Find UK campsites, glamping sites and touring parks at Campsites.co.uk

Kestrel Lodge Campsite

4.76 /586 reviews
Thumbs up

99%

would recommend

Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria

Aerial of Kestrel Lodge Campsite overlooking the Lake District
Tent only grass pitches at Kestrel Lodge Campsite
Tent only grass pitches at Kestrel Lodge Campsite
Aerial of tents on the non electric and electric pitches at Kestrel Lodge
Large tents on well spaced electric and non electric grass pitches
A tent on a backpacker grass pitches at Kestrel Lodge Campsite
Fire pit infront of a large grass tent pitch
VW campervan on an electric hardstanding pitch
VW campervan on electric hardstanding pitch with fire pit and picnic bench
Insulated Lil' Cockup small landpod surrounded by trees and woodland
Lil' Cockup small landpod with its roof raised up
The double bed inside the Lil' Cockup small landpod (bedding included)
Wainwrights Den medium landpod with small steps, shoe hooks, dog friendly too
Wainwrights Den interior with a double bed and seating area (dog friendly)
Foot O'Skiddaw large landpod with shoe hooks, a picnic bench, and small steps
Dining area, seating, and wood-burning stove in the Foot O'Skiddaw
Foot O'Skiddaw interior with two double bunk style beds
Foot O'Skiddaw interior and view
Larger communal toilet, hot shower, and sink at Kestrel Lodge
Two toilets and two sinks at Kestrel Lodge
Showers with hooks and coin-operated hair dryers
Fire pit at Kestrel Lodge Campsite
Honesty shop selling camping essentials in the reception at Kestrel Lodge
Covered communal area with picnic benches and a fire pit
Enclosed dog area
Dog friendly pitches at Kestrel Lodge Campsite
Grass area with goal posts at Kestrel Lodge Campsite
Family friendly campsite
View of Skiddaw from Kestrel Lodge Campsite
Views at dusk from the electric hardstanding pitches
Views to Bassenthwaite from Kestrel Lodge Campsite
Views to Bassenthwaite from Kestrel Lodge Campsite
Nearby lake
Nearby public paths to explore the Lake District from Kestrel Lodge Campsite
Sunset views from Kestrel Lodge Campsite
HIGHLY RATED
HIGHLY RATED

See all 35 photos

Find UK campsites, glamping sites and touring parks at Campsites.co.uk
Star

4.76 /5

86 reviews

Kestrel Lodge Campsite is a small, family and dog friendly site set in a peaceful corner of the Lake District above Bassenthwaite Lake, 15 minutes from Keswick. Enjoy a peaceful stay with spacious grass pitches, hardstanding pitches and unique Landpods. Ideal for keen walkers with the Cumbrian Way passing past the site and set just below Skiddaw. A 20 minute walk to a pub and a 15 minute drive to Cockermouth and Keswick!

Why choose Kestrel Lodge Campsite

Small campsite in the Northern Fells, between Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick

Peaceful spot in the Lake District, ideal for adventurers with the Cumbrian Way on your doorstep!

Quiet dog friendly site, a 20 minute walk from the local pub with communal and private fire pits

About the site

Enjoy an outdoor adventure in the Lake District at this quiet spot nestled in the Northern Fells. Set amidst the countryside at the foot of Skiddaw, you'll feel miles away from civilisation, yet just a 15 minute drive from Keswick or Cockermouth. The site offers just 30 grass pitches, some with electric hook up and all with fire pits available. Each pitch is allocated one car parking space in the parking area, and guests can unload and load their cars from the gravel road, so no need to travel too far with your kit! There are also two pitches suitable for small campervans, these are on hardstanding and have an electric hook up included, with beautiful views down to the lake. Or, if you want to leave the tent pegs at home, opt for one of the unique Landpods. Sleeping either two, three or four, the pods come equipped with beds, bedding and phone chargers. Outside, you will find a fire pit for toasting marshmallows. The three and four person pods also have a gas stove for cooking. There is a covered communal area with picnic benches and a communal fire pit for nights around the campfire, meeting your fellow campers. An ideal base for any outdoor adventurer, pack your hiking gear, kayak, paddleboard or whatever equipment you need! There are so many wainwrights you can tick off from the site, and in just a short drive to Keswick, you're in an ideal spot to explore the Northern Fells. The Cumbrian Way also passes the site's doorstep, so there are some great, scenic walks direct from the site, or if you are searching for something more challenging, why not attempt Skiddaw? There are also goalposts and a rope swing onsite to keep little ones entertained, as well as an insect hotel and woodland with fairy doors! Fire pits are available, dug into the ground and available with your pitch. The site offers these free of charge, but asks that you purchase the wood from reception only. These come on a first-come, first-served basis Dogs are welcome to join you and are included in the price of your booking. The site asks that they be kept on a lead at all times, but there is even an enclosed area to exercise them.

