Lake District Bunkhouse, Camping Barns and Walking Hostels

Cumbria Barns - Bunkhouses - Hostels

What better way could there possibly be of experiencing the real Cumbria and be eco-friendly but don't want the bother of carrying your own canvas then these converted barns and stables might be just the ticket.

Practially stone tents Bunkhouses, Camping Barns and Independent Walking Hostels are proving a popular facility for those who want to explore and enjoy Cumbria, away from the crowds.

Due to the very fact that many of them are on working farms, they can be situated in the most scenic of locations. The facilities they offer vary considerably, so do check what is included, but all offer basic facilities along with a cheap and eco-friendly self-catering alternative, usually in unrivalled scenery.

Wallabarrow Camping Barn and Bunkhouse - Duddon Valley

Wallabarrow Camping Barn

Restored by the National Trust Wallabarrow dates back to the 17th century and sleeps 10 (see Bunkhouse below for additional accommodation). The barn can be booked for sole occupancy (under 16's must be accompanied by a responsible adult and if travelling with under 5's then sole occupancy should be booked :not suitable for rowdy groups as close proximity to self-catering cottage and owners own residence).

This former farmhouse has a woodburning stove (bring your own wood or a large basket available for £12 ). The kitchen is well equipped with pots and pans, kettle, toaster, fridge and a four ring electric cooker.Sleeping area is communal with 10 mattresses+covers provided. Recently refurbished shower and toilet facilities are in a separate building. Water is treated but not on mains please use carefully and use eco-products where possible - £1 meter for the shower. There is a secluded garden with picinic area.

Free range eggs, Galloway Beef and Herdwick Lamb are normally available for purchase at the farmhouse as is home produced BBQ charcoal - enquire directly for the price list.

Two pubs nearby. The New Inn which is a 15 minute walk through Wallabarrow Woods - serving cask ales until 11pm and good food (booking for larger groups is recommended), or 4 miles away with excellent food and good beer, is the Blacksmiths Arms at Broughton Mills.

Prices The cost per person is £10.00 pppn and sole use £100 per night. Dogs by arrangment £1.50 per night

See more photographs and read more details of Wallabarrow Camping Barn

Wallabarrow Wooden Bunkhouse

The Wooden Bunkhouse is often booked in conjunction with Wallabarrow Camping Barn but may be available separately. It sleeps up to four on a single sleeping platform. The Bunkhouse has basic cooking facilities, fridge and cold water supply, electricity is by meter and takes £1 coins. The cost is £8.50 pppn.

To enquire about the Wallabarrow Wooden Bunk House and/or Camping Barn, please go to the Owner's website.

Eskdale Camping and Caravanning Club Site - Camping Barn

The Eskdale self catering Barn will tempt even the most reluctant camper. It sleeps 8 and boasts comfy beds (you need to bring your own pillows and sleeping bag), winter heat and a fully fitted modern kitchen. A BBQ is provided for those beautiful summer evenings and a wood burning stove provides comfort during Cumbria's cooler months.

If you are caught in one of Cumbria's rain showers you can also make use of the free drying room for your boots. Also on the site are hot showers and a shop which stocks local and organic products, not to mention a play area and adventure trail for those who are travelling as families.

Read more about this luxury stone Barn at Eskdale Camping and Caravanning Club site here.

To book the Eskdale Camping Barn, please call the site directly on: 01946 723253.

Thorney How Independent Hostel - Grasmere

Thorney How opened as an Independent family owned Hostel in Easter 2011. This former YHA hostel can be found in what I always consider the most romantic village of the English Lake District, Grasmere. Built around 350 years ago in traditional Lakeland stone, Thorney How is quite historical as it was in fact the first Hostel ever bought by the YHA. Orignally built as a farmnhouse and possibly later a rather grander Victorian Gentleman's residence. Another claim to fame is that the diarist Dorothy Wordsworth is thought to have used the grounds of Thorrney How.

Now newly refurbished it is ready for your visit and provides clean, comfortable licencedback packing style accommodation. There are 51 beds divided over 10 rooms with room sizes ranging from 2 to 10 bunk style beds per room.

Bluebell Camping Barn

Situated on the ede of Hadrians Wall Nature Trail, in the grounds of an 18th Century Georgian Country House, Bluebell Barn has been sympathetically restored.

Sleeping up to 16, Bluebell Barn has its own access and is ideal for walkers and cyclists to the area. The camping barn has a dining area and can provide packed lunches on request. There is an outdoor patio area and spectacular views across rural Cumbria.

