Bardsea Leisure Park
Priory Road
Ulverston
Cumbria
LA12 9QE

Tel: 01229 584 712
Fax: 01229 580 413

Web site: www.bardsealeisure.co.uk/

This site is situated in a former quarry just outside Ulverston, Cumbria. It is just off the Ulverston to Bardsea road on the right behind the Bardsea Leisure caravan dealership.
The site is imaginatively laid out in the old quarry and is a natural sun trap protected from the elements by the rock face.
The pitches around the perimeter are for static caravans. Some have obviously been there many years as they have formed their own colourful gardens. Tourers use the central grass area and or a raised terrace on the left as you enter the site. These latter are on gravel and have individual waste and water connections.

The sanitary block whilst a little old fashioned is kept in spotless condition. Access is by key [£5 deposit.] the park is open all year.
Papers and basic provisions are available in the accessory shop.
The nearest supermarket is a mile away.

Bardsea Leisure are ABI and Bailey dealers. They carry a wide range of new and used Tourers as well as awnings and a well equipped accessory shop and workshop. If you buy or exchange with them you stay free on the site whilst you familiarise yourself with your purchase and make sure everything works.

David Cuff. CLIC. October 1999

Braithwaite Fold (CC managed) Site
Glebe Road
Bowness-On-Windermere
Windermere
Lake district
Cumbria
LA23 3GZ

Tel: 01539 442 177 (8am-8pm)

OS map ref-97 : 400961

CAUTION……DO NOT approach via A592 Kirkstone Pass !!

I’m ready, outfit ready, Grandson and dog excited, Wife relaxed (no navigating to do). Destination Braithwaite Fold CC site (non members welcome) Bowness on Windermere. A pleasant compact site, helpful wardens, "tip", try and avoid the pitches near the entrance, a little worse for wear. Dog walk 150yds away, poop-a-scoop, plenty of cow and sheep muck though.

Great place for kids and parents, Road Train, Mini Golf just outside the site. Ten minutes walk away, Lake cruises, cinema, shops, museums, pubs, etc. (no arcades). £25 will purchase a family ticket on the Lake cruiser, return trip on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite railway (usually steam) and back on the boat. A full and interesting day out, with plenty to do and see.

For the fishermen (and ladies. !!) out there : Only 500 yards away, on NT land…. Perch, Rudd, Pike & Trout !!

Personally I do not feel that Windermere is the jewel in the Lake District Crown. I for one, would not be tempted to row or even hire a low powered motor boat, too much speed and the occasional accident. All said and done, the Lake has a lot to offer other than messing about in the water.

Coniston Water weekend after next, a different world.

Keith Brown. CLIC. April 1999

Coniston Hall Camp Site
Coniston
Cumbria
LA21 8AS

Tel: 01539 441 223

This site is about 1 mile south of Coniston town on the A593. The lane off the main road is very narrow and not suitable for caravans but is accessible for motorhomes. The vast majority of people using the site are tenters.

The site is by the lake and it is possible to launch boats etc. from the site but I think there is a charge if you do. I was charged £7 for a campervan and 2 people. There is a £5 deposit for the barrier card which is returned as you leave. Vacating time is 12.00 but we didn’t go until about 2.30pm and no one complained.

The site is long and narrow with uneven ground and outcrops of rocks and trees here and there. There are no particular rules about where you pitch so if it is quiet you will get reasonable space around you but in busy periods expect to have to breathe in. The book says that it can accommodate 175 units but I doubt if anyone counts.

I would imagine noise could be a big problem on this site in the summer months as this site appears to attract a lot of youngish groups. When we visited at the end of September the site was less than half full and there was noise (music) late into the night/ morning from a few groups.

The facilities are positioned about half way across the field and are reasonable but definitely not heated. It costs 50p to have a shower. There is toilet paper at the start of each day but that runs out as the day goes on.

It is possible to walk (15/20 minutes) from the site into Coniston town using footpaths where there is a range of pubs, eating places, cafes and shops.

Colum Murphy. CLIC. September 2003

Englethwaite Hall ---- Second report
Caravan Club Site
Armathwaite
Carlisle
Cumbria
CA4 9SY

Tel: 01228 560 202

Web site: http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/Englethwaite Hall

A quiet and peaceful site in the Eden Valley not far from Carlisle.
There are hard standing and grass pitches. There is no toilet block so on-board sanitation is essential.
The site is only ten minutes off the M6 Motorway so it is convenient for an overnight stop if one is en route further North or South.
The situation is in the country and the nearest village and shop is a couple of miles away.
Although a club site, non-members are admitted.
If you visit in season the site is scattered with lovely rhododendron bushes from the garden of the original old hall which no longer exists. There are excellent walks through the forest at the back of the site.

Directions: Exit M6 J42 onto B6263 [sp. Wetheral]. In under 2 miles turn right [sp. animal refuge]. Site is on right in 3 miles.

David Cuff. CLIC. 2000

Englethwaite Hall---- Third report
Caravan Club Site
Armathwaite
Carlisle
Cumbria
CA4 9SY

Tel: 01228 560 202

Web site: http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/Englethwaite Hall

Have stayed here many times, both as a stopover and for longer holidays, the last time was in September last year.

Always beautifully kept, it has been upgraded and is now all hardstandings. No toilet block as per previous report.

The site is handy for Carlisle with its many shops and wonderful old castle. Also an easy drive for the lake district, Rhegged (housed in a visitor centre covered right over with grass, it has a cinema presentation claiming links with King Arthur for Cumbria and an exhibition covering the history of climbing) and Hadrian’s Wall.

There are many good pubs in the area serving good food, the nearby Lowther Arms is worth a mention.

