Hi, I’m Warren Driscoll. I love fancy travel. For seven years, I’ve stayed in nice places like villas in Ibiza and chalets in the French Alps. I write honest reviews to help you plan fun holidays. I use my own photos and stories to make things clear. This article is about Herdwick Croft Caravan Park in the Lake District. I’ll share guest stories, problems to watch for, and tips for a 2025 visit. My goal is to help you choose wisely.
This guide is about Herdwick Croft Caravan Park in the Lake District. It tells you what guests think, problems to know, and tips for a 2025 visit to help you choose the best stay.
What Is Herdwick Croft Caravan Park?
Herdwick Croft is by Bassenthwaite Lake, near Keswick and Cockermouth. It has beautiful views of Skiddaw and Binsey mountains. You can stay in lodges, caravans, or camping spots. Some have hot tubs. It’s great for families and dogs, with walks and water fun nearby. Let’s look at what guests say from reviews on TripAdvisor, UKCampsite, and Hoseasons (2022–2024).
What Guests Say
Many guests like Herdwick Croft for its views and lodges, but some share problems. Here’s the good and not-so-good parts, based on reviews from public sites like TripAdvisor and UKCampsite (2022–2024).
Things Guests Like
Guests love the quiet spot by Bassenthwaite Lake. The mountain views are calm and relaxing. You can walk to the Lake District Wildlife Park or Lakes Distillery nearby.
Lodges are clean and new, with kitchens, dishwashers, and fridges. Hot tubs are fun after walks. Guests often say the lodges are clean and the hot tubs are great. Families like the space for kids. Dog owners enjoy dog-friendly lodges and nearby trails. One review said their dog had fun on the walks.
Staff, like Laura, Dave, and Chantelle, are kind. One camper said staff helped them in the rain. The park is eight miles from Keswick and five miles from Cockermouth, so you can drive to shops or fun places. A bus stop outside goes to Penrith or Workington.
Problems Guests Mention
These points come from guest reviews on public sites like TripAdvisor and UKCampsite (2022–2024). Some campers found the shower and toilet areas small and basic. They said these could use updates or more cleaning when busy. There are only two showers and two toilets, so you might wait in summer. Some said the water is too hot for kids.
Pods, like Herdwick Retreat, have clear glass doors, so guests feel a lack of privacy, especially in the hot tub. Check-in is at the bistro, but no clear sign makes it confusing. Guests say a map or guide when you arrive would help.
Grass camping spots get muddy in rain. Some electric hook-ups are far, so you need a long cable. The bistro’s menu is small, and dogs can’t sit inside, which is hard for pet owners. There’s no shop for things like shampoo, so you need to go to Cockermouth. A few reviews say staff were slow to fix things like broken toilets.
Many guests enjoy their stay, but these concerns from reviews are good to know when planning.
Looking at Problems Closely
These points are from guest reviews on public sites like TripAdvisor and UKCampsite (2022–2024). The shower and toilet block is near the entrance, far from campers in upper fields. With only two showers and two toilets, it’s busy in summer. Some say the hot water is too hot for kids.
Pods have glass doors, so guests feel exposed in the hot tub. Curtains or frosted glass could help. Check-in at the bistro is hard to find with no sign. A welcome pack with maps and phone numbers would be nice.
Grass pitches get muddy in rain. Hardstanding pitches are better for wet weather. Some electric hook-ups are far, so bring a long cable. The bistro has a small menu, and dogs can’t go inside. No shop means driving to Cockermouth for shampoo or snacks. Some reviews say staff are slow to fix things like a broken seat.
Planning Your 2025 Stay
Here’s an easy guide for a great 2025 stay at Herdwick Croft, based on reviews and travel tips.
Picking a Place to Stay
Herdwick Croft has lodges, caravans, and camping. Lodges like Buttermere are nice with kitchens, comfy beds, and hot tubs. They cost about £100 per night for four or eight people. The Herdwick View cottage has four bedrooms and two hot tubs, costing £200 per night, good for big groups.
Caravans and camping are cheaper. Hardstanding pitches cost £20–£30 per night and are good for rain. Grass pitches are less but muddy when wet. Pods have beds and hot tubs but no privacy—bring a screen for the hot tub. Book at 017687 76241 or herdwickcroft.co.uk. Avoid July and August for a quiet stay.
Best Times to Go
Spring (March–May) is quiet with pretty flowers, great for walks. Summer (June–August) is busy—book three months early. Autumn (September–November) has nice colors but rain. Winter (December–February) is cold but cozy in lodges with hot tubs. Don’t camp on grass in rain.
How to Get There
From the M6, take Junction 40 at Penrith. Drive on the A66 to Keswick, then Cockermouth. After six miles, turn right to Bothel. Follow signs for The Castle Inn, cross a bridge, and you’re there. From South Lakes, go to Keswick, then the A66 for five miles. A bus stop outside goes to Keswick or Penrith—check Stagecoach for times. Parking is free.
What to Pack
Bring rain boots and jackets. Grass pitches get wet, so pick hardstanding in rain. Bring a long electric cable for camping. The bistro has few food options, so pack snacks, soap, and things you like. No shop on-site, so buy shampoo in Cockermouth. For pods, bring towels for hot tub privacy. Lodges have most things, but bring soap. For dogs, bring a leash and bags.
Fun Things Nearby
Bassenthwaite Lake is very close for kayaking or picnics. The Bassenthwaite Sailing Club, one mile away, rents boats. The Lake District Wildlife Park is a short walk, fun for kids. The Lakes Distillery nearby has whiskey tours. Keswick, eight miles away, has shops and a theater. Cockermouth, five miles away, has a brewery and old house. Skiddaw and Binsey are close for walks. Mirehouse & Gardens, three miles away, is great for history.
Tips for a Fun Stay
Pick hardstanding pitches for wet months. Use showers early to avoid waiting. Ask for a map when booking. For pods, ask about curtains. Pack snacks, soap, and things you need. If you have a problem, call 017687 76241 or email info@herdwickcroft.co.uk. Say clearly what you need. Try the bistro or eat at De Brito Craig’s Wheatsheaf Inn, five miles away.
Why Herdwick Croft Is Special
Herdwick Croft mixes nice and nature. Lodges have cool things like wine fridges and hot tubs. The views of Skiddaw and the lake are amazing. It’s great for kids and dogs. The park is small and quiet. Staff like Dave and Chantelle are kind. But showers and no shop are problems. It’s calmer than other parks and close to Keswick and Cockermouth.
Fixing Common Worries
Worried about showers? They’re small and busy—campers can bring a portable shower. Lodges have better bathrooms. For pod privacy, ask about curtains. Check-in is at the bistro—look for signs. Ask staff for local tips or check online to avoid problems.
Final Words
Herdwick Croft is a beautiful spot in the Lake District. The lake and mountains are lovely. Lodges are cozy with hot tubs. Camping is cheap but needs better showers. Pods are fun but need curtains. Plan well, pick the right spot, and pack smart for a great 2025 stay. Call 017687 76241 or visit herdwickcroft.co.uk. Share your tips below!
Disclaimer: This article is not an ad. No one paid me to write it. I do not work for Herdwick Croft Caravan Park. I just want to share helpful information from reviews and my own travel research. Everything I write is my own opinion.
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Warren Driscoll writes about luxury travel. He has over seven years of experience. Since 2018, he has stayed in private villas in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez, and chalets in the French Alps. Warren’s stories have been shared by Indvidual Magazine. He writes honest reviews and gives helpful tips to help people plan great holidays. He also shares his own photos and real experiences to make his advice clear and useful.