Buttermere camping site | Campsite near Gatesgarth

Welcome to Buttermere

If you’re planning to visit the Lake District, and you’re looking to explore somewhere that’s remote yet tourist friendly, then the quaint village of Buttermere could be the ideal place for you. Buttermere, situated between the lakes Buttermere and Crummock Water, is the perfect holiday destination for families and activity seekers looking to explore and camping in Buttermere is a great way to stay.

The tranquil landscape is made up of farms and woodlands surrounding three lakes, all of which provides varied options for walkers. There are easy going walks around Buttermere Lake and the surrounding farmland, and the fells offer anything from steep challenging climbs, to easy going marsh areas.The village is made up of a small, picturesque church, two pubs and a café. It's no wonder so many people see Buttermere as the perfect place to get away from it all.

Why guests love YHA campsites

Picturesque garden and grounds
Stunning views of Lake Buttermere
24-hour access to hostel facilities
Meals available

Campsites in Buttermere

YHA hostels with camping in Buttermere

YHA Buttermere

Garden/grounds

Free parking on premises

WiFi

Things to do in Buttermere

Aira Force Waterfall and Gowbarrow Park

Probably the most famous of the waterfalls in the Lake District, Aira Force provides a glimpse of impressive mountain scenery.
Ambleside Climbing Wall

Here at Ambleside Climbing Wall there's an indoor climbing wall, bouldering room, and cafe. There's also a room dedicated to climbing gear, which can be hired.
Ashgill Force

The highest waterfall in the area, the gill falls a spectacular 50ft into a pool in the wooded valley below.
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House

From the leaf-shaped door handles to the carved wooden panelling, Blackwell is an important icon of Arts & Crafts architecture. Visit Blackwell's website
Boat trips on Derwentwater

Cruise the lake stopping at the lakeshore jetties where you can change boats, or enjoy the 50 minute trip around Derwentwater.
Brantwood

Discover the home of John Ruskin.
Brockhole Visitor Centre

Take in the scenic views and gardens down to the shores of Windermere. See the house first created by William Gaddum, a silk merchant from Manchester, as his family's 'summer house'. Brows
Cathedral Quarry

A network of quarries above Little Langdale - best known for the main chamber, which is 40ft in height and lit by two windows. Visit the Visit Cumbria website Walkers, see the National Trust Hod
Climbing in Borrowdale

Shepherd's crag is a unique climbing ground! The buttresses provide good pitches for both beginner and tiger. The rock is generally excellent.
Climbing in Buttermere

There are fantastic multi pitch climbs on the quick drying Grey Crag to suit all abilities.
Climbing in Coniston

Close by there is skilled scrambling on the famous Pudding Stone - on this large boulder alone there are 30 different challenging routes. Not much further away there are classic climbing and scr
Climbing in Keswick

For an accessible road-side route try Little Chamonix for an entry level climb.
Climbing in Langdale

Raven Crag, Gimmer Crag and White Ghyll are just a few of the numerous rock climbing spots which line the Langdale valley floor, providing some of the most spectacular rock routes in the UK - come and
Climbing in Wasdale

Follow in the footsteps of the Abraham brothers and climb to the top of Napes Needle - a classic hard/severe climb with stunning mountainside views straight down to Wasdale.
Coniston Boating Centre

To see Coniston Water and the stunning fells hire a motor boat, canoe, rowing boat or sailing boat and explore. Take a break at the Bluebird Café right on the edge of Coniston Water. Visit the w
Coniston Cruises

Enjoy a beautiful boat cruise on Coniston Water, staying on the boat for the full cruise or getting off at a jetty to explore. Or just use the service as a ferry to get between where the differe
Cross Bay Walks

The walks cross several estuary channels, some some fast running, so it's best to use a guide across the dangerous sands.
Cycling around Hawkshead

YHA Hawkshead is a fantastic location for road and mountain bikers, be they novice, families or experienced.Grizedale ForestThe forest is a mecca for mountain bikers in the north west and YHA Hawkshea
Cycling in Borrowdale

