This map shows the Lake District National Park and Cumbria. The locations of camping barns, bunkhouses and hostels in the Lakes are shown with clickable links. Centred on Borrowdale, the heart of Wordsworth Country, this map covers the area from Carlisle in the north to Barrow in Furness in the South, the west coast town of Whitehaven to Kirkby Stephen in the east. Hostels, bunkhouses and camping barns provide self catering accommodation for individuals, families and groups wanting to explore the Lake District and Cumbria. They are perfect bases for cycling, walking, fell running or climbing in the national park. There are hostels on the coast and along the route of the Cumbria sections of the Coast to Coast Walk and the Cycling C2C.
Lake District hostels & Bunkhouses
St John’s-in-the-Vale Camping Barn is an 18th century stable on a peaceful hill farm, with stunning views to Blencathra, Helvellyn and Castle Rock. The Barn has a sleeping area upstairs (mattresses provided) and a kitchen and sitting/dining area below. A separate toilet and shower are within the building. A wood-burning stove makes it nice and cosy. Outside there is a BBQ area. The star-filled night skies are magical. Self catering hayloft is also available (sleeping up to 4 - 2 adults and 2 children).
Kendal Hostel is situated close to Kendal’s town centre. It is available for exclusive hire only and provides comfortable and affordable accommodation for groups of outdoor enthusiasts, friends, and family.Kendal Hostel provides your group with 40 beds in eleven bedrooms, well-equipped self-catering facilities, a large comfy lounge with log burner, secure bike storage, and a drying room. At the gateway to the Lake District National Park, close to the Dales Way and LEJOG.
High Wallabarrow is a traditional hill farm in the Duddon Valley, the Lake District’s quiet corner. The well equipped camping barn, an old farmhouse, sleeps 10 upstairs. Downstairs there’s a large living area with woodburning stove and fully equipped kitchen. Mattresses provided BYO sleeping bags/pillows. Toilet just outside and shower nearby. 15 mins’ walk to pub, 10 mins to climbing crag. Not suitable for rowdy groups.
Escape to the heart of the Lake District, leaving the crowds behind. Rookhow is a secluded haven of tranquility, with 12 acres of private ancient woodland nestled between Coniston and Lake Windermere. Stay in the cosy self-catering barn with its log fires and snug sitting room and make use of the campfire, outdoor seating area and yurt in the woods. Hire the historic Quaker Meeting House for extra group space.
Reagill Village Hall offers simple budget accommodation to C2C walkers, cyclists, families & outdoor enthusiasts. Situated in a tiny hamlet of just 20 houses, there are no street lights, little traffic and wonderful dark skies for star gazing. There are plenty of lovely walks from the doorstep, while Shap is 3 miles away, Appleby 10 miles and Penrith 12 miles. Facilities include a kitchen with a new cooker, fridge & microwave, 2 new multi stove heaters and a new power shower. Blow up mattresses are provided (1 dbl, 2 twin, 2 kid’s). BYO bedding.
CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
A bijou 2 person bunkroom in the majestic setting of Rydal Country House B&B at the heart of the Lake District. Beautifully appointed, there’s a small kitchenette, one set of bunks, a dining table & an en suite shower room.There is also a small touring caravan in the grounds (1 x dbl bed). Superb walking & scenery. Dogs welcome.
High House in Seathwaite, at the head of the beautiful valley of Borrowdale, offers comfortable bunkhouse accommodation. Popular with walking/climbing clubs and educational groups, early booking is advised. Group bookings only. Large common room with stove (coke/coal). Fully equipped self-catering kitchen, 2 washrooms/toilets and a shower. Drying room. Large grounds with tables, benches and firepit. Accessible by car. Club members may occasionally use a 3rd dorm unless exclusive use is booked (midweek only).
Great Langdale Bunkhouse is situated at the foot of the Langdale fells, amidst some of the finest mountain scenery in England. There’s direct access to mountain biking, road cycling, walking, fell running, wild swimming & climbing.The bunkhouse sleeps 18 across 5 simple but comfortable rooms. Each room has a kettle, double plug socket & free WiFi. The bunkhouse has biomass central heating throughout so it’s toasty warm with an endless supply of hot water & powerful showers. Secure bike storage available on request.
