A bounty of lakes, fells, coastal wonders, and heritage sites bring campers to provincial Wasdale.
Wasdale is home to the lake of Wastwater and the village of Nether Wasdale. It’s surrounded by massive fells that have inspired climbers, adventurers, and poets for centuries. Campers can enjoy the winding nature trails in town before exploring the rest of Lake District National Park. A short trip to Saint Bees Head Heritage Coast provides campers a glimpse of rocky cliffs, historic landmarks, and native seabirds. Or experience England’s heritage and natural beauty at Solway Coast AONB. Camping options abound with pitches for tents and caravans within the national park, along with glamping options, cottages, and pods closer to town.
Wasdale is set within Lake District National Park, England’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by a series of rivers, tarns, and lakes that give the park its name, Lake District houses the highest mountains and fells in England, including Helvellyn and Scafell Pike. On-site camping options include tent and caravan pitches as well as cottage rentals. Some holiday parks are also dog-friendly with electric pitches outfitted with hookups, internet access, and showers and toilets.
The only Heritage Coast between Scotland and Wales is St Bees Head. It acts as a reserve for a variety of seabirds and is the sole breeding place in England for black guillemots. Campers can explore St Bees Lighthouse, an operating lighthouse that dates back to 1718, and enjoy rocky sandstones for bouldering and rock climbing. Along with some holiday home rentals nearby, campers can stay at caravan parks that feature separate pitches for tents and touring vehicles. Each pitch is equipped with water and electric hookups, free-to-use washroom facilities, and on-site laundry.
Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Solway Coast is about an hour and a half drive north of Wasdale. It comprises about 44 square miles of marshlands, coastline, field, and farmland. Walking tours give Hipcampers a glimpse of the area, from simple loops to an 84-mile trek known as Hadrian’s Wall Walk. Holme Cultram Abbey, a 12th-century monastery, dazzles with its besieged history and Cistercian design. The area offers several camping options, including caravan parks, tent pitches, and rustic cottages. Near Hadrian’s Wall, luxury glamping pods on a small farm provide campers with hot tubs, kitchens with full fridges, fire pits, and picturesque views.
Summer is a popular time to visit Wasdale because the longer days and warmer climate give campers more opportunities to explore the vast natural beauty. July is the hottest month with an average high of 16°C, while January is the coldest month with an average high of 4.9°C. Rain is common all year, even in summer months, so campers should plan accordingly no matter what time of year they visit.