Cycling around Derwentwater is a great day in the saddle. Admire the ever changing and breathtaking views across Derwentwater and stop off at the cafe at Grange and Keswick to keep you going.
Cycling in Buttermere

The Fred Whitton Challenge is a famous endurance event taking place in early May each year. It’s a 112 mile ride over all the principle mountain passes of Lakeland.
Cycling in Coniston Holly How

The circular route around Coniston Water is perfect for easy, relaxing rides. Take on the high altitude buzz of Hardknott and Wrynose passes from the hostel. The Fred Whitton Challenge aro
Cycling in Eskdale

The fantastic Hardknott Pass circuit takes you over one of the highest and hardest cycle passes in Britain, then cycle down the Duddon Valley and return to the hostel via Birker Moor.
Cycling in Keswick

From YHA Keswick there is a cycle route to suit everyone, whether you’re looking for a gentle ride following the River Greta along an old railway track to tackling the famous 112 mile Fred Whitton cha
Dove Cottage

Visit the barely-changed home of famous Romantic poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy. You'll find plenty to inspire you in the museum too.
Glenridding Sailing Centre

Hire out a sailboat, canoe or kayak for use on Ullswater. A range of courses are offered.Visit Glenridding Sailing Centre's website
Go Ape

Go Ape has several locations across the UK where you can climb and fly through the trees.
Go Ape Grizedale

Fly 200 metres across the top of the Grizedale Beck and marvel at the forest canopy from 18m up a Douglas Fir. YHA members get 10% off outdoor adventures with Go Ape (all activities and locations,
Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

Enjoy the wonderful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and sample the delights inside the tiny shop.
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum

Situated in the pretty Lake District village of Hawkshead, the Grammar School Museum tells the story of school life since its founding in 1585.
Highpoint Mountain Guides

Navigation, rock climbing and mountaineering courses for skills training, guided activities or just having some group fun.Instructors and mountain guides used by Highpoint Mountain Guide are experienc
Hill Top (Beatrix Potter)

Full of her favourite things, the house looks like Beatrix has just stepped out for a walk. Don't miss the lovely cottage garden.
Holker Hall

Set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into Parkland framed by the Lakeland Hills.
Honister Slate Mine

For underground tours and the popular Via Ferrata. Edge along ladders and bridges to reach a summit viewpoint over Buttermere. Visit the website
Keswick Adventure Centre

Offering multi-activity courses in everything from ghyll scrambling and zip-wires to raft-building and waterrollerz.
Keswick Golf Club

An 18 hole golf course offering a unique golfing experience - with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Lakeland Fells.
Keswick Launch Company

Daily launches around the lake stopping at Keswick, Nichol End, Hawes End, Low Brandlehow,, High Brandlehow, Lodore and Ashness Gate.
Keswick Leisure Pool

With its warm waters, wave machine and 'black hole' flume there's fun for all the family.
Keswick Museum and Art Gallery

With its large collection of exhibits, the museum is a fascinating place to discover old Keswick and the Lake District. See the museum website.
Lakes Aquarium

Watch otters swim from the underwater tunnel, stroll through the tropical rainforest and explore the seashore discovery zone.
Leighton Moss RSPB reserve & Morecambe Bay RSPB reserve

Two nationally important wetland reserves. Free entry for YHA guests arriving at RSPB by bike or rail.
Levens Hall

One of the finest stately homes in south Cumbria. Don't miss the fantastic gardens with the famous topiary.
Merz Barn

Discover the recovery, documentation and restoration of Kurt Schwitters’ last Merzbau project; the Elterwater Merz Barn.
Mountain Biking around Coniston Holly How

There's low level bridleways with easy wooded terrain for youngsters, while the more adventurous can take on the challenge of Walna Scar Road or the north face trail in Grizedale Forest.
Mountain biking in Ambleside

With Claife Heights right opposite, the hostel is a perfect base for exploring the area by mountain bike.
Mountain biking in Borrowdale

The 19 kilometre red grade Altura trail has two loops which includes 15 kilometres of challenging single track sections and popular features like berms, jumps, rock features, skinnies, cork screws and
Mountain Biking in Caldbeck