Within the old primary school at Lowick Green, nestled between Coniston Water (4 miles) and Ulverston, the bunkhouse has a lounge with wood-burning stove, large kitchen/dining room opening onto a patio with great views of the mountains and an outdoor area with campfire.All groups staying in the bunkhouse need to be doing an organised activity.
A converted traditional barn on the edge of Morland in Cumbria’s rolling Eden Valley. Close to the Lake District and handy for the M6. Great for gatherings of family or friends wanting to visit the Lake District, the Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales and the Borders. There is a large, fully equipped kitchen/dining room and a large, two-storey games room. On NCR 71 and Wiggo’s Loop on C2C. Good local walking and easy access to lakes & fells. Local café and pub for meals & ale.
Close to Penrith town centre and perfect for the C2C cycle route. Excellent value accommodation for visiting Penrith, the Eden Valley & the North Lake District.Bike storage, cleaning, and maintenance facilities on site. Kitchen & dining, en suite rooms with beds made up, lockers, bedside lights & USB points. Individuals, small parties & groups welcome.
The White Horse Inn has 2 bunkhouses in the converted stables of this traditional Lake District inn at the foot of BlencathraGuests are welcome in the Inn which has great pub food, open fires, local ales and is open from 11am to 11pm. Each bunkhouse has a basic kitchen, dining area and bunkrooms sleeping between 4 and 6. Paths to the mountains from the garden & the C2C route passes the door.
A short drive from Kendal, Dacres Stable Camping Barn is on the eastern edge of the Lake District National Park. On a gated road away from the main A6 it is a perfect base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District and the Eden Valley. Great too for mountain biking, walking, & cycling on quiet tracks and lanes. The camping barn sleeps up to 8 on a sole use, self-catering basis.
Stay Howgills, a converted stone barn in Ravonstonedale in the rugged Cumbrian Hills. The Barn sleeps 14 in 4 rooms, and the Bothy sleeps 2. Superbly equipped and well heated, guests are sure of a cosy, comfortable stay. Situated down a long farm track with stunning views, perfect for walkers and cyclists. Wainwright’s Pennine Journey passes by and the Pennine Bridleway is close.
You’ll find Maggs Howe Camping Barn in the quiet, unspoilt valley of Kentmere. It’s a ramblers’ paradise with woods, fields, lanes, a scattering of traditional farms & the fells covered with Wainwright walks.There is plenty to do including biking, riding & fishing, as well as quiet enjoyment. Maggs Howe provides B&B in 3 farmhouse rooms and a camping barn (BYO sleeping bag). Breakfast (£8) and suppers (from £14) are available with notice. Dogs need prior permission.
Hawse End Centre in the Lake District sits at the head of the magnificent Borrowdale Valley on the shores of Derwentwater. Guests enjoy easy access to Keswick and the mountains beyond via launch or lakeside walk.The house is a large, comfortable, country mansion ideal for large groups, while the cottage is more suited to smaller groups or large families.Outdoor activities can be arranged.
Slack House Farm is an organic dairy farm overlooking Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall. It is on the NCN 72 cycle trail and close to Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. The bunk-barn has 3 en suite bedrooms of 3,5 and 8 beds. A wood pellet-fired stove gives a warm heart to the kitchen/lounge and provides under-floor heating throughout the barn.Book a bed, a private room or sole use of the whole bunkhouse.
Refurbished to a very high standard, the Parish Room is a great base for outdoors enthusiasts to explore Skiddaw, the Northern Lakes, Keswick and the Cumbrian coast. There is a modern well-equipped kitchen, large hall, meeting room with sofa and large TV. There is also disabled access throughout. Separate male/female toilets and two shower rooms. Bring your own beds, bedding and towels. Free WiFi. Sorry no stag/hen parties.
The highest hostel in Britain! Escape the crowds at this remote mountain hostel. Hire the whole place for a small group of friends or family. No roads, no other buildings, no phone signal: just uninterrupted beautiful mountain views. An easy walk or mountain bike ride from Keswick or Threlkeld. Rustic but comfortable with a wood burning stove, hot showers, a well-stocked shop/bar and full bedding provided.
Denton House is a purpose built hostel in the lake District offering bunkhouse accommodation.Warm and well equipped for self-catering, the centre was designed for groups with parking for 40 cars.There is equipment storage and access to the River Greta across the road.
Located right on the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail this friendly bunkhouse is aimed at walkers or cyclists. With a drying room and cycle storage this is the perfect stop-over on the trail.Open from April to October. Florrie’s provides a comfortable bed, breakfast and evening meals plus the opportunity to socialise with other guests at the bar. In the winter season the bunkhouse is open to groups with self-catering.
