The Single Mums Who Walk Onto Site… and Stay in My Head
At our family-friendly campsite in Cumbria, we welcome all sorts of families — but single mums?
They’re the ones who stay with me.
They’ll often tell me how easy it feels here.
How relaxed it is.
How they don’t feel judged.
And every single time, I smile… and think:
You’ve got this the wrong way round.
Because I see you.
You’re Not Just Camping… You’re Carrying Everything
When you arrive at our campsite near Carlisle, you’re not just “on holiday.”
You’re doing everything.
The bags.
The kids.
The snacks.
The tent.
The emotional load.
There’s no backup.
No one to say: “you do this bit, I’ll do that.”
It’s all you.
And still — you bring your children camping in Cumbria.
You give them space.
Fresh air.
Freedom.
A childhood that feels like it should.
That’s not small.
That’s everything.
My Mum Was 17…
So I’ve seen it, even if I didn’t fully understand it at the time.
My mum was 17 when she had me.
Was it perfect? No.
Was it easy? Absolutely not.
But she kept going.
And now, running a family-friendly campsite near Carlisle, I see that same resilience in so many of you.
Because parenting — in any form — really just comes down to one thing:
Doing your best with what you’ve got.
Even in a “Two-Parent” World… It’s Still a Lot
I’ve been married to Mr G for nearly twenty years.
And listen — he’s lovely.
But planning?
Organising?
Carrying the mental load?
Not exactly his strong suit.
So even in a two-parent household, there are days where I feel like the default adult for everything.
And it’s exhausting.
So when I think about those of you doing solo parenting holidays in the UK…
Honestly?
I don’t know how you do it.
Because No One Talks About This Bit
When I had Bertie at 28 — planned, wanted, longed for — I still remember thinking:
“This is not for me.”
And another moment where I thought:
“If this is my life now… I don’t want it.”
No one tells you how intense those early days can feel.
How hormones can completely knock you sideways.
And that was with support.
So when I see single mums choosing camping holidays in Cumbria with kids, I don’t see someone just “getting by.”
I see strength most people don’t even recognise.
The Bit That Properly Stops Me
Because some of you are still so young.
Still figuring life out.
Still navigating your own path.
And yet — you’re also raising children.
Sometimes breaking cycles.
Sometimes dealing with generational trauma.
Sometimes rebuilding after relationships that didn’t serve you.
And still…
You show up.
What I See in Our Camping Field
At our dog-friendly campsite in Cumbria, I don’t see struggle written all over you.
I see strength.
I see women changing things.
Doing it differently.
Creating something better for their children.
I see mums choosing experiences over perfection.
Letting their kids run.
Get muddy.
Be free.
That’s what childhood should look like.
And you’re making that happen.
Why Our Campsite Works for Single Parents
We’ve never set out to be a “single parent campsite” — but we have built something that works:
- Open space where kids can safely play
- Relaxed atmosphere — no pressure, no judgement
- Dog-friendly camping (because let’s face it, the dog is part of the family)
- Simple, easy setups — no faff
- A community feel without expectation
If you’re looking for relaxed camping in the Lake District without the stress, that’s what we offer.
You Don’t Need To Be Perfect Here
If tea is beige — fine.
If the kids are feral — expected.
If you forget half your stuff — we’ll help.
This isn’t about doing it “right.”
It’s about making memories.
And if you get five minutes to sit down while the kids run wild safely?
That’s a win.
It’s Honestly An Honour
If you’ve ever stayed with us and thought we made things easier for you…
Just know this:
You’re the one doing the hard bit.
We’re just the place where it happens.
And being even a tiny part of your children’s memories?
That’s a privilege.
