Tiny English campsite in UNESCO park named one of UK’s best – with world-class stargazing, donkeys and nearby beach
AN award-winning campsite in the UK has been named the best of its kind in the country.
Parkgate Farm Holidays is set in the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, and it’s just a 10-minute drive from the coast.
The camping spot was named the best small campsite in the UK by the specialist website, Campsites.co.uk.
A statement on the website read: “With only nature for company, great locations and unspoilt pitches, they may be small in size but are big in experience!”
There are both non-electric and electric grass pitches as well as glamping pods for those wanting a little something extra.
Because the Lake District has some of the darkest skies in the country, Parkgate Farm Holidays attracts holidaymakers who want to stargaze.
The tiny campsite has nine grass pitches, five of which include an electric hook-up.
A maximum of six people can pitch tents, campervans, and motorhomes on the site.
Parkgate Farm Holidays also had an unfurnished pod available to hire, which can sleep up to four people.
There are also three glamping cabins on the campsite, which can sleep up to give guests.
The glamorous pods come equipped with a double bedroom and another room with a double and single bunk bed.
Other facilities within the cabins include an open-plan living area, a TV, a kitchenette with an oven, a hob, a fridge/freezer, as well as other kitchen appliances.
The glamping cabins also have their own shower room, and they are fully insulated too.
Parkgate Farm Holidays also has other facilities, including a toilet/shower building and access to Wi-Fi.
The campsite is dog-friendly, but they’ll need to be kept on their leads.
Campfires and BBQs are also permitted, as long as they are raised off the ground.
The site also has donkeys, and holidaymakers can even rent a grazing field for just £5 for their own horses.
Further afield, Drigg Sand Dunes and Beach is the closest beach to the campsite at a 10-minute drive.
The Cumbrian beach has the largest sand dune system in the county, and it is a good spot for kitesurfing.
While the beach isn’t considered to be a great spot for swimming, there are other places nearby, including Wastwater – a prime wild swimming spot in the Lake District.
The campsite reopens on March 22, 2024, with the cabins available to book throughout the year.
Parkgate Farm Holidays has been praised by holidaymakers in the reviews.
One person wrote: “The perfect spot for camping, marked areas for tents, and easy to find following Google maps. The views are amazing.”
Another added: “It’s absolutely amazing. It’s Very clean and tidy. The site wardens Sandy and Bruce really make your stay extra special.
“They make sure you have everything you need and want, nothing is too much trouble for them.”
Someone else said: “A lovely peaceful spot, perfect for those who like to be near the mountains and the coast.”
One campsite in Cornwall, Pentewan Sands, even has its own private beach.
And we’ve rounded up some UK campsites – with a twist.
Campsites.co.uk Camping and Glamping Award 2023 winners
Best campsite
Watermouth Valley Camping Park, Devon
Best glamping site
East Thorne, Cornwall
Best caravan park
Tregarton Park, Cornwall
Best family campsite
Wooda Farm Holiday Park, Cornwall
Best adult only site
Longnor Wood Holiday Park, Derbyshire
Best small campsite
Parkgate Farm Holidays, Cumbria
Best newcomer
Silver Fern Glamping, Ceredigion
Best budget campsite
Boskenwyn Manor, Cornwall