Guide to Low Wray Campsite

• Low Wray Campsite is popular so please do book in advance online.

• In the booking system, choose your area and pitch size, reading the description carefully. In your booking, let us know if you need space for an awning. We'll direct you to your allocated pitch when you arrive.

• The maximum number of adults allowed in a group is four, whether you book together or separately. This is to help preserve the tranquility at the campsite, which isn't suited to larger gatherings.

• If you have special requests, including camping next to friends or family, please let us know when booking and we'll do our best to help although we can't always guarantee adjacent pitches. If you are pitching next to friends or family, there should be no more than four adults in your combined group.

• Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

• The minimum stay for bookings is two nights, and three nights on Bank Holiday weekends. One night stays are only available at the site on a first-come-first-served basis.

• We offer a car free discount if you arrive on foot, by bike or by public transport (does not apply to group bookings). Please retain any public transport tickets to claim the discount. Ask for details at reception when you arrive.

• We welcome organised groups such as Duke of Edinburgh and Scouts. Please complete the group booking form at the bottom of the page and we'll get back to you.

• If Low Wray Campsite is full, Eskdale Campsite is a great family-friendly alternative.

• We are closed 23-29 December 2024, and 13 January - 9 February 2025.

• You don't have to be a member of the National Trust to camp and we are unable to offer member discounts due to the regulations we are governed by as a charity. If you'd like to be a member and support our work, please speak to the team at reception.

Low Wray will have reduced opening over winter, mostly open just at weekends as well as opening over New Year and for the half-term holiday:

• From Monday 4 November to Sunday 22 December 2024, the site is open from check in on Friday until departure on Sunday and closed from Monday to Thursday.
• It is closed over Christmas from Monday 23 December to Sunday 29 December.
• The site is open over New Year from Monday 30 December to Sunday 5 January.
• It is open for the weekend from Friday 10 January to Sunday 12 January.
• It is closed for annual maintenance from Monday 13 January to Sunday 9 February.
• It is open for weekends only (Friday arrivals and Sunday departures) from Monday 10 February to Thursday 27 March, but open for the whole of half-term week within that period, from Friday 21 February to Sunday 2 March.

Arriving by road: From Ambleside - take the A593, turn left at Clappersgate on to the B5286. Turn left at the sign for Wray. The site is less than one mile on the left.

Arriving by bus: Pick up bus service 505, the Coniston Rambler, from Ambleside or Windermere railway station towards Hawkshead and disembark at Low Wray / Wray Castle road end where you'll have a 0.8 mile walk to the campsite. For timetable information, call 0871 200 22 33 or visit Traveline.

Arriving by boat: You can catch a boat across Lake Windermere from Ambleside to Wray Castle and then it's just a few minutes walk along the lake shore path to Low Wray campsite. The boat runs seasonally - see Windermere Lake Cruises for a timetable.

Hiking/cycling between campsites: There are numerous walks and cycle routes between our campsites. Plan your route with OS map OL7 (English lakes, South-eastern area for Low Wray/ Great Langdale) and OS map OL6 (English lakes, South-western area for Great Langdale/Wasdale). You can also use Harveys BMC 1:40,000 map, which shows all our campsites on one map.

• For camping pitches, please check in at reception from 3pm before pitching.

• For pods and safari tents, please check in from 4pm.

• If you arrive late or when reception is closed, your welcome pack will be waiting for you at the late arrivals point with all the information you need.

• On your day of departure, please leave by 11am. If you'd like to extend your stay, please ask at reception between 8am and 10am.

• You'll choose an area of the campsite and your pitch size when making your booking online. Most pitches are in one of the meadows, with some in the woodland and just a few by the lakeshore. On arrival, we'll direct you to your allocated pitch in your chosen area.

• In the booking system, read the pitch descriptions carefully to choose one that's the right size for your tent. Tent sizes are as follows:

  • Small - up to 3m x 3m – up to three people

  • Medium - up to 6m x 5m - up to five people (maximum four adults)

  • Large - up to 8m x 8m - up to eight people (maximum four adults)

• If you would like to camp next to friends or family, we'll do our best to help when you arrive although we can't always guarantee adjacent pitches. If you are pitching next to friends or family, there should be no more than four adults in your combined group.

• Please leave at least 6m between tents.

• Cars are parked away from tents in the parking area.

• We accept campervans and motorhomes 6m long x 2m wide. If your vehicle is larger than this, we'd recommend contacting the booking team to find out if the site and the narrow approach roads are suitable for you. We can usually accept trailer tents but they have to be manhandled onto the pitch so please let us know when you make your booking. Sorry, we can't accept caravans of any length.

• The hardstanding pitches are mostly on the edge of the site with countryside views. There are also a few woodland pitches next to the beck with good access for launching canoes. There are no lakeside pitches for campervans, motorhomes or roof tents. Read the pitch descriptions in the booking system carefully to help you make your choice.

• Most pitches have electric hook-up.

• If you need space for an awning, please let us know in your booking.

• A chemical toilet disposal facility/Elsan is available. We don't have a drive-over grey waste disposal.

• The road leading to the site is narrow in places so larger motorhomes should take care.