Wind through the hills and straights for the ultimate mountain biking experience.
Mountain biking in Ennerdale

Situated alongside moderately graded forest roads, the hostel also has easy access to the lanes and B roads of West Cumbria.
Mountain biking in Eskdale

For those with energy to burn, and a certain amount of experience, there is the trickier mountain route into the neighbouring valley of Wasdale and coming back to the hostel by Burnmoor into Wasdale v
Mountain biking in Hawkshead

Set off down the bridleway from the back of the hostel to join Grizedale forest which offers hundreds of different routes for mountain bikers of all abilities.
Mountain Biking in Keswick

Whinlatter Visitors Centre is just five miles from YHA Keswick with some of the best purpose built single track mountain bike trails in the country.
Mountain biking in Langdale

If you're an experienced mountain biker, try the Langdale Loop in the Langdale valley area.
Mountain biking on Helvellyn

Bike up Helvellyn, the second highest mountain in the Lake District, to get your heart pumping! Or if you fancy a lakeside route try Ullswater Singletrack near High Street and Place Fell.
Muncaster Castle

Historic haunted castle, with 70 acres of stunning Gardens, set against the back drop of the fells. Home to the Hawk and Owl Centre, where from Easter through to min-Oct there are daily flying d
Osprey View Point

Spectacular view of the ospreys flying to and from their nest and, most amazing of all, catching fish from Bassenthwaite Lake.
Plattyplus watersports

Based on the shores of Derwent Water, you can hire equipment or take a lesson in kayaking, canoeing, sailing and windsurfing. Visit the Platty+ website
Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway

Travel for seven miles from a delightful coastal village, through two glorious valleys to the foot of England’s highest mountains. Visit the Railway website
Rheged Discovery Centre

Designed to resemble a Lakeland hill, the grass-covered centre houses a cinema, play areas, pottery painting and regional shops that reflect the area, its craft people and producers.Why's it call
Rookin House Horseriding and Activity Centre

Rookin House is an established adventure venue in the Lake District. It offers horse riding, archery and quadbiking to name but a few.Visit Rookin House's website
Running in Borrowdale

The Borrowdale valley has a great reputation with fell runners. And thanks to the races the hostel organises, YHA Borrowdale is now attracting plenty of people with a passion for dashing.
Running in Coniston

The fells and trails of the Lake District abound with opportunities to take your running to new heights and achieve euphoria. And where better to base your experience than this remote retreat of
St Bees Head

Blow away the cobwebs with a bracing walk along the cliff top path, and look across to the Isle of Man on a clear day. Visit the RSPB website (grid reference is St Bees Head car park, and not as
St Patrick's Boat Hire

To fully experience Lake Ullswater, hire a self-drive motorboat, fishing boat, rowing boat or canoe.
Steam Yacht Gondola

The gondola is the perfect way to view Coniston's spectacular scenery. Sail to Monk Coniston jetty and then walk to Tarn Hows. View the Yacht's National Trust website
The Dalemain Estate

Behind its Georgian facade, this fantastic house has a wealth of Tudor and Mediaeval rooms and buildings to explore.
The Pencil Museum

Enter through a graphite mine replica and follow the path of pencil making from the reign of Elizabeth 1st to the present day.
The Puzzling Place

Stuffed with puzzles, gadgets and curiosities The Puzzling Place is guaranteed to have something to amuse, entertain or puzzle you.
The World of Beatrix Potter

Take a walk through Miss Potter's famous tales, complete with animatronics and walk-through scenes from her stories. Don't forget to exit through the gift shop!
Theatre by the Lake

One of the most beautifully located theatres in England, hosting film and literary festivals throughout the year.
Tom Ghyll Waterfalls

Tom Ghyll (or Gill) is a lovely stream with two waterfalls. A trail runs alongside the stream and the path then leads up to Tarn Hows.Start at the Car Park on the A593 by Glen Mary Bridge.
Troutbeck Village

