Gill Head Farm

View prices & book 9.5 1,172 reviews
Camp life
Exterior
Tent pitches
Tent piches

  • 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

Other options

Reviews

  • 79%
    10
  • 2%
    9
  • 13%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 3%
    6
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    5
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    3
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    1
Location
10
Value for money
9
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
9
Customer service
9
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
9
Wifi
7

96% would recommend this site to a friend

94% would stay here again

What customers say

Gill Head Farm is loved for its incredible Lake District spot, with epic views and easy access. Reviewers rave about the super clean facilities, toilets, showers, and common areas, plus the staff are always friendly and helpful. It's a great family campsite with roomy pitches and heaps of amenities for a peaceful, top-notch stay.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 118
Arrival date (latest first)

Nice overnight stay

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
9
Value for money
8
Accommodation
8
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
7
Child friendliness
8
Cleanliness
8
Wifi
2
Anonymous

Camping pod (no pets)

Liked Beautiful location, reasonably priced accommodation. Our youngest daughter really enjoyed the little play area and seeing the chickens roaming around. No late night noise which was great for us. Hired the fire pit which was great and also had breakfast the next morning at the farm shop cafe nearby which was tasty.

Disliked No real instructions on where to go when you arrive but did find it ok. Didn't realise there was under floor heating as we arrived a bit later and didn't notice the thermostat on the wall, saw it in the morning and it had been on full all night making the pod very hot.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great site with clean facilities and friendly staff

Overall

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

Power optional grass tent site

Liked Great views, relaxed family friendly atmosphere, clean showers and toilets, great little shop. Nice being able to pitch our tent wherever we liked although imagine this could have been tricky if it had been busier when we arrived. Made to order pizzas were great on one night we were there.

Disliked Parking was ok when we arrived but got very busy towards the end of our stay.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Amazing campsite, beautiful atmosphere & outstanding 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
10
Summer B.

Power optional grass tent site

Liked Shower and toilet facilities were so clean. Was also really nice that we weren’t allocated a pitch so we got to decide where we pitched up. Site owners were very helpful and friendly. Overall a beautiful campsite, lovely atmosphere and views. Will definitely be coming back here next year.

Disliked The ONLY dislike was the parking, quite busy come the weekend and people were parking very unconventional. Not sure how to avoid this unless having signs or spray paint the gravel to ensure parking is safe and accessible.

Recommend to friends Visit again

excellent site - clean facilities, friendly staff and level 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
10
Thomas P.

Powered grass and gravel caravan site

Liked we loved our stay here at Gill Head. reception was super friendly and helpful, everything was clean and quiet and it was just a great base for us to explore the lakes!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent well run site. Very clean and well maintained. Pods great

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
Cara F.

Camping pod (no pets)

Liked Glamping pod. Very clean well latex out campsite. Great camp kitchen

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site for peace.

Overall

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

Unpowered grass tent site

Liked Stayed as a family of 10 beautiful surroundings peaceful. Pitch size great whole site clean and tidy. Friendly staff. Nothing much for the older kids could do with a bit fenced off for ball games.

Disliked Been eaten by the bugs not the fault of the site.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Briliant site to stay with family

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
1
Anonymous

Camping pod

Liked We enjoyed our stay at Gill head farm. There were everything what we need, like toilets, showers, fridge and freezer. All facilities have been clean and ready to use. Play ground for kids was very good. Wooden pod comfy. There are lots of walk route bettwen the farm. Hope, we will back again.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Amazing views, very clean, little park for the kids close…

Overall

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

Power optional grass tent site

Liked Amazing views, very clean, little park for the kids close to a little waterfall also dog friendly 😀 would definitely book again

Recommend to friends Visit again

Beautiful location, family friendly, great facilities.…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
8
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Katherine L.

Camping pod

Liked Beautiful location, family friendly, great facilities.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Fabulous campsite. Great location and 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
10
Deborah W.

Powered grass and gravel caravan site

Liked Fabulous campsite. Great location and facilities.

Recommend to friends Visit again


Features

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

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 $63.20 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.