Campervan and Motorhome Stopovers in Cumbria
Motorhome Touring in Cumbria
Cumbria is where most UK motorhomers end up eventually. The Lake District sits at its centre, and the pull of Windermere, Keswick, and the high passes is hard to resist. But here's the thing most people don't mention: the Lakes in peak season can be miserable in a motorhome. Car parks are rammed, the roads around Ambleside crawl, and anything over 6.5 metres will struggle on passes like Kirkstone and Honister. Come in May or October and it's a different place entirely. Beyond the Lakes, Cumbria also takes in the Eden Valley, the Solway coast, and the western fells around Ennerdale, all of which are quieter and easier to tour.
Top Stopovers and Campsites in Cumbria
The south Lakes around Windermere and Coniston have the highest density of campsites in the county. Many are well-equipped with hardstanding, electric hookups, and proper waste facilities. The trade-off is price: expect to pay more here in summer than almost anywhere else in England.
Further north, the Keswick area has a good spread of sites, including several that stay open through winter. The fields around Bassenthwaite and Cockermouth are less polished but also less crowded, and you'll find CL-style sites where a tenner gets you a pitch in a farmer's field with a water tap.
The Eden Valley, running from Penrith up to Appleby, is underrated for motorhome touring. Campsites here are cheaper than the Lakes and the landscape is rolling farmland rather than mountains. A couple of pubs in the valley offer Britstops parking. West Cumbria around Whitehaven and St Bees has fewer options, but there are a handful of small sites that make good bases for the Coast to Coast walk's starting point.
Suggested Touring Routes in Cumbria
The Lakes Circuit (3-4 days)
Start in Kendal and head north on the A591 through Windermere to Ambleside. This road is the main artery and handles motorhomes well, though traffic around Windermere town can be slow in summer. From Ambleside, continue on the A591 to Grasmere and over Dunmail Raise to Keswick. This section has good overtaking opportunities and the scenery opens up properly once you're past Thirlmere. From Keswick, take the A66 west to Cockermouth, then south on the A5086 to Egremont and around to Coniston via the A593. Total loop is about 90 miles. Don't attempt the Hardknott or Wrynose passes in a motorhome. They're single-track with 30% gradients and hairpin bends. Not worth the risk.
The Quiet North (2-3 days)
This route avoids the central Lakes entirely. From Penrith, take the A686 over the Pennines to Alston (England's highest market town). The road is well-surfaced and wide enough for large vehicles, with long moorland views. Return via the A689 to Brampton, then west on the minor road to Lanercost Priory. Follow the Solway coast along the B5307 towards Silloth. It's flat, empty, and the sunsets over the Solway Firth towards Scotland are worth stopping for. Loop back to Penrith via Wigton and the A6. Around 100 miles total and you might not see another motorhome the entire trip.
The Western Fells (2 days)
From Cockermouth, head south on the B5289 through the Buttermere valley. This is one of the best driving roads in England: single carriageway but well-maintained, with Crummock Water and Buttermere on either side. The road passes through the Honister Pass, which is steep and narrow in places. Manageable in a motorhome under 7 metres if you take it slow, but not recommended for anything larger. Drop down to Borrowdale and return to Keswick. Then head west to Ennerdale, the quietest of the main lakes, where you can walk the lakeside path without seeing a crowd.
Water location
Langdale Water location
Ambleside, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Gateway Inn Kendal Pub stopover
Kendal, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Campsite
Low Moor Head Farm Certified Location Campsite
, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Campsite
Old Kiln Farm Certified Location Campsite
Maryport, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Campsite
Town End Cottage Certified Location Campsite
Penrith, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Campsite
Bolton Hall Certified Location Campsite
, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Campsite
Old Barn Farm Certified Location Campsite
Ulverston, Cumbria, United KingdomThings to Do in Cumbria
The fell walking is what brings most people here, and the options range from gentle lakeside strolls to serious mountain days. Catbells above Derwentwater is the classic first Lake District walk: about 2 hours return with a proper summit feel. Helvellyn via Striding Edge is at the other end, requiring scrambling and a head for heights. Both have car parks at the trailhead that can take motorhomes, though Catbells' parking at Hawse End fills by 9am in summer.
