Even in the context of the Lake District, Longsleddale, a mere twelve minutes from Kendal and twenty-five from Windermere, is recognized as outstandingly peaceful and stunningly beautiful.
Once you're inside this beautifully traditional cottage, you'll be charmed by those gorgeous old beams and cute little doors, but impressed by the level of style and sheen throughout the cottage. Ingenious design makes the most of the petite but perfectly formed living space, and a romantic double bedroom is made truly special by an attractive vaulted ceiling.
Soak up the sublime setting of this 17th century Lakeland barn. Keeping Bowness village and Lake Windermere close by, you'll escape towards the peace and tranquility of the rural lakes. The Hayloft is full of the character of the original building, but a thorough and stylish refurbishment has created a very sophisticated retreat. The quirky layout includes a truly cosy living room with luxury leather sofas and woodburning stove.
Bank Barn at Rusland is an exceptional holiday property. A spacious traditional home with fantastic views over the Rusland Valley afforded by the dual aspect upstairs living areas. This property is ideal for families and friends alike, wishing to explore the true heart of the Lake District. Enjoy the surrounding hills and bridleways on foot or by bike: you will not be disappointed. With Grizedale Forest nearby this is a great base for outdoor activity all year round. Exceptionally maintained and spacious gardens add to the unique character of this property.
Why not take a look at some of our fabulous Lake District holiday ideas!
Established in 1977 and with the largest collection of luxury properties in the Lakes, Lakelovers Lake District Cottages are proud to offer the best in self-catering holidays across the most popular regions of the Lake District National Park.
We invite you to join us in enjoying the very finest holiday cottages in the Lakes. Our collection of over 500 properties has been thoughtfully hand-picked by our expert team, with you in mind. With over 40 years of experience, we pride ourselves on a reputation for unique and stylish cottages to rent in the very best locations across the Lake District.
Offering exceptional quality, at Lakelovers you’ll find a unique range of holiday cottages, from stylish apartments showcasing the latest in state-of-the art holiday cottages, alongside traditional Lakeland cottages sympathetically converted to offer modern luxuries. Choose a Lakelovers cottage and find yourselves a stones-throw from a traditional country pub and trails through a landscape of outstanding natural beauty, enjoying peace and serenity from your private hot tub; and close to some of the best restaurants, entertainment, and culture in the UK.
A passion for quality, as well as our love for the Lake District, is the ribbon that weaves effortlessly through all that we do. All of our Cumbrian cottages to rent are VisitEngland 3-5 star award and we offer the largest collection of Gold Award properties in the region, guaranteeing you quality.
LAKE DISTRICT COTTAGES
The Finest Holiday Cottages in the Lake District
From the moment you collect your key to your last night sat on your terrace soaking up the breathtaking views, this is your private Lake District retreat where the highest care has been made to ensure you have the very best holiday experience.
Hideaways and Hotspots
The Lake District National Park has over 200 mountains and 16 bodies of water, plus 26 miles of coastline. And this beautiful landscape is only 2 hours from both Manchester and Edinburgh and less than 3 hours by train from London.
We have hand-picked over 500 cottages in sought-after locations in the Lakes, from Ambleside, Windermere, Grasmere and Keswick to Ullswater, and look forward to welcoming you to enjoy the region’s famous scenery and warm hospitality.
How do cottages to rent in the Lake District with lake access or a riverside retreat sound? Here we have some of the finest lakes for tranquil boat trips, warm tarns if you fancy a dip and the most spectacular rivers and dramatic waterfall scenery. Wake up to uninterrupted views across Lake Windermere from your private lakeside residence; while evenings away with al-fresco dining alongside a babbling river; or soak up the panoramic views of distant waterfalls cascading down a jagged and dramatic mountain landscape, whilst curled up by your cosy cottage woodburner.
Leaving the water behind, perhaps you’d like to be within striking distance of a bustling Lake District town, like Ambleside or Bowness, where you can enjoy a super range of fine dining, cosy pubs and boutique shopping.
For a more remote location, at the foot of a fell soaking up peace, quiet and harmony, head to the Langdale valley. Choose Grasmere for charming woodland wonders; Keswick for a quiet walk where you may be lucky enough to have a ridge to yourself; and a holiday in Ambleside is ideal for classic hiking in the Lakes.
