The Lake District is one of the UK's most popular holiday destinations and is famed for being the largest national park in England, along with having the country’s highest mountain (Scafell Pike), its largest natural lake (Windermere) and its deepest lake (Wastwater).
Located in the North West of England in Cumbria, the Lake District boasts a simply stunning landscape that attracts visitors from all over the world. It is a place that has inspired writers, artists and poets alike including Wordsworth, Coleridge, Southey and Beatrix Potter, and a holiday destination you will want to return to time and time again. Read more
A delightful Lakeland holiday cottage converted from a former Watermill with a cottage garden that provides an ideal place to relax and unwind. Located on the outskirts of a small village close to Grizebeck, The Watermill is ideally situated for exploring the Southern Lakes and its popular attractions.
A comfortable cosy holiday cottage in a lovely rural location within Cumbria & the Yorkshire Dales National Park near the unspoilt village of Ravenstonedale. Conveniently located for exploring the many attractions of both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, ideal for walkers and bird watching. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
If you can't imagine a better time than a self-catering holiday in the Lake District, you'll love this Watermill Cottage in Ings. Recently refurbished and redecorated to a high standard with space for four people in two bedrooms, it's ten minutes from Windermere and Kendal and a stone's throw from the Windermere Brewery and Watermill Inn. Features include an enclosed garden, a balcony stretching the width of the cottage, and stunning Lake District views. The welcoming holiday home is ideal for couples, friends or families, including those with dogs. Non-resident breakfast can be ordered in the Pub at a cost of £16.00/person.
With stunning views over the fells and surrounding Eskdale Valley, this large airy holiday home sleeps five guests and is an ideal self-catering choice for those who like peace, tranquility and outdoor activities with great walks, cycling, climbing and canoeing amongst the many adventures on offer. Brantrake House is a great base for exploring the Western Lake District and Central Fells. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Sleeping up to six guests, this Grade II listed traditional Lakeland farmhouse dates back to the 17th Century and nestles amongst peace and tranquility in the Eskdale Valley. Offering seclusion and wonderful scenery the farmhouse is perfectly placed for exploring the Western Lake District as well as the Central Fells. Excellent for walking and climbing with Scafell nearby. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Welcome the Lakeland summer by staying in this magical retreat for two people, a few miles from both Coniston Water and the southern end of Windermere. What makes Garden Cottage special is the love and care that’s devoted to it by the owners, and the striking craftsmanship that’s gone into its creation. The cottage is also close to the festival town of Ulverston, the log burner and Rayburn cooker warm and welcoming sights after a day exploring the beautiful countryside which lies all around.
If you’re looking for a romantic holiday retreat for two people, then head down the little lane to Howe Foot and step into the beautifully crafted cottage of Otley Beck. Set over two floors, with an AGA cooker in the kitchen and a log burner in the snug, the cottage stands in an acre of grounds beside a beck. With Coniston Water a few miles to the north, the festival town of Ulverston close by and the southern tip of Windermere only a few miles away, this is a delightful base from which to explore unforgettable countryside.
Yan Yak is a Grade II listed character holiday cottage in High Lorton sleeping two, which was once part of the original 1828 Jennings Brewery. This romantic Lake District retreat features original sandstone floors, a wood burner, super-king bed, bike storage with power and lighting, and a private courtyard garden. The cottage’s name comes from the Cumbrian dialect meaning "One Oak", likely from nearby oak trees. You're in a peaceful village with the Whitbeck stream flowing past, the village shop sell groceries and serving coffee a few minutes walk away, and a local pub within a short stroll. This self-catering holiday cottage is in a superb location for walking and cycling as it puts Buttermere, Crummock Water, and the Whinlatter Pass right on your doorstep.
Luxuriate in elegant surroundings with stunning views in this Windermere lakeside holiday home. North Highfield was built as a gentleman's residence and boasts beautiful Victorian details with modern comforts. It sleeps 12 people in six well-appointed bedrooms, with four reception rooms, five bathrooms, and extensive grounds. It's a fantastic location for your next family reunion or get together with friends. Windermere village and Bowness-on-Windermere are both within easy reach, as are places like Scafell Pike and Orrest Head.
