Gill Head Farm

View prices & book 9.5 1,156 reviews
Camp life
Camp life
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Gorgeous views
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Exterior
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Exterior
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  • Working hill farm in the north of the Lake District National Park
  • A 15-minute drive from Keswick and Penrith; 10 minutes from Ullswater
  • Stunning views of Blencathra and the Northern Fells
Check out those views… family-run Gill Head Farm is a scenic place indeed, with a backdrop of Blencathra and the Northern Fells. And it’s a cinch to get to as well – this site on the banks of Trout Beck is less than a mile from the A66, so you can get your fix of proper rural time without having to navigate miles of winding lanes. It’s often said that visitors to the Lake District National Park are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities – and that’s certainly true at this Cumbria site. Days of hikes, horse riding, watersports, climbing, visiting historic houses and wild swimming are among the many options around here. If you don’t know where to start, have a chat with the owners – as outdoorsy folk themselves they’re happy to help plan your adventures and offer up local tips. Whatever you get up to by day, it also must be noted that those views make a great setting for an evening by the campfire – handily, there are firepits to hire on site, and bags of logs and kindling for sale. What if it’s not campfire weather? Retreat to the indoor communal area which has comfy seating, a dining area and a little kitchen area (with microwaves, kettles, a fridge and a freezer) – or take the 15-minute walk to the local pub. To stock up on food for your barbecues/picnics there are plenty of shops in Penrith and Keswick, both 15 minutes’ drive away (or get to Keswick on the bus). Back at base, facilities include a laundry room and a shower/toilet block that was done up in 2019 to offer spacious and clean amenities. Please note that group bookings are strictly not allowed at Gill Head Farm. Due to the rural location, the wifi also does not cover the whole site and is limited to a hotspot in the communal room.

Site type

Caravan sites 8
Motorhome sites 8
Lodges, cabins, pods or huts 11
Tent sites 10
Open now
Opens 21 March
Please note
  • Group bookings of 2 or more units (e.g. tent, caravan, motorhome or accommodation hire) travelling together are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Group bookings of 3 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
  • Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Bookings must not be for more than 14 consecutive nights.
  • The campground/park caters for families (immediate members) and couples only - bookings from all other forms of groups are not accepted.
  • At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over.
  • Minimum spacing of 4 metres between pitches.
  • This is a quiet campground/park: no music is allowed.
  • If making a fire, the fuel, logs and coal have to be purchased on site.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the campground/park are unlit.
  • No naked flames are allowed inside the hired accommodation units.
  • No electric barbecues allowed.
  • Wifi is available only in communal room and does not reach individual pitches.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, 21 Mar to

Pitch types & availability

Accommodation

Tent sitesCaravan sitesMotorhome sitesLodges, cabins, pods or hutsCaravans for hireRent a tent
Choose your dates
2 adults
0 children
Other options

Reviews

9.5

Overall rating from 1,156 Pitchup.com customers

  • 79%
    10
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    9
  • 13%
    8
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Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 9
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 7
Spectacular sceneryPeaceful

96% would recommend this site to a friend

94% would stay here again

What customers say

Gill Head Farm: stunning views, friendly staff, top-notch facilities. Great Lakes District base. Families love the play area and vibe. Some road noise, but generally unobtrusive.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 116
Arrival date (latest first)

A great little campsite that ticks all the boxes if you’re looking…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 8
Accommodation
 8
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 7
Carl W.

Power optional grass tent site

Liked A great little campsite that ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxed stay. The atmosphere is really chilled, laid back and easy going both day and night, making it perfect for unwinding and having a safe space for the family plus sleep.

Facilities are well-maintained, with consistently hot showers and everything kept impressively clean. Guests are respectful of the site rules, including cleaning up after using the showers and communal areas, which really adds to the overall experience.

The plots themselves are spacious and well laid out, plenty of drinking water stations, we had an electric supplement, but weren’t forced into a particular spot which meant we could get close to a friends pitch. It’s also super easy to get to, just a short hop off the motorway, making it an ideal base to hop off to areas of interest.

Highly recommend for anyone looking for a calm, clean, and convenient place to pitch up.

Disliked Shop isn’t open late so be prepared for items you need if coming back slightly later, however I’m sure they’ll help if asked for supplies.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Facilities spotless and well maintained friendly staff great pitches

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 5
Anonymous

Unpowered grass tent site

Liked Gillhead campsite has excellent facilities toilets are immaculate beautifully well
Maintained camp and caravan areas. The staff are friendly and helpful and take huge pride in what gillhead has to offer to folks with caravans or campers. Great location for families or young people or the mature couples like ourselves. We been going to gillhead for 31 years and would not go anywhere else. The site has been developed so much offering a wide range of facilities for dry days and wet days.


Thank you to gillhead

Disliked Not applicable

Recommend to friends Visit again

Facilities really clean peaceful no one giving you a hard time but…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 5
Ruth D.

Kipper cabin

Liked Facilities really clean peaceful no one giving you a hard time but if you needed anything you got it stunning scenery beautiful well maintained location

Disliked Maybe could have pool table or table tennis for teenagers in common room

Recommend to friends Visit again

Did a solo trip with my border collie, Connie. We absolutely loved…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Olivia N.

