Camping Barns - Bunkhouses - Bothys
in the
Lake District & Cumbria
These Bunkhouses, Camping Barns and Bothys are a fabulous way of exploring the more rural areas of Cumbria. Many are on working farms and in the most scenic of locations.
The most basic of these facilities are really stone tents but they vary considerably in terms of what they offer, indeed some are quite luxurious so do check what is included.
Holme Wood Bothy - Cockermouth
National Trust
What if you decided that you just wanted to get away from it all. That you wanted just a roof over your head...maybe a wood-burning stove, and ok, maybe a gas stove to cook on too, but that was all. (You'll need to remember your cooking equipment). Maybe somewhere to stargaze...to ramble...to teach your kids the beauty of nature...or to hang out with like-minded friends, then maybe this is that perfect location?
Owned by the National Trust and with a minimum stay of three nights, this basic bothy which, in the most idealistic of locations, really is the place to get away from it all, seriously ...there is no electricity and although there is a cold tap at the Bothy, drinking water is available from the nearby Ranger's workshop...remember this is all about getting away from it all.
The sleeping arrangements are refreshingly basic too. Sleeping (maximum 6) is communal over two wooden floors, so do make sure you bring your own sleeping bags/linen and perhaps a mat and torch too. The upper sleeping platform is accessed via a wooden ladder so may not be suitable for smaller children or those with restricted mobility.
The location is breathtaking and if you have your own canoe you are welcome to bring it along. Parking for two cars is also available just a short distance away.
Do go ahead and check full details of this beautifully remote National Trust bothy here.
Wrostler's Barn
Coniston
Wrostler's Barn is one of those gems that you walk past and wonder about, and so the secret's out you can actually rent it! What we love is that it has all of the charm of being really off the beaten in track with walks from the door, but in reality it is also just a few minutes walk through the woods from the car park and the road which traverses Coniston Water.
What you get : There are two sleeping areas which have double bedrooms with bedding included - there's also a Day bed and pull out trundle (please supply your own bedding. for these). The shower and composting loo are both outside ..don't worry they are enclosed and the shower is hot! The kitchen is basic but has everything you need for 6 including cutlery. There is running cold water in the kitchen and hot when the wood-burner is lit! Just a note that as Dodgson's wood is a protected site no wood must be gathered from outside. In fact John and Marie are very involved in the environment in which they live, from the way they farm right down to Wrostler's Barn. You can read more about them and how they are working to protect not just the environment but about ethical farming, too, here.
If you like the idea of staying at Dodgson's wood camping barn then you can read more about it, including the fine print of what is included if you book the barn, more photographs and of course availability here.
One last thing..... they also have a wonderful on-line shop...everything from wool to the most wonderful soaps.... take a peek here...the perfect present for anyone who loves ethical .... Cumbria.... the perfect gift for yourself too of course!
Dacres Stable Camping Barn
Eden Valley area
about 7 miles north of Kendal
At the south of the Eden Valley on the edge of the Lake District National Park is a lovely corner of Cumbria. A twitchers paradise with quiet lanes for cycling and walking, dreaming and reading.
Dacre's Stable Camping Barn is non-smoking and sleeps up to 8 (2 downstairs with disable access) and has been designed as a flexible space for families or groups of friends. There is also space for one camper-van, with hook-up, by special arrangement.
The ground floor, which is accessible for those who are disabled, sleeps two in a screened off area in a double bed. Also on the ground floor is the sitting area which has a wood-burning stove (1st basket of logs provided free) linked to the hot water system, table, kitchen space with double hob, microwave, small oven and fridge. Please note no WiFi and mobile phone coverage is very variable.
The Wet room which has underfloor heating along with a shower and toilet is also on the ground floor.
Via an outside access is the upper floor which is one large room with two sets of bunk beds, a single bed and additional mattresses.
Crockery, jugs, pots and pans etc are provided for eight people.
Pillows are provided but visitors should bring their own towels, sleeping bags and pillow cases
The big barn south of Dacre's Stable can provide storage for bicycles and even play space for children on bad weather days (do these really exist?!). The barn can also be made available as workshop space for groups, by prior arrangement.
This camping barn is in a rural location. There are a good number of Pubs and restaurants within eight miles, though the nearest is six; Morrisons is the nearest supermarket, just north of Kendal.
If you are walking or cycling to Dacre's Stable, are able to buy in food supplies for you if you let them know in advance.
Please note, it is also really important that you shut the gates on the lane, as the neighbouring farmers depend on these for the security of their livestock. For this reason, visiting dogs other than Guide dogs, are only allowed by special arrangement - sorry!
