Life at Baystone Bank Farm
Heavy Horses, Hikes and Wildlife – right by your pitch!
Welcome to our patch of paradise in the South West Lakes – a working farm, family home, and one-of-a-kind place to camp, ride, and reconnect with nature. We truly look forward to welcoming you and hope this insight helps you make the most of your stay!
Cumbrian Heavy Horses
Just across the meadow is our world-famous riding centre, Cumbrian Heavy Horses — the only BHS-approved heavy horse riding centre in the world.
Expect shires, Clydesdales, Ardennes, and even the rare Suffolk Punch, all offering calm, memorable riding experiences for beginners through to confident riders.
From children’s rides and taster sessions to day-long adventures across farmland, fell, and beach — there’s something truly special about riding a heavy horse through this landscape.
The Farm
Our home, it’s history and who we share it with!
Our campsite sits in the heart of the Whicham Valley — a hidden gem just outside the central tourist trail. Baystone Bank lies to the south, with its ancient woodland and bubbling stream.
Baystone Bank has its roots deep in the valley — both literally and figuratively. Once a traditional Lakeland farm, the land has seen centuries of grazing and rural life. When we arrived in 2016, it became home to a new generation of farming — blending tradition with adventure, tourism with animal welfare, and always staying close to nature.
This is a real working farm — a little messy, a little muddy, and full of life.
Our mixed flock includes hardy locals like Herdwicks, Swaledales and other commercial breeds. You’ll see our farmers Jack and Isaac around the farm tending to the sheep. And a visit in the Spring during lambing is sure to give you some real ‘aww’ moments!
Can you spot Janice (17) among the fellside flock? She’s Baystone resident pet sheep and might just head over to say hi!
Alongside our sheep we also graze a small herd of Belted Galloways as part of our regenerative grazing approach. These beautiful bovine are easy to spot thanks to their striking white belts accross their backs and floppy hair do’s!
Can you spot our little brown Galloway? These are a rare colour so try to grab a look if you can.
The Big Horse Café & Shop
Tucked in by the yard, our Big Horse Café is open from 8am – 4pm daily (April to October) serving up proper breakfasts, hot drinks, burgers, cakes, and more.
The food’s hearty, the portions generous, and the atmosphere welcoming — it’s the perfect place to fuel up before a ride or relax after a walk.
Walks and Wildlife
Footpaths run straight through the farm, with routes leading to Black Combe, White Combe and the Swineside Stone Circle – right from the site. Whether you’re heading up a fell or wandering by the stream, you’re never far from a view, a birdsong, or the distant sound of horses running.
We’ve put together some simple guides to help explore what surrounds the campsite. As always please be mindful, and considerate of your environment, keeping dogs on lead around livestock, closing gates behind you and leaving nothing but footprints.
Wildlife Watchers
The ancient woodland surrounding the farm is home to an impressive range of wildlife. Buzzard, Kestrels and Sparrowhawks can be seen circling overhead. Kingfisher, Heron and Dippers make the most of our stream. And Deer can be spotted by the lucky ones too. Bring binoculars!
Wonder Walks
Gets some miles on your boots and take is spectacular views of the farm, fells and coastline – right from your pitch.
Breath-taking views and the sprawling valley-scape are sure to blow those cobwebs away and reconnect you with nature!