June Holland. CLIC. September 2004

Eskdale C & CC Site
Boot
Holmrook
Eskdale
Cumbria
CA19 1TH

Tel: 01946 723 253

Website: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

Current fees - See website for details

There's really only one word to describe this site and its location - fantastic! Well, probably several words, but all in the same vein. Situated on a narrow country lane just outside the tiny village of Boot in a fairly remote part of the western Lake District it's surrounded by gorgeous scenery, and the area is a walker's paradise. There are two ways to get to it - if you're a confident and competant driver then you can take the route from Ambleside at the top of Lake Windermere, which takes you over Wrynose Pass and Hardknott Pass but certainly isn't for the faint-hearted. Only suitable for light vehicles it's a single track road with many hairpin bends and sharp drops - better than a roller coaster ride! - and with a gradient of 1 in 3 is one of the steepest roads in England. Or you can go 'the long way round' via the A roads, which is actually quite a pleasant drive, though it seems to take an age to get there. A word of advice here -don't rely on your satnav as it will direct you over the pass; if you don't want to risk it then use a map book instead.

The site itself is ideally placed for getting to Wasdale and Scafell Pike, and is owned and run by Martyn and his wife Sarah, a very friendly and helpful couple to which nothing seems too much trouble. It's mainly level, with the access road running from the entrance right up to reception and the facilities block. The grass pitches on either side of the road have hook-up points and are backed by tall trees; behind the trees on the right a small stream runs through the site and tent campers not needing electric can camp on the far side of it. Unfortunately, in times of very wet weather some of the pitches can become a bit waterlogged, though Martyn and his staff will do their best to find you an alternative. The site also has ten camping pods and just past the facilities block is a large fully equipped camping barn and a nice warm drying room for wet outdoor clothes and boots; there's also another camping area, a hard standing area for motorhomes and a children's play area. Within the facilities block there's indoor and outdoor washing up sinks, a laundry room, chemical disposal point and the showers and toilets, which are kept spotlessly clean all the time. Reception is within the licensed shop, which has a fairly good selection of basic provisions and leaflets and maps of the surrounding area, and there are several good walks right from the site.

Boot village is just a few minutes walk from the site down a footpath near the entrance, and consists of a couple of dozen cottages, a couple of pubs and a working water mill with a 'step back in time' shop which is well worth a visit. The Boot Inn has a very friendly landlord and serves real ales and great food at reasonable prices. It also has a beer garden with a very good children's play area, and dogs are welcome both inside and outside the pub. About five minutes walk along the lane from the site entrance is another pub which also does meals, and a quarter of a mile away is Dalegarth Station and the Ravenglass & Eskdale miniature steam railway. There's a lovely cafe and gift shop on the station platform and the seven mile ride from there to Ravenglass is very scenic. There's nothing much at Ravenglass itself, it's just a small coastal village on the main West Coast rail line, but there's a good pub/restaurant near the station - the Ratty Arms - and on a sunny day the return train ride is well worth doing.

Because of the very narrow and winding country lanes the site doesn't take caravans or larger motorhomes, and with the area being so remote there's no tv signal, no WiFi internet and no mobile phone signal. Perfect if you really want to get away from it all but not for anyone who can't live without various gadgets. There's a payphone near reception though if you really do need to keep in touch with someone. Also it's advisable to take as much food with you as you can or stock up on the way there, as there's no shop in the village and it's a very long drive to get to a decent one. Leaving aside those few minor niggles this is a fabulous site in a fabulous area with scenery to die for - if you've never been to that area of the Lake District before then try it, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Eunice Ratcliffe. CLIC. February 2013

Englethwaite Hall
Caravan Club Site
Armathwaite
Carlisle
Cumbria
CA4 9SY

Tel: 01228 560 202

An attractive site with lots of trees. All pitches are hardstanding, some in full sun, some shaded. Electric hook-upsprovided. Recycling bins provided. Motorhome service point. There are no toilets or showers on this site, and tents are not allowed. Reception has a few basic foodstuffs but not much. T-mobile and Vodafone reception OK.

There is a little background noise from the M6, trains and light aircraft but the overall feel is of a peaceful, quiet site. It is a useful stopover site when travelling up or down the M6 but it would be good for a relaxing break as well.

The nearest pub that serves food is in Cotehill, said to be a 20 minute walk but we didn’t try it.

We liked this site and would be very happy to make a return visit - only gripe was that £13.20 for motorhome and 2 adults was a bit steep for a site with no loos/showers/dishwashing/laundry.

Other images: The pitches through the trees---- Peace & tranquillity

Myra Sears. CLIC. October 2007

Fallbarrow Park
Rayrigg Road
Windermere
Lake District
LA23 3DL

Tel: 01539 444 422
Fax: 01539 488 736

E-mail: enquiries@southlakelandparks.co.uk
Web Site: www.fallbarrow.co.uk

Site visited June 2002

The booking system is you pay in full on booking, you can pick your pitch if you know the number, but to be honest there isn’t really a bad pitch on the site

Leave M6 at junction 36 and take South Lakes A590 then Windermere A591. On arrival at Windermere turn left following the sign for Bowness 1.5m. In Bowness village turn right at mini-roundabout signposted Keswick, Steamboat Museum. Fallbarrow park is 300 yards on the left

Last weekend we stayed on Fallbarrow, at Bowness on Windamere.
It was one of the best sites we have ever stayed on. Talk about ’got it right’ - all pitches were equally as good, every pitch had hard standing for caravan, stones for awning/patio, garden area, waste water point, water tap, cable tv and elsan point and even parking for your car at the front.

It was complete luxuory for us as we mainly rally and enjoy the basics as well as the luxuory.

Why dont more sites give you the space you both pay for and deserve.

Anita Marsden. Via CLIC. June 2002

Fisherground Camp Site
Fellside Cottage
Eskdale
Cumbria
CA19 1TF

Tel: 01946 723 349

E-mail: camping@fishergroundcampsite.co.uk
Web site: http://www.fishergroundcampsite.co.uk/

A great site in a lovely countryside setting, A family site that has a pond with rafts for kids to play on (only wellie deep) and an adventure playground. Plently of room for kids to play, Camp fires are allowed on existing fire sites which there are plenty of, wood can be hard to find ?

