Immerse Yourself in Inspiring Landscapes on a Cottage Holiday in the Lake District

Accommodation with Nature on the Doorstep

As the largest and probably best-loved National Park, the Lake District is renowned for its breathtaking landscape.

For sheer rugged beauty rent a cottage in the North West of the Lake District, near mountains such as Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, Skiddaw and their noble sisters for the best walking and climbing holidays in the country.

For the perfect autumn short break, Grizedale Forest to the South is one of the most spectacular broadleaf woodlands in the country, and home to an amazing array of sculptures too! Without straying too far from any English Country Cottage in the Southern Lake District, you'll find the enchanting fells and sparkling waters that make the region famous.

From the peaceful shores of Grasmere and Rydale Water, the mysterious depths of Coniston, through to endless panoramas of Windermere - England's longest lake - the region's wonder never ends. In the North, beyond Ullswater's timeless beauty, you'll find the little known gem of the Eden Valley, where your holiday can be spent exploring caves, gorges, gentle fords and wide peaceful reaches.

Character Cottages Steeped in History and Heritage

The Lake District is rich in heritage, and every village and town has a tale or two to tell. The region is peppered with heritage visitor centres of many kinds, and wherever you choose your holiday cottage, you'll find a different thread of history to retrace.

Fans of Beatrix Potter begin their holiday adventures at Hawkshead, where the writer drew her inspiration from local wildlife to create some of the world's best-loved children's characters. Here you'll find the author's own cottage, now a visitor's centre and a gallery dedicated to her work. Wordsworth immortalised the Lake District in his poems, and a holiday cottage near Grasmere offers the chance to stroll along the same sylvan watersides that inspired him.

Visit Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum to relish in his legacy. For more hands-on history, Hard Knott Roman Fort in Eskdale, Muncaster Castle in Ravenglass, The Steamboat Museum at Windermere, and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway all make great holiday experiences.

Choose a Cottage Holiday for Culture and Cuisine

From hour-old bread, to age-old recipes you'll find some real delicacies in the Lake District, perfect for putting your self-catering facilities to good use! From the famous Cumberland Sausage, Kendal mint cake and Grasmere gingerbread through to lesser known treats such as saltmarsh lamb and damson gin, you'll find plenty to keep your taste buds happy while on holiday here.

If you prefer to eat out you'll be spoilt for choice - The Lake District has 66 restaurants with AA rosettes, and many with Michelin stars, so make sure you're hungry when you visit! In terms of culture, the social landscape in Cumbria is just as diverse as the natural one, and a cottage here puts you right in the heart of a lively arts scene.

Kendal is a Mecca for arts lovers, and throughout its quaint yards and charming venues you'll find a lively programme of contemporary theatre, poetry, art and dance events, not to mention Mintfest in August, bringing the very best outdoor performance from around Europe to the heart of the Lake District. The Upfront Gallery and Puppet Theatre in Penrith is another rare treat, and presents a year-round calendar of art exhibitions and performances in a unique setting.

Holiday Homes near the Highlights and Hotspots

The Lake District is the country's biggest adventure playground, and a cottage holiday here is sure to get your heart racing. There's an unrivalled array of outdoor pursuits on your doorstep, and you can choose from water sports on Windermere, high wire forest adventures in Grizedale, mountain biking at Bowness, and caving at Kirby Lonsdale, through to climbing holidays at Wasdale Head, where the sport began.

If it's family fun that makes your holiday special, you'll find no shortage of great attractions within easy reach of your holiday cottage. The badgers at Brockhole Lake District Visitor centre are a firm family favourite, coupled with a Lake Cruise on nearby Windermere for the perfect day.

cumbria steamboat cruising across lake windermere The Aquarium of the Lakes at Ulverston boasts otters and an incredible underwater tunnel; Eden Ostrich Farm is a quirky day out; while Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery has something for everyone, from fine art to interactive fun.

There's no shortage of adventure in the Lake District - enough to fill any short break or long stay with endless wonder. Visit our availability search page to find your next holiday cottage in the Lake District or Cumbria.