forum yesterday, before I found you guys... hope I've placed it in the right place, if not, then Mods/Admin, please feel free to move...Spent a couple of nights at this great campsite about 12 miles north of Lake Windemere, during the middle of August.
I booked a few days before, the previous weekend had been fully booked, so during the busier times, it would be adviseable to to this, I think.
The campsite itself is located at the rear of the Brotherswater Inn, which is located at the side of the A592 (This is a Lake District 'A' road, so it is not a busy road), in amongst some stunning scenery. Report to reception (or the pub, which is owned by the same people, if it is outside of normal working hours), and they will give you the information you need to enable you to pitch. They will also give you the code to the toilet and shower blocks, which were cleaned everyday, and the showers pumped out steaming hot water all of the time I was there, but they do say it can go 'cool' during busy periods. Washing up sinks, a washing machine (I think that's what it was!) a dryer and a freezer for cool packs were also available.
Pitch on the higher ground at the sides of the site if possible, near the walls, as the centre part of the site acts as a bit of a bowl if it rains (and it's the Lake District, those lakes don't get their water by magic!), so it can get a little boggy at times, although it did seem to drain fairly quickly.
TAKE ROCK PEGS!!!!
There is a shop in reception that seemed to cater for most needs and emergencies you come across when camping, as well as a detailed weather forecast on the door for walkers.
There are no electrical hook ups for tents, but some on the hard standings for motorhomes etc.
Disposable BBQs are allowed as long as you raise the base of them off the ground, plenty of rocks lying around to enable this.
Dogs are welcome, as long as they are kept under control.There is a designated dog walking area, we used this and cleaned up, I just wish other dog owners would clear up after their animals, as there were several piles of what looked like elephant poo, judging by the size of the piles deposited... if you have a big dog, take a big bag!
There are several good walks straight from the campsite, including a fairly flat one to Brotherswater and back around the other side - if you have small infants, I don't think you would be able to buggy it, so a carrier would be recommended.
There is an area marked for ball games, but I didn't see anyone using it - kids should be fairly safe, as the campsite is a fair distance from the road, lower down the hill,and I didn't have a problem letting mine go to the toilet block on their own.
There is no mobile phone signal whatsoever for a fair distance around, but a phone is available in the pub (take plenty of coins, as it seems to be a VERY hungry phone!)
The pub is great, a couple of minutes walk up the hill from the camping area (makes it easy to walk back after you are full of beer! ) with tasty, good sized portions of food and beer at reasonable prices, dogs again are welcome in here, and there are plenty of board games etc available from behind the bar, which we made use of and the kids really enjoyed... they wouldn't play them at home, I'm sure.
There is also another bar/restaurant closer to the campsite, next to the Reception, we didn't use it, so I can't really comment.
For a six man tent, 3 kids, a grown up (if I can be classed as that!), a dog and a car, it was £50 for 2 nights - good value for everything the site has to offer, and the location is stunning.
Here are a few pictures of what to expect...
We had a great time, the weather on the most part was excellent, although striking camp was ummmm, wet to say the least.
Linky Dinky Doo to Sykeside website
HTH
Pete
Oh, just remembered - there is an active badger population living around the site, and you HAVE to keep any food you have in the car overnight, otherwise you WILL get a visit from our nocturnal friends; I saw several on my night time visit to use the facilities!
Enjoy!
).
............(
The badgers eh? It wasn't me!!!!
