If you love the idea of being eco-friendly and close to nature, but not the thought of struggling with tent-poles and tent-pegs, then one of Cumbria’s Quirky Camping Alternatives could be just the ticket. Picture yourself awakening in magnificent countryside, add in a few pampers such as a proper bed and a wood-burning stove; maybe an organic breakfast or a fire circle to star gaze from in the evening and it’s easy to see why tipis, yurts, camping pods and shepherds huts are becoming as sought after as 5* hotels.
There is certainly something rather mystical and captivating about a Mongolian Yurt nestled in one of Cumbria’s idyllic locations. You’ll find them amongst fields of bluebells, in natural woodlands and even by a babbling brook. A great base from which to explore the Lake District’s many attractions.
It’s not all back to basic either, if you are looking for a little glamour camping, then you won’t be disappointed. Romantic lighting and good quality bedding, coupled with Moroccan rugs and a wood burning stove are perfect if you fancy a little pampering and make a superb Honeymoon or Anniversary retreat.
Possibly the most basic of all the camping alternatives are eco-wooden huts, known as Camping Pods and Wooden Wigwams, they have become hugely popular in Cumbria. You literally just turn up with everything you need for camping minus the tent. Static Bell tents kitted out with sofas and wood-burners are another great way to have the best of both worlds – the freedom of canvas and the luxury of a few home comforts.
Traditional Tipis may not be native to Cumbria, but they are a fantastic way to fire the imagination of any child and add a quirky twist to a holiday with family or friends.
Many traditional Cumbrian farm barns have been given a new lease of life with their conversion into Camping Barns, offering a dry but basic, alternative to backpacking.
One of the most recent camping alternatives in Cumbria offers an interesting mix of romance and back to nature. Traditional Shepherd’s Huts are being refurbished with good quality beds and proper bedding and fitted with mini wood-burners to make them snug. Yet, their rural locations make them perfect for sitting outdoors on to enjoy the stars.
Quirky Camping Alternatives are a fantastic way to combine minimal impact tourism, whilst lapping up a little camping luxury and enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Cumbria.
Elspeth Wrigley writes for Discover Cumbria – an online travel guide, packed full of personal recommendations.
From Zoë Dawes:
Thanks for this great article Elspeth – I had no idea there were so many unusual camping options here! Do you know of the Eco-pods and Yurts at Rydal Hall? http://www.rydalhall.org/stay-rydal-hall/eco-pods/ Very quirky!
From Elspeth Wrigley:
Thanks for the compliment on the article Zoe – these camping alternatives work on so many different levels don’t they?
From wanting to avoid ‘soggy canvas’ (a factor which often has to be factored into a trip to Cumbria!) – to being a great way for kids to get excited about life in the outdoors and the more luxurious Yurts and Shepherds Huts are perfect for those looking for something quirky, but romantic.
We do have the Eco-Pods at Rydal Hall listed on our website (http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Pod-Camping.html), but thanks for mentioning them, as we strive to keep as up-to-date as humanly possible.
From Barbara Adams:
What a lovely article – and shows how ingenious businesses are in Cumbria at dealing with …the weather!!
Not sure if you`ve heard of them,Lakes Camper Hire http://www.lakescamperhire.co.uk/ offer a VW camper van hire alternative to static glamping, which also seems like a lot of fun.I must admit, am very tempted as it`s an excellent way of touring round the Lake District in quirky style.
Thanks again for the info – the plans for the stay-cation have developed in a new direction.
From Zoë Dawes:
Seeing the Lakes in a camper van sounds so much fun Barbara! Let us know if you come here for a holiday – be happy to share some quirky secrets …
From Elspeth Wrigley:
Thank you for the kind comments, Barbara.
It is wonderful to see the inspirational and diverse ideas for camping alternatives isn’t it?
Not only does this allow for a fabulous alternative to a ‘soggy canvas’ holiday, but it adds a whole new dimension to the holiday itself and of course, works on so many levels.
I love the idea of being able to hire a vintage campervan and have made a mental note to add these to our site in the very near future.
Do let us know if you get to try one of these ‘quirky camping alternatives’ we’d love to hear your first hand report.
From Catherine Cousins:
I really enjoyed reading this article – really informative and has definitely ‘whet’ my appetite to do it slightly differently next time I feel the camping urge coming on. Thanks for this Elspeth
From Elspeth Wrigley:
Catherine, so glad that you enjoyed the article and thank you very much for your kind words!
We’d love to hear your feed back if you do decide to try out one of these interesting camping alternatives.
I have to say, the idea of camping with the luxury of a wood burning stove, seems particularly appealing now that the autumn is fast approaching!
From Anthony Fryer:
You could also try ‘Wild in Style’.. They have an awesome location and a fantastic little setup; Very friendly and relaxed.. Holiday’d with them recently and would definatly recommend..
Tony
From Zoë Dawes:
Sound delightful Anthony – thanks for your recommendation
From Elspeth Wrigley:
It is always great to hear personal recommendations, Tony, thank you so much.
We do have Wild in Style listed on the Discover Cumbria does website ( http://www.discovercumbria.co.uk/Yurts-Lake-District.html ) but sadly there wasn’t room to do justice to all the fantastic Quirky Camping locations that there are in Cumbria in that one post.
Thanks again for letting us know that Wild in Style lives up to its great reputation.
I’d love to hear other personal feedback accounts from Quirky Camping stays in Cumbria – if anyone else has experiences they can share with us