Choosing The Right Lakes Location For Your Holiday Let

So, you’ve decided to purchase a property in the Lake District, which is consistently rated as one of the top three UK destinations for self-catering holidays. The next thing to consider is where is the best place to buy a holiday home.

There are ‘Honey Pot’ locations which are very popular all year round. Many of our small villages and towns are also foodie destinations, and there are now 13 Michelin-star restaurants in addition to many award-winning bakeries and artisan producers dotted around the county.

We’ve handpicked some of our favourite areas to consider…

Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere

One of the most popular areas is Bowness-on-Windermere which sits right on the shores of England’s longest lake, Lake Windermere, home to a top attraction– Windermere Lake Cruises. The village of Windermere is just 1 mile up the road.

With great transport links via train, bus and car, these two bustling cosmopolitan towns are popular with tourists all year round.

With a fantastic array of independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, and the World of Beatrix Potter attraction, Windermere Jetty and Blackwell Arts & Crafts House you’ll attract international holiday-makers as well as UK guests. You would enjoy high demand whatever the season, or weather!

The traditional stone style cottages do well for bookings in Windermere, as this is often what holidaymakers think of when they think about this village.

Wheatlands Cottage, Windermere Ref 1041822

Ambleside

A mile or so from the northern tip of Lake Windermere is the bustling town of Ambleside. Ambleside is a lively hub for walkers, cyclists and all outdoor lovers.

With a great selection of outdoor shops, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes, many holiday-makers use Ambleside as a base for their adventures all year round as its location is central lakes.

Herdwick Cottage Ambleside Ref 1041200

Grasmere and Rydal

Grasmere and Rydal are two beautiful small meres, and the quaint village of Grasmere sits in the iconic countryside, once home to William Wordsworth and painted by the Heaton-Cooper family.

The traditional stone cottages and cosy pubs sit amongst the impressive backdrop of the surrounding Lakeland fells. It is also home to the very famous Grasmere Gingerbread, which crowds flock to all year round to purchase.

Ben House, Grasmere Ref 1041648

Keswick

North Lakes has the bustling market town of Keswick – the ‘capital of the North Lakes’. There’s a scenic bus route from Windermere, or it’s easily accessed from the M6.

Keswick is always a top choice with tourists as the town sits on the shores of Derwentwater, the famous Friars Crag viewpoint overlooks the lake. This popular town is a great base for hiking, boating and sight-seeing. Keswick has also won awards for its twice-weekly market and for being one of the most dog-friendly towns in the UK. A dog-friendly property here would draw in the bookings.

Greengarth, Keswick Ref 1041897

Ullswater

Head East a little to the stunning lake of Ullswater, one of the most beautiful lakes in England, and you can choose from the villages of Glenridding, Patterdale or Pooley Bridge, all set along the shores of the lake. This is a hub for walkers and water sports.

Many people start the iconic Helvellyn walks from here.  With a good selection of pubs and bars for relaxing in, it makes these areas popular with guests all year round.

The historic Ullswater steamers glide elegantly up and down the lake and drop guests at different places to walk the beautiful Ullswater Way.

Eagle Farmhouse, Glenridding Ref 1085699

Coniston

Head West and you’ll find the popular village of Coniston, perched on the shores of Coniston Water.

Popular with walkers looking to climb the famous Old Man of Coniston, Arthur Ransome based his children’s’ book ‘Swallows and Amazons’ here and the Ruskin Museum has information about Bluebird and the water speed record by Donald Campbell.

Visitors take part in any number of water-sports, or cycle trails. This thriving community has seen increasing demand for holiday homes over the last few years. An ideal location for families, couples and groups of friends, this is another good location with pubs, shops and restaurants for guests to choose from.

Timley Knott, Coniston Ref 1128089

Hawkshead

The  picture postcard village of Hawkshead, synonymous with Beatrix Potter, cobbled streets and ancient buildings, is always a popular location.

Nearby is the small hamlet of Near Sawrey, where Beatrix Potters former home, Hilltop house is located. The wonderful Tarn Hows is a short drive and further afield the mighty Grizedale forest. The forest is home to lots of walking and cycling trails and of course Go Ape for the thrill seekers! It’s also popular as a romantic break in the quieter months, a real Lakeland gem.

Wykefield, Hawkshead Ref. 1041514

Lakeside and Newby Bridge

Further to the South of Lake Windermere, the area around Lakeside & Newby Bridge would be a great spot for a holiday let, next to the lake, with easy access to the South coast, Hawkshead and Cartmel.

With the Aquarium of the Lakes, Haverthwaite steam railway, Lakeland Motor Museum and National Trust Fell Foot Park, there are lots for guests to do, along with nice hotel bars and restaurants. Windermere Lake Cruises come and go from the jetty at Lakeside too.

The Lodge, Newby Bridge Ref. 1138046

Cartmel

A short drive from Newby Bridge and you are in the foodie capital of Cumbria – Cartmel – home to the world-famous Michelin-star restaurant of L’Enclume and Rogan & Co.

There are also fantastic sightseeing spots such as: Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding shop, Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel medieval priory and Holker Hall & Gardens.

A holiday cottage here would be popular all year round.

Longlands Farm Cottage, Cartmel Ref. 1130578

Have you selected the ideal location for your holiday let?