Perfectly placed in Grasmere and just a ten minute stroll to a great choice of pubs, restaurants and shops, this welcoming self-catering cottage sits right in the heart of the Lake District in one of the most popular villages which was once the home of William Wordsworth. Superb walks and an abundance of attractions within easy reach make this the perfect choice for doing as much or as little as you want amongst the beauty of the Lake District National Park.
Orrest Head House sleeps 12 in 5-star luxury. This majestic house is located a couple of minutes’ walk from Windermere village. The property can be hired with Orrest Head Cottage to increase your party numbers to 18. The House has many stand-out features including its very own bar. All of the bedrooms are ensuite, 2 have in bedroom baths which overlook the extensive garden. We welcome all kinds of parties including, milestone birthdays, family gatherings and girls getaways.
Orrest Head Cottage's superpower is its location. The property is situated on the famous Orrest Head Walk. It features a very contemporary lounge, some amazing views, 3 bedrooms and 2 bath/shower rooms. Within a couple of minutes walk you can be in Windermere village with all of its pubs, restaurants and independent shops - what's not to like!
Boston House is one of 5 houses to rent on the Terrace Windermere, a private row of holiday homes in the heart of The Lake district. The property’s stand-out features are its 7-seat hot tub in the rear garden and a secret 15-seat cinema with Smart TV in the cellar. Boston house has 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, a comfortable lounge, elegant dining room and large sociable kitchen. Whatever you reason to visit be it a Milestone birthday, 3 generation family gathering or girls’ getaway Boston House is the perfect choice.
Number One sleeps 14 in 6 bedrooms. Located in Windermere village at the centre of The Lake District National Park, this luxury house is the perfect venue for milestone birthdays,3 generation family gatherings and girls' weekends. The property features a large lounge and dining room, hand-built kitchen with AGA and second range cooker, 6 lovely bedrooms and 4 bath/shower rooms. Number One's stand out features are its 7 seat hot tub and 15 seat cinema in the cellar.
Forest Field is a delightful holiday cottage within the Rusland Valley providing the perfect self-catering base for couples to relax and explore the beautiful Lake District and its many attractions. Set within unspoilt rolling countryside, the views are simply stunning and the walks are equally as lovely. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Sitting in large gardens (with tennis court!), this welcoming bright and airy holiday apartment is perfectly placed in a tranquil location overlooking lake Windermere, yet within just a mile of Bowness-on-Windermere with its shops and eating establishments. The Loft offers the best of both worlds for those who want to relax and unwind whilst being within easy reach of the areas many attractions.
Ideally placed with views over Lake Windermere, this modern stylish holiday apartment sits in extensive grounds where guests can enjoy peace and tranquility, along with an all-weather tennis court, putting area and croquet lawn. The many amenities of Bowness-on-Windermere are just a mile away. A perfect retreat to enjoy the many attractions of the Lake District.
Crummock Cottage is a 5-Star Gold holiday cottage in a stunning Lake District location. It sleeps four people in two bedrooms, with guests having superb views towards Low Fell, Grasmoor and the Lorton Valley. It's ideal for couples or families who want easy access to some of the best walking and cycling the area can offer. Crummock Water and Loweswater are nearby as are Buttermere, Scale Force and dozens of other beautiful locations for which the Lake District is famous. The owner offers secure storage and bike cleaning facilities, and pets are also welcome. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
In a truly spectacular position with views over Wast Water, this holiday apartment is ideal for lovers of the 'great outdoors' and provides a comfortable retreat from which to explore the Lake District's many attractions. Superb for walkers and those who want to relax amongst stunning Lakeland scenery.
A delightful Lakeland cottage ideally situated in a tranquil position near the popular village of Bowness-on-Windermere within the Lake District National Park. Ferry View Cottage provides a cosy base from which to explore all this stunning area has to offer with super walking opportunities and an abundance of attractions.
Quarry House is a stylish self-catering holiday home in the Lake District town of Bowness-on-Windermere. It sleeps six people in three bedrooms. Accommodation is over three levels with a layout that suits families, extended families, and friends. You're a stone's throw from shops, cafes, bars and restaurants and a short stroll from ferries, boat hire, and the beautiful water of Windermere. Beauty spots like Orrest Head are walkable from the cottage, and with popular attractions no more than a few miles away, it's straightforward to plan a fun-filled Lake District holiday in any season.
