10 Reasons for a Staycation at Park Cliffe in the Lake District

All our lives have been interrupted by the pandemic. But with travel taking a backseat in 2020, many of us are eager to get back on the road and explore more of the UK in 2021. The great ‘Staycation’ was gaining popularity even before 2020, eradicating the stress of airports, currency headaches and language mishaps.

There are so many amazing places to visit on a staycation in England from Cornwall to the Cotswolds, and of course the beautiful Cumbria. Surveys show a staggering 15.8 million tourists come to the Lake District each year (Source; Lake District National Park). But what is it about the Lake District that entices so many? And why should you choose Park Cliffe as a base to explore it from?

No foreign travel hassles

The rush to the gate as the final boarding call beams over the tannoy. The overpriced and lifeless airport food. The scramble to get the bags in and out of the overhead lockers while bleary eyed passengers push along the crowded aisle. Suddenly I don’t miss flying that much… 2021 is the year of the staycation! No concerns over border closures, travel corridors, air bridges and quarantine. Just jump in the car, relax and enjoy the stunning British countryside. With all the home comforts you’d expect from a holiday at home, Park Cliffe makes life easy (you don’t even have to cook now the Lakes have their own version of Uber Eats called One Delivery).

Locally sourced food and drink and local pubs

We all know eating local is great for the environment as well as the economy and the Lake District has some sumptuous local food on offer. Try Cumberland Sausage, Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding, Grasmere Gingerbread, and every hiker’s favourite Kendal Mint Cake from the very place it’s made.

Of course no visit to the Lake District would be complete without a proper British pub walk. Head out on an afternoon stroll from Park Cliffe for two of the best pubs in the Lake District; The Brown Horse and The Masons Arms. Of course if the 6/7 mile walk is a bit much on your day off there’s always the Park Cliffe Bar and Restaurant.

Our friendly staff serve up home cooked breakfast and offer a takeaway service too (seasonal hours apply).

Fresh countryside air

Getting out into nature has been proved to have positive effects on our mental health. Dr Miles Richardson, Head of Psychology at the University of Derby says that “feeling a part of nature has been shown to significantly correlate with life satisfaction, vitality, meaningfulness, happiness, mindfulness, and lower cognitive anxiety”. Throughout history the Lake District has attracted people for its serenity, some even making it their full-time home like poet William Wordsworth and writer Beatrix Potter.

Friendly locals

“There’s something in the air”. Local markets and shops in the Lake District have missed the hubbub of tourism and are more eager than ever to get to know visitors. But it’s not just the people who are friendly. There’s plenty of wildlife to see in the Lake District too. From magnificent Ospreys to elusive red squirrels, the Lake District supports a great variety of plant species and animals.

National Park status

The Lake District was designated a National Park in 1951 and is the largest and most visited in England. The aim is to protect the area from development and look after the wildlife that calls the Lake District home. It was awarded World Heritage Site status in 2017 and continues to be a magnet for people wanting to experience the great outdoors. The National Trust owns around 25% of the National Park and offer some fantastic free days out for National Trust members.

Park Cliffe supports these values and is continually improving its ethos towards sustainability. With electric vehicles, environmental policies and participation in Fix the Fells and the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme, Park Cliffe has its very own “Green Story”.

Spectacular scenery

The best way to see the Lake District is by foot on one of the many beautiful walks in the Lake District. Scafell Pike, Aira Force Waterfall, Rydal Caves, The Langdales and Catbells are all accessible as a day trip from Park Cliffe.

From Park Cliffe itself you can look out directly over Windermere or climb Moor How to get 360 views of the park, lake and surrounding mountains. A short 2 hour round trip from Park Cliffe is the hike up Gummers How, revealing even more stunning scenery and breath-taking views.

Outdoor attractions

The Lake District is of course one of England’s best known beauty spots with quaint towns like Kendal and Ambleside, picturesque villages like Grasmere and historic castles like Sizergh and Lowther. But it’s the mountains and lakes that really impress. Some of the best things to do near Windermere involve just going on a walk.

Self-catering accommodation

Park Cliffe is best known for camping and caravanning but we also offer glamping. Our camping pods come in all shapes and sizes to fit every need. Tired of putting up a wet tent? Try our Couple Pods for two or Park Cliffe or Family pods for the family. If it’s a bit more comfort you’re after try a Family Comfort or Family Vista Pod with beds. Did you know we also offer self-catering accommodation?

Try our brand-new self-catering glamping pod.  Sleeping up to a family of 4 this glamping pod comes with a double bed, sofa bed, kitchenette with kettle, toaster, microwave, fridge with ice box, small amounts of crockery and cutlery, dining table & 4 chairs and a bathroom complete with shower, basin and loo. Perfect for couples and families alike.

Our cosy Shepherds Hut sleeps two and is furnished with a double bed, sofa and kitchenette. The hand-crafted kitchenette houses a Butlers sink, small fridge/ice box, microwave, kettle and toaster with small amounts of crockery and cutlery.

For something a little more spacious we have static caravans for hire. Choose between 2 and 3 bedroom static vans sleeping 4 or 6 people respectively, all come with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and a private deck. Just bring your own towels and some food from home (or the fantastic local supermarket) and you have your own little house in the Lake District.

If it’s real luxury you’re after why not stay in your very own cottage in the Lake District? With a modern interior and luxury home comforts it’s the perfect base for a week exploring the very best of the Lakes. With 3 spacious bedrooms all with en suites, the self-catering cottage sleeps up to four with a well-equipped kitchen, family lounge, snug and wood burner fireplace.

Covid Safe Practices

Park Cliffe has restricted occupancy and brought in new procedures to manage social distancing. Hand sanitiser is available around the park, along with reminders for guests to regularly wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. We ask that all guests and staff respect the 2m social distancing guidelines at all times, including young children. A fogging machine will sanitise the rental accommodation prior to cleaning between bookings. Access to Reception or the Laundrette is restricted to one person at any one time. Contactless check-in on arrival at the Park is available on request.

Dog friendly accommodation in the Lake District

No holiday at home would be complete without Fido. While we do offer pet free accommodation suitable for allergy sufferers, a lot of our accommodation options are dog friendly. Some pods, static vans, cottage and all touring and camping pitches welcome your furry friend along on your holiday with us. There are some stunning walks with your dog right from Park Cliffe, but it’s best to always keep them on a lead as we share the landscape with livestock.

Photo credit: S Dickson

So whether it’s a long weekend or a summer holiday, make the most out of your next staycation with a visit to the Lake District and Park Cliffe. We’ll put the kettle on.