Glamping rental Cumbria - 4 glampings

Where Mountains Meet the Sea: Cumbria Awaits

Nestled in the northwest corner of England, Cumbria is a county that defies expectations at every turn. This is the third-largest ceremonial county in England by area, covering an impressive 6,769 square kilometres (2,614 square miles), yet it remains one of the least densely populated. Bordered by Scotland to the north, the Irish Sea to the west, and the rugged North Pennines to the east, Cumbria offers an extraordinary tapestry of landscapes that few other regions can match.

The geography here is nothing short of dramatic. Within its borders you will find Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain reaching 978 metres (3,209 feet), alongside Windermere, the country's longest and largest lake at 11 miles in length, and Wast Water, England's deepest lake at 79 metres. The Lake District National Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, occupies much of the county's heart, while the Yorkshire Dales National Park extends into its southeastern reaches.

Why a Glamping Holiday in Cumbria Makes Perfect Sense

There is something deeply restorative about waking up surrounded by nature, and Cumbria delivers this experience unlike anywhere else in England. A glamping holiday here offers you the chance to be immersed in landscapes that have inspired poets, artists, and writers for centuries, without sacrificing comfort.

Escape the Everyday

With a population of just over 510,000 spread across such a vast area, Cumbria is predominantly rural. This means you can find genuine peace and quiet, whether you are gazing at mountain reflections in a glassy lake or listening to nothing but birdsong and the wind in the trees. The region outside the Lake District National Park is becoming increasingly popular with visitors seeking a quieter holiday experience.

Four Seasons of Wonder

Unlike destinations that shine only in summer, Cumbria rewards visitors throughout the year. Spring brings carpets of wildflowers and lambing season. Summer offers long evenings perfect for lakeside relaxation. Autumn transforms the forests into blazing displays of colour. Winter provides cosy retreats with the chance to see snow-capped fells from your doorstep.

A Foodie's Paradise

Cumbria holds the distinction of having the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants of any UK county, with establishments both within and around the Lake District. Traditional specialities include the famous Cumberland sausage, which holds Protected Geographical Status, Herdwick mutton, and the exquisite salt-marsh raised lamb from the Cartmel Peninsula. The region also boasts numerous microbreweries and distilleries producing local ales, craft gin, vodka, and whisky.

Beyond the Postcard: Cumbria's Lesser-Known Treasures

While the Lake District draws millions of visitors each year, Cumbria holds secrets that most travellers never discover.

The Darkest Skies in England

Due to its low light pollution, wide open valleys, and remote fells, Cumbria offers skies so dark you can see over 2,000 stars with the naked eye on a clear night. Valleys like Ennerdale, Wasdale, and the Langdales are designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites where the Milky Way stretches across the heavens in all its glory. On rare but spectacular nights, it is even possible to witness the Aurora Borealis dancing on the northern horizon.

The Eden Valley

While visitors flock to Windermere, the Eden Valley stretching from Sedbergh to Penrith offers tranquil beauty without the crowds. The River Eden is entirely Cumbrian and is one of the few large rivers in England that flows northwards, running 90 miles from its source on the high limestone fells of Mallerstang Common to the Solway Firth.

A Coastline Often Overlooked

Cumbria has a long western coastline that extends from Morecambe Bay to Solway Firth, yet it remains surprisingly undiscovered. The village of Ravenglass, once a Roman port, offers quiet coastal charm, while St Bees Head provides dramatic cliffs and seabird colonies along its Heritage Coast.

Ancient Monuments Older Than Stonehenge

Cumbria has one of the largest numbers of preserved field monuments in England, including ancient stone circles like Castlerigg near Keswick and Long Meg and Her Daughters near Little Salkeld. These monuments date from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, and many predate the more famous Stonehenge.

Five Unexpected Experiences for Your Cumbrian Adventure

1. Ride the Settle-Carlisle Railway: This 72-mile route is one of the world's greatest railway journeys, featuring 20 viaducts and 14 tunnels as it crosses the Pennines. The journey showcases the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines, passing over the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct with its 24 arches spanning the moorland. It has been called England's most scenic rail route.
2. Discover Ennerdale Valley: This remote valley in the northwest Lake District is managed to increase wildlife and limit human intervention. It offers some of the darkest skies in Cumbria and a genuine sense of wilderness that has become rare in England.
3. Explore the Quaker Tapestry Museum in Kendal: This unique museum houses stunning hand-stitched panels celebrating Quaker heritage and craftsmanship, offering a peaceful and inspiring visit away from the outdoor crowds.
4. Seek Out the Wasdale Emerald Pool: Tucked away in the heart of the Lake District, this tranquil spot features a vibrant green pool fed by small cascading waterfalls. The striking colour comes from mineral-rich waters and the surrounding terrain, offering a peaceful retreat for wild swimming or photography.
5. Follow in Literary Footsteps at Mirehouse: This historic house beside Bassenthwaite Lake has connections to poets including Tennyson and Wordsworth. Stroll through beautiful lakeside gardens and discover centuries of family history in a setting of remarkable tranquillity.

The Birthplace of Adventure

Cumbria holds a special place in outdoor history. The Lake District was the birthplace of fell walking, fell running, and modern-day rock climbing. Today, you can fly through the trees on a zipwire in Grizedale Forest, try paddleboarding on Lake Windermere, go wild water fishing, or tackle challenging mountain bike routes through Whinlatter Forest Park, England's only true mountain forest.

For those seeking something different, there are opportunities for alpaca walks, hawk walking experiences, dog sledding, and bushcraft courses. You can even attend poetry readings in Wordsworth's former living room or listen to a symphony orchestra perform beside a lake.

Rich in History, Rooted in Nature

Hadrian's Wall, the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain, runs through northern Cumbria. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches seventy-three miles from Wallsend near Newcastle to Bowness-on-Solway in northwest Cumbria. Roman bath house ruins at Ravenglass stand as a reminder of the area's ancient past.

The literary heritage is equally compelling. The Lake Poets, including William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, found endless inspiration in these lakes and mountains. Beatrix Potter lived and wrote in the region, eventually buying large tracts of land that she gifted to the National Trust upon her death, helping to create the Lake District National Park in 1951, the largest National Park in England.

Practical Considerations for Your Stay

Cumbria is well connected for travellers. The M6 motorway runs through the county, with junctions near Kendal, Penrith, and Carlisle. Carlisle sits on the West Coast Main Line from London to Glasgow, with additional stations at Penrith and Oxenholme serving the Windermere branch line. For those arriving internationally, the county is accessible from airports including Manchester and Newcastle.

The weather in Cumbria is famously changeable, but this is part of its charm. Pack layers and waterproofs regardless of the season, and you will be rewarded with the kind of dramatic light and atmospheric conditions that make the landscape so photogenic.

Book Your Glamping Escape

Whether you are drawn by the promise of dark skies and stargazing, the lure of mountain trails and tranquil lakes, or simply the desire to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with nature, Cumbria offers an unforgettable setting. Book a glamping now and prepare to discover why this corner of England has captivated visitors for centuries.