Gillside Farm, a working Lakeland Farm, has been a part of the Lightfoot family's heritage for over 60 years. Situated in Glenridding, at the foot of Helvellyn, and next to Ullswater, this farm offers an idyllic location for a Lake District holiday. The family has been raising 800 Swaledale sheep on this land, and it is currently home to four generations of the Lightfoots. Gillside Farm provides a stunning campsite, comfortable holiday homes, and a bunkhouse open all year round.
Holiday Homes
Our holiday homes offer a comfortable and stylish stay for our guests. With varying sizes and layouts, these homes can accommodate families and couples alike. The holiday homes are available from March to mid-November and provide a cosy and inviting retreat after a day of exploring the beautiful Lake District.
Campsite
Our campsite can host up to 60 pitches and is open from March to mid-November. This beautiful campsite is located at the foot of Helvellyn and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Our campsite provides a constant supply of hot and cold water in the toilet block, deep sinks for washing pots and pans, and laundry facilities. In addition, we offer fresh milk and eggs from the farm, and our breakfast van is open on weekends from 7:30 am to 11:00 am.
Bunkhouse
Our bunkhouse is an excellent option for those looking for budget-friendly accommodation. The bunkhouse can sleep up to 20 people and is open all year round. It is fully equipped with a dining area, kitchen, and lounge, making it an ideal choice for larger groups or families. The facilities include hot showers, laundry machines, and a drying room.
Local Area
Glenridding is a charming village that offers a variety of general food and gift stores, cafes, restaurants, and pubs. There is also an outdoor gear shop and a garage, making it a convenient location for all your holiday needs. The village is located in one of the most scenic lakeland dales, with the reaches of Ullswater spread below. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and water sports.
At Gillside Farm, we hope that our website provides enough information to answer any questions you may have. However, if you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you soon and providing you with a memorable Lake District holiday.
Location and Surroundings
The campsite is located near the river, making it an ideal spot for climbing Helvellyn and having access to nearby shops and pubs. Moose Head and Christian McCarthy appreciated the scenic views and proximity to the Travellers Rest pub. However, Luca Farren Kerr mentioned that accessing the campsite by foot requires a ten-minute walk up a hill, which can be exhausting.
Facilities
The facilities at the campsite received mixed reviews. Pete March praised the cleanliness and hot water availability, while Jack Flower mentioned that the showers are acceptable but awkward due to limited hooks and difficulty opening doors. Bruno and Samuel Lynch, on the other hand, were disappointed with the poor state of the facilities. They experienced issues with soap and toilet paper availability, unclean toilets, and showers that did not function properly.
Room for Improvement
Luca Farren Kerr and Samuel Lynch highlighted several issues that need attention. These include the pungent horse poo smell on half the site, the tiny and overcrowded toilet block, and the slippery wooden bridge leading to it. R. J. was unhappy with the noise from the hydro-electricity substation in the bunkhouse and suggested that the bedroom should be soundproofed or moved.
Conclusion
Despite the mixed reviews, some visitors would return to this campsite. Jack Flower and Christian McCarthy appreciated its location, while Pete March enjoyed its friendly atmosphere and cleanliness. However, others were left disappointed and would not recommend it due to its shortcomings in facilities and noise.
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