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The park is located in Bassenthwaite, which is a small Lakeland village that has been voted the most peaceful place in the UK for staycations. The park boasts breath-taking views of Skiddaw, Sale fell and Binsey that are all within a few miles.

We are exceptionally lucky to be discretely nestled on the north shores of the beautiful Bassenthwaite Lake, the “only lake in the Lake District.” The Lake is perfect for water sport enthusiasts to go paddle boarding or kayaking, while those fishing fanatics won’t be disappointed. Cold water swimming has also become very popular too. If those sports are not your thing, don’t worry the views will simply mesmerise you.

Herdwick Willy’s Bar & Bistro is our new addition to the park, with its modern rustic interior making it a great place to eat and drink. The south facing patio with a view of Sale fell is perfect for summer evenings.

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Armathwaite Hall & Spa next door is a spectacular hotel offering an impressive spa, dining options and a perfect place for hosting weddings.

The Lakes Distillery, of which has produced the award-winning single malt whiskey, is just a few minutes walk away. They have a very insightful whiskey tour, a bistro, and a shop for you to buy their whiskey, Gin and Vodka.

The Lakes Wildlife Park is set behind us which makes us lucky enough to often hear the monkeys exercising their vocal cords. A perfect day out for children and animal lovers.

Due to our great location, we are within 10 minutes of the beautiful market towns of Keswick and Cockermouth that offer lots of independent shops, cafés and restaurants. If you prefer not to drive the local bus stops at the park gates and will take you to both towns.

If you have spare time after visiting the immediate attractions, then 8 miles away we have Crummock Water that is fed by Scale Force, the highest waterfall in the Lake District. 12 miles and you will reach Ennerdale the most westerly of the lakes and the most remote. Buttermere Valley is only 14 miles away and will offer exhilarating and challenging walks.

For those thrill seekers, Whinlatter Forest Park is just 5 miles with a range of activities including, Go Ape, Mountain bike trails, horse riding and many more.

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Herdwick Willy was a traditional Lakeland farmer in the 1900’s. Watendlath, a small hamlet in the Borrowdale Valley is where it all started. He worked 3 farms under the National Trust tenancies but longed to buy his own farm one day. Breeding exceptional Herdwick sheep, he quickly gained a reputation for producing the best Herdwick bloodlines in the Lakes. This led to a profitable business renting out the tips to cover other farmers ewes. He also had a wool merchant business that enabled him to save enough to fulfil his dream in buying his own farm.

In 1925 the Armathwaite Hall estate was put up for auction in several lots. This is when Herdwick Willy purchased the estate, Home Farm, along with the gardener’s cottage. He immediately renamed them both after his lifelong passion of the Herdwick sheep, Herdwick Croft and Herdwick View.

While farming on his own land he struck up a great friendship with the author Beatrix Potter as they shared a mutual passion for the Herdwicks. They were both a huge part of the formation of the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Society.

After a friend became ill and in need of a country retreat, Herdwick Willy allowed for him to put a caravan on Herdwick Croft. This is when the caravan park was born and continues to grow.

Stuart Wilson, his great grandson took over in 1998. He firstly updated the original caravan park by adding services to all the existing pitches while continuing to farm. After a huge farming loss due to the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001, he secured planning permission to extend the holiday park. After the success of caravan sales and the passing of his great aunt, he was able to purchase a now dilapidated Herdwick View. His great aunt had resided in the cottage since the purchase in the estate sale. The restoration build took 18 months and resulted in the impressive 5-star holiday cottage it is today.

In 2021, he introduced Hot tub lodges to offer further luxury accommodation. The popularity increase in tourists visiting the park, highlighted the lack of local amenities, resulting in the construction of Herdwick Willy’s Bar & Bistro.

The name is a tribute to his great grandfather, without whom none of this would be possible.

Stuart Wilson will proudly continue to passionately maintain and sympathetically develop this truly special piece of the Lakes, not only for himself, but for others to enjoy too.

Had a really lovely time camping with the family. Very clean and tidy and great for dogs!!!! Shower and toilet block clean and not to far to walk

Very nice park in the Lake District at very reasonable prices. Likely to visit again and highly recommend to families

Absolutely fantastic lodge. It was incredibly clean, a few mins drive to Keswick centre, lots of woodland walks and a lake within a couple minutes walk. Can not fault the place at all! Hot tub felt brand new and so clean. We will be staying here again!

A superb house in a great location. Very spacious and comfortable. Hosts attentive and helpful. We want to go back next year. 10/10.

Beautiful house in such a stunning location. Absolutely no expense spared on the refurb of this lovely property, it was worth every penny. Thank you so much to the owners of this gorgeous property for such a memorable trip. We look forward to returning.

Me and my partner really needed a peaceful break and that’s exactly what we got. The caravan we beautiful and so clean, host was lovely and only short drive to the main town loved every bit of my break away here, will be returning for sure

On arrival at Reception we were greeted by a very nice lady, who told us all about what we needed to know and instructions and tips regarding the hot tub. When we first walked into the Buttermere Lodge I nearly started crying, it was perfect for a birthday surprise I had planned for my partner. It far exceeded my expectations and the photographs do not do the spacious lodge justice. It was immaculately clean and felt like we were the very first guests….it was a thoroughly brilliant weekend to mark a special birthday and we have memories we will never forget. I would very much like to spent more time here, especially in warmer months and I would ask for Buttermere

Absolutely amazing! Gorgeous lodge with everything you need! Staff were so lovely and helpful! I would definitely recommend and book again!

Herdwick view is situated in an idyllic spot with Skiddaw as a backdrop and Bassenthwaite lake a 5 minute walk. The house itself is stunning , it has recently undergone renovation to a high standard with quality finishes throughout. The layout is practical and family friendly with a ground floor en-suite bedroom for anyone unable to negotiate stairs. The kitchen is well equipped with a great utility room for storage and washing/drying clothes. The garden is superb and the two hot tubs a fabulous addition. The owners are warm, welcoming and attentive, nothing too much trouble. This really is a beautiful place to stay in a stunning location.

Beautiful!!! The owners have thought of everything. The house is beautifully decorated, Peaceful and really well equipped! Hot tubs are fantastic a real luxury. We will be back .

This campsite is in a good position near Bassenthwaite Lake and also a lot of local attractions. There are lots of local amenity from the Wildlife Park to Bassenthwaite Lake Station which is a great cafe/restaurant.

Lovely relaxing break. The lodge was very clean and well equipped. Beautiful site with walks straight from the door, would highly recommend

Wow! What an amazing place. We’ve just stayed for 3 nights in our caravan and it is a beautiful site!
Showers and toilets were clean. We never had to wait to get in and went at different times throughout our stay.

What a lovely site, in a Fab location with friendly staff. Camped in VW van in ‘rally’ field which was peaceful and quiet with great views. Clean, tidy toilet/ shower area

What a fabulous weekend we all had celebrating three special birthdays. Some camping and some in the cabins with hot tubs. Everything was amazing and immaculate.