World-Class Culture
Whilst we know you will be impressed by our superb collection of holiday cottages, Lake District attractions are also wide-ranging, from outdoor adventure to world-class cuisine and culture. To get an idea of what is going on in popular locations across Cumbria have a look at our local area guide.
The Lakes is a popular destination that offers premier family entertainment all year around, like the popular Go Ape Tree Top Adventures and The World of Beatrix Potter. Have a look at this guide for more things to do in and around this beautiful area.
“Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were – Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter, ” wrote Lake District resident and author, Beatrix Potter in The Tale of Peter Rabbit. How will your family’s Lake District adventure start? Perhaps hire rowing boats at Coniston Boating Centre or take a dinghy to set sail on your very own ‘Swallows and Amazons’ adventure.
For lovers of the outdoors, maybe your holiday starts with a classic walking challenge like Loughrigg Fell, best enjoyed from Ambleside. Or, step back in time and take in the region’s unique and unusual history and enjoy a journey through the Lake’s excellent museums and historical properties, such as the homes of Wordsworth, Potter and Ruskin.
Dog Friendly
The Lake District is a national treasure. It has some of the very best “walkies” territory, which has been inspiring poets, artists, and holidaymakers since the late 18th Century.
William Wordsworth on the Lake District: “A sort of national property in which every man has a right and interest who has an eye to perceive and a heart to enjoy”.
And pup’s heart will be filled with joy with endless games of fetch, clearwater lakes for practising his doggy-paddle, open car-free space and a fresh breeze between his ears. Not to mention a trip to the local watering hole where treats and water are served up to well-walked dogs before their owners enjoy a refreshing local ale.
A Lakelovers cottage puts you at the foot of famous walks like Coniston Old Man and Skiddaw, which makes for an ideal pet friendly holiday. Share your holiday with your pooch and view our collection of over 175 dog friendly cottages located all over Cumbria.
Unique Holiday Cottages
Whether you’re looking for a sleeps 2 or sleeps 20 holiday cottage, we have a range of properties to suit even the most discerning of tastes and all budgets. Our cottages come in a variety of styles, from traditional stone farms to modern architect designed properties, so you are sure to find the one to suit you and your group.
A Holiday Cottage in Cumbria is the ideal way for large groups to celebrate in style and comfort. Lakelovers have a superb range of large cottages in the Lake District, perfect for entertaining or getting together with family and friends. Relax and spread out with plenty of bathrooms and added extras like games and boot room, smart media systems, bed and bathroom TVs, en suites and large open-plan, sociable kitchen and dining spaces, fun outdoor hot tubs, al fresco dining and BBQs.
Are you looking for a short break, where you plan on simply using your holiday cottage as a bolthole to lay your head after filling your days exploring the wonders of the region, then why not check out or Lake District cottages short breaks. Perhaps you’re looking for a family friendly holiday in the Lakes and so being close to the buzz of Widermere or Ambleside will appeal. If luxury isn’t a priority then we have a superb range of affordable cottages, whether you’re looking for a walking holiday for two or a family escape that won’t break the bank.
For all of your desires; couples looking for a romantic getaway, a walking holiday with friends, space for a family escape, or a celebratory get-together in a unique property, browse our Lake District holiday cottages to be inspired and swept away to a world of Peter Rabbit, Swallows and Amazons and dancing Daffodils.
Luxury Getaways
Perhaps you’re flexible on location and simply want to indulge in a luxury holiday cottage. Lake District holidays have long been the playground for the time-rich and we have created a perfect luxury getaway package for those looking for something special.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”. Whilst we agree with Wainwright, we do feel that a well-appointed home-from-home to return to after a day on the fells is what it’s all about.
This is why we have created a package of luxury extra’s that will keep you returning time and again. You can choose hassle-free catering with our exclusive dining experience, complimented perfectly by our in-house spa treatments. Enjoy welcome hampers to ease you into holiday mode and upstairs in your holiday home you’ll find your very own relaxing haven, with sumptuous towels and linen, for the most relaxing slumber ever. Private hot tubs, saunas and leisure club access complete your relaxing holiday package.