Dacre's stable can be booked mid-weeks, weekend or whole weeks, with a minimum 2 night stay. Booking and further information can be found here
Shepherd's Crook Bunkhouse - Patterdale - Ullswater
Lovingly named after Grandfather Fred who himself was a skilled Crook maker, Shepherd's Crook is on a working farm in the Patterdale Valley, just a five minute detour off Wainwright's Coast to Coast walk and of course this area is so well known for its huge range of walks from Striding Edge to Cat Bells...oh and so many more too!
The Barn has a well equipped kitchen, a seating area, it also has central heating too!
On the first floor is an en-suite bunk bedroom for 2 and there is also a 6 bed bunk room. Both rooms have Duvets, linen and towels provided.
There is parking available for three cars and its also possible to book a DIY breakfast too.
Tariff is very competitive...well we think so.. but do check out all the details for yourself here.
Greengill Bunk Barn
Morland - Eden Valley
Greengill Bunk Barn in the pretty Eden Valley attracts consistently good reviews from both families and party / stag / hen groups. Previous guests have commented on the comfy sofas in the large double story recreation room where they have enjoyed the pool table and table tennis table as well as the darts board! The Barn also has a card table and a great library of books to borrow from.
There is a level access to this traditional stone built self catering barn and one of the, two bunk rooms (each sleeps 8) is on the ground floor too. The well equipped kitchen includes two fridges, a freezer, 5 ring cooker as well as a microwave, double sink and of course all the usual crockery, cutlery and kitchen utensils. Local supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda and Morrisons all deliver here too. The dining room seats 20, so there is ample room for everyone and a BBQ in the orchard is on a first come, first served basis with guests using the camping field too.
There are three shower rooms and three toilets (note, at very busy times these may be opened up for use by the campsite too, but a lockable door will be operational between the barn and these facilities). There are night storage heaters and extra radiators to keep the Barn warm during the winter months too.
There is free unlimited WiFi and four parking places, two of which are directly outside the Barn itself. There is also a lockable bike shed.
Booking is for a minimum of three nights and you can check for availability and also see a small video showing the lovely idyllic location and facilities of Greengill BunkBarn right here.
A little note from me, the owner of this website!
There is a often a very fine line between accommodation types and its difficult to know where to list these fabulous properties. Many of these Camping Barns could sit just as well on our Independent Hostels page...so if you don' find exactly what you are looking for here, do pop over and check that page too.
Abbot Park Camping Barn
between the southern tips of
Coniston and Windermere
These two barns with a postal address of Ulverston are south east of the southern end of Coniston Water and south west of the southern tip of Windermere, so they are somewhere between the three. But, that's how it is in rural Cumbria and that's what we love!
Each of the barns comprises of six made up beds and have the luxury of a wood burning stove. Hot water, electricity, shower and very good toilets are additional bonuses. Cooking facilities include crockery & cutlery along with a single electric cooking ring a microwave, kettle, toaster and fridge.
We love that the Tea Room at Abbots Park site is also able to provide evening meals which can be cooked and left in the fridge for your arrival....now that's rather a nice touch!
Emphasis at Abbot Park is on enjoying its idyllic rural location and in accordance there are a few site rules which you should read before you book.
Further details and of the Abbot Park Camping Barn including more photographs and contact information can be found here.
Skyeside Bunkhouse
at
Brotherswater Inn - Brotherswater - Patterdale
A very basic bunkhouse, but ....offering smaller rooms which maybe what you are looking for and is part of the Brotherswater Inn/Camping site complex so there is the camp shop for basic provisions and of course the Inn if its too much of a hassle to cook or you fancy a tipple before bed!
The rooms are heated and carpeted and sleep between two and six people, each having their own loo and washbasin and have a plug socket and USB charge point. Showers are available on the adjoining camping site. You'll need to bring your own bedding and towels and really everything you would for camping bar the tent. There is a covered outdoor cook area which has a couple of double ring gas burners (operated by 50p coin) but remember you'll need to bring all your own crockery/cutlery/and cooking utensils with you.
....or will you? because this bunkhouse although basic is adjacent to the Brotherswater Inn which serves everything from Breakfast Baps to Evening Meals. There are also a couple of Yurts for hire at Brotherswater Inn too...take a peek at those here or read more about the Skyeside Bunkbarn and Brotherswater Inn here.
High Wallabarrow Camping Barn - Duddon Valley
High Wallabarrow is in the pretty Duddon Valley, an ideal base for walking, bird watching, mountain biking or just enjoying the tranquility of a slower pace of life. Dating back to the 17th century this former farmhouse has been restored by the National Trust to provide a rustic back to basics base for you to enjoy.