11-bedroom farmhouse offering exclusive use hire group accommodation. Shap is in the Eden Valley, 5 minutes drive from the M6, on the edge of the Lake District National Park, Yorkshire Dales and the Howgills. On Wainwright’s Coast to Coast, the Westmorland Way & the Miller’s Way. With own bar that can be stocked with beers from local breweries.
Nestling at the foot of Blencathra, with paths to the mountains from the doorstep Lowside Farm Camping Barn & Pods are your perfect Lake District base.Sleeping groups of up to 14, the newly converted camping barn is modern & comfortable, The six, 4 berth luxury camping pods, provide extra accommodation for larger groups, older family members and those with small chilldren. All bedding is provided.
At the foot of Souther Fell, within easy reach of Blencathra, Blakebeck Farm is set amidst the wildflower meadows of Mungrisdale. On the C2C cycle route & the Cumbrian Way. Perfect as a weekend break for walkers. The large upstairs room has bunk beds for 8 people (BYO sleeping bags) & a large farmhouse table. The kitchen has all you need to cook a simple meal and cooked breakfasts are available on request. One dog by prior arrangement. Not suitable for parties. No children under 11 years.
Former Methodist Church with a range of accommodation for individuals, families and groups amongst beautiful authentic features; stained glass, arches and panels. There’s a large dining room & kitchen and a quiet lounge in the gallery. Kirkby Stephen is a market town in the upper Eden Valley. On Wainwright’s Coast to Coast path with easy access to the Pennine Journey, the W2W cycle route, the Howgill Hills, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.
Almond Lodge is a newly refurbished luxury group hostel perched 1/3 of the way up Helvellyn in the Lake District. Sleeping up to 28 across 4 rooms with breathtaking views from every window, the Lodge is perfect for groups of walkers, climbers, cyclists, runners, swimmers or friends and families in need of some mountain therapy. The village of Glenridding with local shops, nice pubs and restaurants and the southern end of Ullswater is just over 1 mile away.
Between Grange Over Sands and Kendal on the northern shore of Morecambe Bay, within the beautiful Whitbarrow Nature Reserve in the southern Lake District. Built for cyclists and walkers with drying room, laundry, kitchen, diner, lounges, cycle storage, workshop and bike wash. Perfect for groups, families and individuals. Just 500m from the Morecambe Bay Cycle Way, the Lakes & Dales Loop and NCN 700 & 70.
Nestled in the peace of the Ennerdale Valley, overlooking Ennerdale Water.
The Wild Wool Barn provides luxury bunkhouse accommodation for 6 (plus 6 camping). Traditional wood-burning stove, electric heating, cooker and shower marry tradition with luxury. With no mobile signal or WiFi The Wild Wool Barn is a true chance to get away and explore the rarely visited Western Lakes. Perfect for camping at Ennerdale Bridge
Located in the peaceful village of Elterwater, in the Langdale valley, 15 mins’ drive from Ambleside. The area has many walks for people of all abilities, from gentle riverside meanders to the challenge presented by the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell and Scafell. Pubs, shops and other amenities are nearby. The area is popular for both on and off-road cycling, rock climbing and other outdoor activities. An ideal overnight stop on the Cumbria Way.
In the untouched Ennerdale Valley of the Lake District, Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre beckons. At the base of Pillar and Red Pike, this eco-friendly centre offers spacious communal areas, a classroom, and a sprawling meadow for relaxation or activities. Ideally located for self-led adventures, with connections to outdoor providers, you are sure of a memorable stay for all ages, especially schools and universities.
3 quirky Czech wagons have been transformed into large, sturdy glamping units, each with a king-sized bed. Separate wagons provide a kitchen and shower/WC’s.
Everything is off-grid and solar powered. Situated on a working regenerative farm down a long (and bumpy) track in rural east Cumbria. 25 miles N/W of Penrith and 9 miles W of Alston. Surrounded by stunning scenery, rolling farmland (through which you are welcome to walk) and a host of bird and insect life this is a real rural escape.
Caldbeck Glamping accommodation is in the centre of Caldbeck Village close to Wainwright’s Northern Fells. Opposite The Odd Fellows pub and close to the village store. The self contained barns sleep 6 and 4. Three people can sleep in the Bothy and there is space for a small tent or two. Caldbeck is a 25 minute drive from M6 and right on The Cumbria Way and The Reivers Cycle route. Sit back and enjoy everything this hidden Lake District village has to offer.
