As England’s largest lake, Windermere’s history is tightly woven into the area’s tapestry - incredibly important to those who live and work there, but also special to those who visit the area in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Millions of sightseers, hikers, foodies, and families make their way to the Lake District every year, yet it remains remarkably serene and unspoiled. Read more
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.
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.
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.
Oakland West is a luxury holiday home sleeping 14 in a quiet and exclusive area of Windermere. This former grand hall and has been painstakingly restored and provides the perfect space for large groups and family gatherings.
Ideally located in a quiet corner of the Lake District, this chocolate box style cottage provides a truly romantic base to explore the popular town of Windermere and surrounding areas.
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!
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.
Bannerrigg is located at the heart of in Windermere Village. This 4 star property sleeps 16 all in single beds. Bannerriggs stand out features are its hot tub in its own building in the garden and an 18 seat cinema in the cellar. Whether you're looking to book a family break, a milestone birthday party or a girls getaway Bannerrigg is a fabulous choice.
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.
Alice Howe, part of the Terrace Windermere a private row of 5 holiday houses in the heart of The Lake District National Park. The property benefits from a 7-seat covered hot tub in the garden and a 15-seat cinema complete with Smart TV in the cellar. There are 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms and a beautifully appointed lounge and dining room. We welcome all kinds of gatherings from Milestone birthdays to girls’ getaways.
White Moss is part of The Terrace Windermere a private row of houses all to rent in at the heart of The Lake District. The property sleeps 12 and features a 7 seat hot tub in the rear courtyard and a private 12 seat cinema with 75inch Smart TV. The lounge and dining room both have woodburning stoves to keep you warm and cosy in the winter. We welcome milestone birthdays, family gatherings and girls’ weekends.
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.
Woodside is a charming stone holiday cottage in a gorgeous location within walking distance of Lake Windermere and High Dam. The former mill worker's cottage dates back 250 years, and the owners have kept original features like the exposed beams and inglenook fireplace while creating a welcoming retreat where up to six people can sleep in three bedrooms. The property is dog-friendly and a particular favourite with families who appreciate the lovely gardens and child-friendly features.
Hidden down a quiet track, Clover Cottage is a secret holiday cottage in Ambleside with a private garden and parking. This one-bedroom property is ideal for couples or individuals, including those with a dog, and is very well-equipped for a self-catering Lake District holiday. It's so wonderfully peaceful that you'll hardly believe you're within strolling distance of shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and other amenities. Ambleside is on the northern shore of Windermere with easy access to spectacular walks, fantastic cycling routes, and the sights and attractions that bring millions of visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site every year.
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.
Stay within walking distance of the Hawkshead Brewery, the Eagle and Child pub, and some great shops and cafes at The Wheelhouse at Staveley. Located in the bustling Cumbrian village of Staveley, The Wheelhouse puts you close to the action with a good range of amenities on the doorstep, whilst being within easy access of the rest of the Lake District. The contemporary property, which is only a few miles from both Kendal and Windermere, can accommodate up to six guests in three bedrooms. Facilities like the Swedish sauna, secure storage for bikes and pushchairs, and a drying room makes it perfect for families and groups of friends who want to enjoy the spectacular Lake District without compromising on comfort.
This romantic barn oozes character and charm and provides a luxurious 5 Star retreat right in the heart of the Lake District in the stunning Troutbeck Valley. Sleeping two guests in one king-sized bedroom, and located just a short stroll from Lake Windermere and an excellent pub, Townfoot Barn is the perfect retreat for couples looking for a slice of Cumbrian paradise. Dogs are welcome too. Breakfast basket provided. Sorry but short breaks are not available, just weekly or longer bookings taken throughout the year. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Popular towns in and around The Lake District:
AmblesideBowness-on-WindermereCartmelCockermouthConistonGrasmereGrizebeckHawksheadKendalKeswickKirkby StephenPenrithRavenglassUllswaterUlverstonWasdaleWindermereSome local suggestions:
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The Lake District is known for its inclement weather and it’s entirely possible to leave your holiday cottage on a sunny morning only to get caught in a shower on the way to the car! The best way to deal with this is to keep your wet weather gear handy and enjoy the beauty of the mist on the lake, the rushing waterfalls, and the sensation of the warm sun when it inevitably breaks through again.
You shouldn’t visit Windermere without going on the water, either in a self-chartered boat or on a scheduled cruise. A hop-on-hop-off ticket on the latter is a remarkably pleasant way to see some of Windermere’s attractions such as the Lakeland Motor Museum, Brockhole Visitor Centre, the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway, and the shops and restaurants in Bowness. There are also dozens of walks which start near Windermere piers, including the trail to Orrest Head which has just enough gradient to make it really feel like you’ve earned the views from the top without being overly strenuous.
Getting to Windermere is a simple matter of taking the train from London, Glasgow, Carlisle, or Manchester, or driving via the M6. William Wordsworth wasn’t pulling your leg when he wrote about the beauty of his favourite part of the world. However you get there, you’ll find the journey through the Lake District to Windermere is almost as enjoyable as reaching your destination.