Sleeping is on bunk and singled beds with mattress provided. Sleeping bags can also be provided on request. There are two fully fitted kitchens with fridge, cooker, microwave and kettle and two Bathrooms.

Tarif: £13 per person per night.

Read more about Bluebell Camping Barn.

Low Bridge End Camping Barn

Low Bridge End Farm occupies one of Cumbria's idyllic, peaceful settings. Overlooking St. John's Beck, with stunning views towards Blencathra, Helvellyn and Castle Rock this is surely Cumbria at its best?

The Camping Barn can sleep 8 and is basically a stone tent - mattresses are provided, but you will need to bring sleeping bags and your own cooker and cooking utensils. There is a cooking area within the barn and outside BBQ area with seating and a shower and bath room. Delicious home cooked cakes are available in the Tea Garden and walks from the door. A solid fuel stove is a great focus for the evening and wood/coal can be purchased from the farm. Parking is available for two cars.

Tarif : £8.50 per person per night plus extra for hot showers, wood and coal. Take the Virtual Tour of the Low Bridge Camnping Barn to see its truly idyllic setting.

Grasmere Independent Hostel

Graded 4* by the English Tourism Council, this new independent Hostel, sleeping up to 24, is surrounded by fabulous countryside that will have you reaching for your camera and inspiring you onto the fells.

There are five bedrooms - each with its own bathroom - four of which are en-suite and there are additional shower and toilet facilities downstairs too. Rooms are carpeted and have bedside lamps and power points as well as mattresses, pillows and blankets! Rucksack size lockers are available and rooms are lockable.

There are two well equipped kitchens which include free tea and coffee.

Just when you think it couldn't get any better you discover the Nordic Sauna (for up to 4 people - coin operated).

The village pub is just 400 m down the road serving good food and English breakfasts. Grasmere is about one mile away and if you are self catering then you can borrow a bike to whizz into the village for your groceries.

Tarif : £20.50 per head.

Read more details about the deluxe Grasmere Independent Hostel.

Bradleys Riding Centre Bunk House

Sleeping up to 12 surrounded by this goregeous scenery on Wainwright's coast to coast walk is the Bunk House at Bradley's Riding Centre. The Bunk House is ideal for backpackers and cyclists and has cooking and shower facilities. Breakfast can be taken at the Farmhouse if wished.

Tarif : £22 with breakfast or £17 without breakfast

For more information on staying at the Bunkhouse and for riding enquiries please go to the Bradley's Riding Centre website

Rook How Centre

In the secluded Rusland Valley between Windermere and Coniston, Rook How Centre enjoys 12 acres of mature woodland and is situated in the grounds of the Friends Meeting House dating back to 1725.

These former stables now provide accommodation for up to 20 people, with central heating throughout. There are 8 bunks downstairs, 9 bunks upstairs and sleeping for 3 on sofabeds in the lounge. A clean sheet and pillowcase are provided but please bring your own sleeping bag.

A large open plan room povides kitchen/dining facilities with seating around the woodburning stove. The kitchen has an electric range double oven, microwave and fridge freezer. You are guaranteed to get away from it all and unwind as the Centre does not have a TV, radio, telephone or internet connection. 4 showers, 2 WC's and 5 washbasins means that no-one is queuing for long.

An orienteering course and bonfire pit can be found in the Quakers' Wood and are available for use, at your own risk. A Yurt and the Friends Meeting House are also available for hire - please contact Rook How directly.

Tarif guide : £14 adult per night; £7 junior per night (2-16 yrs); Minimum charge for sole use/group hire: £160 per night; Hire of duvet if required: £5 per person Read more about Rook How Centre

Maggs Howe Camping Barn - Kentmere Valley

A ramblers paradise - perfect for the Kentmere Horseshoe or just soaking up unspoilt rural Cumbria. This traditional barn, really a stone tent, is ideal for walkers and cyclists.

Maggs Howe Camping Barn can sleep up to 12. You need to bring your own sleeping bag. Mattresses, blankets and pillows are provided. There are two showers and two loos and a kitchen with a cooker. There is also a bike rack and drying facilities.

Breakfasts and Dinners can be taken at Maggs Howe Farmhouse by prior arrangment.

Tarif : £10 per person per night - Sole Booking : £100 - Weekend bookings min 2 nights or £50 surcharge.

To check details of Maggs Howe Traditional Barn and for availability - please go to the Maggs Howe website.

Barn Camping at Causeway Foot Farm

Stay on a small family run sheep and dairy farm in the magnificent Naddle Valley, just outside Keswick off the A591.

