Ashleigh House

The front door of this Victorian townhouse opens onto the sort of hallway that still smells faintly of breakfast — proper Cumbrian bacon and strong tea — even at checkout time.

Ashleigh House sits in Carlisle, which makes it a sensible base if you're heading for Hadrian's Wall, the northern Lakes, or the Scottish Borders without committing to a full-on campsite stay. There are camping pods as well as guest house rooms, so you've got options depending on whether you want a proper bed or something closer to sleeping out. Dogs are welcome by arrangement, so worth asking when you book if you've got one in tow.

It's open all year, which is useful for off-season exploring when most campsites have shuttered up. Campfires need checking on arrival — likely depends on the season and where you're pitched. The vibe's more low-key guesthouse than bustling campsite, ideal if you want a roof and a cooked breakfast but prefer places that don't feel like hotels.