Yealand Old School provides newly refurbished, self-catering accommodation with en suite bedrooms and group dorms. Relax in the grounds of the Quaker Meeting House. A short stroll from Summerhouse Hill and Warton Crag amidst spectacular limestone scenery and nature reserves. LEJOG passes the front door on Route 6. Quiet village location, pub currently closed.
Noran Bank Farm is near Ullswater just through Patterdale in Cumbria, just 5 minutes’ walk away from the Coast to Coast route and The Westmorland Way.Shepherd’s Crook Bunkhouse is a barn converted to a very high standard and sleeps 8. Duvets, linen and towels are provided. DIY breakfast and packed lunches can be pre-booked. It is very popular with Coast to Coasters, walkers, cyclists and for family/friends get-togethers.
Derwentwater Independent Hostel is a stunning Georgian mansion, standing in its own spacious grounds between the Falls & the Lake, with stunning mountain views. Just 2 miles from Keswick, close to the Coast to Coast route and the delights of Borrowdale, it makes a great base for individuals, families, and groups of all types. Book a bed, a room, a camping pod or take over the hostel.
A Georgian working farm, right on Hadrian’s Wall National Trail & Cycleway near the Solway Coast AONB. Stunning views over the Solway Firth marshes towards Scotland. Bunkbarn or B&B rooms available.The bunkbarn has cooking facilities & hot showers and is heated with a bio mass boiler. Breakfast or bacon sandwiches available with notice. The barn is available to walkers, cyclists and peaceful family groups.
Bowderstone Bunkhouse is situated along the Borrowdale Valley by the famous Bowderstone – a massive boulder that has lain precariously on one side for the last 10,000 years! It has a kitchen, accessible shower room and communal area, plus running water, electricity and drainage, but linen and mattresses not provided. Please note, Bowderstone Bunkhouse is only for use by clubs, educational groups or other organisations such as the Scouts, as it is on National Trust land and has certain restrictions to its use.
Rydal Hall Bunkhouse provides group accommodation for up to 28 in four rooms at the heart of the Lake District. There’s a large common room, drying room & a fully equipped stainless steel kitchen. En-suite rooms for up to 50 people are available in The Hall and there is a quiet campsite and eco-pods for individuals/families in the grounds. Dogs welcome by arrangement.
Things to do in the Lake District The Great Outdoors The Lake District is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With amazing walks, lakes, scenery, and mountain passes, people come from all over for outdoor activities. Activities like climbing, water sports, and mountain biking.
Sailing on Derwent water. Just one of the many activities you can do in the Lake District Hostelling is the ideal way of taking in the stunning landscape of the Lake District National Park. The Lake District is home to Windermere, England’s largest lake, and Scarfell Pike, one of the peaks used in the Three Peaks Challenge. Other famous peaks include Blencathra, Catbells, Coniston Old Man, and Skiddaw. Poets, authors, walkers, and watersports lovers alike have all fallen for the charms of the lakes and tarns in the area. Coniston, Derwentwater, Ullswater Grasmere, and many others look forward to you falling in love with them.
World Famous Towns & Attractions The small towns and villages of Kendal, Keswick, Ambleside, and Bowness on Windemere, are centres of tourism with many family-friendly attractions. Such as Cumberland Pencil Museum, the World of Beatrix Potter, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, and Carlisle Castle.
Soaked in Culture & Steeped in History For the literary-minded, the National Trust manages Hill Top, home of Beatrix Potter, and Wordsworth’s Childhood home at Cockermouth. Meanwhile, the Wordsworth Trust runs his home at Dove Cottage in Grasmere, near Ambleside. Admirers of John Ruskin can visit his home at Brantwood on Coniston, and lovers of Lake District artists can find their work showcased in galleries across the region.
For those who like a gentle view, the river Eden sweeps through the Eden Valley to the east of Penrith. It is home to otters which can be regularly seen in the area. The Eden valley is also the home of Andy Goldsworthy’s art installations “Sheep-Folds” which can be found across the area including near the villages of Melmerby, Brough, and Tebay. Contrast this with the high fells of Shap, known to most only from the route of the M6, as it climbs over Cumbria past Carlisle towards the border.
