Review: Camping Pod at Low Wray Campsite
For a while now we have discussed the possibility of having more adventures and more trips in the autumn and winter. In theory, it should be fine: we’ve got all the gear and aren’t afraid of a bit of bad weather. Surely it would add a bit of excitement to proceedings?
In reality though, the big issue is not the cold or even the dark (we have more camping lights than Blackpool has illuminations). The problem with camping in the winter is firstly the mud, and secondly the mammoth task of getting your tent clean and dry enough to pack away.
Low WRay is situated on the shore of Lake WindermereThat is the hard bit. Having the room to dry everything out afterwards is a nightmare, and your tent really really needs to be 100% dry before you pack it away-no mean feat in the damp British climate. It’s bad enough in the summer!
But we still want to spend more time outdoors all year round, so we settled on a camping pod at Low Wray Campsite. We are massive fans of its sister site Great Langdale, and similarly, Low Wray is run by the National Trust and so is every bit as friendly and has great facilities.
I’ve discounted the idea of a pod before, as the whole glamping thing seems incredibly expensive for what it is. But thanks to Finn’s random two week October half term, I managed to book three nights at Low Wray for £65 per night, which I thought wasn’t too bad at all.
The Pod
We stayed in a furnished Lakeside Pod with electricity at Low Wray and I have to say I was very impressed with our accommodation. The pod was fairly basic, but had everything we needed. There are two benches that fold into a massive bed, easily big enough for three (if not four) of us, there was also another single bed where Finn slept. All we needed to bring was cooking equipment (we took a small bbq and the Biolite stove), bedding and clothes.
Our pod was spacious and a definite step up from our tentThere was also a table and a heater, although we only used it briefly when we needed to dry out.
Outside each pod there is a picnic bench, which we used a lot. It was incredibly wet throughout our stay, but luckily we found a gazebo in our car (doesn’t everyone have a spare gazebo in their car?!) which saved the trip, as it meant we could still eat outside.
Our gazebo saved the day and meant we could still cook and eat outside in the rainCampsite Facilities
Low Wray has great facilities, including 3 clean and warm toilet and shower blocks, washing up areas, a play area and laundry and drying facilities. It also has a small shop/reception where you can pick up some essentials, grab a hot drink or freeze your ice packs. The staff are all very friendly and helpful and full of information about the local area. There are camping pods, tent and campervan pitches.
You can also hire bikes and canoes from Low Wray.
For me, the best thing is undoubtedly the location. It was a real treat to be camping in such a beautiful location right on the shore of Lake Windermere.
Surrounding Area
There is so much to do and see in the surrounding area that’s it’s impossible to list everything. Windermere and Ambleside are close by, both with plenty of shops and places to eat. We took the boys to Beatrix Potter World in Bowness on Windermere, which they both loved. If you are also fans of Beatrix Potter, her farmhouse Hill Top is nearby.
We also walked along the lake to Low Wray Castle, which was a nice outing. We had a look round inside and walked down to St Margaret’s Church. It was a lovely place to explore and I enjoyed learning about the history of the building.
Its an easy walk along the lake from the campsite to Low Wray Castle. This is looking from the castle back to the site There’s lots to explore in the area There are lots of scenic walks around Low Wray Castle We enjoyed a look around Low Wray Castle which is currently undergoing refurbishment. It’s wise to check opening times before setting off as it varies.Verdict
We loved our stay and will definitely be back. Due to its fabulous location, it might just even top Great Langdale, which has been a long standing favourite campsite of ours.
Have you ever stayed at Low Wray or any of the other National Trust sites?
We also walked along the lake to Low Wray Castle, which was a nice outing. We had a look round inside and walked down to St Margaret’s Church. It was a lovely place to explore and I enjoyed learning about the history of the building.