“We have loyal guests coming back year after year,” says Debbie Binks of her family’s stunning Waterside Campsite business, on the shore of Ullswater. “Because it’s their happy place.”
This year marks exactly 100 years of Waterside being run as a campsite by the Lowis family.
Set in an idyllic location, the farm and campsite has become a regular holiday destination for generations of families, many of whom fondly remember the only facilities previously being the lake in which to have a wash, a cold water tap and a single toilet for ablutions!
The appeal of having a working farm running alongside a lakeside setting captivated the hearts of many holidaymakers and, soon, there was an established clientele of regular visitors.
Tourism was originally brought to the site in 1924 by Elizabeth Lowis and her husband, Richard.
In the 1920s and 1930s, camping and caravanning gained popularity among families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking affordable and accessible holidays. Elizabeth saw an opportunity and opened up her home so she could share the location’s breathtaking beauty.
During the Second World War, there was a decline in camping as resources were diverted for the war effort. However, post-war prosperity and a rise of car culture in the 1950s and 1960s led to a resurgence in camping holidays.
Boat launching was particularly popular for many, with direct access to Ullswater. Rowing boats were hired out by the Lowis family. And, in latter years, waterskiing was also welcomed until a 1976 inquiry banned the pastime on the lake.
After Elizabeth’s death in 1973, her sons continued to farm and her daughters — Jessie and Evelyn, with their husbands Jim and Fred — took over and ran the site which, at the time, was one simple field taking caravans and tents.
Then, in 1976, the next generation of the family moved to Waterside: Colin, 77, his wife Joan, 73, and their children Mark, 54, and Debbie, 50.
Since this time, Waterside has moved on dramatically with Joan and Colin, and Debbie, improving facilities, whilst still maintaining the farm as the central hub of the business under Mark’s management.
“Spring sees lambing and calving in its full glory and guests get to see first hand what life on a farm can be like,” said Debbie, whose husband, Gary, is also a key cog in the organisational wheel.
“We have a team of 12 devoted, hard-working staff who we rely on heavily to keep our visitors happy,” said Debbie.
“I have been here on and off since 2009 and previously worked as a primary teacher, an events manager and in radio. My experience in event management comes in particularly handy for this job!”
There have been many highlights, as Debbie reflected. “Over the years our site has been used as a location for various film and photography shoots and we have hosted many famous faces including actress Jill Halfpenny, Sara Davies from Dragons’ Den and X Factor winner Joe McElderry,” she said.
“More recently we have been working to improve the site facilities, installing a beautiful new shower and toilet block, building two new jetties and erecting a wonderful play park for the smaller guests. We also make the most of our lakeside location by hosting Wake and Surf, who provide watersports for anyone who wants to enjoy the lake.”
There have been some testing times, too, most recently the Covid pandemic from early 2020. “It was just such an uncertain time.
“We didn’t know what was going to happen; how it was going to affect tourism; how long it was going to go on for. It was really worrying,” said Debbie, who recalled tourism gradually springing back into life.
“We had to make all sorts of provisions like sanitising, social distancing, just like everybody else.
“But we found everyone still wanted to come away, which was reassuring. Camping is a socially distanced holiday. You’ve got your own space. You can operate within your tent or caravan. Social distancing came naturally.
There was also the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak which, in turn, brought about diversification which proved beneficial in the long run.
Joan, for example, is resident artist in the on-site art gallery, which has been a welcome addition.
“We are proud to say that we have repeat generations of families who come to see us every year — rain or shine — and we love to see local faces,” says Debbie in conclusion.
“Despite the inclement weather there is certainly nowhere prettier to work.”