The sleeping accommodation is a stack of 10 mattresses on the first floor and the loo and shower are in a separate building outside and hot water is available via a £1 meter (read more on their website here.).
The ground-floor boasts a wood-burning stove (wood can be bought 'at cost' price). A four ring cooker, fridge, toaster and kettle provide the necessary luxuries for what is effectively a stone camping tent! There is also a selection of crockery, cutlery, pots and pans etc too.
High Wallabarrow is keen to be green and encourages you (particularly in light of their septic tank) to use environmentally friendly products and to be careful with your recycling, we encourage you to read their ideas on how best to deal with this on their website here.
Dogs (on leads) can be accommodated by prior arrangement and groups with children younger than 5 are asked to book for sole use.
There are two pubs nearby, the Newfield Inn which is a fifteen minute walk through the Wallabarrow woods and the Blacksmith Arms which is well known for its good food a 4 mile drive.
For further information including availability and booking procedures can be found here.
Great Langdale Bunkhouse - The Langdales
Location - Location - Location Lagndales!What a super location. Walks from the door can't really get much better than this and what's more there's a pub for good Pub Grub next door too!
So this is what you get. The Great Langdale Bunk House is a no frills affair. There are three double bunk rooms (1 x bunk bed) and two dorms with 6 beds (3 x bunk bed). All rooms have a double plug socket and a kettle. Linen, duvet and cover, pillow and pillow case are included His and hers showers and toilets.
Dogs are welcome but must not be left alone in the bunkhouse and must be kept on leads whilst out walking.
Parking for 6 cars (National Trust, so don't forget your car sticker!)
What to note : There are no communal areas or outdoor areas...unless that is that you count the Langdale Valley, in which case you'll have no shortage of outdoor space! The other point to note is that there is no kitchen. However, the Sticklebarn Tavern and the New Dungeon Ghyll are right next door.
One last thing.... The Great Langdale Bunkhouse is all about the location. Its for walkers and those wishing to enjoy the tranquil space....so if you are looking for a space for a boozy weekend, this isn't it....
More detailed information of this Bunkhouse can be found here.
Blakebeck Farm Camping Barn
between
Keswick and Penrith
Converted by the YHA to be a simple camping barn for cyclists and walkers, Blakebeck Farm is also home to these two donkeys!
The camping barn is on the C2C cycle route and about halfway between Keswick and Penrith.
On the upper floor is a wooden floored dorm with stone walls, which sleeps 10 in bunkbeds (bring your own sleeping bags) and also has a large farmhouse table and chairs. The kitchen is also on this floor and comprises of a sink, ceramic hob, microwave fridge and toaster. Cooking utensils, washing liquid etc are provided too. The Downstairs room is ideal for recreation and can also double up as cycle storage. There is also a drying rack (heated by the farmhouse central heating). There are two toilet/shower rooms. Hot showers are via £1 meter. Heating can be arranged via hire of oil filled radiators.
One well behaved dog can be accommodated if you have sole booking of the barn.
Please note due to the close proximity to the owners own home, this barn is not suitable for hen/stag or similar rowdy groups.
Which just leaves us to put a mention for the panoramic view which await Blakebeck Farm Barn and of course the link so that you can read the finer details, here.
Florries Bunkhouse - Hadrians Wall - North Cumbria
It all started when Grandma Florrie would love to chat and offer cups of lemonade and slices of cake to the 'Wolly 'Ats'... that is the hikers who were often passing on their way to explore Hadrians Wall.
Skip forwards a few years and Florrie's bunkhouse evolved, a comfy welcome with tea-rooms without having to take a detour!
With glowing reviews on Trip Advisor for their fabulous meals and warm hospitality, Florrie's on the Wall offers bunkhouse accommodation in four en-suite rooms for four - all with underfloor, renewable energy, heating.
One of the rooms can be booked as a Family/Private room for up to five and has one double and three singles. A travel cot and folding bed can also be provided by request.
The Bunkhouse offers an inclusive breakfast, which has certainly impressed previous guests, packed lunches can be arranged and you can see a sample of their (bookable in advance) evening menu here.
Further information including tarif and availability can be found here.
Fisher Gill Camping Barn - Thirlmere
Rather a cosy feel, now to Fisher Gill Camping Barn which was once the sheep penning area of Stybeck Farm.
The accommodation is bunk bed style (maximum 10) with mattresses and pillows provided, so you need to bring your own sleeping bag.