Whether you’re looking for an action-packed getaway or a laid-back retreat, choosing a Lakelovers Lake District cottage will ensure satisfaction. If you’ve not found what you’re looking for online give our expert customer service team a call on 015394 88855 or please send us an enquiry at Contact Us and we look forward to helping you with your Lakes cottage holiday journey.
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Love in the Lakes Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and we’re feeling a pink fizz kind of glow. We know that there are a handful of must-haves for a romantic break; a log burner or open fire, champagne and chocolate, hot tub and romantic setting. But we also know that time is the most romantic […]
Read More...Number one on most people’s list of reasons to book self-catering breaks in the Lake District would be to spend time outdoors, amongst beautiful countryside that makes your heart sing. This reason is the backbone of why most people visit the Lakes, but the human body has 206 bones and being outdoors, albeit top of the list, is followed by many more reasons to visit the beautiful 2,362 km² National Park, and each and every one is just as important as the one preceding it.
So, explore the land at will, but then sample all the others tastes that the Lake District has to offer too.
Wonderful Walking
There are Lake District walks to suit bodies and wills of all types; the young, the old, the super fit, the not so fit and let’s not forget the dog walkers. Renting a self-catering cottage in the stunning Lakes National Park gives you the freedom to come and go as you please and therefore set your own adventure agenda. From cosy boltholes to impressive barn conversions, Lakelovers Cumbrian self-catering cottages are in the best walking locations, whether it is for hitting the fells every day or a family romp along a lake shore.
If you’ve never walked a fell in the Lake District before, you’ll not forget walking up your first one, as the views from the summit, even on easier walks such as Orrest Head, in Windermere, are unrivalled and each fell gives its own unique perspective over the landscape.
Here is a selection of walks for you to consider:
Aira Force, Ullswater - The Aira Force walk, in Ullswater, is a short meander that will certainly get the leg muscles going but has plenty of interest along the way so you can take as long as you like. Once at the top, you’re greeted by a spectacular waterfall where you can spend a little time gazing in awe at its power and beauty.
Helvelyn, Ullswater - An exhilarating ridge walk that will leave you hungry for some good pub grub and for more adventure.
Stickle Ghyll, Langdale - Track the running water all the way from the start point at the New Dungeon Ghyll pub in Great Langdale to its summit where Stickle Tarn awaits.
Tarn Hows, Coniston - Pack a picnic and head to Tarn Hows for a relaxing stomp which is accessible for all the family, including prams and mobility scooters.
Puff-Free Outdoors
If walking is not for you, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and fresh air without having to get out of puff yourself.
Lakelovers Holiday Cottages in Cumbria and the Lakes are handpicked for their accessibility to some of the top attractions across the National Park.
Head onto England’s largest lake with Windermere Lakes Cruises, include a stop at Brockhole Visitor Centre for GoApe and a superb outdoor adventure playground or a gentle stroll around the gardens. Alternatively, head for some outdoor gear retail therapy in Ambleside, north of Windermere and then onto Wray Castle, which is a great family and wet day attraction. During the Summer months hop off the cruise at Lakeside and step back in time aboard The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway steam train.
For water lovers, join the legacy of the record breaking Bluebird K7 hydroplane at Coniston Boating Centre, where there’s a range of more approachable boats for hire. The motor boat is particularly fun and a great way to enjoy the scenery at your own pace and agenda. Or where better to test your sailing skills than on the lake where author of Swallows and Amazons, Arthur Ransome, learnt his tacking from his jibing.
Hit the Lakes’ trails on a bike and cover lots of ground in a day. With over 200 peaks, the Lake District is a mountain biker’s paradise. If it’s not just the thrill of a hair-rising downhill decent that you’re looking for, exploring the Lakes on bike is a environmentally great way to see a lot in a day. Plus, many of the routes have superb country pubs along the way to refuel a thirsty rider! The Lakes is home to England’s only true Mountain Forest, Whinlatter Forest, and has some of the most popular trails in the country too.
Whilst the wilds of Scafell Pike or seclusion of the Langdale Valley are what many look for when heading to the Lake District, there’s some examples of the finest manicured gardens in the UK on offer too. Holker Hall, Levens Halls, Sizergh Castle, Brantwood House, Holehird Gardens and Lowther Castle are some of the superb home and grounds where you can enjoy some of the very best gardens designed for and by the rich and gentry who made the Lake District their own private haven.
