Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Lake District Holiday Park & Camping Near Ullswater
Gillside Caravan & Camping Site has been a family-run working Lakeland farm since 1954, offering holiday accommodations in one of the Lake District's most scenic locations. Nestled at the foot of Helvellyn with views over Ullswater, we provide a range of self-catering options including luxury holiday homes, camping pitches, and a year-round bunkhouse. Our 160-acre farm is home to 800 award-winning Swaledale sheep, offering visitors authentic rural experiences during their stay. The farm's strategic location provides direct access to walking trails, water activities on Ullswater, and Glenridding's local amenities. We maintain traditional farming practices while offering modern facilities including hot showers, laundry services, and a weekend breakfast van. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through our three-year cycle for replacing holiday homes and our focus on preserving the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.The Lightfoot family's four generations of farming expertise ensure guests receive genuine local knowledge about the area's attractions and activities. Our facilities cater to both individual travelers and groups, with the bunkhouse accommodating up to 20 guests in converted Lakeland stone buildings. We actively support outdoor enthusiasts with convenient access to Helvellyn's famous walking routes and Ullswater's water-based activities. Our dog-friendly policy and provision of fresh milk and eggs from the farmhouse reflect our dedication to making every visitor's stay comfortable and memorable.
Services
Holiday Homes
Camping
Caravans & Tourers
Bunkhouse
Breakfast Van
Laundry Facilities
Hot Showers
Milk & Egg Supply
Parking
Group Accommodations
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- We have been family-run since 1954 with four generations of local expertise
- Our property offers direct access to Helvellyn's walking trails
- We provide dog-friendly accommodations and facilities
- Our weekend breakfast van serves fresh local produce
- We maintain modern facilities with regular equipment upgrades
Services
Holiday Homes
Our modern 4-berth holiday homes offer comfortable self-catering accommodation with full kitchen facilities, colour TV, and private bathroom. These well-designed units feature quality furnishings and are replaced every three years to maintain high standards. Located amidst scenic pine trees and close to Red Tarn stream, they provide an ideal base for exploring the Lake District.
Camping
Our campsite accommodates 60 pitches with space for tents and caravans, featuring electrical hookups for tourers. Facilities include hot showers, laundry services, and deep sinks for equipment cleaning. Open from March to mid-November, the site offers breathtaking views of the surrounding fells and direct access to walking trails. Pets are welcome in designated areas.
Bunkhouse
Converted from traditional Lakeland stone buildings, our bunkhouse sleeps up to 20 guests across two dormitory-style rooms. The self-catering facility includes a modern kitchen, ample parking, and is ideal for climbers and youth groups. Available year-round, it features hot showers and laundry facilities, with special pricing for full group bookings.
Breakfast Van
Our weekend breakfast service operates from 7:30am to 10:30am on Saturdays and Sundays. The van provides freshly prepared meals using local produce, offering convenient dining for campers and holiday home guests. This seasonal service runs during our main operating period from March to mid-November.
Milk & Egg Supply
Visitors can purchase fresh milk and eggs directly from the farmhouse throughout their stay. This service supports self-catering guests and provides access to farm-fresh produce from our working Lakeland farm. The Lightfoot family personally manages this service to ensure quality and availability.
Questions
What accommodation options are available at Gillside Farm?
We offer luxury holiday homes, camping pitches, caravans with electric hookups, and a year-round bunkhouse sleeping up to 20 guests.
Are pets allowed on the premises?
Yes, all our accommodation types and facilities are dog-friendly, with designated pet areas across the site.
What facilities are available for campers?
Campers have access to hot showers, laundry facilities, deep sinks for washing up, and a weekend breakfast van service.
How close is the property to local attractions?
We're directly at the start of the Helvellyn walking route, with Ullswater lake just minutes away from our Glenridding location.
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
Our holiday homes require a minimum 3-night stay, while other accommodations operate on flexible booking terms.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit/debit cards and bank transfers for bookings, with cash payments available for on-site services.
Reviews (5)
Paul Duffy Duffmeister
Jan 14, 2022
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Weve been coming to Gillside for 25 years. Its a great site set in a stunning location. Brilliant pub with a very short walk. Helvellyn a tad further!
Victoria Barber
Dec 17, 2021
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Great campsite. Lovely hosts. Perfect location for a number of great walks and hikes and a stone's throw from Glenridding. Would highly recommend.
Anth Brown
Dec 11, 2021
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Really easy to book, stopped for two nights in the camper. Owners were really friendly and accommodating. Good wash, toilet and cleaning facilities. Cant fault it really. Excellent location too.
Nikki Smith
Nov 11, 2021
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Absolutely loved this place. Fantastic location and within walking distance to Glenridding. Caravan was spotlessly clean and the views wonderful. We stayed in November and it was lovely and cosy. Would definitely come back in the summer to be able to sit outside next to the stream with a nice chilled beer. Highly recommend this place
Christopher Clark
Oct 15, 2021
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We stayed a week and it was excellent. Quiet .well situated for walking .caravan was well equipped. Clean and tidy . Site is small but that's what you want . It had everything we needed .very good will use it again regularly .