"Fab location, beautiful views everywhere you look...Peaceful, remote, quiet spot."

Clarissa B

"Really couldn't ask for more"

Claire M

"This campsite was fantastic all around"

Nicole H

"This was an absolute gem of a find! It really is the perfect site for peace and quiet"

Phillipa P

"Awesome campsite. Views are amazing from every angle"

Dan Y

Grass pitches are available from March until December. Hardstanding pitches and glamping are available all year.

Site plan

Facilities and amenities

Accessible facilities

Allow commercial vans

Allow pets on site

Café / restaurant / takeaway

Drinking water

Family friendly

Shop

Showers

Toilets

W.C. disposal

WiFi

Dog exercise area

Electric hookups

Fires allowed

Freezer

(In communal area)

Glamping

Laundry

Near pub

Open year round

Peaceful

Wash up area

There is a toilet/shower block with hot showers and coin-operated hair dryers. There is also a covered area for washing up and a communal covered area in the camping field with picnic benches to cook under if needed. You can also enjoy meeting other campers at the communal fire pit.

The campsite reception is stocked with the basics, where there is an honesty shop that stocks eggs from the free-range hens onsite, marshmallows and firewood. There is a secure fenced area for dog walking and an area for children to play games. There are also ice pack freezing facilities as well as a washing machine.

There is a range of shops in Keswick or Cockermouth, a 15-20 minute drive from the site. For meals out, Bassenthwaite is a 20 minute walk away with the Sun Inn offering traditional ales and hearty meals.

Great for walkers

Tackle bridleways straight from the site, leading to Lake District walking trails, including Binsey, Dash Falls, and Bassenthwaite Lake, all offering top views!

A note from the site themselves...

Starting as an 18th century working farm, Kestrel Lodge Campsite has changed into many different things throughout the years. It's been a bunkhouse, a hostel, a place for local school children, and an outdoor bounds centre, until in 2015, Louise, Andrea, Sue and Dave renovated the place again to become the campsite it is today.

Fast forward a few years, and we are Cassy and Charlie, the very proud and excited owners of Kestrel Lodge Campsite! We met many years ago whilst at the University of Cumbria, and together, we share a huge love of the outdoors, from camping, walking, cycling, canoeing, wild swimming, and even paragliding.

We're passionate about creating a friendly, quiet atmosphere where you can relax after a great adventure! We hope to welcome you soon.

Kestrel Lodge Campsite is ideal for...

Couples
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Older children (13+)
Peace and quiet
Young children

There are 33 accommodation options on-site

Bookable pitches and accommodation options

23 x Non Electric Grass Tent Pitches

Max 5 people

Grass pitches for one tent up to 7.5m. One car included per booking, please note cars are not parked with tents. Fire pit provided free of charge, please only use campsites fire pits and only use the wood purchased from reception.

Electric grass pitches

5 x Electric Grass Tent Pitches

Max 5 people

Grass pitches, with 10 amp electric hook up for tents up to 7.5m only. One car included per booking, please note cars are not parked with tents. Fire pit provided free of charge, please only use campsite fire pits and wood purchased from reception.

VW campervan on an electric hardstanding pitch
VW campervan on electric hardstanding pitch with fire pit and picnic bench
Views at dusk from the electric hardstanding pitches

2 x Electric Hardstanding Campervan/Roof Tent Pitches

Max 5 people

Hardstanding pitches suitable for a small campervan or a car with a roof tent with a 13 amp electric hook up. Max unit length 5.5m. A fire pit is provided but please only use wood purchased from the campsite reception.

Kestrel Lodge Campsite reviews

Star

4.76 /5

86 reviews
Thumbs up

99%

would recommend

Filter by: Review rating

Accommodation type

Travelled as

​

​

​

Popular mentions

...

