Helton Campsite

The gentle rustle of ash and sycamore trees mingles with birdsong at this peaceful site, where morning light filters through leafy branches onto a patchwork of grass pitches. Set in the quieter eastern reaches of the Lake District, Helton offers a genuine escape from Cumbria's busier honeypots.

This straightforward, back-to-basics campsite welcomes tents, campervans and caravans, making it ideal for families and couples seeking an unpretentious Lake District base without the crowds. You're perfectly positioned between Ullswater to the north and Haweswater to the south, with the charming market town of Penrith just a short drive away for supplies and exploration.

Facilities are kept pleasingly simple: clean toilets and showers provide the essentials without unnecessary frills. The campfire policy requires checking on arrival, so ask when you pitch up if you're hoping for an evening around the flames. The overall atmosphere is wonderfully low-key and rural—just you, the trees, and the fells beyond.