When it comes to a self-catering holiday in the Lake District, it's hard to beat Bowness-on-Windermere as a place to stay. The pretty lakeside town has an array of terrific amenities and gorgeous walks to places like Orrest Head and Brant Fell. It is close to Scafell Pike, High Top, Grizedale Forest and other favourite Lakes attractions. Bank Chambers is a beautifully furnished holiday home with a private roof terrace and space to sleep six people in three bedrooms with three bathrooms. Its layout and location are ideal for families or friends. Holiday bookings are available all year round.
A holiday home in the heart of Windermere (the village, not the lake!) will make your self-catering break in the Lake District even more special. Rose Cottage has recently been refurbished from top to bottom, sleeping four people in two bedrooms with lots of luxuries like a superking bed with an integrated TV in the master bedroom. It comes with storage for your SUP or kayak, and a permit for street parking. Shops, bars, cafes and attractions are just steps away, as is the scenic shore of England's biggest lake, Winderemere.
Windermere is at the heart of the Lake District, and Kempton is close enough that guests can stroll to the water's edge and drink in the views of this beautifully scenic landscape. The three-bedroom self-catering retreat comfortably sleeps up to six people, giving them space and privacy within easy reach of shops, cafes and pubs, as well as sightseeing cruises and favourite Lake District attractions. Kempton is perfect for families and friends as well as couples who appreciate a little extra space around them on holiday.
Treat the family to a stay at Sandown, a lovely holiday cottage on the edge of Bowness village only a short stroll from shops, cafes, pubs and beautiful Windermere. Guests can access lovely walks and bike rides from the door and are close to favourite attractions including the World of Beatrix Potter and Wray Castle. Explore Windermere by boat, kayak, or on a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing ferry. Sandown sleeps up to seven guests in four lovely ensuite bedrooms and is perfect for families and friends.
The Lake District is gorgeous. Dairy Cottage is two miles from Kendal in a quiet village with little passing traffic and no light pollution. The two-bedroom holiday home is ideal for couples, friends or families with older children (over ten years). Walking and cycling are always popular, and being close to Windermere means you can fish, sail, kayak, SUP, and swim. Kendal has supermarkets, tea rooms, shops, restaurants and other amenities, and you're close to favourite attractions that include Sizergh Castle, Beatrix Potter World, and Wray Castle.
Enjoy the wonderful year-round hospitality of this recently refurbished self-catering apartment in Selside, close to both the Lake District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It's dog-friendly, with a spacious bedroom that accommodates couples or individuals. Walking, mountain biking and potholing are just three of the many ways to explore the incredible landscape, with local attractions including Sizergh Castle, Lowther Castle, Ullswater and the Ullswater Steamers, while Bowness on Windermere is only 25-minutes away. Kendal is a short drive from the apartment, with an excellent variety of places to eat, drink and shop.
4 Mell Fell View is a beautiful holiday cottage with fantastic views of Little Mell Fell, Great Mell Fell and Helton Fell that surround Lake Ullswater. The owners have carefully restored the 17th Century property to provide very comfortable accommodation for four people with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is in the quiet Lake District village of Penruddock, close to Ullswater, Keswick and Penrith and within walking distance of the excellent Herdwick Inn. The cottage is dog-friendly and available all year round, providing a lovely holiday home for families, friends and couples.
Centrally located in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, this well presented farm cottage offers peace, tranquility and superb walks (plus a pub!) on the doorstep and all the amenities of Ambleside just two and a half miles away. Situated at Skelwith Bridge, the area is a walker's paradise and a great base for exploring the many attractions of this beautiful part of Cumbria. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Popular towns in and around The Lake District:
AmblesideBowness-on-WindermereCartmelCockermouthConistonGrasmereGrizebeckHawksheadKendalKeswickKirkby StephenPenrithRavenglassUllswaterUlverstonWasdaleWindermereSome local suggestions:
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The most popular tourist spot is Bowness-on-Windermere, where many head for boat trips, cobbled streets and great restaurants. This beautiful town never gets old, no matter how many times you visit.
