If you’ve been searching for a non-electric campsite near Carlisle where you can properly switch off, breathe out, and enjoy camping the way it’s meant to be — welcome to The Paddock at Camping at Cardewlees.
This is back-to-basics camping with no electric hook-up and basic facilities only — ideal for walkers, cyclists, and anyone who loves peace, big skies, and a field that doesn’t come with a long list of rules.
And the setup couldn’t be simpler: there are no pitch boundaries. You just find a space and pitch up.
Why choose The Paddock?
A calm base for walkers and cyclists
The Paddock is spot on for anyone who wants a non-electric campsite near Carlisle with a quieter feel. If your perfect holiday is a decent walk, a good cycle, and a peaceful evening outside your tent, you’ll fit right in.
Close to breakfast (and a cheeky drink)
You’re also not far from Cafe Cardewlees, so it’s an easy wander for breakfast — or a cheeky drink (or two) on an evening when you fancy a little holiday treat without trekking miles.
Back-to-basics means exactly that
No pitch boundaries: just arrive and settle in
There’s no “you’re on pitch 12B” here.
You arrive, find a space that suits your setup, and get yourself comfy. That’s one of the reasons people love The Paddock — it feels flexible, easy-going, and not at all cramped.
Groups and “social hub” vibes
This part is important:
The Paddock is only allowed to be a social hub for groups if you hire the whole field exclusively.
So, if you’re booking as a couple or family, it stays peaceful and tranquil — perfect for that relaxed, quiet break.
But if you want a proper get-together (friends, families, celebrations), you can hire the whole field, and then it becomes your very own private space — somewhere you can enjoy yourselves without worrying about disturbing anyone else.
And yes… when you hire it exclusively, it’s yours to let the dogs roam too — absolute heaven for dog owners.
You can book The Paddock for exclusive hire on our website.
Camping for Reactive Dogs, Nervous Dogs and Dogs Who Need Space” and before “The Paddock’s New Use
The Paddock can also be hired just for you and your pooch as an enclosed dog pitch.
Situated around 300 metres from the main campsite, it is ideal for campers with reactive dogs, nervous dogs, rescue dogs, older dogs, or dogs who simply need a bit more space from the hustle and bustle of a busy camping field.
It offers the same back-to-basics camping we love. No electric. No frills. Just water, a toilet, open space, a fire pit, rolling farmland and the Cumbrian fells in the distance.
But with one very important luxury.
Your dog can run free.
For some dogs, that is everything.
This idea really came about because of my much-loved lurcher, Blue. He was my boy. Beautiful, loyal, completely adored, but also highly neurotic and reactive. Busy campsites were hard for him. Too many dogs, too many people, too many unexpected things happening around him.
But being with me helped him. Exercise helped him. Walks helped him. Space helped him. That mix of fresh air, movement and being close to his person really did quieten his anxiousness.
So although The Paddock is often busy at weekends with groups of campers, during the week it is often sitting empty. And we started to think how perfect it could be for those of you with dogs who need the same thing Blue needed.
A bit of space.
A bit of serenity.
A camping trip that does not feel like hard work.
You can hire The Paddock as an enclosed dog pitch from £45 per night, with no charge for the dogs. It is suitable for motorhomes, tents, tent boxes, caravans and anything in between, so whether you are rolling up in a van, pitching a tent, bringing the caravan or climbing up into your tent box, you are welcome.
You can also add additional tents if your friends want to come along too.
So whether it is just you and your dog, or you, your dog and a few trusted humans, The Paddock gives you the room to relax without constantly scanning the campsite for the next thing that might set your dog off.
Because some dogs do not need a fancy holiday.
They just need space, exercise, fresh air and their person nearby.
FAQs
Is The Paddock a non-electric campsite near Carlisle?
Yes — there’s no electric hook-up, and it’s designed as a back-to-basics camping field.
Are there marked pitches?
No — it’s find a space and pitch up.
Can we camp as a big group and be sociable?
Only if you hire the whole field exclusively. That’s when it can become a private social hub.
Is it good for walkers and cyclists?
Yes — it’s a lovely, calm base for people exploring Carlisle and wider Cumbria.
Can I book The Paddock for one night?
The Paddock is aimed at walkers and cyclists so one night bookings are fine, but for exclusive hire it has to be a two night booking on a weekend.
How do I book the enclosed pitch for my dog?
It is bookable on our website just clink this link.
What sort of units does The Paddock accomodate?
The Paddock can accommodate, tents, caravans, motorhomes, tent boxes and anything else in between.