Showing the most recent reviews from guests

Amazing stay

Recommends site

Evan S

0

0

Camping Pod - Small LandpodOct 2025

I stayed in Lil' Cockup and was super comfortable and cosy stay.

Great location, thoughtfully laid out

Recommends site

Anne E

0

0

VW-Type Campervan - Electric Hardstanding Campervan/Roof Tent PitchesSep 2025

What a lovely find! This site is quiet and thoughtfully laid out. It is situated on higher ground so little risk of floods. A good pub not far away, serving food (20min walk). Great for dogs with toys in the 'dog library', and a secure field to run in. We we were in a camper, hardstanding with EHU. All facilities great. Will go back again, as it is very well placed for hiking.

Fabulous stay

Recommends site

Clarissa B

0

0

Small Tent - Non Electric Grass Tent PitchesSep 2025

We had an amazing stay at Kestrel Lodge. It's in a fab location, beautiful views everywhere you look. Facilities were kept clean, only 2 ladies toilets which wasn't ideal over the weekend when it got busier, but during the week it felt like we had everything to ourselves. Charging lockers (£3) & freezing facilities (free) useful. Nice space for washing up. Drinking water taps dotted throughout the site. Showers hot but not very spacious, could do with updating. Useful having the honesty shop, didn't use it ourselves except for firewood and fire lighters (£13 for both together, £8 for just a bag of wood). Each pitch has its own fire pit which is a fab idea- we had a fire going almost every night as the weather was lovely. Loved having the chickens and baby geese wandering about! Peaceful, remote, quiet spot, deceptively big spacious pitches. Great base to spend time between Cockermouth, Keswick and all the peaks/lakes in between (even brave enough to have a swim in one!). Wasn't an issue having to park away from pitches, as the gravel road made it easy to unload the car and there's a few little parking spots dotted about the field so the car is never too far away. They even provide wheelbarrows if you need one! Can't wait to visit the area again and would definitely consider staying here again!

Share your feedback about Kestrel Lodge Campsite

Did you stay at Kestrel Lodge Campsite? Tell us what you thought!

FAQs

Everything you need to know about Kestrel Lodge Campsite

Quick filters

Still have questions?

Ask a question and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as they can

Site rules

Check-in at Kestrel Lodge Campsite is available from 1pm until 7pm for camping and touring, and from 3pm until 7pm for glamping. Please let the site know if you're delayed. Check out is due before 11am on your final day for camping and touring, and by 10am for glamping.
Yes, Kestrel Lodge Campsite is dog friendly, allowing up to three dogs per pitch. There is even an enclosed area for you to exercise them in. Please note that dogs are not allowed in the small landpod. The site asks that dogs be supervised and kept on their lead at all times. Breeds and crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act are not permitted.
Yes, fire pits and BBQs are allowed at Kestrel Lodge Campsite if they are raised off the ground. Fire pits are available free of charge for guests to enjoy, but this is on a first-come, first-served basis. The site asks that you purchase wood from the reception only.
No, Kestrel Lodge Campsite is a small, quiet site, and does not accept group bookings of more than 5+ adults or two families together. Hen and stag parties are not accepted.
Yes, Kestrel Lodge Campsite operates a quiet policy after 10pm.
No. Visitors are not allowed at Kestrel Lodge Campsite.

Pitches

There is a car park close to the pitches at Kestrel Lodge Campsite where you can park. Wheelbarrows are available for loading and unloading your belongings.
The electric grass tent pitches at Kestrel Lodge Campsite have a 10 amp hook up, and the electric hardstanding campervan and roof tent pitches have a 13 amp electric hook up.
You can find a copy of Kestrel Lodge Campsite's map here.
Yes, the glamping units at Kestrel Lodge Campsite all have bedding provided for your stay.
Kestrel Lodge Campsite allows one tent per pitch.
Electric is included in the five electric grass tent pitches and the two electric hardstandings at Kestrel Lodge Campsite.

