Holly Howe Cottage, Ambleside, Cumbria, The Lake District, England - Sleeps 6

About Holly Howe Cottage

Holly Howe Cottage is perfectly placed for families to enjoy all the Lake District has to offer. Situated in Ambleside in the heart of the National Park, it is within walking distance of fells to climb, shops, cafes and excellent pubs and restaurants to sample, and many places of interest to visit.

There is space for up to six people to sleep in three comfortable bedrooms, with guests enjoying beautiful views over the village to Loughrigg from the front of the cottage, and the approach to Wansfell from the back. The private parking is at the front gate - we benefit from the road being a private cul de sac. The garden to the rear has a summerhouse where guests can enjoy perhaps some hot chocolate in the winter or maybe a glass of wine in the summer. There is a terrace with outdoor furniture for alfresco dining or 'picnics'. The cottage is a welcoming home for you on your holiday whatever the season. It is fully centrally heated and there is a cosy and comforting log burner in the sitting room which, we think, brings that unique enveloping warmth in the colder weather.

Ambleside is such an ideal base for a holiday in the Lake District, since it is central and therefore within easy reach of many popular sights and attractions. With beautiful walks from the door of the cottage - a short favorite of ours being along the lane and through the woods to the Stock Ghyll Force - it is easy to immerse yourself in the spectacular landscape. Another easy option is to follow the footpath at the back of the cottage to the foot of Wansfell Pike, where there is a bench from which to admire a panoramic view of distant fells. A walk across the village leads to the path up over Loughrigg, or challenge yourself to a trek around the commanding and famous Fairfield Horseshoe. The choice of walks varies widely in duration and difficulty; whether you're aiming for a leisurely hour's stroll or a strenuous 12-hour hike, you'll find the perfect route here. Helvellyn, Coniston Old Man and the start of the route to High Street are all within 40 minutes drive. Cycling and mountain biking are two other popular ways to explore. There is an excellent and largely traffic free family-friendly network of cycle/walking paths around Ambleside and more challenging bridleway options for mountain bikers.

Well known local landmarks include the 17th-Century Bridge House and the Roman fort at Waterhead. Ambleside's Armitt Museum holds a beautiful collection of Beatrix Potter's scientific paintings. Close by you also have Wordsworth's Dove Cottage in Grasmere, The Ruskin Museum at Coniston with displays featuring Donald Campbell, Beatrix Potter's Hill Top home and Blackwell, The Arts and Crafts house at Bowness. The Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry in Kendal hosts an Arthur Ransome exhibition, a must for "Swallows and Amazons" enthusiasts who would also enjoy The Windermere Jetty Museum. There are several National Trust houses and gardens in the area. Boat Trips can be taken from Waterhead on the northern shore of Windermere, which is approximately a 20 minute walk from the cottage. There is a cinema in the village showing a choice of recent releases, offering something suitable for all ages. Not only is the landscape beautiful but the regionally produced food and drink is some of the most delicious you will enjoy anywhere in the UK. The local restaurants and pubs take pride in using fresh produce in their seasonal menus.

It doesn't matter whether you have never been to the Lake District before or if you make it an annual pilgrimage, the location and comfort of Holly Howe Cottage will ensure your stay is one you will always remember.