No bar or shop on site but 3-4 good pubs within walking distance and shop in Eskdale Green Village.

Ravenglass and Eskdale railway runs past bottom of site where there is a stop to catch the train,
Near Hardknot & Wrynose passes, Scafell pike and Langdales excellent base for walking.

No hard standings or electricity, only tents, trailer tents and motorhomes allowed on site.

We had a wonderful relaxing long weekend on this site did a couple of small walks, had a couple of camp fires at night, children (two girls 8 & 15, one boy 13) had a great time.

A real “get away from it all” site. Don’t forget to pack the wine!!.

Excellent facillites
Clean toilet block. Clean Showers (20p). Washing up sinks. Washer and tumble dryers (50p) Free hairdryers/Iron

Simon Gibson. CLIC. June 1999

UPDATE. 30/10/04.
This site has been recently taken over. The majority of facilities are the same, but the shower and toilets need to be updated.

The only pub that is within walking distance (3 minutes) is the King George, which has good food and beer, with a out door area, the other pubs are 20 mins walking or 5 mins by car in the village of Boot.

The site can get very busy in the main months, as it is the biggest one in the valley. The site is also the only one that is open all year.

Gordon Taylor. Internet. 2004

Greaves Farm Caravan Park
Field Broughton
Grange Over Sands
Cumbria
LA11 6HR

Tel: 01539 536 329

E-mail: Via the web site
Web site: http://www.freedom-hols.co.uk/...

Enquiries to:
Mrs E Rigg, Prospect House, Barber Green, Grange Over Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6HR
Tel: 01539 536 329

This is a nice quiet site with fairly basic facilities. The biggest plus being its location.

There are only 8 hook ups and only one shower in the ladies. I presume this is the same in the mens. However if you are going to be busy and just need a base while you explore the South Lakes then this site is fine.

Maria Mackenzie. CLIC. April 2004

Highcroft Camping Park
Roe Head Lane
Pooley Bridge
Penrith
Cumbria
CA10 2LT

Tel: 01768 486 363

Pooley Bridge is at the top of Lake Ullswater, arguably the best of the Lake District lakes with the opportunity for safe watersports and great walks.
We visited this site for 3 days beginning of August 05 because it was the only local site with spaces and hook-up.
The site is about a 5 minute walk from Pooley Bridge village where there is a selection of pubs and a few shops though the site has a small shop with a reasonable selection of essentials at fair prices...where one can also you can get gas.
Most of the site is sloping but this did not seem to bother the tenters as the site was full.
There is a fairly large static area at one side and two main fields for campers. The fields are quite well laid out with pitches indicated by numbers around the outside.
There are two toilet blocks but as one is among the statics most people miss it.
The aspect of the site I found most disappointing was the toilet and shower block. The daily cleaning was rather perfunctory and as most people used the nearer of the two blocks it needed to be done more often than the one quick wipe it gets each day. The shower pressure was quite weak, the water lukewarm, the cubicles small (and not very clean) and one peg to hang everything made for a rather difficult experience.

The minimum charge was £15 (2 people) with extra adults £5, children, awnings, electricity and dogs (yes dogs) £2.50 each.
I have stayed at sites with poorer facilities but the amount they charged reflected the facilities.

If I were going to Ullswater again I would try Waterside Farm (£14 for 2) on the edge of the lake near Pooley Bridge or Side Farm (£11 for 2) near Patterdale which is at the bottom of the lake. Neither has hook-up

Colum Murphy. CLIC. September 2005

Kendal C & CC Site
Millcrest
Shap Road
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 6NY

Tel: 01539 741 363

Web: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

View of site. --- The playground.

The entrance road to this site appears very narrow, but is large enough for any size of van, as is the track/road onto the site.

The site itself, which is built on top of a service reservoir, slopes considerably, with a few hard standings at the bottom.

The toilet block is near the entrance to the site itself, and opposite a small washing-up (2 sinks) and laundry room. (I sink, spin dryer, and tumble dryer). There is a play area over the hill at the top of the site.

About half a mile walk away by footpath are a Morrisons Supermarket and an Aldi.

John & Jean Haseltine. CLIC. September 2005

Keswick C & CC Site
Derwentwater
Keswick
Cumbria
CA12 5EP

Tel. 01768 772 392 (not after 8.00pm)

Site Wardens. Gorden & Iris Barnes

250 pitches (Nov. to Feb. 60 pitches)

Uneventful journey for us by HSS from Belfast to Stranraer - but a tip for people using these routes from the nice man on the information desk - TIP - avoid 7:40 morning crossings from Belfast and 20:00 crossings from Stranraer on Saturdays and Sundays when there is any Glasgow Premier team playing at home.
Don’t get the wrong idea, everybody was well behaved, but football crowds are football crowds !!

This site is only 5 minutes walk from the bus station and supermarket, and then its just around the corner to the town. So the teenagers could happily go into town and amuse themselves, leaving the grownups happily ensconsed in the awning - hic.

the site is located on the shore of Derwentwater, it’s beautiful.
The only problem this time was that the ground was of the consistency of chocolate soup - since they had been flooded in the autumn. Now I know why the wardens office is on stilts!!!! You shouldn’t be put off by this as, as there were contingentcy plans for any flooding, and proceedures are there for this situation
There’s a small stony beach from the site where small boats/canoes/windsurf boards can be launched. (mind you on a windy day they might end up in the main street !!) You can also swim from here

For the doggie people out there, There are what looked like good dog walks (I’m not a ’doggie’ person, but all the dogs looked pleased !)

EATING OUT - we went to the Yew Tree in Seatoller for Sunday lunch….highly recommended.
Also there was The Wild Strawberry. The Loose Box does a mean pizza :o)
Editors Note. Susan had recommended the Four In Hand Pub, but has had a bad experience with this place recently, since the ownership has changed. A complaint about an over-cooked meal resulted in Susan’s party being asked to leave the pub !!