• Think of a pod as a replacement for a tent. You'll need to bring everything you would bring if you were camping in a tent, such as a sleeping bag, pots and pans, a stove and camping chairs. We provide mattresses, but some campers like to put their sleeping mat on top.

• Pods are insulated and have heat, light and electrical sockets.

• The pods are dotted around the campsite - some in the lake field and some in the woodland. There's a mix of pod types; large regular pods, large pods, plus pods and furnished pods. Read the descriptions in the booking system carefully to make your choice.

• There are picnic tables by the pods.

• Your car will be parked in the car park.

• The pods at Low Wray Campsite are not dog friendly, and pod guests are not permitted to bring dogs to the campsite. If you would like to bring a dog to the campsite, please choose the lake-view cabin or book a camping pitch and bring a tent or campervan.

• The Lake-view Cabin is an accessible, furnished pod that is wheelchair accessible and sleeps up to four people (maximum three adults). It has heat, light, water and well-positioned electrical sockets with USB ports. It has turning circles of at least 1.5m where needed, and wheelchair-friendly flooring.

• It has views of the lake from a level covered deck with a non-slip surface, and a level entry with no steps. It has wide, sliding glass doors.

• There are two electrically-adjustable beds that can be twin beds or a double bed, and bunk beds (top bunk 165cm x 90cm - bottom bunk 185cm x 90cm),

• The kitchen is equipped with lower-level worktops and space under the sink.

• It is dog friendly.

Inventory

Beds and bedding:

• Two single adjustable beds (joined)

• One bunk bed

• Duvets, pillows and sheets for all beds, blankets and cushions

Furniture:

• Furniture including a wardrobe, sofa, dining table and chairs

• Picnic table

Kitchen:

• Electric cooker, microwave, undercounter fridge/freezer and kettle

• Plates, bowls, cups, mugs, wine glasses and cutlery for 4 people

• Basic utensils (bottle opener, sharp knife, serving spoon)

• Selection of pans

• Wooden chopping board

• Fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detector

• Bin

• Dustpan and brush

• There are three safari tents in the woodland area of the campsite.

• They are fully furnished and have a woodburner.

• In the kitchen area, there's a gas cooking stove.

• They sleep six and have screens separating the two bedrooms - one bedroom has a king-size bed and the other is a twin room with an optional cabin bed for children.

• They have a large wooden deck.

• Please bring bedding and torches.

• One of the safari tents is dog friendly - please read the description in the booking system to be sure you have booked a dog-friendly safari tent. If your safari tent is not dog friendly, you are not permitted to bring a dog to the campsite.

Inventory

Safari tent (sleeps six):

Beds:

• Six beds - one double, two singles and one compact double cabin bed - please bring your own bedding

• Blankets

Furniture:

• Furniture including bedside tables, wardrobes, dining tables and chairs and sofas

• Lighting:

• An assortment of fairy lights, torches and lanterns

Fire and cooking equipment:

• Woodburner

• Basket of logs for the first night (more available to buy from the shop) with kindling with firelighters and matches, set of fire tools, glove and fire guard

• Gas hob for cooking, propane gas bottle (with hose and regulator) and lighter for stove

• Barbecue

• Fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detector

Kitchen equipment:

• Plates, bowls, cups, mugs and cutlery for six people

• Basic utensils (bottle opener, sharp knife, serving spoon)

• Kettle

• Washing up bowl with liquid and sponge

• Bins (one for waste, one for recycling and one for ash)

• Brush

• A selection of pans, a colander, a mixing bowl and wooden chopping board

• Cool box and ice packs

• Two large water carriers

From Easter through to the end of October, the reception and shop opens at 8am to serve hot drinks, pastries and breakfast baguettes. The team is happy to answer questions about the local area. Closing times vary, so please check when you arrive.

We sell all the basics, including milk, eggs and bread, along with some local produce and camping staples like beans and pasta. We have a range of camping supplies like gas cylinders, maps and guidebooks, blankets and things for children.

There are wood-fired pizzas available on certain evenings between April and September. Check availability when you arrive.

There's a wood-fired sauna on site throughout the summer. Check availability when you arrive.

Showers and toilets: There are three facilities blocks around the campsite, with showers and toilets, including accessible facilities opened with a radar key. Hot showers are free of charge. Dogs are not allowed in the facilities blocks.

Washing-up area: There's a washing-up area at each of the facilities blocks. Please give the area a wipe down after you've used it, so it's ready for the next person.

Laundry and drying rooms: There are washing and drying facilities in the Woodlands facilities block and a second drying facility in the Woodhouse Meadow/Whitworths block. You'll need coins - It's £4 for a wash (1 x £2 coin + 2 x £1 coins) and £3 for the dryer (3 x £1 coins). Please bring cash and detergent.

Waste: We have general waste and recycling facilities.

Chemical waste: We have chemical toilet disposal facility/Elsan near one of the facilities blocks. We don't have a drive-over facility for grey waste.

Freeze packs: There are freezers at reception and behind the woodland facilities block for freezing your own ice blocks.

Gas cylinders: We sell a range of gas cylinders.

