We’ve just come back from a fortnight’s stay at Croft Ends Farm CL in Cumbria. Five minutes drive from Appleby and an ideal location to explore the surrounding areas.
It has five large, fully serviced hardstanding pitches that anyone can book. Passing through that small site you enter the CL, which again has five large, fully serviced hardstanding pitches. The two O.75 acres sites are divided by a high hedge. There are beautiful views across to the North Pennines. No shower, but there is a toilet. We use our own facilities, so I can’t review it. The grass areas were immaculate. CDP and recycling and rubbish bins area, with a separate CDP point for the private site. There’s no road noise, though as expected in the country there was some bird noise, the occasional moo of a cow and the bleat of a sheep. The owners take real pride in the site and are friendly and welcoming. The current cost is £22 per night. Electricity is on top at 65p per unit. We used roughly 1 1/2 bottles of gas = £42. Electricity 32.5 units = £21. £4.50 a day in energy. We have Alde heating and Alde Flow. We ran that on gas. We were happy with the total daily cost of £26.50 for the two of us. No charges for awnings or pets, but for an additional person it’s £5 a night. Well behaved children are welcome on the site at no extra charge. Dogs welcome, but must be kept on a lead.
There are a couple of pubs within two to three miles. The Masons Arms in Long Marton is basic, but the food was good. The Stagg Inn in Dufton was excellent, although the service was a bit slow. We don’t mind that. I say if you want fast food, go to McDonalds. If you are celebrating a special occasion or even if you are not, The Punch Bowl at Crosthwaite is worth a visit. It’s our second time there and the food and service did not disappoint.
Supermarkets: there’s a well stocked, but expensive Co Op in Appleby. A Spar shop too. The closest large supermarkets are in Penrith.
If you go to the Tourist Information in Appleby, you can get a free parking disc that allows you to park for two to three hours as per the signs in Appleby. It’s issued by Cumbria County Council and as such can be used across the county. It’s similar to the scheme in Northumberland.
https://legacy.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/elibrary/Content/Internet/544/926/44176161917.pdf
http://appleby-in-westmorland.org/appleby-parking.htm
We are members of EH, NT and HH. As per usual we made full use of our membership. Castles, churches, stately homes and Abbies. No matter what the weather, we find something to do! With the added bonus of a couple of trips to Shap to see mainline steam hauled excursions and of course you are very close to the Settle & Carlisle line.
All in all another gem of a find and I would recommend this CL to anyone.
Reviewed on 24/05/2023 17:31