Whitrow Farm Cottage is the perfect base to explore the Western Lake District. A converted barn with original features, that includes open plan living on the ground floor and 2 good sized bedrooms, one double and one twin, and a bathroom on the first floor. The cottage garden wraps around 2 sides of the property, and is fully enclosed and secure. There is a large lawn, a gravel area suitable for additional parking and a picnic bench. Exiting through the top garden gate will lead you into the 3 acre compound that is solely for your own use during your stay making it a really special and secluded place for your holiday.
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.
Enjoy the wonderful year-round hospitality of this 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.
Meadow View is positioned in a tranquil setting on the edge of the National Park, between Keswick and Penrith, within a small group of similar lodges. It is four miles from the village of Greystoke, with it's own castle which hosts events, together with a traditional country pub and shop. This very comfortable Scandinavian style lodge, with a wood burning stove, has floor-to-ceiling windows providing extensive open views over the countryside with Blencathra in the distance. It is a haven for wildlife, including red squirrels, rabbits and many species of birds.
Greenbank House is a spacious 5 bedroom house set in its own garden. It has three double bedrooms (one en-suite) and two twin bedrooms. It is located in the heart of the lake district between Ambleside, Grasmere and Coniston. Some of the best walking in the lake district starts from its front doorstep. It has exceptional facilities by way of 3 kitchens, 4 bathrooms and plenty of living space and a games room. It has pubs and cafes within walking distance and a short drive brings you to the hustle and bustle of Ambleside and lake Windermere.
Exceptional both inside and out, this stylish well presented lodge sits in one of the most enviable positions in the Lake District, with a rural location close to Lake Windermere. Enjoy an alfresco meal on the terrace watching the sun set in the evening, and by day discover the many attractions of nearby Bowness and Windermere.
Wall & Lakes Cottage, Brampton. Ideal for couples, walkers, cyclists & small families. The perfect location for relaxing with historical Hadrian's Wall, beautiful Talkin Tarn, Gelt woods and RSPB Geltsdale nearby. Amazing walks, stunning views and history from your doorstep. The Lake District & Pennine Way are also easily accessible. At the end of a quiet country lane you will find beautiful, Wall & Lakes cottage with its large garden, parking for two and open fields behind. All just a short stroll into the friendly market town of Brampton with its pubs, shops and amenities. Comfortable cosy and clean Wall & Lakes Cottage provides quality and value, sleeps 4 in high quality bedding, large garden, parking, sunny patio and beautiful views. Family friendly, with a super king and a king sized bed which splits into two small singles on request.
Why limit yourself to the Lake District when you can also explore the Forest of Bowland and Yorkshire Dales? Milo's Retreat is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty between Arnside and Milnthorpe. It's perfect for a romantic retreat or a solo escape, sleeping two people in one sublimely comfortable superking bed. Your day can include scaling mountains, hiking through fells, sailing over lakes or cycling around the coast. Throw in a region renowned for its fantastic food and all the comfort and charm of this wonderful self-catering holiday cottage, and you have a holiday you won't forget.
Carr Crag Cottage in Ambleside is a stunning Lake District holiday home with modern interiors and incredible views of the Langdale Fells. Perfect for groups or families, the luxurious house accommodates up to eight guests in four bedrooms and bathrooms. Ambleside offers scenic walking and cycling routes, plus three Michelin-starred restaurants within eight miles. The village has independent shops, cafes, and galleries, while nearby Lake Windermere is ideal for boat rides, paddle boarding and kayaking. Families can enjoy the Lakes Aquarium, Beatrix Potter Gallery, and historic sites like Castlerigg stone circle. With breathtaking views and loads of space, the cottage provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments.
Garden Cottage occupies the upper level of a traditional Westmorland bank barn, offering high quality accommodation for up to 6 guests. A calming haven for those looking to escape in nature, ideally located on the edge of The Lake District.
Popular towns in and around The Lake District:
AmblesideBowness-on-WindermereCartmelCockermouthConistonGrasmereGrizebeckHawksheadKendalKeswickKirkby StephenPenrithRavenglassSilverdaleUllswaterUlverstonWasdaleWindermereSome local suggestions:
Dog friendly Lake District cottagesLuxury Lake District holiday cottagesLake District cottages with a hot tubRomantic Lake District cottagesOr search further afield:
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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 self catering 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.