Wining and Dining
Couples, walkers, families and pet owners are being wooed by Cumbria’s self-catering cottages. The Lake District is in particular the place to take loved ones for a special occasion. Cumbria has become quite the foodie mecca with the trend for source to plate cuisine and rise of eating sustainably. Many of today’s food trends are quite organic to the Cumbrian way of life. As a farming region Cumbrian’s have been eating nose to tail, seasonally and ‘foraging’ for some time.
We’re not sure the ‘healthy’ food trend has made it to Cumbria yet, however, as most hikes or cycle trails end with a pint, or several, of a local ale rather than a kale smoothie!
Because Cumbria is a farming region and is home to one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations, the Lake District National Park, farmers have become ‘local producer extraordinaire’ and are serving up some of the finest products around. From Morecambe Bay shrimps, the world-famous Herdwick Lamb and Cumberland Sausage to Mr Vikki's sweet and spicy chilli jam and Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding, there’s so many award-winning and globally recognised products to sample. So popular are Cumbrian producers that they are becoming destinations themselves, like More? The Artisan Bakery, Cranstons Food Hall and Low Sizergh Farm.
Cumbria is also home to top restaurants, including several Michelin starred restaurants, L’enclume, The Samling, Holbeck Ghyll and Gilpin, and so not short on places to raise a toast or create memories.
With the rise of farmers’ markets, Cumbria are leading the way and a trip around a regional market to stock up your holiday cottage is the perfect way to taste local food. There’s nothing better than speaking to producers at the market and getting family recipes and cooking advice, like how to cook veal with a blackberry vodka just, to try back at your cottage.
There’s also a plethora of upmarket foodie events across the Lake District, including Taste Cumbria, Holker Chilli Festival and The World's Original Marmalade Awards and Festival, to rival those in cosmopolitan holiday locations. And of course, it is hard to stay in the Lakes, especially throughout the Summer months, and not come across a beer festival. With so many superb breweries and now lots of micro-breweries, why would the region not celebrate. Make sure you don’t miss out!
Culture Vulture
Whilst the likes of poet William Wordsworth and children’s book author Beatrix Potter wrote some of the greatest English Literature works in the Lake District, hiding from the crowds and away from London publishers, today, many flock to the Lakes to walk in the footsteps of these literary masterminds. What does a ‘host of a thousand daffodils’ swaying in the Cumbrian breeze really look like? What were the locations and wildlife that brought Peter Rabbit to life and into one of the most loved children’s character worldwide? Visit the only place in the world where you can see Wordworth’s everyday belongings, at his first home Dove Cottage and Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top home, which is also preserved as a ‘time-capsule of her life’.
For those with a nose for history, there are many historic houses and museums across the Lake District telling the tales of famous names, like Arthur Ranson, John Ruskin and the Arts and Craft movement, as well as the rich history of the region, including tales of Gunpowder Factories, Coniston Coppermines and spectacular geology.
Film buffs like to track down movie locations, such as Cathedral Cave, where Snow White and The Huntsman shot scenes, or head to Derwentwater and Thirlmere which provided the backdrop for the latest Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Kendal Calling music festival attracts big headliners, like Noel Gallagher. And the region welcomes other big music names such as Jools Holland who has played at Cartmel Racecourse and Sir Elton John who débuted the Lake District at the Westmorland Country Show. The Theatre by the Lake, sitting on the shores of Derwentwater is plauded as one of the best theatre locations in the UK and the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal is a buzz of year-round culture and events.
So, to look after mind, body and soul, a holiday or short break in the Lake District is hard to beat. Fresh air, perhaps a little exercise and fantastic food with a luxurious bed at the end of it, will leave you feeling like a new person – make no bones about it.
Why you should be setting up a holiday let You love the Lake District home you’ve bought to get away from it all, or you dream of buying one as a bolthole to escape to at weekends – but will it end up costing you too much money? The answer? Make it a holiday let. […]
Read MorePretty holiday cottages and the North Lakes best secrets Be it walking, indulgent spa time, mountain biking or sharing a bottle of wine, we may have different thoughts on what we do to relax on holiday, but we all know that feeling when you can let go and truly relax. Sink into a deep bathtub; […]
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