Monday was the day of the Great Storm that laid waste the tents of the brave backpackers pitched in the way of the Wind. Nonplussed, the brave campers, with the assistance of the World Class tent relocation team (thanks guys and gals - good to know the tradition of campers helping each other out continues), moved to a more sheltered spot

Did some more tourist stuff - Windermere Aquarium is good and Armathwaite Hall excellent for horse riding
If your into cars and movies, you might want to try The Cars The Star museum. There are all sorts of motors there....Batmobile, Noddys car, Lady Penelopes pink Roller...these are all original models.

Susan McKnight. CLIC. April 1999

Low Park Wood CC Site ---- Second report
Sedgwick
Kendal
Cumbria
LA8 0JZ

Tel: 01539 560 186

Booking required: Weekends, BH and July/August. P77 CC handbook

Twenty minutes off the M6 Motorway in either direction and yet a world away fromt he madness hustle and bustle of lorries and cars thundering by.

This site is ideal for the Southern Lakes Distrct, all within easy reach by car, and a walkers heaven once you arrive there.
Situated in a Woodland Area of National Trust Land it is a beautiful site, peaceful and yet just ten minutes drive from Kendal.
Kendal itself is a lovely little town and there lots of facilities of all kinds that anyone would need. Go a little further afield and sample holiday territory as it used to be in Morecambe. It is almost a shame to see these places as they now are.
I loved the centrality of this site, the peace and tranquility of the lakes and on the Sunday we headed off to take our daughter into Blackpool, just over an hour’s drive. I came home with new shoes from Blackpool. I always come home with new shoes from Blackpool.

The site is C.C.and the Wardens are what you would expect from the Club. Helpful and excellent with any queries that anyone may have.
Facilities themselves are ‘a bit aged’ and the site will receive a complete make-over after this summer. One of the wardens explained that it was getting a bit tired since it was ten years since any real work had been done.
It is laid out in keeping with the woodland area in which it is set and camping areas have names like Red Squirrel grove.
All the picthes were hard standing and mostly level. As you would expect there are plenty of water taps and disposal points situated around the site. The Toilet blocks were well maintained but to quote our friendly warden once more, “A bit tired”.
This must rank as one of most laid back breaks I have had since beginning with the van and will almost certainly return to Low Park Wood. i just hope that they do not spoil; the character of the site with the planned upgrade.

Jim Weir. CLIC. April 2004

Low Park Wood CC Site
Sedgwick
Kendal
Cumbria
LA8 0JZ

Tel: 01539 560 186

Directions:
Leave M6 at junction 36 onto A590 dual carriageway (sp South Lakes) In about 3¼m leave via slip rd (sp Milnthorpe, Barrow); at roundabout follow International Caravan Site signs and turn into road sp Sedgwick. In 150yds turn Left into lane parallel with River Kent. At junction fork Right & continue along riverside. Site entrance is on Left in about ½m.

It is funny how sometimes you do not realise what a good site you have within 40 minutes of home. Low Park Wood is like that. I have never really considered Kendal for a weekend. I work in North Lancashire and go to Kendal to see clients so usually I prefer to go south for my weekends. As particular circumstances dictated not being too far away Low Park Wood was booked. All I can say is that I will definitely go again for a weekend.
The site has 141 hard standing pitches in the woods on National Trust land behind Sizergh castle. The pitches are built on terraces and in glades within the trees. Some are quite tight and the wardens recommend you contact them if your outfit is over 8m in length as space is restricted.
Most of the areas take four to six vans, so it is a bit like a collection of about 30 CL’s all together in the woods. Because of this it doesn’t give the impression of a big site until you walk round.

Access to the site is down a single track road with passing places. For this reason you are asked not to arrive before noon so as not to interfere with departures. In quieter periods, as with our visit, later departures are approved but you are advised that arrivals have right of way on the road. You get a map of the site on arrival, choose from available pitches, and advise the warden, when you get a barrier key to access the site. The exit barrier is automatic. There are some full facility pitches at the top of the site and also an area reserved for large outfits. A one way system operates as the site roads are tight in places.

The site used to be a gunpowder works and parts of the remains can still be seen.
On our visit the streams were in full flow due to recent heavy rains. This caused no problems and the hard standings meant the van was kept clean.
We spent a very peaceful weekend chilling at this site. I did not even take the towing mirrors off! We will go again.

David Cuff. CLIC. August 2009

Meathop Fell Caravan Club Site
Grange over Sands
Cumbria
LA11 6RB

Tel: 01539 532 912

The usual extremely high standard we have all come to expect from the Caravan Club.
An easy access full facility site. The pitches are a mixture of grass, hardstanding or tarmac. Some pitches have superb views across Morecambe Bay.

The site is about three miles from Grange just off the A590 to Barrow in Furness. It is convenient for the Lake District, Kendal etc.

There is a hotel serving meals within walking distance.
Grange Golf Club is on mile from the site entrance.

The site is open all year and is usually busy so it is wise to book in advance for this one.
Toilet facilities are usual Caravan Club, spotless and spacious. The office sells basic emergencies we all forget.
Papers can be ordered from the wardens.

The nearest shops are in Grange.

David Cuff. CLIC. October 1999

Millcrest C & CC Site
Shap Road
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 6NY

Tel No: 01539 741 363 NO CALLS AFTER 8PM

This site was fairly easy to find, straight off the M6 at junction 36, take the A591 towards Kendal, at roundabout turn right onto B5284 and follow the road.

The site is situated at the bottom of Shap hill, try riding your bikes up that like we did!!!!, beautiful scenery, being very new to ‘vanning we found the approach road a bit daunting, being very narrow, there is just enough room for a car and van.

Basic playground for the kids, but it did seem to be THE meeting place for them as it is separated from the vans with a screen of trees, the kids also liked the cows in the field next to the playground cos the cows were friendly.

On arrival you get the warmest of welcomes, it is like you are very old friends just calling round for a cup of tea. Once you have filled in some paperwork you are sited by the site warden and assistant, who then trundle off and have mock fisticuffs over who is going to ride the little mower. The site is spotless. The pitches are mainly grass, but there are some motorhome specific pitches, on hardstanding, most have electricity.

