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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With private lake access and an abundance of character, this charming Lakeland cottage is the perfect base to explore some of The Lake District hidden gems. Ideal for those who love an adventure!
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.
Centrally located accommodation sleeping up to six in the popular village of Hawkshead. This home from home is the perfect place to hang your hat after a day of exploring.
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 14 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 20. The House has many stand-out features including its very own bar. All of the 6 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.
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.
