clean and well looked after, and the staff at the shop/check-in are attentive and friendly. The shop is fairly basic with just the few essentials to see you by, however keswick is only a 12 minute drive away and with a local inn a five minute walk away, good food at nights isn't a problem.

The toilets are kept clean and the free showers are a bonus.

The hot bacon sandwichs in the morning help set you up for the day ahead.

Would of been five stars but the shop could stock more items, and the weather wasn't great.

Would stay again, and i have recommended to my friends.

Aug 8, 2011 by William123
★★★★★

Gill Head Farm

Lovely quiet campsite with great views of the surrounding hills. Good little playground for children too - the trampolines had been removed when we stayed for safety. The site is quite isolated and with only a very small shop you really do need to travel to either Penrith or Keswick if you need more then eggs, bread and milk. However they do provide takeaway breakfasts if you pre-order the night before. We stayed in a tent - the fields were quite spacious, the owners were very laid back about pitches - no strict regimes about distance between pitches and this did seem to work well, there was even the odd picnic table in the tent fields - we managed to baggsie one. Also very laid back about arrival times and departure times on the days we were booked for which was Easter weekend. The site wasn’t over crowded. Bathroom facilities are ok -showers were free and clean but could do with updating. We would definitely stay again as it was a good friendly site when camping with children.
Apr 26, 2011 by koolkaz
★★★★☆

Gill Head Farm

Great camp site. good facilities and staying in a pod was handy in the bad weather we had while there. A bit remote location, but not far to get to Keswick.
Mar 1, 2011 by Lisa -Yorks

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Pitches

Camp in either the main field with gorgeous fell views, or the hidden field, with its own waterfall and wooded banks. Or try the vintage gypsy wagon with traditional ornate paintwork and canvas bow top.

Who's In

Tents, glamping, caravans, campervans, dogs – yes. Groups – by arrangement.

Facilities

The surrounding area has some of the best walking country in the Lakes – ask on site for info and routes.Ullswater is a short drive away and being England’s second largest lake has a huge range of activities and water sports to offer, including sailing, kayaking, and fishing trips. The Rheged Centre (01768 868000) in Penrith has a number of retail outlets and cafés, lots of activities for kids, and a giant cinema. Rookin House Equestrian Centre (017684 83561) is a family-owned adventure venue with everything from air rifle shooting and archery to riding lessons and trekking.

Nearby

The surrounding area has some of the best walking country in the Lakes – ask on site for info and routes. Ullswater is a short drive away and being England’s second largest lake has a huge range of activities and water sports to offer, including sailing, kayaking, and fishing trips. The Rheged Centre (01768 868000) in Penrith has a number of retail outlets and cafés, lots of activities for kids, and a giant cinema. Rookin House Equestrian Centre (017684 83561) is a family-owned adventure venue with everything from air rifle shooting and archery to riding lessons and trekking.

Food & Drink

The refurbished Troutbeck Inn (017684 83635) is within walking distance, with pricey but delicious food. The Mill Inn (017687 79632) in calm, unspoiled Mungrisdale serves good food based on traditional Cumbrian fair. Veggies will love the Lakeland Pedlar Café (017687 74492), an organic wholefood vegetarian café with beautiful views.

Open

Mar–Nov.

The Damage

Camping: Adults £9 per person per night, children £4 and infants (under 5) are free. 3-night minimum on Easter and Bank Holidays. Gypsy Caravan £40 per night.

Getting There

Take the A66 towards Keswick. At the Troutbeck Inn T-junction take the A5091, signposted Ullswater. After 100 metres turn right for Gill Head.

Public Transport

Train to Penrith or Keswick then bus no. X4 or X5 (every hour between Penrith and Keswick) to the Troutbeck Inn and walk the ¼ mile to the site.

Facilities

  • Bushcraft courses
  • Campfires permitted
  • Children’s playground
  • Dogs welcome
  • Electrical hook-ups
  • Good for kids
  • Groups welcome
  • Laundry
  • Showers
  • Wifi
  • Caravans permitted

Looking For...

  • Bicycle routes nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Forests nearby
  • Good walks nearby
  • Mountains nearby
  • Nice Views from Site
  • On the farm
  • Remote location
  • Short walk to pub

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