When we went last August, the loos and showers didn’t need to be heated, so can’t tell if they are or not, the showers are free. However, if there is a power cut nothing at all works, no electricity or water because it has to be pumped to site, we know this because it happened to us on the day we left.

The site is open to non-members.

Lee & Phil. CLIC. May 2000

New House Caravan Park
Cowan Bridge
Kirkby Lonsdale
Cumbria
LA6 2HR

Tel: 015242 71590

Date of visit: April 2007

Directions:
From M6 take J34 onto A 683 towards Kirkby Lonsdale and just outside town turn right on A650. Site on right shortly after Whoop Hall. From M6 J35 follow A65 towards Skipton. Then as above.

Our first visit to this site was in warm sunshine. We really enjoyed it and will definitely return.
Access is directly off the A65 main Kendal to Skipton road. A little care is required as the traffic moves fairly fast along here and the road is very popular with bikers.

Converted from a farm some years ago and gradually extended the owners have clearly taken a great deal of effort to get things right. Reception is on the left on the drive down to the site.
On arrival you are taken to your allocated pitch and given the codes for entrance to the toilet block. This is housed next the office. It contains ladies, gents & disabled toilet & shower facilities, a chemical disposal point and an information room. Toilets & showers are fully tiled and cleaned regularly.

Descending into the site there are about 9 pitches in what was probably the original farmyard. The pitches are hard standing and the area is landscaped with closely cut grass and flowers. Next to this area is a large barn building and then more pitches before the next field which appears to be fairly recently extended. The roads around the site are all tarmac. The ground undulates somewhat but as far as I could see all the pitches were terraced and level so any adjustment would be minimal.
My enquiries revealed that there were a few seasonal pitches but the rest were all visitors. Some of these are on a regular basis. The visitor’s book only had complimentary comments in it. The only comment I would make is that some pitches are quite near the A65 so some traffic noise is inevitable. This does not bother me but may be a consideration for some. Devil’s Bridge at Kirkby Lonsdale is a well known meeting point for motor cycles and most of them pass on the A65!

The information room is full of places to visit and things to do....
The Lune Valley is a beautiful place and the market towns are all worth visiting.

I will definitely return to this site. In fact if I had had my work equipment with me I would have stayed longer and just gone to work from the van.

David Cuff. CLIC. September 2007

Park Coppice Caravan Club Site--- Fishing site
Coniston
Lake District
LA21 8LA

Tel: 01539 441 555 ( 8am-8pm )
You tube video: Park Coppice

OS Map ref-96:295955

WARNING. approach via Newby bridge

Coniston Water only 5 miles as the crow flies from Lake Windermere.
What a contrast between the two waters, from the hectic hustle and bustle of Windermere to the quiet serenity of Coniston.
Thirty minutes drive between the two means you can have the best of both worlds.

If you are looking for space then this is the place.

280 pitches hardstanding, set in 68 acres of mixed woodland.

Some of the grassed areas surrounding the hard stands, are a little worse for wear.

Heavy rain before and after Easter is not responsible, the car is, no need to park or drive on the grass. As the " Grassoffergreen " use to tell us kids in the back streets of Manchester, " keep off ". (who us, what grass)

Baby changing facilities, (gents included) free hot showers, clean and modern toilet blocks.

Children have a field day, exploring their immediate environment.

Depending on where you pitch, the lake is five to ten minutes walk away.

From the shore you can join the Cumbria way. Take the North path, and it will lead you to Coniston village. (shops pubs) A pleasant ramble (30 mins) dogs must be on a lead. Alternatively, and a favorite of our Tess, head South along the waters edge. Clear the second stile and let the dogs loose.
Grizedale Forest on the Eastern side, is only ten minutes by car. For the more adventurous and serious hiker " The Old Man Of Coniston ", is a must.

Launching facilities (no power) available, ask the Warden (deposit) for a key to the gate. Cars must be returned to the site.

Fishing.
Coniston is a very cold body of water, to have success the angler has to look for depth.
Char, Trout, Salmon, Perch and Pike.
From the shore. Ledgering with 15lb main line, 5lb hook length, 12s hook, maggot and a heavy swimfeeder will give results. Using this method I have landed Char, Trout and Perch, you need to cast out at least 25yards and be able to deal with snags hence the heavy tackle. If your lucky a Salmon may come your way.
Take a boat out, spin, deadbait, plug for Pike and large Trout. During the warmer months float fishing with minnow is good sport.
For those too young to be allowed near hooks, make and set a minnow trap. Not cruel, great fun, more information if needed.
Tackle and bait available at Bowness on Windermere and Ulverston.

Park Coppice is a favorite of ours, some commercial sites of similar size would have you packed in like Sardines. Not here, hideaway pitches, avenues, all very pleasant.

The Wardens, helpful and friendly.

Keith Brown. CLIC. May 1999

Park Foot Caravan & Camping Park--- A second report
Howtown Road
Pooley Bridge
Penrith
Cumbria
CA10 2NA

Tel: 01768 486 309
Fax: 01768 486 041

E-mail: holidays@parkfootullswater.co.uk
Web Site: www.parkfootullswater.co.uk

This is our favourite campsite at the moment is Parkfoot on Ullswater, near Pooley Bridge in the Lake District.
We like this campsite because its about an hour and a half’s drive from home, there is always room - as tenters we never have to book in advance (great when you don’t know what the weekend weather is going to be like until Thurs/Fri), is owned and managed by a family not a commercial chain, and facilities are good, lots of showers, clean toilets, playground for the kids, close to great walking, has it’s own lakeside access and a clubhouse that serves meals, with an excellent family disco, and is a really friendly and relaxed site.
The only time we have to avoid going there is August Bank Holiday when it gets a bit too full for our liking, rest of the time it’s great.