If you seek less hustle and bustle and more of the great outdoors, then perhaps Ambleside is the one for you? With cottage-style shops and a town encompassed beautifully by mountains, there is plenty of exploring to do here.
For thrill-seekers aiming to tackle Scafell Pike, Keswick is where you want to go. Twinkling waters paired with mighty mountains make this a very popular destination in the Lakes.
The Lake District is home to many impressive lakes, the second largest being in Ullswater. If you seek rolling hills, a magnificent National Park and plenty of water to explore then Ullswater is the perfect place.
Before booking your holiday cottage in the Lake District, you can find here all the information you need for your trip.
For more tips, be sure to check out our complete guide to the Lake District.
The Lake Districts’ dramatic and rugged landscape is its main attraction, with noble peaks, heather-clad moors, tumbling waterfalls, sparkling lakes and dense forests. Ever-changing, each season has something incredibly special to offer.
In the spring the landscape bursts into life with lush green pastures alive with playful Herdwick lambs. In the autumn, the trees are ablaze with colour making it incredibly photogenic.
The summer months attract plenty of visitors to the hills, villages and lakes, but the warm weather provides the ideal climate for wild swimming and long days of walking.
The winter months are breathtaking, with snow-capped mountains and friendly Lakeland pubs serving hearty traditional food with a roaring fire crackling in the background.
Being one of the country's largest outdoor playgrounds, the Lake District attracts outdoor enthusiasts of all types who visit to enjoy incredible walking opportunities, climbing, sailing, mountain biking, kayaking and winter mountaineering.
It also has plenty of options for family days out (including lots of things to do on a rainy day) and is great for those seeking relaxation and a quieter time with its beautiful tranquil landscape providing the perfect setting for bird watching, painting, photography and lazy lake cruises.
If you happen to be visiting the Lake District for the weekend, there is still plenty to do! Whether you choose to have a night with the stars or take a cruise atop one of the many lakes, check out our essential weekend guide to visiting the Lake District.
If you are travelling from one of the major cities situated in the UK, below shows an average distance from the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, so you know what to expect when choosing to visit by car.
London: 275 miles
Birmingham: 159 miles
Glasgow: 150 miles
Liverpool: 88 miles
Bristol: 240 miles
Manchester: 86 miles
Leeds: 81 miles
Edinburgh: 155 miles
Newcastle: 110 miles
There are many ways in which you can travel to the Lake District. With its great public transport, you can journey from many of the major UK cities by train. If you choose to travel by car, there are some great service stations to stop off and rest up whilst on your trip, as well as alternative routes depending on what roads you prefer to drive on.
Cumbria is a part of the Lake District and is a county with a unique and diverse character. It has miles of wonderful scenic coastline, pretty villages and historic towns and is steeped in history with ancient forts, disused mines, historic homes, castles and literary attractions. This is an area that is also exceptionally pet-friendly with many Lakeland cottages and attractions welcoming dogs.
It is also famed for its culinary specialities, including the sticky toffee pudding, Grasmere Gingerbread, the Cumberland sausage and Kendal Mint Cake – the perfect energy boost for hillwalkers!A popular destination for both short breaks and longer holidays, we offer a huge selection of Cumbrian cottages.
Finding the best part of the Lake District to visit will all depend on what you are looking for. Bowness-on-Windermere is definitely the most popular for tourists and day-trippers, however, there are many other great towns to visit such as Keswick, Ambleside, Grasmere and Coniston.If you are looking to spend more of your trip to the Lake District adventuring then places like Ullswater, Wasdale and Great Langdale are perfect for their impressive mountains and scenery.
The Lake District is famous for its huge lake offering, rugged landscape and dense forests. Many famous artists have come from the Lake District, names such as Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth and John Ruskin all created some of their best works here.
Being a unique and beautiful spot is what makes the Lake District more expensive than other UK holiday locations. With some of the highest peaks and best hiking trails here, it is a very popular destination for people all over the UK. The prices are higher than some other holiday locations in the UK, but you get to explore a diverse range of terrains and activities in a unique part of the country, which is well worth the price.
Derwentwater has been labelled as the most charming lake in the Lake District as it offers impressive fells and is surrounded by outstanding peaks. However, there are many other lakes and hidden waterfalls that are all situated around the Lake District, all of which will take your breath away with their beauty.