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10 Best Lake District & Cumbria Caravan Holiday Parks - 2024
The Lake District and Cumbria is (in my view) one of the UK's most stunning regions. It's great for a family holiday if you can overlook the rain and exceedingly slow roads...
There are more than 30 holiday parks to choose from, but we've picked out 10 of the best by looking at location, facilities and reviews. We've included a mix of busy caravan parks which are run by chains such as Haven and Parkdean Resorts (formerly Park Resorts), as well as some independent holiday parks and posher lodges.
Some holiday parks have lakeside locations around popular spots like Windermere and Ullswater, whilst others require a bit of driving from pleasant Cumbrian spots outside The Lakes.
We did a quick price comparison too, which looks at how much a family of four would pay for a week during the summer holidays. You'll be able to get much lower prices outside of the peak weeks.
There are more than 30 holiday parks to choose from, but we've picked out 10 of the best by looking at location, facilities and reviews. We've included a mix of busy caravan parks which are run by chains such as Haven and Parkdean Resorts (formerly Park Resorts), as well as some independent holiday parks and posher lodges.
Some holiday parks have lakeside locations around popular spots like Windermere and Ullswater, whilst others require a bit of driving from pleasant Cumbrian spots outside The Lakes.
We did a quick price comparison too, which looks at how much a family of four would pay for a week during the summer holidays. You'll be able to get much lower prices outside of the peak weeks.
1. White Cross Bay Holiday Park Windermere (lakeside location, popular family park, indoor swimming pool)
**Winner: best value Lake District holiday park**
**White Cross Holiday Park Early Bird Offer: Up to £150 off 2024 holidays**
Parkdean Resorts has got four holiday parks in the Lake District and three of them make our top 10 guide because of their reviews and facilities (Fallbarrow, White Cross Bay and Limefitt). They were formerly Park Resorts holiday parks.
They’re based around Windermere, and all get very good reviews (either 4 or 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor). That means that they rank very well on our rundown of every Parkdean Resorts site.
Personally, I’d go for White Cross Bay holiday park as it’s a bit closer to Windermere. It is the only one with an indoor swimming pool, which I suspect would be useful given the Lake District’s ‘occasional’ rainy days.
There’s also a sports court, sauna and steam room, playground, bar and restaurant and a marina so you can even bring your own boat (you have to pre-book for that).
There are also kids' activities, mostly based around the swimming pool. Lots of the accommodation at White Cross Bay is dog friendly.
Price: £959 for a week in a Brantwood caravan for a family of four in August 2024.
They’re based around Windermere, and all get very good reviews (either 4 or 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor). That means that they rank very well on our rundown of every Parkdean Resorts site.
Personally, I’d go for White Cross Bay holiday park as it’s a bit closer to Windermere. It is the only one with an indoor swimming pool, which I suspect would be useful given the Lake District’s ‘occasional’ rainy days.
There’s also a sports court, sauna and steam room, playground, bar and restaurant and a marina so you can even bring your own boat (you have to pre-book for that).
There are also kids' activities, mostly based around the swimming pool. Lots of the accommodation at White Cross Bay is dog friendly.
Price: £959 for a week in a Brantwood caravan for a family of four in August 2024.
White Cross Bay Holiday Park is in a terrific lakeside location...
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...and it's got a good-sized indoor swimming pool
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2. Lowther Holiday Park (nature trails, 15 minutes to Ullswater, riverside location)
Lowther Holiday Park is in a wooded area alongside a river just by the North-East corner of the Lake District National Park. Ullswater is about 15 minutes away in the car whilst Keswick is a half hour drive.
It’s near to the M6, so it’s easy to reach from cities and towns along the M6. Glasgow is two hours away whilst Manchester is a 1hr 45m drive and Preston is about 1hr 15m.
Lowther Holiday Park is popular with touring caravans, but they’ve also got a number of holiday homes you can hire. Options include two bedroom and three-bedroom caravans. Prices were lower than several similar holiday parks when we checked.
It doesn’t have a swimming pool, but there’s a playground, a restaurant/bar called The Squirrel and a games room. There are walking and cycling trails from the site and the river which runs alongside the park is worth exploring.
Customer reviews for Lowther Holiday Park average 4/5 on TripAdvisor or 4.4/5 on Google Reviews.
