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
Holly Cottage is a four-bedroom holiday cottage in Keswick sleeping six, set on a quiet street just a few minutes’ walk from the market square and Derwentwater. This traditional terraced house combines original character with thoughtful modern touches, including a king-size four-poster bed, two bathrooms, secure bike storage and private parking. Dog- and family-friendly, it offers WiFi, gas central heating, a fully equipped kitchen, and a small front patio for sitting outside. With pubs, cafés, shops and walking routes all close by, this self-catering holiday rental in Keswick makes an easy and comfortable base for exploring the Lake District.
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.
This charming cottage sits in an enviable location in the Troutbeck Valley located in between the popular towns of Ambleside and Windermere in the Lake District National Park. Dating back to the 1800s, Beck Cottage has been recently renovated to provide modern and comfortable accommodation for up to four guests in two bedrooms. Spend your days exploring the footpaths from the doorstep or try your hand at mountain biking, sailing, paddleboarding and canoeing. Other nearby attractions include The World of Beatrix Potter, The Lakes Aquarium and Go Ape in Grizedale Forest. Holiday bookings are available all year round. There is no EV charging point at the cottage and EV charging via the domestic supply constitutes a fire hazard and therefore is not allowed. There are charging points in the locality - please message the host if you require details. Storage of e-bikes and e-scooters is not allowed in the property as this constitutes a fire hazard. A shed in our garden area can be made available for this purpose on request and at no extra charge.
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.
Welcome the Lakeland spring 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.
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
With space for up to eight people to stay in four bedrooms, The Old House is ideal for large families and friends to relax and enjoy the beauty of the western Lake District National Park. The cottage is close to the coast and only a few miles from Ravenglass, within easy reach of Scafell Pike and Munster Castle. There are excellent opportunities for walking, mountain biking and fishing in an area renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. There is the lovely Byre cafe and also a bike rental 200 metres away.
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 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.
Cat-Owl Cottage is on a quiet residential street in Ambleside, a short walk from shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants and other amenities. The self-catering holiday home is a stylish vision with soft shades reflecting the gorgeous natural colours of the lakes, mountains, and flowers, making the Lake District a stunning place to visit in any season. The layout is ideal for families with space for six people to sleep in three bedrooms, an enclosed garden, off-street parking (comfortably for 2 cars) and bike storage. Pets and smoking are not permitted, so this property is also great for people with allergies. The cottage has a large and stylish games room, the perfect place to have fun on a rainy day.
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
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.
Offering ground floor self-catering accommodation, this comfortable holiday home sits in an enviable position in the heart of the Lake District National Park in the popular town of Ambleside. Windermere and a host of attractions are a stone's throw away and the area offers super opportunities for walkers, water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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.
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.
Surrounded by breathtaking views and gorgeous countryside, this charming 17th century farmhouse is a true gem. Perfectly combining character with modern day comforts, the owners of Hill House have created a cosy and welcoming holiday cottage in the beautiful Upper Eden valley. Hill House is located in the small village of Winton, just a 30 minute walk to the traditional market town of Kirkby Stephen. Explore a new footpath each day or enjoy meandering around the picturesque towns and villages. With the North Pennines and Yorkshire Dales on your doorstep, and the Lake District just a stone's throw away, there are endless opportunities for exploring this stunning part of the world.
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.
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.
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:
Search within North West England
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.