Unpowered grass tent site

Liked Did a solo trip with my border collie, Connie. We absolutely loved it! Initially booked one night but extended it to two. All of the facilities were great, I had no problem with the pitch, weather was a little drizzly but experienced no issues. I spoke to one of the owners and she was lovely and had no problem letting me extend another night. Was a little anxious being on my own but I soon met some wonderful neighbouring campers that really made my time here special. The site just felt so friendly and safe and definitely attracts the right family friendly crowd. The first night was one of the nights they had fresh pizzas being made on site, don’t forget to pre-order like I did though as I missed the sign :( Location is in a great spot, not too far from Penrith town & Blencartha is just down the road. I travelled to Raven Crag and it wasn’t far at all. I will 1000% be back, you made my first time solo camping a dream and Connie absolutely loved it too 😊

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely clean well organized sight, would come back

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 7
Sally W.

Powered grass and gravel caravan site

Liked All good

Recommend to friends Visit again

Brook and water fall were fantastic Lady on reception was great Facilities clean Views…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 6
Matthew W.

Unpowered grass tent site

Liked Brook and water fall were fantastic
Lady on reception was great
Facilities clean
Views second to none

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely family friendly site with great facilities.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 6
Lucy C.

Unpowered grass tent site

Liked Excellent site, clean, tidy lovely facilities such as toilets, showers, communal room, play area and washing up area.
Not too big but also not too small, plenty of space without feeling cramped.
The best part...stunning views! Also really central to lots of different places to visit and things to do.

Disliked Nothing, excellent site.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Wonderful campsite with an idyllic view of the Lake District mountains. I…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
Alys W.

Power optional grass tent site

Liked Wonderful campsite with an idyllic view of the Lake District mountains. I have to say they have thought of everything at Gill Head! A communal area with indoor & outdoor seating, clean showers & toilets, pitches for tents & campers, cabins for you to hire if you don’t want to lug a tent there, cottages for a more homelier stay. Honestly so lovely, and everyone we met on site was so friendly too! We especially loved the quiet time after 10pm too

Recommend to friends Visit again

We will be visiting again, excellent site

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
Lee P.

Power optional grass tent site

Liked Excellent site!!!!

Disliked Nothing really…some noisy neighbours on first night but not the site’s fault…

Recommend to friends Visit again

Easy to find, beautiful area, well layed out,…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
Anonymous

Powered grass and gravel caravan site

Liked Easy to find, beautiful area, well layed out,

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Dogs allowed

Campfires allowed

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available Car parking by site/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundry Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

D. of E. welcome Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Rallies welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Communal freezer Communal fridge Dump point Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby Nearby farmers' market Public transport nearby

Type

Farm Medium (26-50 sites)

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horse riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Mountain biking nearby Outdoor pool nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Tennis nearby Watersports nearby

Touring and motorhomes

Seasonal sites

Location

Gill Head Farm

Troutbeck

Penrith

Cumbria

England

CA11 0ST

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

54.6334°N
2.96195°W

Nearest transport

Coach
12.2 km Bus Station
13.5 km Rail Station
20.3 km Lakeside House for Dove Cottage
Rail
13.5 km Penrith North Lakes Rail Station
20.4 km Langwathby Rail Station
21.2 km Lazonby & Kirkoswald Rail Station
Ferry
9.1 km Pooley Bridge Ullswater Ferry Landing
9.4 km Howtown Ullswater Ferry Landing
10 km Glenridding Ullswater Ferry Landing

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Ullswater is the nearest of the lakes at 10 minutes’ drive away, so that’s as good a place to start as any – stop by at Aira Force waterfall on your way down there, then get down to the lake itself for waterside walks, steamer cruises and various watersports – or even a wild swim if you’re feeling brave. Over on the banks of Derwentwater, Keswick (15 minutes’ drive) is another good place to explore, with a brewery, The Puzzling Place and the Derwent Pencil Museum as well as boat trips and paddleboards to hire. Walkers of all varieties have much to choose from around here, from gentle lakeside wanders to uphill scrambles at Blencathra and Helvellyn, both of which are close by. The folk on the farm are happy to suggest routes to suit – or point you towards the likes of Dalemain Mansion (15 minutes), Mirehouse & Gardens (20 minutes) or Lowther Castle (25 minutes) for stately-home strolls.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Allonby 33.9 km Sea N/AGoodGoodGood
Seascale 43.1 km Sea N/AGoodGoodGood
St Bees 44.6 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Dalemain Historic House & Gardens 9.4 km

Castlerigg Stone Circle 9.4 km

Ullswater Steamers 10 km

The Rheged Centre 11.6 km

Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens 14.6 km

National Trust

Grasmere and Great Langdale 22.1 km

Acorn Bank Garden and Watermill 23.4 km

Townend 25 km

Wordsworth House and Garden 26.4 km

Windermere and Troutbeck 27.3 km

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

Blencathra Classic - Sharp Edge and Narrow Edge 3.7 km

Mungrisdale - Bannerdale Crags 3.7 km

Threlkeld - Blencathra - Sharp Edge - Scales - Threlkeld 6.2 km

Threlkeld, Westcoe and Keswick Railway 6.3 km

Aira Force - Dockray - Dowthwaitehead - Aira Force 7.2 km

Local events

  • Kendal Calling (Thursday, 31 July 2025 – Thursday, 31 July 2025)

    Penrith, England 16.2 km

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Nearest sites

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.

Want to know more about camping in The Lake District and Cumbria?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Gill Head Farm have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Gill Head Farm dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Gill Head Farm? Ullswater is the nearest of the lakes at 10 minutes’ drive away, so that’s as good a place to start as any – stop by at Aira Force waterfall on your way … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Gill Head Farm?
    Camping and caravan
    Arrive:  1 p.m. –  7 p.m.
    Depart by:  11:30 a.m.
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  1 p.m. –  7 p.m.
    Depart by:  10:30 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Gill Head Farm? From $62.89 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.