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Gill Head Farm

97%
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· Penrith, Cumbria, England
40 acres hosted by Amanda S.
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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 farmhouse accommodation, a log cabin and six 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 westerly views to Blencathra – a ridge of six separate fell tops – and the Northern Fells, stretching right down the valley to Keswick.

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. For rainy days there’s also a log cabin with a television lounge and undercover barbecue area.

Beyond the farm lie the Lakes and a wealth of hiking, biking and water-based activities (Ullswater is less than a 10-minute drive away) and the campsite owners have a good relationship with a local outdoor adventure company, Reach Beyond Adventure, and can help organise anything from bushcraft courses to ghyll scrambling and rock climbing.

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 – over a bridge as if leaving the site altogether – 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.

Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Wildlife watching
Natural features
Forest
River, stream, or creek
Waterfall
Mountainous
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
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Campers also viewed...
97%
96 Ratings · 127 reviews
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Olivia H.recommends
September 26, 2022
Grass Pitch - Main Camping Field
I loved our two nights tent camping at Gill Head Farm! We had a friendly welcome on arrival, the view from the main pitch was so beautiful and the sheep were very cute (and safely behind a fence!) The star-gazing was top notch too :) The facilities were secure, clean and warm, which was very welcome after a frosty first night. Just be aware, from the main pitch we could hear a very gentle roar of road noise. It didn't bother us as we're used to busy city noise, but if you're wanting a bit more of a wild experience, they have lots of other gorgeous spots, including a more secluded pitch near a waterfall. I would highly recommend Gill Head as a great place to explore the Lake District from. 20 mins to Keswick and Derwentwater and 15 mins the other way to Ullswater - perfect!
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David H.recommends
September 25, 2022
Grass Pitch - By The River (Quiet Area)
Great site, will be returning
We stayed down by the river in the quiet area. Loved how secluded and quiet it was away from the busy tent area. We will definitely be going back next year.
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Craig M.recommends
September 12, 2022
Grass Pitch - By The River (Quiet Area)
Great location, will access to all amenities.
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Antony P.recommends
September 9, 2022
Grass Pitch - By The River (Quiet Area)
Really nice place to stay easy to get to nice view from the site we stayed on the quiet pitch next to the river nice waterfall just upstream that is spot on for a quick swim it’s freezing in there definitely wakes you up will be going back for sure.
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David L.recommends
September 7, 2022
Grass Pitch - By The River (Quiet Area)
The site is fantastic with great facilities. The riverside/quiet field was pretty busy so this didn't offer the remoteness that justified the distance from the main facilities. In future I would book the main camp area because ots better positioned and offers flatter pitches. Had the riverside/quiet field been less busy, the compromise would have been worth it. Nonetheless, it's a lovely site and well set up for campers and caravaners.
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Peter M.
September 6, 2022
Grass Pitch - By The River (Quiet Area)
We arrived on site a bit late (we'd had a long journey). This meant we missed the shop opening times (which was our fault, nobody else's). But a quick check in meant that we ended up camping in the main camping field (which was busy midway through a bank holiday weekend) - rather than in the Riverside meadow area. So we felt that we didn't quite experience the best of the site. Other than that, the campsite facilities were great, but rather closer to the A66 than I'd realised.
Location
Penrith, Cumbria, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Amanda S.Joined in January 2017
From the host
Gill Head Farm is a family run working hill farm, offering high quality farmhouse self catering accommodation, alongside caravan and 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.
Nearby attractions
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 with superb fell and lake shore walks and being England’s second largest lake has a huge range of activities and water sports to offer,  including sailing, paddle boarding , kayaking, open water swimming and fishing trips. 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. The beautiful market town of Keswick sitting on the shores of the lovely Derwentwater is only 10 drive mins away , ( regular service buses from Troutbeck  to Keswick , so why not leave the car on site for the day  ) Keswick is a very dog friendly town , with lots of great eating places, local independent shops ,stunning walks from town for all abilities, maybe hire a rowing boat, paddle board , kayak , or take a trip on the launch. A lovely scenic days walk is around the lake on the level and easy  path around the lake, Keswick has a thriving  street market  on Thursdays and Saturdays and of course, Keswick is one of THE  places to get all your outdoor gear !Lowther Castle is a really great day out for the whole family, and a visit Whinlatter Forest park, will have something for everyone.
Food and drink
Troutbeck Inn (017684 83635) is within walking distance.  The Mill Inn (017687 79632) in calm, unspoiled Mungrisdale serves good food based on traditional Cumbrian fair.  Horse and Farrier at the pretty village of  Dacre, has a delicious menu   (017684 86022)  Boot and Shoe at Greystoke village  - traditional local pub often with local bands playing (017684 83343)

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