If you’re looking for a caravan park in the heart of the Lake District, close to the popular town of Ambleside and some of the region’s most beautiful fells, then take a look at Skelwith Fold.
Set amid the 130-acre grounds of a former country home, the park provides caravan holiday homes for private owners plus fully-serviced pitches for those with touring caravans and motorhomes. Currently, there aren’t any static caravans for holiday hire which, to be honest, is a real shame; I would think that half a dozen or so on the park would be very popular in terms of bookings. Who knows, perhaps that might be a plan for the future.
One of the first things that struck me about Skelwith Fold when I visited with my wife and two children, aged twelve and six, was the peace and quiet. There were plenty of families holidaying, so you’d expect a fair bit of noise from excited children, but it was such a tranquil atmosphere that you could relax and listen to the birds singing and the wind blowing through the myriad trees.
In fact, one of the park’s main attractions is the acres of woodland and wildlife, including red squirrels (the park was congratulated by Prince Charles for successfully reintroducing a colony of red squirrel), deer, badgers and countless birds. For the last 15 years, Skelwith has been awarded the prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Award.
Thankfully, Skelwith Fold Caravan Park has spent some time thinking about the layout; unlike other sites, it’s not regimented. Here, most units have their own space and it doesn’t feel as if you’re being looked upon by a dozen other caravans.
All the staff we met were helpful and greeted us with a smile, making all of us, including our two children, feel welcome.
Facilities at the hard-standing touring pitches include electrical hook-ups as standard. Elsewhere, the toilet block and showers were clean while other facilities on the park include a centrally-located launderette, self-service shop and even a small library. Children, meanwhile, will enjoy the adventure playground. Make sure you visit the five-acre meadow at the top of the park; this grassy open space is an ideal spot for a picnic or to simply sit and admire the surrounding vistas – and they’re pretty impressive!
If you want to explore further afield, there is a bus stop and cycle track at the park entrance.
Overall, Skelwith Fold is a pleasurable park situated in a quiet location yet within easy distance of the Lake District’s busier spots. Highly recommended.
More information:
Ambleside
Cumbria LA22 0HY
www.skelwith.com, tel: 015394 32277