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
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.
4 Star Luxury Holiday Cottage, Chapel Stile, Great Langdale, Ambleside. The perfect location in the Lake District where adventures start straight from your front door. Perfect for families or small groups of friends. We also allow one well behaved pet.
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.
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.
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
Surrounded by glorious Cumbrian countryside, Granary Cottage is an excellent base for exploring the Lake District National Park and the Cumbrian Coast. Sandwiched between Cartmel and Newby Bridge, close to the southern tip of Lake Windermere, the cottage is surrounded by stunning scenery with wonderful walks, cycle rides and a wealth of attractions within easy reach. A popular choice for families and friends at any time of the year with a large garden, dining sun room and log burning stove for cosy winter breaks.
The Lake District is one of the most popular holiday destinations in England for its incredible landscape which is breathtaking in every season. Tucked quietly away in the pretty hamlet of Lowick and close to Coniston Water and Ulverston, Otley Beck Cottage is a beautifully crafted romantic holiday retreat for couples or solo travellers. It's on the doorstep of fantastic footpaths, and close to Grizedale Forest, Windermere, Cartmel and Grange-over-Sands. With no noise or light pollution, you'll sleep soundly and awake refreshed and full of energy.
Garden Cottage is an enchanting holiday retreat for two standing within an acre of grounds in a peaceful countryside setting in the small hamlet of Lowick Green near Coniston Water and Ulverston in the heart of the Lake District National Park. With a Rayburn cooker and log burner for cosy winter nights and a private patio with lovely views over the valley for the warmer months, Garden Cottage has all year round appeal for couples.
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.
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.
You can't beat the Lake District as a holiday destination. Just ask the 15 million people who flock to the national park every year to escape into the majesty of its mountains and lakes. While some visitors love being remote and removed, others prefer the convenience of being close to its most famous sights. Fairoak is perfect for you if you want to see as much as possible during your stay. The three-bedroom self-catering holiday cottage is on a quiet street about 100 metres from Windermere's shops, cafes and restaurants and within easy reach of the train station and ferry. It sleeps five people and is excellent for families or couples.
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
Eight good-sized, individually decorated bedrooms (2-ensuite). Sleeps 16-20 (sleeps 15 singles in separate beds). Ideal for all ages - especially family holidays and celebrations, short breaks available. Two sitting rooms with real log fires (logs provided in winter). Large garden, games room with pool table. Two well-behaved pets welcome. Large private car park (5/6 cars)
Large Cumbrian Holiday Cottage sleeps 16 guests (or 20 using sofa beds), this 1794 grade 2 listed self-catering retreat is just perfect for large groups for milestone events, birthdays or anniversary celebrations & get togethers and is located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and alongside the Lake District National Park with easy access to the attractions of both . Full of country charm, Fawcett Mill beautifully combines fabulous original features such as a old style range and log burner & open fires, wooden beams, & 4 poster beds with modern comforts including a sauna, seven bedrooms and internet access ensuring the whole party can relax in comfort. In a picturesque setting with water fall and a stream running through the grounds, this welcoming holiday rental for large groups is just perfect for celebrating milestone birthday, anniversaries, family events & for walking , cycling, relaxing and catching up with friends and family.
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.
High Tarn Green is a wheelchair-friendly holiday cottage in a peaceful part of the Lake District, designed for comfort and accessibility. This single-storey property features widened doors, grab rails, and en-suite wet rooms with underfloor heating. The well-equipped kitchen and spacious living area with a log burner, SMART TV, and books provide a cosy retreat. With one double and one twin bedroom, it’s perfect for a small family or couples. The courtyard patio offers a lovely outdoor space for alfresco dining. A relaxing, practical escape, High Tarn Green is ideal for those seeking comfort and accessibility.
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 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.
