Lake District holiday cottages

Why book a holiday cottage in the Lake District?

One of the best reasons to book a holiday cottage in the Lake District is the practicality it offers. Even if you’re staying near one of the Lake District’s main towns or villages, the area is rural, which makes it even more important to have everything you need in your accommodation. A Lake District cottage gives you somewhere to strip off your muddy boots and waterproofs after a full day of fell-walking, throw a wash on, and cook a proper meal rather than hunting for a pub or restaurant that’s near enough and still serving food. For families, it means space for everyone to be able to sit around the dining table or decompress in the living room together after your outdoor adventures. For couples, it means peace and privacy with romantic lake or fell views and no pressure to be anywhere else. For groups, it means not trying to find a restaurant that suits everyone and can seat everyone during peak season. And of course, for dog owners, it means having Lake District accommodation that’s genuinely dog friendly.

Staying in a Lake District cottage means you’ll have a proper base for your holiday, with home comforts that help you settle in quickly and more choice when it comes to added features like a log fire, an enclosed garden or a private hot tub. A self-catering stay in the Lake District gives you the freedom and flexibility you don’t always find with a hotel, with the benefit of often being more cost-effective if you’re travelling as a family or larger group. Some of the most sought-after types of holidays here are dog-friendly Lake District cottages, Lake District hot tub breaks and large Lake District cottages.

Where to stay for your Lake District cottage holiday

As one of the most visited national parks in the UK, the Lake District National Park attracts millions of visitors to Cumbria each year. The park is home to 12 of the largest lakes in England, including Windermere, Ullswater and Derwentwater, as well as numerous smaller lakes, tarns and reservoirs. With so many picturesque towns and villages to choose from, it can be hard to know where to base yourself, but here are some of the top choices on where to stay for your Lake District cottage holiday:

Bowness-on-Windermere and Windermere

Arguably the most iconic Lake District destination, the village of Bowness-on-Windermere (twinned with the town of Windermere) is great for families and first-timers who want to soak up the full Lake District experience. Fill a couple of days or a whole week here with boat cruises on Lake Windermere, waterside pub lunches, and a visit to the World of Beatrix Potter or nearby Hill Top. All of this means it’s one of the busiest places in the Lake District, especially in the summer and school holidays. It’s best to book Bowness holiday cottages and Windermere cottages well in advance if you’re travelling in peak season.

Keswick

The fell-walker’s capital and the main market town in the Northern Lake District, Keswick is located on the shores of Derwentwater. Keswick holiday cottages are best suited to ramblers looking for somewhere to put their feet up at the end of a long day bagging Wainwrights, like Cat Bells and Skiddaw. Keswick itself is a traditional market town, with independent shops and a strong foodie scene.

Ambleside and Grasmere

Ambleside is just 15 minutes’ drive north of Windermere, but has a more local, less resort feel. Staying in a holiday cottage in Ambleside offers a good middle ground between Windermere and Keswick, with a mix of independent cafes, Michelin-starred restaurants, ancient woodlands and historic sites. Top walks here include the steep Fairfield Horseshoe hike, the Loughrigg Fell hike and the Stock Ghyll Force waterfall hike. Head into neighbouring Grasmere to visit Dove Cottage, the former home of William Wordsworth, and pick up a sweet treat from the village’s famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. We also have Grasmere holiday cottages you can book.

Pooley Bridge and Ullswater

You’ll find Pooley Bridge on the eastern side of the Lakes, which tends to be less crowded due to fewer attractions and transport links. The village sits at the northern top of Ullswater, often described as the most beautiful lake in the Lake District. Staying in a Pooley Bridge holiday cottage is a quieter alternative to Windermere for those who want to experience the magic of the Lake District from the water. A great way to soak up the beauty of Ullswater is onboard a heritage vessel with Ullswater Steamers. Take in the view of Helvellyn, England’s third-highest mountain, before stopping off to visit the National Trust’s Aira Force waterfall or to join the 20-mile Ullswater Way hiking trail.

Find more inspiration on where to stay in the Lake District with our guide to the prettiest Lake District villages.

Things to do in the Lake District

If you’re a keen walker, then you probably already know why you want to visit the Lake District. The National Park is a rambler’s paradise, with 214 Wainwright fells, including Scafell Pike (978m), the highest mountain in England. If you’re not a serious walker but still want to get out and about, then there are thousands of walking routes to choose from, including easier, family-friendly trails that still offer amazing scenery and views. Check out Whinlatter Forest, Grizedale Forest and Tarn Hows. Aside from walking, getting out on the water is one of the best things to do in the Lake District, with a boat cruise on Lake Windermere top of the list. You can also hire your own boats, kayaks and paddleboards in Derwentwater, Coniston Water and Windermere. Back on dry land, try even more outdoor activities at Brockhole on Windermere or head for some history and culture at Beatrix Potter's Hill Top or Wordsworth's Dove Cottage. Find more ideas for your holiday with our complete Lake District travel guide.

Getting to and around the Lake District

The Lake District is best reached by car via the M6, with drive times around 90 minutes to 2 hours from Manchester and around 5 hours from London. There are direct trains to Oxenholme from London (2.5 hours) or Manchester (1 hour 10 minutes). From Oxenholme, you can catch a 20-minute train to Windermere, or there are direct trains from Manchester to Windermere (90 minutes-2 hours). Without a car, the simplest way to get around the Lake District is by bus, with the 555 bus route linking Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere and Keswick year-round. One of the most scenic ways to travel around the Lake District is by boat, with Windermere Lake Cruises and Ullswater Steamers being among the most popular cruises. There’s also the Keswick Launch for exploring Derwentwater and the Coniston Launch for Coniston Water. Cycling is another popular way to get around the Lake District, with bike hire available in places like Windermere, Keswick and Grizedale Forest. Although there are some flatter, traffic-free trails at Grizedale Forest and along the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path, a lot of cycling in the Lake District is best reserved for confident cyclists, as the roads can be narrow, steep and busy with traffic in peak season.

Best time to visit the Lake District

The dramatic landscape of the Lake District means it has something to offer in every season, although it will ultimately depend on personal preference when you want to go. Summer brings longer, warmer days, a lively buzz and more choice of activities, but it also brings more crowds, higher prices and more competitiveness for holiday accommodation. It may also be too hot for big hikes up Scafell Pike or Helvellyn. In spring, the Lake District begins to bloom and the trails are quieter, while autumn sees the summer crowds thin out and the woodland foliage transform with its spectacular colours. Winter may not be the best time for serious outdoor pursuits, and the days will almost certainly be colder and wetter, but the atmosphere is hard to beat; roaring fires, snow-capped peaks and flasks of hot tea by the lake. For a full seasonal guide, check out our blog on the best time to visit the Lake District.

The Lake District at a glance

The Lake District is England's largest national park, covering 912 square miles of Cumbrian countryside. It is home to 16 lakes - including Windermere, the largest natural lake in England - and 214 Wainwright fells, including Scafell Pike (978m), England's highest mountain. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, the Lake District is best known for walking, watersports and its literary connections to William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. The main bases for a holiday are Windermere, Keswick, Ambleside and Ullswater, each with a distinct character.