The Active Base at Low Wray Campsite
The Active Base at Low Wray is the perfect starting point for exploring Lake Windermere and the Central Lakes by water and pedal, with bikes, canoes, kayaks and stand up paddleboards available to hire from April to October.
Opening times
The Active Base at Low Wray Campsite is open from 1st April to 29th October 2023, 9am-5pm (subject to seasonal change). We are closed on Fridays until the school summer holidays, and then open seven days a week. For current opening times and to plan your visit, please email us at lowwrayactivebase@nationaltrust.org.uk.
How to book
During school holidays and weekends it's best to book in advance. Contact us to check availability and make your booking by email to lowwrayactivebase@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Equipment hire is subject to terms and conditions - please contact us if you'd like to read them in advance of making a booking.
Facilities
We have showers onsite, and you'll find hot drinks and snacks are available to buy in the campsite reception.
Cycling
Low Wray Campsite is the perfect base for exploring the beautiful central Lake District countryside by bike. Follow the Windermere west coast bridleway up to our neighbouring Wray Castle and downwards through Claife Heights. Make an essential stop off at the café for coffee and cake and then up to the viewing station for views over Bowness and surrounding areas, or take the popular route to Skelwith Bridge and Elterwater to see many of the waterfalls and tarns of the area. We also recommend cycling to Ambleside and on to Under Loughrigg, until you reach Rydal water where you can find caves and ancient woodland. We now have e-bikes available to hire.
Hire fees
Bike hire includes your bike (hybrid or mountain), helmet, a bike lock and brief instruction/details of routes you can take.
Adult bike - £20 half day / £30 full day
Child bike - £15 half day / £20 full day
E-bike (over 14s only) - 4 hours £40 / 6 hours £55 (limited availability)
Trailers/tag-alongs - £15 half day / £20 full day
Hour add-on - £10
Balance bike - £5
We have other cycling accessories available to hire. If you need something, please ask when making your booking.
Watersports
Take advantage of having Windermere on your doorstep by exploring the dramatic north and west shore of the lake by water. Begin your journey by paddling down the peaceful beck, winding through the grey willows, lily pads and reeds as you find your flow. You may see an otter, kingfisher or heron if you’re lucky. At the end of the beck, the views of the surrounding fells will open up before you, with the Fairfield Horseshoe reflected in the lake on a clear day. From here you can paddle your way along the shore to Wray Castle beach and have a picnic on the gravel bay or visit the popular café. If you’re ready for more adventure, visit the many islands within Bowness bay for a full day of paddling.
Hire fees
Watercraft hire includes your watercraft, buoyancy aid, paddle, dry bag, backrest (for kayaks) and brief instruction/details of routes you can take.
Single kayak - 1 hour £20 / 2 hours £30 / 4 hours £50 / 8 hours £80
Double kayak - 1 hour £25 / 2 hours £35 / 4 hours £60 / 8 hours £90
Canoe - 1 hour £25 / 2 hours £35 / 4 hours £60 / 8 hours £90
Stand up paddleboard - 1 hour £20 / 2 hours £30 / 4 hours £50 / 8 hours £80
Wetsuit - £5 (with hire) / £15 (wetsuit only)
Buoyancy aid only - £10
We have other watersport accessories available to hire. If you need something, please ask when making your booking.
Low Wray Campsite information
Lakeside or mountain-view pitches for tents and campervans, along with pre-pitched tents and pods, on Windermere, England’s biggest lake.