Great Langdale Campsite

Camping in one of the most beautiful areas of the Lake District.

This place is unique. The mountains are all around and there is a sense of tranquility. Great Langdale is beautiful and there is plenty of walking to be done. A friend and I stayed there for six days and made the most of the natural beauty that has been carved into the landscape from the last ice-age.

We walked to the peak adjacent to the campsite, which has incredible views for 360 degrees. Nearby Lake Windermere had plenty to offer (I have been there many times but for my friend it was his first time) and we spent two hours kayaking and exploring the waters. Also Grizedale Forest is close by with much to do and see and some of the best experiences we had we spent simply making the most of the great outdoors...oh, and drinking and eating in the local pubs after a hard day's hiking.

We didn't want to leave and could have easily spent another few days there just trekking along all the walks that are in the general area.

It rained heavily every single night and the tent was almost flooded on two occasions but as soon as the sun crept over the tops of the moutains, everything dried out within an hour; the skies were blue and everybody was happy...perfect.

Bodiam Castle

The wonderful ruins and splendour of Bodiam Castle

There is definitely something about Bodiam Castle that drives so many people there every year. When we went it was heaving with enthusiasts, people on their first visit there (like us), foreigners, young and older couples, families and loads of kids. It was probably too busy but this didn't really get in the way of having a great day.

We were quite lucky really; it didn't rain and on occasion the sun even came out, but not for very long. It was a warm day, we were both off work for a few days and we were enjoying having a relaxing day out.

The castle itself is simply amazing. There is so much to see (if you are really interested that is) and in all we spent about three hours there looking at everything, and I mean everything!

Ok, it is pretty much just a shell of its former self but the towers are still in tact and you are allowed to go into several rooms as floors have been added (these are the gate towers only). It was enjoyable to see what it was like; large open fireplaces, garderobes (or latrines, privies), the kitchen, hall, great hall, the well, chapel and household apartments, not to mention the moat and the views of the surrounding countryside.

The accompanying booklet, which cost about £5 is worth getting as it gives detailed descriptions of the castle along with some of its long history as a residence. An audio guide would have been nice but a 15 minute dvd about the castle shows on a loop all day and adds some interesting history about the site as a whole.

I was in awe of the place, we both were.

I took way too many pictures as usual but as you will see, Bodiam Castle is a great place to visit and we look forward to returning next year.