We’ve only just bought our brand-new 6-berth Bailey Autograph and are planning to tour the UK… and maybe even France next year if we’re brave enough. Our first stop? The Lake District in Cumbria.

This motorhome is a beast – 8 metres long! You actually need an HGV licence to drive it, so only my husband Andy can get behind the wheel. (Shame really – I quite fancied myself as a lorry driver, haha.)

Of course, no adventure would be complete without our four-legged travel companion, Albi, our standard dachshund. We’ll be keeping you updated on how much he enjoys his trips too.

This first getaway was really about finding our feet again – we haven’t done any touring for nearly ten years. Before, we had three touring caravans and a static at Chapel St Leonards near Skegness. We’ve always loved that area by the sea and plan to move there in the near future.

Park Foot, Ullswater

Our destination was Park Foot Holiday Park, right on the edge of Ullswater and close to Pooley Bridge. For anyone wanting to visit:

• Postcode: CA10 2NA
• Directions: About 15 minutes off J40 of the M6, along the Howtown road past Pooley Bridge.

The drive there was surprisingly easy, with good roads and plenty of passing places (always a worry in something the size of a small bus).

When we arrived, I was immediately impressed – the site is beautifully kept, with flowers, hedges, and even a little stone bridge over a babbling brook. We checked in at reception, which was quick and painless, then headed to our pitch.

We were lucky! Our pitch wasn’t far from the dog-walking area, had hedges for privacy, and even gave us a lake view. From the site you can walk directly to Ullswater or Pooley Bridge, which was perfect. The shower blocks were also a big plus – modern, spacious, and spotlessly clean, which makes all the difference after a long day exploring.

First Walk and First Night

Once we were settled in, we wandered down to the lake. It was stunning – the sun was low, the air was warm, and I managed to get some cracking photos of the water. The campsite was so friendly too. Lots of smiley faces, dogs running about, and even a few brave pups swimming in the lake.

Albi looked ready to dive in himself, but with ducks floating nearby, we thought it best to keep him on dry land. One less drama, thank you very much!

That evening, I whipped up a homemade chicken sweet and sour in the van. When we’re away, I stick to easy meals so I don’t feel chained to the kitchen sink. Of course, the wine came out too. Cheers to new adventures!

A Day Out in Pooley Bridge

The next day we walked into Pooley Bridge. It’s a quaint little village, but full of charm. We stopped at The Pooley Bridge Inn for a drink (great atmosphere and plenty of outdoor seating) and then had a meal at Granny Dowbekin’s by the water. Highly recommend – the food was excellent, and the views of the river were just as good.

Final Thoughts on Park Foot

We stayed for four nights and absolutely loved it. Park Foot is a site we’d happily recommend – especially in the summer, when you can hire boats, go pony trekking, canoeing, or tackle one of the many hiking trails.

If you’re into walking, the Ullswater Way is a twenty-mile loop around the lake, with stunning scenery the whole way. You can find out more about it here: Ullswater Way Information.

The facilities were excellent too — modern, very clean shower blocks, private hedged pitches, and easy access to both the lake and the village.

Albi’s Verdict

Albi was living his best life at Park Foot! Long walks every day, plenty of new sniffs, and a lake to wander around. He was welcome in most places, which is always a bonus when travelling with a dog. By the end of each day, he was completely shattered and slept like a log. 5 stars from Albi too!

Next Stop… Scotland!

Our adventure doesn’t end here. Next, we’re heading north to Scotland with stops planned in Dunblane, Stranraer and North Berwick. We can’t wait to share the sights, the food, and of course Albi’s adventures with you.