Price: £1113 for a ‘gold caravan’ for a week in August 2024. This particular caravan is dog friendly and sleeps four people in two bedrooms.
It’s near to the M6, so it’s easy to reach from cities and towns along the M6. Glasgow is two hours away whilst Manchester is a 1hr 45m drive and Preston is about 1hr 15m.
Lowther Holiday Park is popular with touring caravans, but they’ve also got a number of holiday homes you can hire. Options include two bedroom and three-bedroom caravans. Prices were lower than several similar holiday parks when we checked.
It doesn’t have a swimming pool, but there’s a playground, a restaurant/bar called The Squirrel and a games room. There are walking and cycling trails from the site and the river which runs alongside the park is worth exploring.
Customer reviews for Lowther Holiday Park average 4/5 on TripAdvisor or 4.4/5 on Google Reviews.
Price: £1113 for a ‘gold caravan’ for a week in August 2024. This particular caravan is dog friendly and sleeps four people in two bedrooms.
There are good value two and three bedroom caravans at Lowther Holiday Park...
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...which is alongside a river on the edge of the Lake District
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3. Haven Lakeland Leisure Park Grange-over-sands (busy Haven park, indoor pool, 30 minute drive to The Lakes)
Haven has only got one holiday park in Cumbria, but Lakeland Leisure Park gets a solid 4/5 from most reviewers.
It's not right in the Lake District, so you'll need a car if you want to do some exploring (Coniston is half an hour's drive). It's by a bit of coastline which is fine for walks but isn't really a bucket-and-spade sort of area.
I'd say the main appeal of Lakeland is the range of facilities onsite - as is the case with most Haven holiday parks.
Lakeland has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a 9-hole golf course, crazy golf, bowling alley, tennis and a boating lake. There are also kids' clubs, places to eat and various activities that you pay extra for, including a football academy and pottery painting.
Of course, you'll probably want to be out exploring The Lakes but if it rains for three days solid, the onsite facilities will be very welcome. Unless of course you enjoy the feeling of rain dripping off your nose and onto your map...
It's also one of the best value Haven holiday parks we've found, particularly if you're travelling as a group of five or six.
Price: £773 for a week in a Saver caravan for a family of four in August 2024. That price is for Haven's standard holiday, which means you can use the swimming pools and other facilities. If you just want accommodation and access to the restaurants, then choose Haven Hideaway instead. In this case, it would save you £160 for the week so you'd only pay £613 for your accommodation. That's a very low price for a family holiday in August.
It's not right in the Lake District, so you'll need a car if you want to do some exploring (Coniston is half an hour's drive). It's by a bit of coastline which is fine for walks but isn't really a bucket-and-spade sort of area.
I'd say the main appeal of Lakeland is the range of facilities onsite - as is the case with most Haven holiday parks.
Lakeland has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a 9-hole golf course, crazy golf, bowling alley, tennis and a boating lake. There are also kids' clubs, places to eat and various activities that you pay extra for, including a football academy and pottery painting.
Of course, you'll probably want to be out exploring The Lakes but if it rains for three days solid, the onsite facilities will be very welcome. Unless of course you enjoy the feeling of rain dripping off your nose and onto your map...
It's also one of the best value Haven holiday parks we've found, particularly if you're travelling as a group of five or six.
Price: £773 for a week in a Saver caravan for a family of four in August 2024. That price is for Haven's standard holiday, which means you can use the swimming pools and other facilities. If you just want accommodation and access to the restaurants, then choose Haven Hideaway instead. In this case, it would save you £160 for the week so you'd only pay £613 for your accommodation. That's a very low price for a family holiday in August.
Haven's Lakeland Leisure Park isn't in the Lake District but it's still a pretty location...
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...and they have modern accommodation and lots of facilities
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4. Limefitt Holiday Park Windermere (idyllic location, basic facilities)
Limefitt Holiday Park is another Parkdean Resorts (formerly Park Resorts) site near Windermere, in a valley a couple of miles from the Lake. It scores well with reviewers, averaging 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor. In fact, it's the best Parkdean Resorts in the UK according to customer reviews.
The park isn’t as well equipped as some bigger parks, but it does have a pub, games room, playground and the option to try out pony trekking, which you pay extra for. There isn't a swimming pool.
I’d put this one into the category of a quiet holiday park, rather than one of those big family holiday parks where you can expect to endure screaming children on bicycles at 11pm every night.
