Quiet life on a peaceful caravan park near Appleby

The popularity of the staycation grew from 2021, but three years earlier, one young farming couple from the Eden Valley, had already been developing plans to diversify –  with a static caravan park that had a quiet and picture perfect location for holiday homes. Their dream of developing an additional income stream for the family is now very much a reality and this summer they celebrate as they continue to grow.

Gavin and Anya Bell, who are the fourth generation at Langton Field Farm near Appleby. Like many family farms, the Bells recognised the need to introduce additional income streams and chose to share their exceptional landscape views with families looking for a ‘get away from it all’ holiday home.

Initially launching their 12-berth static caravan park in 2021, they aimed to attract families looking for a quiet and panoramic park on which to buy a holiday home.

Five years on, Langton Field Caravan Park’s original twelve plots are fully occupied, and the family is capitalising on their ‘natural capital’ and location by completing work on an adjacent, secluded seven berth site next door.

Anya and Gavin have successfully completed the second phase of their static caravan diversification project, demonstrating how traditional family farms can build sustainable, alternative income streams alongside daily agricultural operations.

Anya and Gavin Bell said “We hoped to sell our first van and a few plots in the first year, growing organically in the next few years, so we are delighted that our original 12 plots were taken so quickly.

“The 20 apple trees we planted when we first designed the park have grown well and the park still feels very intimate, is quiet, and our resident families feel very much at home.

We have learned so much in the last five years, carefully planning the new site to maintain space and privacy, with more trees planted and dry stone walls built or repaired to maintain that feeling of seclusion.”

Work began work on a second phase, in August 2024 and they finished it in 2025. Two new families have already bought caravans and have been welcomed to the park, with three new family sized caravans are on site, ready for sale. Gavin explains “We have learned what our residents like and what new caravan owners are looking for so have selected caravans that will appeal to a range of budgets and needs. Two plots that remains empty in case someone has a caravan they want to bring to the park.”

Anya has now given up her job to focus on raising their two young children and running the park. She said “What we enjoy most is chatting to the families who have made us their second home. It feels like a real community, and we love the friendships we have made along the way. The families –  some with dogs, all enjoy the quiet, the birdsong, the walking and of course the views. They also enjoy seeing life on the farm.

“The farming year is a busy one, and our residents love seeing the changes thought the seasons – it gives them first hand exposure to the farming calendar and food production. It also means they have a better understanding and appreciation of where food comes from.

“As we have grown there is more to do and it’s nice being able to work from home and feel part of the business. I’ve got to grips with social media which was a new skill,  and I enjoy posting about life on the farm, sharing our experiences, and answering questions.”

Langton Field Caravan Park nestles between the Lake District and the rambling Pennine hills, with nothing to spoil the views to High Cup Nick and Murton Pike. Tranquillity and 360-degree uninterrupted vistas  create the perfect get away from it all feeling – whilst just 2 minutes down the road is bustling market town of Appleby with its local food producers, independent shops, restaurants, and Appleby Manor –  with a SPA which is great for weary ‘soles’ after a day on the fells.

The success of Langton Field Caravan Park highlights the growing viability of high-end agri-tourism in Cumbria, proving that well-planned diversification can thrive by balancing rural tranquillity with local infrastructure.

For more information about the new static caravan site with pitches and caravans for sale, contact Gavin Bell on 07968 760375 or visit Langton Field Caravan Park – caravans for sale