The Causeway Foot Camping barn is available for groups only and facilities include:
Lower floor - Well fitted kitchen with 5 burner dual fuel cooker, fridge, microwave, toaster and tumble dryer. Hot & cold running water - selection of pans, crockery and cutlery. Electric lights and power points, 2 electric heaters and 3 folding dining tables with bench seats.

Upper floor - Accommodates 16 people in bunkbeds with mattresses & pillows,2 electric heaters and power points. The toilet block is 50 metres from the barn and has separate ladies and gents toilets, wash basins and showers. Prices from £60 per night. To find out more about Barn Camping at Causeway Foot and to book contact Greg Nicholson on 017687 72290 or email jackie@causewayfoot.co.uk or go directly to the Causeway Foot Farm website.

Denton House Independent Hostel - Keswick

With funky artwork and just a five minute walk from the centre of Keswick, Denton House is a purpose built Outward Bound facility. This Independent Hostel is also approved by the British Canoe Union Centre. In additon to offering affordable accommodation to individuals, families and groups, they can provide qualified canoe instructors and tailor walking/canoeing days to your groups' requirements.

Sleeping a maximum of 58 - bunkrooms sizes are from 4 to 14 beds - you can book by the bed or by the room and choose single sex or mixed rooms. Duvets and pillows are provided. There is central heating throughout - which also means permanent hot water!

An indoor bike shed and Kayak store is available. Dogs are welcome - providing no-one else in your room objects. Washer and Dryer - 24hr free tea and coffee and a commercial kitchen ideal for both small and large group dining. Meals (breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals) can be provided for an additional cost, if requested in advance.

Tarif : midweek £14:00 / weekends £15:00 per night
Full Centre: midweek: £750/night - weekends: £850/night (reductions may be available during the quieter seasons)

To appreciate all the facilities both of Denton House and the Outdoor Facility possibilities - please go to the Denton House website.

Low Luckens Organic Resource Centre

The Organic Resource Centre at Low Luckens Organic provides simple, clean low budget self catering accommodation for up to 12.

Ideal for groups wanting to enjoy the natural countryside or who are interested in wildlife conservation or organic farming and sustainability in farming and renewable energy. The centre is also ideal for cyclists as close to the Reivers Cycle route.

Residential visitors can use the Centre as a base to both enjoy and learn from the farm's 220 acres of organically managed farmland, ancient woodland and river habitats.

A large resource room with woodburning stove and electric heaters is included in the price and the kitchen has adequate equiptment to cater for 12. Organic produce can be ordered in advance if desired. Bed linen is supplied free of charge; beds are available for 9 - with one single disabled room/ four singles in an en-suite / four singles with shared toilet and shower / 3 temporary beds can also be made available. A cot is also available. Pets may be allowed - by prior arrangement.

A ping pong table is available in the barn. Pub about 15 minute drive. Plenty of parking. There is no TV but there are DVD and Video players. A large hay-bale seating area can be available for workshops.

Tarif :
Whole Centre per week - £395 ( £10 pp extra for groups over 9 to a max of 12) - Whole Centre hire per night - £100 ( £5 pp extra for groups over 9 to a maximum of 12)
Weekend Rate Friday Night to Sunday Evening - £250
Per person per night with en-suite facilities - Adult £15 / Children £10 - Per person per night with shared toilet and bathroom = Adult £12 / Children £8

Find out more about the Low Luckens Farm Resource Centre and check for availability.

Eden Valley Bunkhouse

In this pretty, undiscovered corner of Cumbria, ideal for walking and cycling is the Eden Valley Bunkhouse

Originally a sandstone farm building dating back to round 1710, it has now been sympathetically restored, retaining original features such as the rustic old beams. Accommodation is in three spacious bedrooms each with two bunk beds, (four people per room). An extra camp bed can be added if necessary.

The old dairy has been converted to a kitchen and is equipped with kettle, microwave, stove, fridge, toaster, utensils and worktop/breakfast bar. There is also a clothes drying area. The shower and toilet facilities are of an equal high standard, the ladies having been completed in 2010.

In addition to the lovely scenic walks this is an ideal venue for cyclists with the C2C route being just half a mile away. The village of Lazonby is one and a half mile walk/cycle away with a heated outdoor swimming pool and supermarket.

More information about the Eden Valley Bunkhouse here.