At the time of writing, all types of accommodation were getting good scores from reviewers. You can bring pets and there's a good choice of caravans and lodges.
Price: £1049 for a Bakestall for a family of four, for a week in August 2024. The lodges were only £30 more than the caravans, so I would certainly pay for an upgrade.
The park isn’t as well equipped as some bigger parks, but it does have a pub, games room, playground and the option to try out pony trekking, which you pay extra for. There isn't a swimming pool.
I’d put this one into the category of a quiet holiday park, rather than one of those big family holiday parks where you can expect to endure screaming children on bicycles at 11pm every night.
At the time of writing, all types of accommodation were getting good scores from reviewers. You can bring pets and there's a good choice of caravans and lodges.
Price: £1049 for a Bakestall for a family of four, for a week in August 2024. The lodges were only £30 more than the caravans, so I would certainly pay for an upgrade.
Limefitt Holiday Park is in a pretty valley in the Lakes...
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...and it offers the chance to go horse riding
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5. Avon Wood Holiday Park Windermere (simple site alongside Windermere, great reviews)
If you’re looking for flumes, bingo nights and minigolf for the kids…don’t stay at Avon Wood Holiday Park.
However, I’d certainly consider it if you want a quiet place to stay with a great reputation. Reviewers on TripAdvisor give it 5 out of 5, despite it not really having a whole lot to do on the site itself.
The key thing here is the location, in woodland alongside Windermere. It’s also got its own access to the Lake so you can bring your own canoe or boat and spend a few days bobbing about.
Most of the accommodation is fairly pricey lodges, but we’ve included it in our best Lake District caravan park list as they do have some caravans that are hundreds of pounds cheaper.
You’ll need a car (or a boat) if you stay at Avon Wood.
Price: £695 for a family of four in a caravan for a week in August 2024. This model is described as a 'mobile home'.
However, I’d certainly consider it if you want a quiet place to stay with a great reputation. Reviewers on TripAdvisor give it 5 out of 5, despite it not really having a whole lot to do on the site itself.
The key thing here is the location, in woodland alongside Windermere. It’s also got its own access to the Lake so you can bring your own canoe or boat and spend a few days bobbing about.
Most of the accommodation is fairly pricey lodges, but we’ve included it in our best Lake District caravan park list as they do have some caravans that are hundreds of pounds cheaper.
You’ll need a car (or a boat) if you stay at Avon Wood.
Price: £695 for a family of four in a caravan for a week in August 2024. This model is described as a 'mobile home'.
There are good views from some of the hot tubs at Avon Wood Holiday Park...
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...and the accommodation is highly rated by customers
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6. Hall More Holiday Park and Fishery (25 minutes from Windermere, fishing lakes, access to pool)
Hall More Holiday Park isn’t technically in the Lake District. However, it’s a quiet holiday park which gets positive reviews and is reasonably priced. It’s in the Arnside and Silverdale ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and is only 25 minutes drive from Windermere. Kendal is 20 minutes away.
The quirk with Hall More Holiday Park is that the accommodation is safari tents rather than traditional caravans. It's perhaps one for the summer months...
Hall More doesn’t have its own swimming pool, but it has a sister park called Fell End Holiday Park where guests can use the leisure facilities. It’s a 5-10 minute walk between the parks.
A lot of people visit Hall More for its fishing lakes which sit amongst 10 acres of woodland and fields. It’s got a coarse lake which has carp, tench, roach and bream.
It scores an impressive 4.4/5 on Google Reviews or 4/5 on TripAdvisor.
Price: £949 for a safari tent for four people for a week in August 2023. We couldn't find 2024 prices at the time of writing.
The quirk with Hall More Holiday Park is that the accommodation is safari tents rather than traditional caravans. It's perhaps one for the summer months...
Hall More doesn’t have its own swimming pool, but it has a sister park called Fell End Holiday Park where guests can use the leisure facilities. It’s a 5-10 minute walk between the parks.
A lot of people visit Hall More for its fishing lakes which sit amongst 10 acres of woodland and fields. It’s got a coarse lake which has carp, tench, roach and bream.
It scores an impressive 4.4/5 on Google Reviews or 4/5 on TripAdvisor.
Price: £949 for a safari tent for four people for a week in August 2023. We couldn't find 2024 prices at the time of writing.
