Earlier this year we won an instagram competition to stay in a camping pod at Hillcroft Park, and last weekend finally made it there. What an amazing weekend we had.
Where is Hillcroft Park?
The site is at Pooley Bridge on the north shores of Ullswater in the beautiful Lake District. It’s less than 10 minutes to walk into the shops and pubs. From Pooley Bridge you can also walk to the Lake shore, where we spent a glorious few hours playing in the lake. The site is surrounded by countryside, and we were lucky enough one morning to see a red squirrel run in front of our pod!
Ullswater has sooooo much to see and do, so you are well placed to go exploring. Aira Force is just around the lake (although the road bridge is currently closed), and if you want to bag an easy Wainwright with your children, Hallin Fell is nearby. On the lake you could take a trip on the Ullswater steamers, or try one of the many water sports that are available.
What are the facilities like at Hillcroft Park?
I’m going to start with the bathrooms, because they are probably the poshest ones we’ve ever seen in a campsite. And they’re really clean! They’re currently running a card system, to make sure only 10 people are in there at any one time, but actually I never had to wait and always found there was plenty of space.
Other facilities include a play area, a games room (currently closed due to Covid restrictions), WiFi, laundry facilities and a small onsite shop for the essentials. Staying over the summer holidays also meant we could enjoy a catering van every morning and evening if we didn’t feel like cooking.
What was the camping pod like?
We stayed in a Family Camping pod. Essentially you get the camping experience without having to put up a tent up! The pod had lighting, a couple of sockets to charge your phone, and a heater. It was big enough inside to fit our double air mattress, the travel cot and Jess’s toddler bed. Outside, all pods are provided with a picnic table. The family pods also have a decked area outside, and some of these have gates for small children, so make sure you ask if you’d like one.
Overall thoughts
We had an incredible weekend staying at Hillcroft Park, and the fantastic weather we enjoyed certainly helped! The staff we encountered were really friendly and kept the site lovely. We loved the location and will absolutely be returning!
Other blogs on the Northern Lakes
A great walk in the Northern Lakes is the popular Catbells, this blog gives tips on Walking Catbells with children.
Whinlatter Forest is my favourite Forest in the UK by a considerable mile, with spectacular views and great walks.
If you fancy a Keswick mini-break, this blog describes our stay at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, and gives you ideas on what to do!