A truly unique village, located in a lovely unspoilt valley, nearly every building is over 100 years old, and some are over 300 years old. Visit the Village website (Note: Not to be confused wit
Ullswater

The second largest lake in the Lake District is 9 miles long and snakes through a stunning valley between high mountains, none more impressive than Helvellyn to its southwest.Steamers have stopped at
Walking and Rambling around Coniston

Routes to the Old Man and Weatherlam start from the front door.
Walking and Rambling around Coniston Holly How

Explore the drama of Coniston Old Man and Weatherlam compared to the tranquillity of Tarn Hows in Beatrix Potter country. Wind your way up through the mining heritage of Coniston, through a jagg
Walking and Rambling in Ambleside

If you're planning on staying at YHA Ambleside, why not download a free map and get out exploring?All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the are
Walking and Rambling in Arnside

Great all weather, all season walking with a variety of routes available to suit all abilities and interests.
Walking and Rambling in Borrowdale

There is no better place for climbing Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Bowfell.
Walking and Rambling in Hawkshead

If you're planning on staying at YHA Hawkshead, why not download a free map and get out exploring?All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the are
Walking and Rambling in Honister

If you're planning on staying at YHA Honister Hause, why not download a free map and get out exploring?All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore th
Walking and Rambling in Keswick

If you're planning on staying at YHA Keswick, why not download a free map and get out exploring?All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the area
Walking and Rambling in Langdale

Spectacularly located, YHA Langdale overlooks Windermere and gives you access to the iconic fell walking routes of Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and the Langdale Pikes.
Walking and Rambling in Wasdale

If you're planning on staying at YHA Wasdale Hall, why not download a free map and get out exploring?All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the
Walking and Rambling near Hawse End Bunkhouse

Climb one of the hills right next to the bunkhouse to make the most of the beautiful landscape and see the world from a different perspective.
Walking and Rambling on Helvellyn

If you're planning on staying at YHA Helvellyn, why not download a free map and get out exploring?All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the are
Watersports around Borrowdale

Fast and furious dragon boat racing is a must for groups and for something totally different, don't miss the experience of sailing or rowing a Viking Longboat.
Watersports in Ambleside

The Lake District was made for wild swimming and with this hostel right on the edge of England's largest lake, Windermere, it would be rude not to.
Watersports in Buttermere

The cream of Lake District wild swimming is to be found in the Buttermere valley in the crystal clear waters of the Buttermere and Crummock waters and local tarns.
Watersports in Caldbeck

Learn all the boating skills you need and experience the thrill of the open water.
Watersports in Coniston

This lovely area is great for water sports, so whatever mode of water transport takes your fancy, take the plunge and enjoy some fun on, or in, the water! Gorge scrambling in Church Beck is on the
Watersports in Hawkshead

Only five miles from Windermere, you can try your hand at anything from a lake cruise through to wind surfing, kayaking and canoeing. If you feel the need for speed you can even hire a power boat.
Watersports in Keswick

Within a three mile radius of Keswick you can try canoeing, sailing and kayaking, all available on Derwentwater.
Watersports in Langdale

For taking a dip on the wild side, the Lake District is a wild swimmer's paradise. Why not take a dip in one of the secluded fell tarns or smaller lakes such as nearby Grasmere and Rydal Water?
Watersports in Wasdale

The hostel grounds run down to the lakeshore. Paddling, canoeing and kayaking are available on the lake, a stones throw from the hostel door, just remember to bring your own equipment.
Watersports near Helvellyn

Ullswater is great for a wide variety of water sports from sailing to windsurfing - you can even travel light and hire all the equipment you need from the sailing centre. A trip on the Ullswater St
Whitehaven

Lovely, heritage Georgian town - the starting point on the C2C route. Don't miss the Beacon visitors centre and The Rum Story.
Wildlife Oasis

The little zoo with lots to do! A unique and exciting blend of exotic wildlife and interactive hands-on displays.
Windermere Jetty Museum

Come rain or shine the museum offers a welcoming space to spend time with friends and family.
Windermere Lake Cruises

The spectacular voyage gives you views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the delightful wooded islands.

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Camping in Buttermere