Pooley Bridge camping: a top pick for lovely Lake District hols
It’s perhaps not a name that trips off the tongue for most folk when asked to name holiday hotspots within the UK, but for those in the know there are heaps of reasons why camping in Pooley Bridge is such a fine idea. Let’s face it, there’s some pretty stiff competition around from such places as Keswick, Ambleside and Kendal (all equally splendid places in their own way) when it comes to places to stay in the Lake District, so why have we got our peepers on Pooley Bridge in particular? Read on to find out…
Location points: why Pooley Bridge campsites score highly
Looking for a place to stay in the Lake District? You’ll be wanting to weigh up the twin factors of convenient location and stunning scenery when picking where to plonk down. That’s where we reckon camping near Pooley Bridge scores particularly highly: the scenery could hardly be finer at this spot up at the top tip of Ullswater (fab news for any sort of outdoor stay), and yet it’s a mere few miles from the M6 (handy for getting in and out with a minimum of faff).
Size matters, too, of course… you’ve surely not come to the Lakes to tramp along town streets, but at the same time you may possibly appreciate the ability to sink a pint or two after your day of walking/biking/boating/view-admiring. That’s one of the bonus points for staying in or around a sizeable village like Pooley Bridge – it’s big enough to have a few places to eat and drink, but not so big that it loses the rural vibe.
Sadly, the bridge that gave the village its name is no longer with us (having been destroyed by flooding back in 2015), but the views over Ullswater are still as gorgeous as ever – and Pooley Bridge is a handy spot from which to set out to see them, perhaps on a paddle steamer or by hiring your own boat to explore under your own, well, steam…
What to expect from glamping and camping in Pooley Bridge
Well, you can probably expect some proper peaceful time – this is a deliciously quiet corner of the countryside, and whatever kind of place you plump for is likely to come with a good dollop of peace and quiet – and often some pretty fine views too. Beyond that, it’s up to you… each of our Pooley Bridge campsites, caravan parks and glampsites has its own individual bonus points, so pick something that’s perfect for your own tastes and demands.
If you’re planning Lake District family holidays, perhaps you’d best keep an eye out for a pitch that’s got access to a play area or games room, or maybe you’d like to keep things simple and give yourselves a heap of cosy living space by booking a stay in a static caravan.
Just the two of you? Or even travelling solo for a bit of much-needed me time? Now’s the time to check out a place that’s close to some of the walking/bike routes you might want to take in, and/or choose a site that’s got a pub within strolling distance for a pint at the end of the day. Seek out a kitchen and bathroom facilities if you’d like to guarantee a cuppa and a warm shower after your outings, or embrace the full outdoorsy experience by going fully self-sufficient at a wild camping site.
Not in the mood to cart your kit around? Pooley Bridge camping pods are a fab idea if you want to guarantee a roof over your head without shelling out too many pennies, and there are some splendidly scenic touring pitches for those travelling in their own home on wheels. Or, of course, you could throw yourselves in for full-on luxury with a Pooley Bridge glamping break in a yurt, a tipi, a safari tent or a swish Lake District lodge – maybe even one with its own private hot tub (enthusiastic thumbs up to that, ta very much…)
Using the Lake District as a stopover on a journey further north? Check out our range of campsites and holiday parks in Scotland to pick up ideas for the rest of your holiday.
