Overall View
Englethwaite Hall CAMC site is located close to the M6(J42); 7 miles south of Carlisle. As such it is often cited as being very convenient for those people travelling to and from Scotland. This is, however, to miss a particularly pleasant area and location apart from an overnight stopping off point. Please see arrival video HERE Please note you must follow the directions as per the handbook and video as other roads are unsuitable for towing caravans.
This site came about, in 1969 after the demolition of the ruins of Englethwaite Hall, built in late 1800’s and then became an artillery hospital in 1916 until its eventual closure in 1919 whereupon it fell into ruin. There is an interesting photo display in the information room and further information can be found on line. The entrance pathway can still be seen from pitch 50 and it is possible to walk down this to the fully secured on-site dog walk.
Facilities
The site does not have a facilities block but there are a number of fully serviced pitches.
There is a comprehensive Information Room situated on site. The wardens sell some limited basics.
There are a number of conveniently placed service points including a drive over motorhome point.
The site is divided into several pitching areas including some pleasant cul-de-sacs.
There is also a small storage area for both caravans and motorhomes.
Review of Site Pitch
Pitches are generally level and spacious, as you would expect on a CAMCS site. Please note that some of the bollards are a distance from certain pitches.
Very pleasant views can be found from a number of pitches and it is possible to pitch front in if you so choose. It should be noted that pitches 6-9, 30 and 31 may flood in heavy rain. I was on pitch 7 and there was a small amount of pooling on the left after a heavy downfall overnight. The pitch was otherwise fine with no ramp required and offered some views over the countryside.
Radio reception was good, likewise TV with a directional aerial and the on board booster.
Site WiFi is available however I was advised it is limited and does not cover the whole site – a map in reception shows the coverage – centred around the reception and a couple of chairs are provided on the grass nearby.
Mobile network wise I found Three to be good using an outside aerial, easily streaming iPlayer and ITV Hub. Coverage was not so good using the phone inside the ‘van however. The Vodafone coverage checker suggests similar results. EE was fine indoors and out and the coverage checker for O2 suggests the same.
Around and about
The nearest supermarket, Asda and its fuel station is found just off J44 of the M6 and is part of an out-of-town retail park. At the time of typing (April 2022) This was the cheapest.
There are plenty of opportunities for walkers and right next to the site is High Stand Wood. There are plenty of options, from just a quick walk with the dog to a much longer trek. I did a circular walk of half an hour or so – probably accessible when dry but it was quite muddy in the more exposed areas after the recent rain.
There are a couple of pubs in Armathwaite, about 4 miles drive from the site. The Fox and Pheasant is a very traditional pub/hotel which has won a number of awards. It is dog and child friendly and there is a pool room. Armathwaite also has its own railway station and is on the Settle to Carlisle line. There is a very small car park on the Carlisle bound side of the railway.
The 90-minute or so ride to Settle takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside Britain has to offer. There are Steam specials but also a regular mainline service several times a day. Noting the limited parking at Armathwaite I chose to board at Carlisle – even on a wet Wednesday outside of school holidays it was quite busy. There are many and much cheaper options than parking in the station car park, some only a few minutes walk away.
Settle is a pretty town to mooch around with many independent shops but the stop for the famous Ribblehead Viaduct was very popular too. The train continues to Leeds if you fancy some time in the city.
Carlisle is the nearest town and home to the nearest West Coast Mainline Railway Station. Carlisle is a border town and is worth a visit – buildings are made of stone and there is also a lot of history there. www.discovercarlisle.co.uk The area around the cathedral is particularly appealing.
Carlisle Castle, part of English Heritage, is well worth a visit. There is an awful lot of history here and the guides were only to willing to impart their knowledge. The Carlisle Museum of Military Life is on site too and your entry includes admission to their fascinating display.
There is only disabled parking on site but the Castle Car Park is only five minutes walk away and charges seemed reasonable – and free at weekends.
Just slightly north of Carlisle is the world famous Gretna Green. The whole area now takes pretty much a day to visit. There is an out of town retail section, the same all over the country. About half a mile further north on the same road is the olde worlde Gretna Green and wedding anvil of historical and folklore. On that site there are several shops, selling liqueurs – whisky in particular. Specialist food stores and restaurants/cafes abound. There is the actual smithy and anvil itself – it is not always possible to gain entry to that building if a ceremony is ongoing. There is also a Scottish clothes shop and kilts and all accessories can be obtained. There are also kilts and clothing for ladies. It is often possible to see a traditional bagpipe musician playing and he is more than willing to pose for photos if asked nicely!
Slightly further south, about a 30-40 minute car drive on the M6 you reach J40 and the turning for Penrith. This gives you access to the North Lake District, Ullswater being the first lake, Derwentwater by Keswick and Bassenthwaite being the third.
This is more fully described in the Troutbeck Head CAMCS Review which can be found on Cover4Caravans website.
While the M6 is likely quicker the A6 is a much nicer drive – I found it to be light on traffic and any passengers will enjoy the views of the lovely countryside.
Summary
A superb little site for those that don’t need facilities blocks. Access is straightforward, it is pretty and well kept. There is plenty do do around and about and whilst it is understandably a popular stopping off point for those heading north or south the area is definitely worth a few nights of your time.