4 the bh& hpa stay with friends british holiday & home parks association Park Cliffe, Windermere Put a park at the heart of your holiday. On a holiday park, you can stay right in the heart of some of Cumbria's most beautiful countryside. But it's not just the great locations which make a park holiday so memorable. It's also the fantastic opportunity they offer to enjoy Cumbria just the way you like it. For example, if you're looking for a family- centred break with lots going on for everyone, choose a park with facilities such as a swimming pool, spa, entertainment and children's activities. Perhaps you'd prefer somewhere suited to a special activity, like fell- walking, sailing or cycling? There are plenty of options with a whole host of outdoor opportunities right on your doorstep. Or if you'd prefer a no- frills park with just a great location and gorgeous scenery, then take your pick of a very attractive bunch, and get ready to relax. There are more than 100 Cumbrian parks in membership of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, and it's here you'll find the warmest welcomes, and the friendliest atmospheres. If you are intending to camp, or are bringing a touring caravan or motorhome, parks offer first- class pitches - with all the facilities just a short stroll away. Alternatively, you can hire a caravan holiday home or lodge on many parks. Spacious and fully equipped, they are ideal for families who don't want to compromise on comfort. Owning a caravan holiday home or lodge on a park is another option. It will be yours to enjoy throughout the year whenever the park is open - for both short breaks and longer stays. It's easy to judge the quality of your chosen park, thanks to VisitBritain's park grading scheme. This assesses each park on the quality - not the quantity - of what's on offer, and awards up to five stars for the standards achieved. Look out too for the many parks in Cumbria which have gained the David Bellamy Conservation Award for environmental excellence. You'll often find these parks also provide features such as wildlife walks and special children's activities.

To fi nd out more or to book online visit golakes. co. uk 5 the national trust Get back to nature with the National Trust by camping at one of their three campsites located in the Lake District National Park - and not only that, you will be helping to conserve the Lakeland landscape too. NT campsites are all perfectly located for outdoor adventure activities: Low Wray on the quiet western shore of Windermere with lake access for non- powered craft: ideal for watersports enthusiasts, Great Langdale and Wasdale situated in valleys amidst the highest of the Lakeland fells; perfect for those who want to fell walk or climb the most challenging routes. The choice of walking and cycling routes starting from the campsites themselves are numerous and varied – campers will appreciate the fact that they can pursue their activities without having to get in the car! From Low Wray campsite there are beautiful walks through Beatrix Potter country – walk from the campsite through the grounds of Wray Castle, along the shores of Windermere to Potter's home, Hill Top. Just a hop from there is the Beatrix Potter Gallery at Hawkshead. Both Great Langdale and Low Wray campsites are great bases to explore other parts of the Lake District including many other National Trust properties such as a cruise on the elegant Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston Water or a day out at Sizergh Castle near Kendal. Wasdale Campsite has a remote location, accessible by a single track road hugging the shore of spectacular Wastwater, England's deepest lake. The NT campsites do not currently operate a booking system - campers are accepted on a fi rst come, fi rst served basis. Great Langdale and Wasdale campsites are open all year round - a great benefi t for winter mountaineers. To preserve the peaceful nature of the sites groups of no more than 4 campers are accepted unless you are a family group with children and there is a strict quiet site policy. Full details of the campsite rules and conditions are found on the website. Whichever campsite you choose, not only are you guaranteed a truly rewarding outdoor experience, you will also be safe in the knowledge that by staying at a National Trust campsite, you will be helping to care for the very countryside you have come to enjoy. Further details can be found at www. ntlakescampsites. org. uk For events and attractions close to the campsites, visit www. nationaltrust. org. uk. in the lake district National Trust Campsite, Wasdale