Lesley Anderton. CLIC. June 2004

Park Foot Caravan & Camping Park
Howtown Road
Pooley Bridge
Penrith
Cumbria
CA10 2NA

Tel: 01768 486 309
Fax: 01768 486 041

E-mail: holidays@parkfootullswater.co.uk
Web: www.parkfootullswater.co.uk/index.html

We have been to Park Foot numerous times with varying amounts of children and have always enjoyed it - the children have a riot too!

There are too many tariffs to mention here (click for tariffs) although its not an overly expensive site to stay at and the staff are very helpful and friendly on the phone with enquiries. Their website is very user friendly too.

This site is busy, absolutely huge, well run and has loads of room for tents and plenty of spaces for tents with electricity.
There are pitches with hard standings for caravans, motor homes or camper vans also self-catering caravans, chalets & cottages.

This site is really geared up for families and has all the facilities you could wish for to make your stay a pleasant one.
There is a laundry room, two children’s play areas, a stream for them to play in, pony trekking, bike or boat hire, a walk way right down to the lakeside, a very well stocked market, a fast food bar, night club with games room etc.

The site is a short drive or lakeside walk away from Pooley Bridge - which is a lovely place to go and have a pub meal, coffee or something stronger!

Park Foots facilities are very good too. The shower blocks (not communal) are clean and house a large amount of toilets, showers (20p) and sinks to plug in hairdryers and shavers etc. As this site is so big there are porta cabin style toilet blocks dotted about to save any long treks to the loo. There is always hot water whether showering or washing up at the wash up points.

Dogs are welcome and there is a dog walking area around the perimeter of the site.

The only down side to this site is that a few of the tent fields are very hilly and if you have a large tent like us, it can be difficult to find a flat area at times. Also, at peak times its a very busy noisy site as its a lot like a country club.
There are security that walk round to ensure people adhere to the quiet from 12 midnight to 8 am.

All In all, if you are a good sleeper, its a site we can recommend.

Tim & Ali Harrison + kids. CLIC. August 2006

Pennine View Caravan Park
Station Road
Kirkby Stephen
Cumbria
CA17 4SZ

Tel: 01768 371 717

Date of visit: October 2006

This site is spotless and is actually laid out similar to a CC site with hard standings.
Built on a former railway siding and coal yard about 10 years ago it is beautifully landscaped now.
The Rockery at the site entrance is beautiful.
Set back off the road there is no traffic noise.

There is an area to one side where caravans seem to be stored. Reception is on the left as you enter and the owners run the site themselves.
The atmosphere is very friendly and relaxed. Papers can be ordered when booking in.
There are about 35 pitches on the site with a further 12 or so on the top grassed newer bit that the owners tend to use as an overflow. On this bit children are excluded.

The site has direct access to the river Eden and all the walks.
The toilet block is next to reception and in easy reach of all pitches. Showers are hot and the block is kept extremely clean.

Access to the toilet block is by code written on your invoice so remember it before you set off. I didn’t and had to wait for someone else to open the door!
Access through the site barrier is by card which requires a £10 deposit.

Kirkby Stephen is a five minute walk and all facilities are available there. The nearest pub is only 100 yards.
There is a pay and play golf course 3 miles away which I visited. There are several others in the area as well for true golf fans. A super little site which I shall visit again.

Directions:
Leave M6 at Junction 38 on A685 towards Kirkby Stephen. In 11 miles just after sharp left hand bend turn right at the brown caravan site sign. From A66 follow A685 to Kirkby Stephen for approx 5 miles Site on left just going out of town.

David Cuff. CLIC. January 2007

The Quiet Caravan and Camping Site
Ullswater
Watermillock
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 0LS

Tel: 07768 727 016
Fax: 01768 486 610

E-mail: info@thequietsite.co.uk
Web site: www.thequietsite.co.uk/

Visited this delightful site this weekend a sensible mixture of camping, touring vans, and static’s.
Access is quick and easy from the M6 motorway off junction 40 it is only about 6-7 miles. Follow for Ullswater on A 592 at T junction take the R turn at Blackenrigg Inn, the site is 1½ mile up the road. Access is narrow via a single track road with passing places.
The site seems to operate an informal one way system with vans exiting the site being directed to use another road with joins the A592 a short way from the Blackenrigg Inn we had no problem getting in or out of the site.

The static’s were holiday homes rather than permanent residences and did not overwhelm the site.

There were good areas set aside for camping 50 tents and good spacious pitches for 10 vans, the site was fairly level but chocks were needed and abundantly provided on site.
There were some hard standings and almost miraculously for the Lake District the ground was firm but took awnings pegs with no difficultly.
10 amp Hook ups were close to pitches so there was no cat’s cradle of wires.

Wash areas were older but well maintained and cleaned regularly with free showers and plenty of good hot water.

There is a well stocked shop which was open for most of the day only closing when the owner shop keeper became the bar person at 8pm! The shop was however a little pricey in my opinion. But was the only place for some miles.

There is an out door kids play area which I did not explore and an indoor area which appeared to have table football etc available again I didn’t check this out. There is a Bar which appeared unpromising on the outside is surprisingly spacious and pleasant serving good local real ales and the usual lagers etc. And with a good log fire, no gaming machines jukeboxes etc were evident just a really nice friendly comfortable bar in which to sit and enjoy others company. There is a pool table and dart board in a pleasant room off the bar which children are not allowed... they have their own facilities down stairs.
Over all a well priced and thoroughly civilised bar a far cry form other camp site bars I have had the displeasure of encountering.

Despite the name The Quiet Site there was no noise fascism about and as long as commonsense prevailed there were no silly restrictions on noise. The name Springs from its extremely beautiful and tranquil surroundings above the Lake.

The Blackenrigg Inn also deserves a mention a pleasant walk not too steep either way with good food available, it’s advisable to book on a weekend though. Also good local real ales, but my friend didn’t recon much to the draught lager and after his 1st stuck to bottles.

Overall an excellent site well worth the visit from caravaners and campers alike.

