Cottages in the Lake District

• Cottages for every group: From cosy two-person getaways to family-sized stone homes with fireplaces and gardens, the Lake District's self-catering cottages suit couples, families and friends alike.
• Where to base yourself: Windermere and Ambleside suit first-timers, Keswick draws adventurers, whilst Grasmere and Coniston reward couples and water-sports fans.
• Loved by our guests: Top-rated cottages earn praise for their warm welcomes, spotless interiors and welcome hampers of local produce, with several scoring a perfect 10.0.
• Eat like a local: From Michelin-starred L'Enclume to Grasmere's famous gingerbread, Cumbria's farm-to-table kitchens and traditional tea rooms are a highlight of any stay.
• Endless things to do: Climb Scafell Pike, cruise Windermere, chase waterfalls at Aira Force and follow Beatrix Potter's footsteps across the fells.

The Lake District's holiday cottages include quaint cosy properties for couples in search of romance, as well as roomy stone-built homes that comfortably sleep families and groups of friends. Many are centuries-old, traditional whitewashed cottages with refurbished kitchens, snug lounges and wood-burning fireplaces, set in villages such as Grasmere, Keswick and Ambleside. If a cottage isn't quite right, the area also offers log cabins, glamping sites and welcoming B&Bs across Cumbria. Whatever the season, the right amenities make all the difference to a self-catering stay in Cumbria:

• A wood-burning stove or open fireplace to keep cosy on crisp autumn and winter evenings
• A private garden or patio, ideal for a summer BBQ after a day on the fells
• Many cottages with a hot tub for soothing tired legs after a long walk
• Plenty of dog-friendly cottages so the whole family, four-legged members included, can come along
• Wi-Fi, a well-equipped kitchen and parking, the practical essentials for a relaxed holiday

For a touch of luxury, look out for cottages with a private pool dotted around the national park.

What are the best areas to stay in the Lake District?

Windermere and Ambleside are the most popular bases, but the wider area rewards exploring, so browse all Lake District holiday lettings to compare. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Our guests consistently praise Lake District cottages for their warm welcomes, spotless interiors and unbeatable access to the fells and lakes. Hosts go the extra mile with welcome hampers of local produce, helpful walking tips and that homely touch that turns a holiday into a place you'll want to return to. Self-catering here means waking up to birdsong, brewing a morning cuppa with a view, and coming home each evening to your own quiet corner of Cumbria.

Here are our top-rated holiday cottages from the past year:

1. Mellbreak - 10.0: A spacious cottage for five in Cumbria, with a well-equipped kitchen and fast Wi-Fi throughout, perfect for a self-catering family break near the lakes.
2. Chapelside Cottage - 10.0: Guests love the easy parking and cosy, comfortable rooms of this Cumbrian cottage, a relaxed base for a few days exploring the fells.
3. Hideaway Cottage - 10.0: Tucked away in Ambleside with a private garden and parking, ideal for couples and small families wanting a central yet peaceful retreat.

The Lake District is England's largest national park, in the county of Cumbria in the north-west, where high fells, ancient woodland and ribbon lakes meet a dramatic stretch of coastline. Its dramatic landscapes have inspired poets and artists over the centuries, and continue to attract travellers in search of rural relaxation.

🥗Where to eat in the Lake District?

From cosy pubs with roaring fireplaces to chic fine dining restaurants, from quaint old-fashioned tea rooms to family-friendly eateries, the Lake District has plenty to offer keen foodies. Our travel experts have handpicked these restaurants for a good meal in the Lake District:

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Hannah and Ben recommend Sarah Nelson's Grasmere Gingerbread Shop in the Lake District: they loved picking up the famous, secret-recipe gingerbread to bring back to the cottage for slow mornings by the fire.

1. Conquer Scafell Pike, England's highest peak
2. Cruise and paddle Windermere
3. Marvel at Aira Force waterfall
4. Wander the path around Tarn Hows
5. Follow in Beatrix Potter's footsteps
6. Explore Brockhole on Windermere
7. Discover the magic of Ullswater

1. Conquer Scafell Pike, England's highest peak

   At 978 metres, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England and a bucket-list climb for keen walkers. Most routes set off from Wasdale, the most direct approach, though paths from Borrowdale and Langdale are equally rewarding. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Isle of Man.

2. Cruise and paddle Windermere

   Windermere is England's largest lake and the beating heart of the national park. Hop aboard a traditional steamer for a relaxed cruise between Bowness, Ambleside and Lakeside, or hire a rowing boat, kayak or paddleboard to explore the shoreline at your own pace. The lake is dotted with wooded islands and framed by gentle fells, making it just as lovely for a leisurely afternoon as an active one.

3. Marvel at Aira Force waterfall

   Tumbling around 20 metres through a wooded gorge near Ullswater, Aira Force is one of the Lake District's most photogenic waterfalls. A network of well-kept paths and stone footbridges lets you admire it from every angle, and the surrounding woodland is glorious in autumn. After heavy rain the falls thunder spectacularly; in gentler weather it's a peaceful spot for a picnic.

4. Wander the path around Tarn Hows

   Tarn Hows is a picture-postcard spot between Coniston and Hawkshead, with a gentle circular path of around two miles looping the water. Though it looks entirely natural, this beauty spot was landscaped in Victorian times and is now lovingly cared for. Surrounded by lush green hills and framed by distant fells, it's an easy, accessible walk suitable for all ages.

5. Follow in Beatrix Potter's footsteps

   The Lake District inspired Beatrix Potter, and her legacy is woven through the landscape. As a young woman she rowed on Derwentwater and climbed Catbells, scenes that found their way into her tales. Visit the World of Beatrix Potter attraction in Windermere for interactive exhibits, or her former farmhouse at Hill Top in Near Sawrey, preserved much as she left it.

6. Explore Brockhole on Windermere

   On the shores of Windermere between Ambleside and the town of Windermere, Brockhole is a brilliant day out for all ages. Adrenaline seekers can tackle the Treetop Trek high-ropes course and zip wires, whilst calmer souls can hire a motorboat, canoe or kayak. There's archery, laser clay shooting, a woodland fairy trail and mini-golf in the landscaped grounds, plus a lakeside café for a well-earned slice of cake.

7. Discover the magic of Ullswater

   Often called the most beautiful of the lakes, Ullswater is the Lake District's second largest and a magnet for outdoor lovers. Ride the historic Ullswater Steamers, walk part of the scenic shoreline path, or cycle the roughly 20-mile circular route. The valley's rolling hills and glassy water inspired Wordsworth's famous daffodils poem, and the views shift with every bend.