Facilities

No, Kestrel Lodge Campsite does not have WiFi, but there is a 4G signal allowing you to stay connected to the internet using your mobile data.
Yes, Kestrel Lodge Campsite's reception stocks all the basics, and there is an honesty shop offering fresh eggs from the site's hens as well as marshmallows and firewood.
No, sorry. The Sun Inn is a 20 minute walk from Kestrel Lodge Campsite, serving food and drinks. Keswick is a 20 minute drive away, with more options including The Bank Tavern and Pack Horse Inn.
No, Kestrel Lodge Campsite does not have EV charging, but there is an InstaVolt Charging Station in Keswick, a 20 minute drive away.
There should be a strong phone signal at Kestrel Lodge Campsite, especially for those with EE and Vodafone.
Yes, Kestrel Lodge Campsite has a communal freezer for ice packs.

Getting there

Yes, Keswick Travel is local to Kestrel Lodge Campsite and can be contacted at 017687 80888.
The nearest bus stop to Kestrel Lodge Campsite is Trafford, a 20 minute walk away.

What's nearby

The Trafford bus stop is a 30 minute walk from Kestrel Lodge Campsite. Aspatria is the nearest train station, a 25 minute drive away.
The Sun Inn is a 20 minute walk from Kestrel Lodge Campsite, or head to Keswick within a 20 minute drive for more options.
Skiddaw, Blencathra, Dubwath Silver Meadows Nature Reserve and Sale Fell can be reached within a 30 minute drive. Scafell Pike, the highest mountain peak in the Lake District, is a 40 minute drive away.
Bassenthwaite, home to Bassenthwaite Lake, is a 20 minute walk from the site, where you can stop off at The Sun Inn for a tasty cooked meal after exploring.

Other

Yes, Kestrel Lodge Campsite do allow them, however, only on the hardstanding campervan pitches.

Still have questions?

Ask a question and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as they can

Things to do on site and in the Keswick area

The Cumbrian Way offers miles of scenic trails and passes right by the site, with walks varying in ability. Or, if you're feeling adventurous and have packed your hiking gear, then head up Skiddaw. It's an epic walk, so you deserve a hearty meal at the end at the nearby pub! If it's Wainwrights you're interested in, then why not stay here to explore all the Northern Fells.

For a touch of shopping, Keswick is only a 15 minute drive away, where there is a range of shops and restaurants for a day of pottering around the traditional villages or investing in some more outdoor kit!

Other nearby attractions:

  • Lake District Wildlife Park (10 minutes)
  • Lakes Distillery (10 minutes)
  • Derwentwater (20 minutes)
  • Aira Force Waterfall (35 minutes)
  • Buttermere (40 minutes)
  • Honister Slate Mine (40 minutes)
  • Lake Windermere (1 hour)
The listing for Kestrel Lodge Campsite was last updated on October 10th, 2025 at 12:01 AM

Finding other sites like Kestrel Lodge Campsite

Nearby towns and attractions

BassenthwaiteBorrowdaleButtermereCaldbeckCockermouthKeswickRosthwaiteScafell Pike
SeatollerThrelkeldUllswater

Other related searches

All year round campsites in Cumbria & Lake DistrictBest caravan parksCamping and glamping pods in Cumbria & Lake District Campsites in Cumbria & Lake District
Campsites that allow fires in Cumbria & Lake DistrictDog friendly campsites in Cumbria & Lake DistrictFamily campsites in Cumbria & Lake DistrictGlamping holidays in Cumbria & Lake District LandpodsCampervan and motorhome sites in Cumbria & Lake District

Similar sites

Camping at Cardewlees

Camping at Cardewlees

Dalston, Carlisle, Cumbria (13.4 miles)

Family friendly camping, touring and pods with unspoilt views. Within 15 minutes of the Lake District and Carlisle!

Parkgate Farm Holidays

Parkgate Farm Holidays

Irton, Holmrook, Cumbria (22 miles)

Small, family camping and glamping site with stunning views in the Lake District. Ten minutes from beaches too.

Sykeside Camping Park

Sykeside Camping Park

Patterdale, Penrith, Cumbria (16.7 miles)

Lake District camping park with an onsite pub and shop. Within 20 minutes of Lake Windermere and Ullswater!

Church Stile Farm and Holiday Park

Church Stile Farm and Holiday Park

Seascale, Cumbria (19.5 miles)

Camping, touring and glamping, within a five minute walk of pubs. 15 minutes to Seascale Beach and Scafell Pike!

Whinfell Hall Farm Campsite

Whinfell Hall Farm Campsite

Cockermouth, Cumbria (7.9 miles)

Back to basics, family friendly camping and touring site close to Cockermouth, by Cumbria's western lakes.