Kendal Independent Hostel

This Georgian building is situated right on Kendal's high street, an ideal location for getting to know this historic market. The Hostel previously belonged to the YHA. For the latest information on Kendal Independent Hostel please read more here

Ulverston Walkers Hostel

The Walkers Hostel at Ulverston sleeps up to 28 and has 7 rooms with a mix of bunks and singles. Individual bookings, families and group bookings are welcome. Hen and Stag groups are welcome but must book the entire accommodation. Dogs are also accommodated for an additional fee.

There is free internet a TV, cycle store and drying room. Bedding is provided and towels can be hired at £1 per night

Tarif Guide : Daily Rate : £17.50 per person/night (groups for min 2 nights £15 ppn);

Hostel cooked breakfast £4.50; Packed Lunch £5.00; Dog bed space £2.50

See more photographs and check availability of the Ulverston Walkers Hostel.

Hillside Farm Bunk Barn

Converted from a form Georgian Farm Stable the Hillside Farm Bunk House situated in Carlisle half-way between the Ravenglass and Wallsend Cycle route. Car parking is available and there is a cycle store with repair tools for cycles. The barn is currently being refreshed to provide more seating and a bigger kitchen downstairs - which includes a two ring stove and crockery and cutlery and in the former loft upstairs sleeping 12 + (refurbishments expected to be completed by April 2011). Sleeping bags and towels can be hired for an additional fee.

Nearby Solway marsh is a great place to walk and take in the delights of the beautiful sunsets. During the bird Migration it is an awesome sight as flocks of some 20,000 Barnacle and Pink Footed Geese take to the air. You may also see fishermen out in shallow waters of the Solway Sands and mudflats traditionally fishing for Salmon and Sea Trout with their Haaf Nets. This type of fishing is permitted only on the Solway.

Tarif : Bunk Beds £10.00 ppn. Fried breakfast from £3.50. Sleeping bags and Towels if required, £1.00 each. The shower s meter opperated, tokens are £1.00 each.

For more information please go to the Hillside Bunk Barn website.

Ennerdale YHA Camping Barn

Five miles from the nearest shop, but close to the Ennerdale Youth Hostel, this YHA Barn can sleep 14 and is perfect for group bookings. Read more about Ennerdale Camping Barn here.

Fisher Gill Camping Barn

Fisher Gill Camping Barn is situated in the Thirlmere valley, just 5 miles from Keswick. The barn can sleep up to 10 and can be booked for sole occupancy. Rates are around £10 per person per night, which includes duvets and a woodburning stove. For further information contact Fisher Gill camping barn directly.

Tarn Outdoor Barn

Surrounded by Cumbrian Fells and accommodating up to 24 guests the Tarn Outdoor Barn offers excellent resources including handmade wooden oak tables and benches, drying room and even a 32" Flat Screen Tv!

Read more about Tarn Outdoor Barn

New Ing Lodge - Dorm Rooms

On the Westmoreland Way in Shap, just a day's walk from Patterdale or 3 miles from the M6 is a refreshing Hostel providing, B & B, Mixed Dorms and even camping pitches if weather permits

There are two mixed Dorms (sleeping 8 and 6)and a Single Dorm. The kitchen can hold up to 4 at once and provides all the necessaries such as a microwave and kettle and two ring hob. Ideal for those walking the coast to coast and carrying heavy backpacks a Full English or Cereal and Toast Breakfast can be provided - as can an evening meal.

Tariff :Single dorm - £15 pppn : Bed with bedding - £17 pppn
Discounts for groups staying over 2 nights

See photographs and read more about New Ings Lodge.

Ambleside Backpackers

Just 8 minutes walk from Lake Windermere and 4 from Ambleside Town Centre, Ambleside Backpackers Hostel can accommodate up to 60 in dorm style rooms. The rooms can either be booked as mixed or single sex dorms (no hen /stag nights) in combinations of 2; 4; 6; 10 and 12 beds all with wash basins. There are male and female shower rooms and clothes washing/drying facilities. All bedding is provided, but please take your own towels.

Ambleside Backpackers Hostel provides free internet and wifi access and tea and coffee facilities. The dorms are secure, locakable and centrally heated. There is a comfortable lounge with piano, fire and TV lots of dining room space and board games too! The kitchen has hobs a microwave and fridge and is open daily between Note that this is primarily an adult facility. Under 18's must be accompanied by a responsible adult and under 14's are not allowed on top bunks and must be supervised and share a room with an adult.

Tarif : £18.00pppn - light breakfast included - £16.00pppn 3 nights or more - £16.00pppn January, Sunday 'thro'Thursday nights. Winter special Sun-Fri £55.00 for 5 nights

Read more about this incredible Backpackers Lodge in the heart of Ambleside.