I’m sat in Starbucks writing this with an overpriced vanilla latte, having one of those moments where I’m thinking… why do I do this to myself?
There’s no personal touch. The tables are dirty. The staff don’t care how my day has been. I resent the fiver I’ve just spent… but I’ll still be back. Probably next week. Same seat. Same order. Same life choices.
And that’s when it hit me…
If Starbucks can make it work with sticky tables and zero chat, then surely Camping at Cardewlees that can offer you camping near Carlisle — with fresh air, friendly faces, and proper craic — is basically unstoppable.
Camping at Cardewlees: we’re not posh, we’re personal
Camping at Cardewlees isn’t about polished perfection or trying to look like a brochure.
It’s about a proper welcome, a friendly face, and a place that feels like you can breathe again.
It’s the kind of family-friendly campsite near Carlisle where someone will actually say hello, you’ll end up swapping tips about local walks, and your kids will make “best friends” in about seven minutes flat.
Cafe Cardewlees: a pop-up café at Camping at Cardewlees
Cafe Cardewlees is a pop-up cafe at Camping at Cardewlees — low key, welcoming, and focused on doing simple food really well.
No fussy plates. No weird foam. No “micro herbs” that cost extra.
Just the kind of food you actually want when you’ve been outside all day: tasty, filling, and served with a smile.
And if you’re staying with us, you’re in for a treat because Johnny also does a mean pizza — the kind that smells so good you’ll suddenly find yourself “just popping over” to see what’s happening, even if you’re not hungry. (Lies. You’re always hungry when pizza’s involved.)
And before anyone panics about it being right in the middle of the camping field… it isn’t. Cafe Cardewlees isn’t located in the camping field, so there’s no annoying lost balls landing on your pitch while you’re trying to eat your chips in peace.
A sociable hub (because we’re a friendly bunch)
One thing I really wanted at Cardewlees was a space where people can gather to meet and chat — and that’s exactly how Cafe Cardewlees came into existence. An unused bit of land is being turned into a social hub.
A little hub where:
families can meet other families
new campers don’t feel like they’re on their own
friends can settle in for a good catch-up
everyone gets that warm, relaxed campsite atmosphere
And because it’ll be licensed, you can even have a little drink poo while you’re catching up. Nothing wild. Just a relaxed tipple with good people and better chat.
Plus, you know it’s going to be a proper family vibe because Bertie will be on standby for a cheeky game of football — the kind where half the players are in wellies, nobody knows the score, and the ball gets lost.
And there’s even talk of a bit of a park too… which, if you’ve ever tried camping with kids who still have energy at 8pm, you’ll understand why that feels like winning the lottery.
Make sure you follow our social channels for up to date details.
The deep fat frying realisation (and my new personality trait)
I realised something very important about camping:
You can manage most things with a stove, a kettle, and a bit of optimism.
You can boil. You can toast. You can fling sausages in a pan and call it dinner.
But the one thing you absolutely cannot do properly when you’re camping… is deep fat frying.
You can try, like a fool, and you’ll end up with:
a tiny pan of oil
a terrifying amount of splatter
the smell of “chip shop meets bonfire”
and a deep sense of regret when your bacon tastes like yesterday’s onion rings
So naturally, I invested in an all-singing, all-dancing fryer… and now I’ve been spending my time frying anything that stands still long enough.
Get ready for the social media content of me rambling while I fry anything I can find.
Come and see what the fuss is about
If you’re looking for camping near Carlisle, a friendly base for exploring Cumbria, and a campsite where the kids are happy and the grown-ups can actually have a natter…
Come and see us at Camping at Cardewlees — and pop into Cafe Cardewlees while you’re here.
When is Cafe Cardewlees Open
We are still in the planing stages but it is anticipated that we will open every weekend. 5-8pm on and evening and 8-10am in the mornings.
Is it dog friendly?
We are yet to find a situation that a dog doesn’t improve, so of course. We are absolutely dog friendly.
can you cater for different dietary requirements?
We hope to offer a vegetarian and vegan options but we are unlikely to suitable for nut allergies.
