The Lake District is one of the UK's most popular holiday destinations, known for its beautiful lakes, dramatic mountains, rolling countryside and picturesque villages. Located in Cumbria in the North West of England, the Lake District National Park is home to England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and Windermere, England’s largest lake. Whether you're planning an active walking holiday, a family break by the water or a relaxing cottage escape, the Lake District offers a wonderful mix of outdoor adventures, traditional villages and scenic places to unwind. Read more
Beautifully presented, this delightful detached holiday home with log burner enjoys an enviable position in the popular Lakeland town of Windermere. Fantastic location for a luxury break with a country house hotel serving fine food just a two minute stroll away. Whether you want to relax, walk or explore the national park and its many attractions, this is an ideal retreat. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Round Table Cottage is more than 300 years old and has been carefully modernised to retain its metre thick walls and ancient wooden beams while also being a wonderfully comfortable base for a holiday. As one of our guests said: "We loved staying at this warm, cosy and charming place. We felt right at home the moment we walked in!" Round Table has stunning views of Lake Windermere from the house and the pretty cottage garden. Round Table is equally appealing for one or two families and is within easy reach of the Lake District's many attractions. Lovely walks from the front door and an exceptionally good pub within fifteen minutes walk. The Cottage also has access down a private lane to the lake shore. Round Table Cottage is in the heart of the Lake District National Park in Beatrix Potter country, between Far Sawrey and the Windermere Ferry. It's 5 minutes drive and 15 minutes walk to the car and foot ferries to Bowness, and just 10 minutes' drive to Hawkshead which as well as a Co-Op and a deli, has shops runs by Grasmere Gingerbread and Hawkshead Relish as well as a National Trust second hand bookshop.
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.
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.
Lingmell is in a superb location at the southern end of Coniston Water, within a short walk from Lake Bank Jetty. It's a lovely holiday home ideal for extended families or friends, consisting of two self-contained floors that sleep up to seven people in three bedrooms. Guests have shared use of six acres of grounds with access to the lake and the owner's Canadian canoe and four kayaks. There's secure storage if you want to bring your SUP, mountain bike or other sports equipment. Child and dog-friendly, the holiday cottage is available for bookings all year round, with short breaks possible depending on availability.
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.
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
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.
Sitting in a tranquil spot, this lovely holiday cottage is just perfect for walkers with some of Wainwright's favourite walks straight from the front door. Lake Derwentwater is just fifteen minutes away on foot and Keswick is four miles. Peace, tranquility, superb walking and a great self-catering base to enjoy everything that is special about the Lake District.
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 2.5 miles away. 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
Located within an acre of land with a stream running through it, 1 Swinside Cottages is a comfortable Cumbrian holiday cottage with beautiful scenery all around and wonderful forest and fell walks from the front door. Whinlatter Forest Centre is nearby and there are lovely bike rides and plenty of attractions throughout the Lake District for days out.
If you’re looking for a romantic holiday retreat for two people this autumn, 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, and Grizedale Forest and the southern tip of Windermere within striking distance too, this is a delightful base from which to explore Lakeland at its autumn best.
Where better to stay in Lakeland to relish the beautiful colours of autumn than the cosy world of Garden Cottage? Head to Tarn Hows, the Grizedale Forest or Coniston Water for the day and then return and relax beside the wood burner at this magical little spot. 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. It's one of two romantic holiday retreats at Howe Foot, both of them accommodating two people each.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1 Brathay Fell is an opulent, ground floor apartment that offers magnificent accommodation and bids the perfect abode for your time in The Lake District. Nestled at the foot of Loughrigg Fell and with views from the apartment towards the northern end of our best-known lake, Windermere, 1 Brathay Fell is ideal.
Rose Barn is an immaculately appointed barn conversion sleeping 6, providing modern day accommodation less than 1 mile from Hawkshead village, and even closer to the quaint hamlet of Outgate.
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 Lake District is in Cumbria, in the North West of England. Its landscape of mountains, valleys, lakes and woodland has inspired generations of writers and artists, including William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. The area is easy to explore on foot, by boat or by car, with a choice of lively lakeside towns, traditional villages and quieter rural locations.
The best place to stay depends on the type of holiday you're planning, from lively lakeside towns to quieter valleys surrounded by mountains.
Whether you're planning a special occasion or a relaxing countryside break, explore our luxury cottages in the Lake District for a comfortable stay in beautiful surroundings. Alternatively, our Lake District cottages with a hot tub offer a relaxing way to unwind after a day exploring the fells and lakes.
Planning a romantic escape? The Lake District's peaceful lakes, scenic walking routes and cosy village pubs make it a lovely choice for couples. Discover our romantic cottages in the Lake District for a special break together.
The Lake District is a year-round destination, with each season offering a different experience.
The weather can change quickly at any time of year, particularly in the mountains, so suitable clothing and preparation are important.
Walking is one of the Lake District's biggest attractions, with routes ranging from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain hikes. Visitors can also enjoy cycling, climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and boat trips on the lakes.
There are plenty of options for families, too, including historic houses, gardens, museums and indoor attractions for rainy days. For a slower-paced holiday, explore traditional villages, sample local food, watch wildlife or enjoy the scenery on a lake cruise.
Planning a short break? Our Lake District things to do guide includes ideas for making the most of a weekend in the area.
The Lake District is accessible by car, train and bus. The M6 provides the main road connection, with routes into the national park from junctions including 36, 37 and 38, depending on your destination.
The West Coast Main Line serves Oxenholme Lake District, with onward rail connections to Windermere. Other useful stations include Penrith North Lakes, which provides access to the northern and eastern parts of the region. Local buses connect many towns and villages, although services and journey times vary, so planning ahead is recommended.
Travelling by car gives you more flexibility for exploring remote valleys and smaller villages, while public transport can be a good option for visiting popular towns and walking routes.
Beyond the Lake District National Park, Cumbria offers a varied landscape of coastline, countryside, historic towns and traditional villages. Explore the quieter areas of the county, discover coastal walks and beaches, or visit historic attractions and local food producers.
Cumbria is also a great destination for a holiday with your dog, with scenic walking routes, open countryside and dog-friendly places to eat. Many local attractions and outdoor spaces welcome four-legged visitors, making it easy to explore together. Browse our dog-friendly cottages in the Lake District to find a base for your next adventure.
Local specialities worth trying include Grasmere Gingerbread, sticky toffee pudding, Cumberland sausage and Kendal Mint Cake.
The best area depends on your plans. Bowness-on-Windermere is popular for boat trips, shops and restaurants, while Ambleside and Keswick are good bases for walking and outdoor activities. Ullswater, Coniston and the quieter valleys offer scenic surroundings and opportunities to escape the busiest tourist spots.
The Lake District is famous for its lakes, mountains and dramatic scenery, as well as its literary heritage. It is associated with writers and artists such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Costs vary depending on the season, location and type of accommodation. Popular towns and school holidays can be more expensive, so booking early or considering quieter areas and travelling outside peak periods may offer better value. Alternatively visit our last minute offers page to see if you can pick up any late deals.
This depends a lot on personal preference. Derwentwater is admired for its mountain backdrop and wooded shoreline, while Ullswater is known for its dramatic scenery. Windermere is popular for boat trips and lakeside attractions, and smaller lakes such as Buttermere offer a quieter setting.
Yes. Train services, local buses and boat trips make it possible to explore parts of the Lake District without driving. Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick are useful bases, although public transport options are more limited in some rural areas. Check local timetables before travelling.