A great position for the Lake’s attractions and for some serious walking for those so minded.
(Sorry. There is no info on fishing on the lake)

Paul Gill. CLIC. June 2004

Added comments from another CLIC member.

I must agree with Paul regarding this park.
We spent a few days there last summer while touring it was excellent and the childrens play area is brill. I agree the shop can be pricey but the friendlieness of the proprietors make up for it.
Unlike Paul we did not use the olde world bar more so because we were too tired and not in the mood but the laughter coming from it sure sounded fun!!!!!
I can’t remember what the ablusions were like (we may have used our own shower. Dont see point of having something and then sharing someone elses.
We would certainly use this park again as we were beside the statics on a grassy area that held around 8 vans and it was away from main camping area. Sure is worth a visit.

Mary Moane. CLIC.

Ravenglass C & CC Site
Ravenglass
Cumbria
CA18 1SR

Tel: 01229 717 250

Ravenglass is a very small village on the west coast of Cumbria.
Leave the M6 at J36 and take the A590 then A5092 and finally the A595.

The site is one of the new franchise sites attached to the club. In most respects it is identical to other Camping and Caravanning Club sites except that the wardens are owners and so are less inclined to be fussy over trivial matters.
The site is on a slope with pitches levelled out as you go upwards. The facilities are excellent and overall the site is first class.

The site is located on the edge of the village which has two good pubs but the one shop looks a bit of a jumble.

Ravenglass area and village are very attactive with lovely walks along the shore and inland and a narrow gauge railway which runs to Eskdale.

Prices (for the site) vary between £8.60 and £12.80 (2 people) according to the season with electricity £2.40 extra but you do get discounts at certain times if you are over 55.
Wealth Warning: This year (2005) the Camping and Caravanning Club have introduced a £5 fee if you arrive before midday!!

Colum Murphy. CLIC. September 2005

Tebay Caravan Park
Orton
Penrith
Cumbria
CA10 3SB

Tel: 01539 624 511
Fax: 01539 624 944

E-mail: Via the web site
Web site: www.westmorland.com/static/Caravan.htm

This site is attached to the Tebay motorway service area, I think it may be an old quarry so no great views across the fells.
Facilities are at the top of the site and fairly basic.

We use this site as a stop off place on our rush to get to Scotland, so the convenience of the sites location as an overnight stop is our reason to stop here.
Since we are only stopping for the one night and want a quick start next morning we normally eat out at The George in Orton (good steaks). www.georgehotel.net/

We try to time our stop so that the exceptionally good farmers market in nearby Orton is taking place so we can stock up on “goodies” to eat later. www.ortonfarmers.co.uk/

The farm shop at the Tebay Services is also worth a look, for yummy treats. www.westmorland.com/static/Farm_Shops.htm

The site can be got to from both North and South services, from the South bound service area use the service road to cross the motorway, signposted to caravan site and hotel (if I remember correctly).
Orton can also be accessed using this service road..

Chris Carr. CLIC. April 2005

Troutbeck Head CC Site--- Second report
Caravan Club Site
Troutbeck
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 0SS

Tel: 01768 483 521
Fax: 01768 483 839

The site was redeveloped last year and has two splendid toilet blocks. There is a large common entrance hall to the blocks which includes the pay phone and local tourist information. There is also a very handy drying room. Each block has four showers, toilets and washbasins. The showers are very large and have under floor heating (I’d be quite happy to have one of these at home!).

The site is immaculate - all pitches are hard standing and although the site is quite large, the layout meant that we never felt that we were on a large site.

The wardens are all very friendly and helpful and are very, very busy! We went the week before Easter and the site was full.

As those who went to Keswick for Easter will know, the weather was very interesting to say the least! Within six days, we had every sort of weather possible - brilliant sunshine (good enough to sit out in a t-shirt), hailstones, torrential rain, snow, gales. The weather just changed at the drop of a hat - I think I’ve been down south too long! It was the first time we’ve ever had to use the awning tie down strap and also the first time we’ve ever had to re-peg the awning in the middle of the night. We saw some amazing teamwork that night. Many families were up at 1:30am either doing the same or taking theirs down.

The site is about a fifteen minute walk away from the nearest pub which sells good food and also does bed & breakfast. Next door to the site is an activity centre where you can go horse riding, quad biking and tank driving to name but a few! There is also archery and many things for the kids to do.
There’s also loads to do in the surrounding area - the bird of prey centre near Penrith is well worth a visit.

We had a fantastic time - well worth what was a long drive for us. We would happily recommend it to anyone (who has an awning tie down strap that is!).

Kim Phelan. CLIC. June 2000

Troutbeck Head CC Site
Troutbeck
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 0SS

Tel: 01768 483 521
Fax: 01768 483 839

Troutbeck head is a Caravan Club site but non members are admitted.

The facilities are the usual high standard CC. Situated about 1.5 miles off the A66 Penrith Keswick road at Troutbeck Head this site nestles in the valley of North Lakeland countryside alongside a babbling brook, below Great Mell Fell and with spectacular views of Blencathra to the west.

Reception is at the foot of the hill as you drive in. Small basic essentials are available together with gas steel awning pegs toilet chemicals and aerial leads.
Access is via a barrier and to the left after entering is a section with fully serviced pitches. To the right is the section of normal CC pitches. The serviced area has individual hook up bollards with fresh water and drainage to each. All these pitches are hard standing. Unusually for a club site there are a few static holiday homes on the top of this bit.

The lower section has mainly hard standing pitches. There are two heated toilet blocks, one near reception and one at the bottom of the site. These are superb facilities.

There is a large information and games room near reception also. This contains pool & table tennis tables. Cues and bats are available at reception.
A one way system operates round the site and all the roads are tarmac.

This area is walking country at its best and is what I imagine most people visit the area for. I found a very relaxing peaceful site and I shall return to it.
Weather conditions can be very changeable. Saturday was very pleasant but windy and cold but I woke up on Sunday to over 2 inches of snow as the photos show!