Hall More Holiday Park has safari tents instead of caravans
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Facilities include a fridge-freezer, hobs, kettle and microwave
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7. Fallbarrow Holiday Park Windermere (great lakeside location, basic facilities, very good reviews)
Fallbarrow Holiday Park is the third Parkdean Resorts caravan site to make it into our Lake District top 10 holiday park guide. It is a former Park Resorts site that is dog friendly and very popular with visitors.
Its main attraction is its location, right in the heart of Windermere with marina access so you can bring your boat along (unfortunately my million pound yacht is currently out of action…).
There are also other basic facilities, such as a playground, games room and bar. There isn’t a swimming pool or sports area, so I would see it as a pleasant base for exploring rather than somewhere to spend the whole week.
Reviews average 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor and on Google Reviews. There is a mix of cheap caravans and pricier lodges, some of which have hot tubs. Look for the Windermere Cottage and the Silverdale Lodge if your dream is a hot tub in the Lakes.
Price: £1139 for a week in an 'Buttermere' caravan for a family of four in August 2024. It sleeps six people in two bedrooms, so could work out as a good value for larger families who don't mind using the lounge.
Its main attraction is its location, right in the heart of Windermere with marina access so you can bring your boat along (unfortunately my million pound yacht is currently out of action…).
There are also other basic facilities, such as a playground, games room and bar. There isn’t a swimming pool or sports area, so I would see it as a pleasant base for exploring rather than somewhere to spend the whole week.
Reviews average 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor and on Google Reviews. There is a mix of cheap caravans and pricier lodges, some of which have hot tubs. Look for the Windermere Cottage and the Silverdale Lodge if your dream is a hot tub in the Lakes.
Price: £1139 for a week in an 'Buttermere' caravan for a family of four in August 2024. It sleeps six people in two bedrooms, so could work out as a good value for larger families who don't mind using the lounge.
Fallbarrow Holiday Park has caravans overlooking Windermere...
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...and facilities include a modern bar and restaurant
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8. Stanwix Park Holiday Centre (cheap coastal park with indoor swimming pool, 30 minute drive to The Lakes)
**Winner: cheapest Lake District and Cumbria holiday park**
Stanwix Park is one to consider if you want a combination of beach days out and Lake District exploring. It’s in Silloth, which has a shingly sort of beach so not exactly sandcastle territory, but nice for a wander.
It's about 30 minutes drive to the edge of the Lake District, but bear in mind that the roads in the Lakes are very slow so it will 90 minutes to two hours to get to Windermere on a busy day (yes, that does say two hours).
On the plus side, Stanwix Park is well equipped with things to do onsite, including large indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an adventure playground, soft play area, kids' clubs, gym, tennis, 10 pin bowling, pool and snooker. There's an extra charge for some activities.
Reviews average 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor or 4.5/5 on Google reviews. The promotional video won seven Baftas, including Most Content Couple in a TV Advert...
Price: £675 for an apartment for a family of four for a week in August 2024. Most of the accommodation is caravans, but the cheapest option was an apartment when we searched.
It's about 30 minutes drive to the edge of the Lake District, but bear in mind that the roads in the Lakes are very slow so it will 90 minutes to two hours to get to Windermere on a busy day (yes, that does say two hours).
On the plus side, Stanwix Park is well equipped with things to do onsite, including large indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an adventure playground, soft play area, kids' clubs, gym, tennis, 10 pin bowling, pool and snooker. There's an extra charge for some activities.
Reviews average 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor or 4.5/5 on Google reviews. The promotional video won seven Baftas, including Most Content Couple in a TV Advert...
Price: £675 for an apartment for a family of four for a week in August 2024. Most of the accommodation is caravans, but the cheapest option was an apartment when we searched.
Stanwix Park is unusual because it has a good sized indoor swimming pool...
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...and a large outdoor swimming pool
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9. Whitbarrow Village, near Penrith (posh family holiday park, indoor swimming pool, hot tubs)
Whitbarrow Village isn't cheap, but it's aimed at families and is posher than most holiday parks on our Lake District and Cumbria guide. The accommodation is described as cottages rather than caravans. However, it's a large site with plenty of space to run around and has the sorts of activities you get at busy holiday parks.
Whitbarrow has got an indoor swimming pool, sauna, gym, toddlers' play area, table tennis, crazy golf, adventure playground and giant chess. Most of the accommodation has hot tubs so you can bubble the days away.