A caller gas cooker, sink, kettle and microwave are provided, though with prior arrangement (+ additional cost) Breakfasts can be arranged via the Stybeck Farm B & B. There is an electric shower too. Please note that some of the electricity is metered and that heating is extra.
There is car-parking at the barn and the National coach stop is approx quarter of a mile
Read more about Fisher-Gill Camping Barn and check availability here.
Rookhouse - Rusland Valley
Rookhouse gets really great reviews and has good basic accommodation which includes two (singles) bed snug which has a sitting room and then two further 4 bed rooms. You'll need to bring your own sleeping bags, towels, toiletries etc
The kitchen has 2 ovens and 2 fridges as well as plenty of pans, pots, crockery etc. but you'll need to bring your own food including salt & pepper, cooking oil, tea towels etc
There is a wood-burner to make things cosy inside - logs, matches and kindling are provided and an outdoor seating area with long tables and benches.
Special rate for 2020 (excl. Xmas and New Year): £150 per night plus a £100 refundable breakage deposit. 2 night minimum at weekend. Usual rate £300 per night.
Due to the historic nature of the building it hasn't been possible to make Rookhow disable friendly.
There is a bike storage and also parking for approximately 10 cars - the accommodation is next to a Quaker Meeting House and you are asked to respect this space.
More information about what is and isn't included along with Tarif and availability can be found here.
Please note that mobile signal at Rookhow is very poor...and there is no Wifi...so this really is a chance to get away from it all.
Witherslack Cycling Barn
Witherslack are determined that you will eat well and rest well whilst with them and this wonderful accommodation for either groups or the lone traveller (single room available at no extra charge on weekdays). Each bed comes with a sheet duvet, pillow and cover and a bath towel making travelling through Cumbria by cycle a lot easier.
Breakfasts can be arranged by prior request, as can evening meal supplies.... there is also a pub nearby serving first class food...and pizza takeaways a couple of nights a week.
A cycle store is available (please bring your own lock) and its possible to hire e-bikes from here too. Rick, Steph and dog Toby have 20 + years experience of cycling and enjoying this area and are keen to extend this experience to you, so check out more of these wonderful facilities at Witherslack here.
Wandendlath Bothy
National Trust
between Thrilmere & Keswick
In a small hamlet close to Watendlath Tarn between Thirlmere and Derwent Water, this Bothy is National Trust owned and can sleep six. Minimum stay is for three nights and preferred change over days are Mondays or Fridays.
Bothy's are all about being basic and this one is no exception, but you do get a wood-burning stove (some wood supplied but you may want to bring more) and also has table chairs, bunks...but do bring you own mats, pillows, sleeping bags and other linen.
A small basic fridge, four ring cooker and table and chairs are provided but you will need to bring all other 'camping equipment' with you.. minus the tent of course!
The bothy has a loo and a shower and a couple of parking spaces if you are going to arrive by car.
Full details of the Bothy and availability can be found here.
Cragg Barn - Buttermere
Beautiful, tranquil Buttermere. So many walks from the door from this traditional Lakeland Barn and you have The Bridge Hotel for bar snacks just a short walk down the road if you don't fancy cooking.
Sleeps 8 with metered shower for hot water and just a cold tap in the cooking area. This is one of the more rustic Camping Barns and literally everything you would need to take with you for camping you will need to bring with you. There is plenty of parking, two pubs within walking distance and two lovely lakes!
More information of this very wonderfully rustic barn can be found here.
White Horse Bunkhouse - Threlkeld - Nr Keswick
Bang next door to The White Horse Inn (which serves food daily) and at the base of Blencahtra, is the White Horse Bunk House which is popular not only with hikers but C2C cyclists too.
The accommodation is in four stables which have been converted into bedrooms, two of these sleep 6 people, one sleeps 8 and one stable sleeps 4 - all of which are bunks.
There is a basic kitchen with a hob, fridge and microwave along with a communal dining area which can see 16-20 people. Other facilities include a his & hers toilet block / basins / showers and a coin-operated dryer. The Pub is open from 11 am - 11 pm, servers food, hot drinks....& of course beer, is open every day and has free WiFi!
For more information and booking check out the White Horse Inn website here.
Bowderstone Bunkbarn - Borrowdale - Keswick
(part of the Calvert Trust)
The Bowderstone Bunkhouse is a no-fuss accommodation option for walkers, climbers, cyclists, Duke of Edinburgh students....dogs are allowed too!
