In October 2018 we were looking for a new camping adventure, somewhere scenic, somewhere different with history.
We were looking at several choices including Scotland, Cornwall or the Lake District. After viewing many YouTube videos on different campsites we decided on the Lake District, Waterside House Campsite was our choice!
So we booked the site for a full week for July 2019, and started preparing for our much awaited camping adventure to the lakes. This would be a first for us and we were really looking forward to it!
Upon booking we soon discovered that the best lakeside pitches did not have electric hook up (EHU), so we were faced with a dilemma, pay for EHU and don’t have an amazing view or go without hook up and have the best views that any camping adventure could offer!
But, it was a difficult decision, this would mean not having our usual luxuries such as proper lighting and TV. So I came up with the idea of employing two good size Leisure batteries which we pre-charged prior to the trip.
We decided not to pay for EHU, we went with the idea of the Leisure batteries, well what’s good enough for caravaners and motorhomers is good enough for the Glampers! So we thought we’d give this power source a go.
Due to us taking a lot of gear we decided to take our then biggest tent our Vango Airbeam Eclipse 600 with added sun canopy. This was a massive Airbeam tent with an 18 square meter living area.
So it was the day before our trip and we decided to get all our kit down and run through our checklist (recommended) to ensure we had everything. We always use a checklist to be reassured that we have everything we need. One of the good things we have is a big 120 holdall which I have made into box compartments and this holdall holds everything from cups, plates and lighting to an air bed repair kit! This holdall stays packed always and everything in it belongs to camping - nothing gets taken out. This way we always know that we have the key essentials. So we brought all our kit downstairs the day before and as all campers will know, we were looking at all the gear and thinking “there’s no way all this will go in the car, no way” but as always you impress yourself by achieving the impossible!
But as always we managed it, however you could get another item in the car, not even a matchbox!
So we set off from Barnsley on our Journey to Pooley Bridge in the Lake District which was said to be just over 2 hours. We stopped off half way for a coffee and bacon sandwich then stopped around 30 miles off for a stretch and cigarette break.
This was perfect as we arrived at Waterside House Campsite at around 1:15pm.
Wow!! As we entered the campsite we were instantly met with the most breathtaking view possible.
We were immediately immersed with the green mountains and huge lake, with sail boats, the sun was shining and it was warm, I will never forget that feeling of arrival at this campsite, it was amazing, we felt like two giddy kids.
So we approached the little shop to book in. I must say the staff were very friendly and attentive and the young man in there was exceptionally helpful. He was telling us that we could just go and pick a pitch by the lake of our choice, but he said if you wait around 30 mins lots of campers will be leaving and you will have more choice of where to pitch. So we decided to wait and watch!
And the young lad in the shop was correct, many amazing lakeside pitches soon became available.
We decided to pitch right on the top of the level hill, this pitch had by far the best views from anywhere on the Campsite.
So started setting up, tent first. Pegged the footprint groundsheet and then laid down the tent, pegged the four corners and pumped up the tent. Whilst I was guying out, Paula sorted the interior and an amazing job she did too.
Day one consisted of setting up, sitting and admiring the views and walking to the camp shop for our firewood which we used in a picnic barbecue specially purchased from ASDA just for this purpose.
We spent the rest of the day relaxing in our recliners starting with a glass of ice cold Carling premier moving on to a glass or two of wine and gin from our noble bar!
We sat and watched the sun set that evening with our fire roaring enjoying the exceptional views and that of the boats which illuminated the water surface.
The whole experience was one of relaxation and love of our surroundings.
So what was this Campsite like?
Well as you can tell by now we thought it was pretty amazing, however these are just some of the amenities and features of the site.... EHU available, lakeside pitches are available on a first come basis, very clean and modern showers, well stocked camp shop, free freezer use, campfires allowed but must be off the ground, children’s play area, camp kitchen cafe, rowing boat and kayak hire, strictly enforced noise curfew, extremely helpful staff (who even charged one of our Leisure batteries), picnic benches throughout the site. This is one beautiful well maintained place in amazing surroundings!
Pooley Bridge village is a short 5 minute walk away down the lakeside path that leads straight to Pooley Bridge. In the small village there are two pubs the Crown and Pooley Bridge inn, both of which we can endorse for good food and great atmosphere. There are several gift shops and a small post office with a built on diner which is also good.
We spent several afternoons stopping off for a drink in the sun following our walks.
We decided on one of the days to sample the boat trip which took us the full length of the lake and was a good half day excursion, the views on this trip were truly amazing and a must for any photographer!
While we were in Pooley Bridge we decided to try the locally made fudge (rum and raisin) we liked it that much we purchased some to take home with us.
During our time on the Campsite we had numerous barbecues and cooked chicken and baked potatoes in our gas canister oven, this was a great purchase, there isn’t anything we cannot cook now whist camping. Together with our Vango cooker with IR grill we have the complete kitchen.
Our week was filled with eating, relaxing, walking, exploring and enjoying the amazing views of this truly fabulous place, a place unspoilt by commercial development.
One particular great thing is that on a daily basis the RAF do low flyovers across the lakes on training, we really enjoyed watching this, it was very exciting to see them. We love the Lake District and has to be by far the best camping location on the British Isles. For us it was just amazing, we love it and put it firmly at No.1 as our perfect camping holiday choice.
Happy camping!
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