Reviews are currently at 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor.
It's between Penrith and Keswick, so you can be at Ullswater in about 15-20 minutes. It's also easy to access from the M6. For a day out, Go Ape Whinlatter is only 20 minutes away.
Overall, Whitbarrow is a great choice...if you can afford it.
Price: £1841 for a week in a 'Caldew' cottage for a family of four in August 2024. There is also hotel suite accommodation and chalets within the Whitbarrow Village that are considerably cheaper. We found deals around £800-£1100, which is about half the price of the cottages.
Whitbarrow has got an indoor swimming pool, sauna, gym, toddlers' play area, table tennis, crazy golf, adventure playground and giant chess. Most of the accommodation has hot tubs so you can bubble the days away.
Reviews are currently at 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor.
It's between Penrith and Keswick, so you can be at Ullswater in about 15-20 minutes. It's also easy to access from the M6. For a day out, Go Ape Whinlatter is only 20 minutes away.
Overall, Whitbarrow is a great choice...if you can afford it.
Price: £1841 for a week in a 'Caldew' cottage for a family of four in August 2024. There is also hotel suite accommodation and chalets within the Whitbarrow Village that are considerably cheaper. We found deals around £800-£1100, which is about half the price of the cottages.
Whitbarrow Village has some high quality facilities, including an indoor pool...
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...and a modern restaurant
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10. Hillcroft Caravan Park Ullswater (great location and reviews, quiet park, basic facilities onsite)
Hillcroft Caravan Park is in a nice spot towards the north of the Lake District, so it's a bit less touristy than Windermere.
There's not a lot on site, but it get very good reviews (4.5/5 from most reviewers when I checked) and is a decent base for walking or getting to Ullswater. It's also not too far from the M6 so it's quicker to get to than some holiday parks. If you're coming from Manchester or Newcastle it will only take about 90 minutes in the car.
The park only has a play area and table tennis, so don't plan to spend all your time here. Although to be honest, if you come to the Lake District and then spend the whole week in a caravan, you've kind of missed the point.
Most of the accommodation is caravans but they do also have lodges with hot tubs.
Price: £1161 for a family of four, staying for a week in August 2024 in a Meridian Holiday Home. Lodges with hot tubs were about £500 extra for the same dates.
There's not a lot on site, but it get very good reviews (4.5/5 from most reviewers when I checked) and is a decent base for walking or getting to Ullswater. It's also not too far from the M6 so it's quicker to get to than some holiday parks. If you're coming from Manchester or Newcastle it will only take about 90 minutes in the car.
The park only has a play area and table tennis, so don't plan to spend all your time here. Although to be honest, if you come to the Lake District and then spend the whole week in a caravan, you've kind of missed the point.
Most of the accommodation is caravans but they do also have lodges with hot tubs.
Price: £1161 for a family of four, staying for a week in August 2024 in a Meridian Holiday Home. Lodges with hot tubs were about £500 extra for the same dates.
Hillcroft Caravan Park is a quiet and highly rated park...
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...with hot tubs in some lodges if you want to upgrade
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Price comparison of 10 of the Lake District and Cumbria's best caravan holiday parks
Obviously, our price comparison only looked at one week, but here are the results for what it's worth.
We looked for the cheapest accommodation available for a week's holiday in early August 2024, for a family of two adults and two children. We didn't include any extras or upgrades. We searched in November 2023.
From the cheapest to the most expensive:
We looked for the cheapest accommodation available for a week's holiday in early August 2024, for a family of two adults and two children. We didn't include any extras or upgrades. We searched in November 2023.
From the cheapest to the most expensive:
- Stanwix Park Holiday Park - £675 **Cheapest caravan holiday park**
- Avon Wood Holiday Park - £695
- Haven Lakeland Leisure Park - £773
- Hall More Holiday Park - £949 (2023 price)
- White Cross Bay Holiday Park - £959 **Best value caravan holiday park**
- Limefitt Holiday Park - £1049
- Lowther Holiday Park - £1113
- Fallbarrow Holiday Park - £1139
- Hillcroft Caravan Park - £1161
- Whitbarrow Village - £1841 (or less for chalets and suites)
Images from Haven, Booking.com, Parkdean Resorts, Pure Leisure and Hillcroft.