Sleeping up to 12 in bunks.. you'll need to bring everything with you. Sleeping bags and a sleeping mat would be ideal, for as you will see from the photo above mattress are not provided, though two wood-burning stoves to keep you toasty warm are. The kitchen has two x two ring hobs and a fridge and microwave along with a selection of pans and basic cutlery and crockery.
The bunkhouse is accessible by foot, cycle and wheelchair via a 600m path which is steep in places (you may wish to check with them directly here for more information on that) and there is also a National Trust car park five miles south if you are arriving by vehicle. Being part of the Calvert Trust the Bunkhouse does cater for disability groups and more information on those activities along with more detailed information on the bunkhouse in general and of course availability and Tarif can be found here.
Low Bridge End Camping Barn - St John's-in-the-Vale
Low Bridge End Camping Barn is effectively a stone tent. So imagine that you have to bring everything with you, except the tent and the loo! Yes, that includes the stove too!
Sleeps 8 (mattress provided) the basic facilities include a cold water tap in the kitchen with hot-water for additional charge - also applicable for the shower. A wood-burning stove (wood provided at extra cost) keeps the barn toasty all year around and there is also an outdoor seating area with a BBQ and parking for 2 cars.
The barn has a handy honesty-box operated tea room, next door, with lots of home-baked treats next door.
More information of Low Bridge Camping Barn can be found here.
Glamping Bothy's at Caldbeck - Northern Lakes
Now, a Glamping Bothy may seem a little bit of an oxymoron, but sometimes we really do want to have our cake and eat it....or in this case go back to basics...but not really could we just have one or two little luxuries added in too!
These three accommodations in Caldbeck, which is perfect for exploring the Northern Lakes, in particular being a quieter corner of Cumbria this is the perfect spot for cycling and Caldbeck is on The Reivers Way Cycle Route.
There is a secure bike storage on site - dogs are welcome and parking is available near by FOC.
The Bothy - Caldbeck
So when we said Glamping...yes really ...The Bothy at Caldbeck has its own Finnish Sauna AND a Whisky Barrel Ice Bath too!
The Bothy has a sleeping platform which sleeps 3 and there is also space for two small tents - but please check that this is available at the time of booking.
There is a self catering kitchen which covers all the basics.
Bring your own sleeping bags - pillows, pillow cases, towels etc. are provided for you.
Further information including availability and tarif can be found here.
High Pike Camping Barn - Caldbeck
The High Pike sleeps 5 in a single dorm and the modern shower room/loo will be a huge bonus after a day walking or cycling in the northern fells.
This rustic charm furnished Barn also has WiFi, TV and a cosy wood-burner.
You'll need to bring along your own sleeping bags, though pillows, cases and towels are provided.
It may be possible to have use of the Sauna and Ice Bath (at The Bothy) so check on this and also availability of two small tent camping pitches at the time of booking.
Further information, including availability and tarif can be found here.
The Hayloft - Caldbeck
The Hayloft sleeps 8 on single beds and has a private modern shower room. A wood-burning stove in the rustic lounge keeps everything toasty warm and a kitchen with for all basic needs takes the stress out of catering. The Hayloft also has WiFi and a TV!
Pillows and linen, towels are provided but remember to bring your own sleeping bag.
There are an additional two camping spots - which can be booked too if available
More information, including availability and tarif can be found here.
Hillside Farm Bunk Barn - Boustead Hill
between
Burgh by Sands & Bowness on Solway
In the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding National Beauty and close to the start of Hadrians Wall, this working farm has a purposed designed bunk barn which was formerly a Georgian stable.
The conversion includes a biomass boiler which provides heat to the barn. The facilities include a kitchen with cutlery, crockery etc and small gas stove and electric cooker and microwave.
Cars can be parked if you wish to walk from the barn and there is also a bike shed. The barn can sleep 12 in bunk beds.
You can indulge in a Field Farm full Breakfast and packed sandwiches or you can ask Sandra to have a few local supplies in the barn for your arrival.
Booking and further information of this bunk barn can be found here.
Lowside Farm Camping Barn
Troutbeck nr Penrith
This camping barn is rather lush isn't it? In a lovely location not too far from Ullswater and so ideal if you fancied pottering about near the Lake or tackling the famous Striding Edge fell.
The barn is well equipped as you can see. Bedding is included but you'll need to bring your own towels and toiletries. The Barn has WiFi, Freeview TV and central heating and picnic benches outside for you to enjoy the view.
Minimum booking is for parties of 8 and the maximum occupancy is 14. A two night stay is also require. More information and availability of Lowside Farm can be found right here.
If this isn't quite what you are looking for Lowside Farm also has Camping Pods which sleep up to 4. You can read more about those here.
