MORE and more people are visiting Cumbria for a camping holiday with a twist, by choosing accommodation that breaks from the ‘norm’, research by Cumbria Tourism has found.

In 2018, Cumbria has more unusual places to stay than ever before, and as the popularity of glamping continues to grow, there’s been a surge of interest by holidaymakers.

According to Cumbria Tourism, over the last 12 months there has been a 25 per cent rise in alternative camping provision across the county, with facilities being developed to adapt to changing trends as well as new sites being opened.

Whether it’s sleeping under the stars and waking up to views of Skiddaw from a shepherd’s hut or living like a hobbit in an underground hideaway at Ullswater, there’s no doubt that the experience on offer in Cumbria is more varied than ever before.

And this year’s heatwave has also resulted in increased interest in the county’s camp and ‘glamp’ sites by those who fancied giving shepherd’s huts, camping barns and bunkhouses a try.

The findings come as no surprise according to Jim Walker, vice chairman at Cumbria Tourism, who said: “Our visitors are looking to experience the countryside in comfort and the creative options now available like glamping can provide precisely this.”