Keswick is the best base town for motorhomers. It has a good market (Saturdays and some Thursdays), an independent cinema, and enough pubs and cafes to keep you entertained on a rain day. And it will rain. Cumbria is the wettest county in England, so pack layers and have an indoor backup plan. The Pencil Museum sounds dire but is surprisingly decent for an hour.
For something different, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a narrow-gauge steam train running 7 miles through the western valleys. Ravenglass itself has a small car park suitable for motorhomes and a good fish and chip shop. Birdwatchers should head to the RSPB reserve at Leighton Moss (technically just over the Lancashire border but close to the M6 corridor).
Practical Information for Motorhomers in Cumbria
Service points in Cumbria are mostly tied to campsites. Some of the larger ones near Windermere and Keswick will let you use their waste disposal for a small fee even if you're not staying. There's no dedicated motorhome service network. Fresh water is easy to come by at most sites.
Fuel is pricey in the Lakes proper. Fill up at the supermarket stations in Penrith (off the M6, Junction 40) or Kendal before heading into the national park. Both Morrisons and Tesco in Penrith have high canopies and easy access.
Height barriers are a real issue at Lake District car parks. Many National Trust car parks have 2.0m or 2.1m barriers. Larger council car parks in Keswick, Ambleside, and Windermere generally don't, but they charge a premium and fill quickly. The A591 corridor is fine for any size of motorhome. Once you leave the main roads, expect single-track lanes with passing places, especially around Borrowdale, Langdale, and the western valleys. Sat-navs are notorious for routing motorhomes through Ambleside's one-way system, so set yours to avoid narrow roads if the option exists.
FAQs: Motorhome Touring in Cumbria
Can I drive a motorhome over Kirkstone Pass?
You can, but think carefully about your vehicle size. Kirkstone is the highest pass in the Lakes open to traffic and the road is steep on both sides. Under 7 metres and you'll be fine with care. Larger than that, take the A592 around Ullswater instead. Avoid Hardknott and Wrynose passes entirely in a motorhome.
Where can I empty motorhome waste in the Lake District?
Several larger campsites offer waste disposal to visitors for a few pounds. There are no public motorhome service points like you'd find on the continent. Ask at campsite reception before pulling up to the drain.
Are there motorhome parking bays in Keswick?
Keswick's main car parks accept motorhomes but don't have dedicated bays. The Lakeside car park near the theatre is the most accessible for larger vehicles. Arrive before 10am in summer or you won't get in.
When is the best time to tour Cumbria by motorhome?
May and September. You'll dodge the school holiday traffic, campsites will have space, and the weather is usually reasonable. October is good for autumn colour but some sites close at the end of September. Avoid bank holiday weekends unless you've booked everything in advance.
Is wild camping allowed in the Lake District?
Wild camping is tolerated for backpackers at higher elevations, but it doesn't extend to motorhomes. You can't legally park overnight on roadsides or in car parks in the national park. Use proper campsites or CLs.
How much does a campsite pitch cost in the Lake District?
Expect to pay between £25 and £45 per night for a motorhome pitch with hookup at a decent campsite in the central Lakes during summer. CLs and smaller sites are cheaper, typically £10 to £15. Prices drop noticeably outside the July-August peak.
Can I take a motorhome on the Windermere ferry?
The Windermere car ferry between Bowness and Far Sawrey takes vehicles up to a certain length and weight. Check the current limits before queuing, as larger motorhomes may not fit. Queues in summer can exceed 30 minutes.
Explore More
Heading north? The Scottish Highlands are a natural next step from Cumbria. To the east, North Yorkshire offers a completely different landscape of moors and dales. See our full England motorhome guide for more ideas.