The drive over Kirkstone Pass to Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere is dramatic. A lake cruise on Ullswater [4 miles] is a must.
Rookin House Farm Centre next door offers go-karting, quad bikes, archery and horse riding (amongst other activities) but it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Directions:
Leave M6 at Junction 40 and take the A66 towards Keswick and Ullswater. After approximately 7 miles turn left on the A5091 to Ullswater.
Site is on the right after approx 1.5 miles.

Note: there are two Troutbecks in this area.
This is not the Troutbeck near Windermere.

David Cuff. CLIC. April 2007

Waters Edge Caravan Park
Crooklands
Near Kendal
Cumbria
LA7 7NN

Tel: 015395 67708

E-mail: info@watersedgecaravanpark.co.uk
Web site: www.watersedgecaravanpark.co.uk

Directions:
Leave M6 at junction 36 & turn right on A590 towards Kirkby Lonsdale. in about 300 yards at next roundabout take 1st exit onto A65 towards Crooklands & Kendal. In 0.4 miles pass under the M6 and in another 0.4 turn right into garage forecourt but keep left into site drive.

Waters edge is a small commercial site not far off the M6 junction at Crooklands. It is a pleasant site with mainly hard standing pitches and good views. The entrance is through and to the left of a commercial vehicle area but don’t let that put you off. The site itself is very tranquil. The layout is quite narrow with pitches either side of the roadway, so some pitches would be a little tight for large outfits and pitch size varies. There are a number of seasonal tourers and also some statics on the park.
Water points are situated at various places. The facility block is towards the top of the site and appeared to be very well maintained. The reception building is on the left as you enter the site. It also houses a small comfortable bar which had been newly decorated ready for the 2010 season. I understand that it is open at weekends.
The Crooklands hotel is a five minute walk from the site and has an excellent menu.

I was there on a centre Rally just before the site opened for the season, but it is definitely a place I would consider visiting. The site is convenient for Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale, and the Lakes. it is also convenient as a stopover just off the M6

David Cuff. CLIC. August 2010

West Morland Services
Orton
Penrith
Cumbria
CA10 3SB

Tel: 01539 711 322
E-mail: enqiries@rheged.com
Web site: www.westmorland.com/

We have seen this site each time we stop at Westmorland Services on the M6. As these are the best services on the UK Motorway network we always stop there when passing! It is only about 40 minutes from home we always stop for breakfast on our trips to Scotland.
We have always been meaning to try the site but the opportunity had not arisen. Although late in the season this was a good opportunity.
I had cleverly forgotten to bring the evening meal so we ended up walking over to the services, which made a nice change.

The site is in former quarry workings and we thought it may suffer from road noise on the adjacent M6. However you really would not know this! It is well screened with trees and shrubs all around so there is no view to speak of.

Reception and the ablutions are all in the same block as you drive in. Access to the site is directly off the service road into the Westmorland motorway services.
There are quite a number of seasonal pitches and about eight static caravans at the bottom of the site. The site is all hard standing comprising shale and none of the pitches are delineated in any way. However they are all large and there is plenty of space.

When we visited (October) it was quiet although I would imagine there will be a lot of "stopover" on the site as it is so easy to get back to the motorway either North or South.

The wardens are most helpful and will give you a voucher for discount on meals and purchases in the farm shop, plus a very cheap full breakfast up in the services.
The showers, though older style are kept extremely clean and water is plentiful and hot. Water and drain points are scattered round the site such that you are never more than 25 yards from one.

There is also a Hotel serving excellent meals a couple of hundred yards away. Orton is five minutes in the car and the George Hotel serves an excellent meal.

All the attractions of the lakes are convenient for this site plus Kendal and Penrith. If you enjoy walking you can set off straight from your van.
We spent a very relaxing weekend but I think the main users will be as stopovers when travelling North or South with the added advantage of the best Motorway services in the country!

Directions:
From South. One mile after M6 junction 38 exit on the services slip road. Half way round bear left and follow caravan park sign. Cross the cattle grid and reception is on your right.
From North. Exit into Westmorland services, which is 4.6 miles after Junction 39 travelling south. At end of slip road turn sharp left to exit services following Caravan Park and Hotel signs. Cross both carriageways of motorway and then turn left into the other services and follow caravan park signs to reception.

David Cuff. CLIC. January 2007

Windermere C & CC Site
Ashes Lane
Staveley
Kendal
Cumbria
LA8 9JS

Tel: 01539 821 119

Open Mar-Jan, non-members welcome

Large site - 250 pitches, many hard standing. Statics on site. Security barrier at entrance - £10 deposit for the token to open it.

2 facilities blocks plus additional loos/basins at reception. Backpackers facilities. Motorhome service point. Bar/restaurant/takeaway.

Site slopes but most pitches were reasonably level, some had pretty steep access (many of these looked like they could be seasonal pitches).
Fairly attractive site and some pitches have brilliant views (we had one of them!).

Request to site several units together for the CLIC meet failed miserably.

Quite expensive - £18.60 pn for motorhome & 2 adults with EHU in peak season.

Myra Sears. CLIC. January 2006

Woodclose Caravan Park
Kirkby Lonsdale
Cumbria
LA6 2SE

Tel: 015242 71597
Fax: 015242 72301

Email: info@woodclosepark.com
Web: www.woodclosepark.com/

Site visited May 2006

A beautiful park, well-laid out and kept immaculate. Quite a few statics, well maintained, and the touring park could be considered rather small, but pitches are a good size.

Toilets/Showers are kept immaculate, and are heated. There are some self-contained washrooms/toilets/showers available - and you can even have a bath!

Reception sells gas and basic food necessities, and papers can be ordered.
There is a small play area for children with climbing frame etc.

A pleasant walk from site leads to Devils Bridge which spans the River Lune, and there are further walks along the river. The market town of Kirkby Lonsdale itself is easily reached on foot, and the town boasts a number of pubs/restaurants, as well as some attractive shops.

Care must be taken on arrival as the approach lane is quite narrow!

James Russle. Dunc n Dots caravan travels Added March 2007

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