Electric Vehicle charging: Sorry, there's no electric vehicle charging at Low Wray Campsite.

Parking: Cars are parked away from the camping pitches. There are wheelbarrows dotted around the site that you can use to move your things.

There's a children's play area.

Wi-Fi: Sorry, there's no Wi-Fi at Low Wray Campsite.

Mobile phone signal: There is mobile phone signal at the campsite.

Seasonal facilities: In summer, wood-fired pizza and a wood-fired sauna are sometimes available onsite. Check availability on arrival.

We welcome up to two dogs free of charge to camping pitches, the lake-view cabin and one of the safari tents. Please let us know if you're bringing dogs when you book.

The pods and two safari tents are not dog friendly and guests are not permitted to bring dogs to the campsite. If you would like to bring dogs, please choose a camping pitch, the lake-view cabin or the dog-friendly safari tent.

When at the campsite, please keep your dog on a lead at all times and exercise them away from other campers. Please pick up after your dog right away and use the waste bins provided. Dogs are not allowed in the facilities blocks.

Campfires are allowed when contained in a firepit and raised from the ground.

Charcoal barbecues are allowed when raised from the ground.

Winter closures: We are closed 23-29 December 2024, and 13 January - 9 February 2025.

Caravans and trailer tents: Sorry, we can't accept caravans. As trailer tents need to be manhandled onto their pitch, please let us know in your booking if you're bringing a trailer tent so we can allocate a suitable pitch.

Quiet time: Please think of your neighbours and help us protect the peace and tranquility at Low Wray Campsite at all times. No noise 10pm - 7am please.

Cooking safety: Cooking inside tents or pods is not permitted and can be lethal due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

No smoking please.

No audible devices please including radios, stereos or other sound systems please.

The use of drones or generators is not permitted at the campsite.

CCTV: Please note there's CCTV in the arrivals car park and at the entrance barrier, inside and outside the reception and shop, and on the pathways that lead to the building.

Group bookings: The maximum number of adults allowed in any party is four, whether you book together or separately, unless you are with an official group. Official groups, like Duke of Edinburgh, are very welcome at National Trust campsites. Please complete the booking form at the bottom of this page.

Lost property: If you leave any of your possessions behind at the campsite, please contact us as soon as possible. You can organise a pre-paid parcel collection from the campsite reception, and we are happy to package your items, print and attach labels.

We reserve the right to charge you for any storage and delivery costs that we incur in relation to your lost property. We charge a lost property charge of £10 to cover our administrative costs and standard Royal Mail delivery up to 2kgs in the UK to return your items to you. If a request to return your items deviates from these conditions, then we reserve the right to charge you any additional costs.

Where possible, we’ll hold lost property for three months after which it’ll be disposed of. Perishables will be disposed of immediately and are therefore unreturnable. In addition, we will only be able to return items permissible by Royal Mail.

Problem or complaint: Every reasonable care will be taken to ensure that the camping pitch, pod or bothy and also site amenities are presented to a high standard. Should you find any cause for complaint, please immediately contact one of the campsite staff, so that reasonable steps can then be taken to rectify the problem. National Trust will not normally make any refunds in respect of complaints made after the Visitor’s departure from the campsite if the Visitor did not make the problem or complaint known to staff during the Visitor’s stay. If you supplied an email address at the time of booking, a survey will be emailed to you for your comments after your stay. All complaints made after the Visitor’s departure should be made in writing by post or email to:

Guest Relations Manager

National Trust Holidays, Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2NA

Email: guestrelations@nationaltrust.org.uk.

Small print: In addition to the site rules in this campsite guide, there are terms and conditions that apply to your booking. You can also read them on the campsite notice board.

There's bike hire at windermere train station as well as at other activity centres around the lake. You'll find kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for hire in Ambleside.

For up-to-date weather information, visit the Lake District weatherline. The mountain weather forecast is displayed daily at the reception.

For advice on staying safe on the fells, visit the Lake District National Park Authority website and the Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team website

Read our guide on how to stay safe at our places.

Our partners, Joey's Café, serve at Wray Castle as well as Claife Viewing Station. A percentage of their profits go to care for Wray Castle. There are two country pubs serving food within two miles of the campsite; you can walk to one of them in 45 minutes. There are lots of places to eat and drink in both Ambleside and Hawkshead.

There's a bank with a cash machine in Ambleside, and cash machines and cashback facilities in Hawkshead. There are small grocery stores in both towns, which are about 3 miles or a ten-minute drive away. Ambleside is larger and has a cinema, museum and Roman fort. Hawkshead is a pretty village with cobbled streets and quaint shops and pubs.

The closest supermarket is in Windermere, which you can reach in 20-25 minutes.

By car, there are three routes to Bowness on Windermere from Low Wray Campsite. Head to Sawrey and then by ferry across the lake to Bowness (approximately six miles) or drive to Ambleside and then follow the A591 to Windermere, turn right at the mini roundabout to Bowness (approx 10 miles but no waiting time for the ferry). Alternatively, you could drive to Waterhead at the northern tip of the lake and catch a steamer to Bowness (30 minute cruise). Timetables are available from reception.