Barnstead | Pooley Bridge | The Lake District And Cumbria

Customer rating

4.8★

4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets Yes
Show on map

Features

Off road parking
Ground floor accommodation
Ground floor bedroom
Open fire
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

67 Customer Review(s)

Peter
July 2026

“Our first time here and we were nicely surprised, spacious rooms throughout with all you could need.”

We recommend Barnstead in Pooley Bridge to everyone who needs a great location within the beautiful Lake District, with all amenities. Barnstead itself is located in a very nice position, although near the road and next to another building, it feels quite secret and private, we enjoyed our stay very much.

We recommend Barnstead in Pooley Bridge to everyone who needs a great location within the beautiful Lake District, with all amenities. Barnstead itself is located in a very nice position, although near the road and next to another building, it feels quite secret and private, we enjoyed our stay very much.

- Peter, July 2026
Etain April 2026

“Lovely cottage right in the heart of Pooley Bridge.”

Very well equipped kitchen, warm, bright and very convenient. Pubs, lake, and fell walks all within walking distance. A great stay.

- Etain, April 2026
Jeremy March 2026

“Superbly located in the heart of Pooley Bridge, within walking distance of everything the village has to offer.”

Barnstead is a perfect base for couples or a family of four to explore from. We took our spaniel, as pets are allowed in this property and she settled very quickly. The property was equipped with absolutely everything we needed, was spotless and easy to keep clean. A good selection of books and games are provided if required. Great communication from the owners who live opposite. We will be back for another visit in the future.

- Jeremy, March 2026
Maggie October 2025

“This was our second trip to Barnstead.”

It is a lovely, clean and comfortable holiday let. The location is perfect in the middle of Pooley bridge with access to walks, shops and the pubs. Our Greyhounds love the place aswell and are always chilled out. There is a bus service or ferrys if you want to go further afield but don't want to drive.

- Maggie, October 2025
Karen October 2025

“Barnstead is simply wonderful!”

Excellent property, brilliant location. We've been several times and we'll be going again.

- Karen, October 2025
Susan July 2025

“Ideal position for amenities.”

Very comfortable. Apartment filled with all you need. Enjoyed our stay as we were in easy reach of camp site at park foot were our children were camping. . Would recommend to others..

- Susan, July 2025
Anthony October 2024

“The cottage was a great central spot in the village.”

We were very happy with the size of the place. We were disappointed there’s little to no outdoor area to relax. To add we thought a user friendly room stat would benefit heating use and the kitchen taps needed swapping to buildings regulation's, hot tap on the right hand side. We would use this facility again. Thanks

- Anthony, October 2024
Karen October 2024

“Barnstead is simply wonderful, we love the place and it's excellent location.”

We hope to go again next year.

- Karen, October 2024
Maggie September 2024

“This is a beautiful and homely holiday let.”

Very clean and well equipped. Great Central location in Pooley bridge with lots of amenities and walks.

- Maggie, September 2024
Ian June 2024

“We absolutely loved our stay at Barnstead it was just what we needed.”

It was comfortable and very clean and perfectly situated in the centre of the village. Close to all amenities, couldn't have asked for more. We will definitely return.

- Ian, June 2024
Karen May 2024

“This was our third holiday at Barnstead.”

Lovely cottage,brilliant location, we'll be going again in the autumn - enough said!

- Karen, May 2024
Adele May 2024

“Immaculately clean and everything you could possible need has been thought of, even down to dog towels and bowls.”

Highly recommend.

- Adele, May 2024
Jonathan April 2024

“Third visit to this cottage and already booked for next year.”

Absolutely love it have been visiting Pooley Bridge for many years and so glad we found this home from home

- Jonathan, April 2024
Alan March 2024

“WE HAD A LOVERLY STAY OWNERS ARE VERY FRIENDLY AND HELPFULL”

- Alan, March 2024
Nick March 2024

“This Cottage is absolutely beautiful to stay in, right in the hart of the Village”

- Nick, March 2024
Heather November 2023

“Perfect cottage in a perfect location, everything you need for an enjoyable ...”

Perfect cottage in a perfect location, everything you need for an enjoyable stay, cosy and warm, modern bathroom and very well equipped kitchen

- Heather, November 2023
Dawn October 2023

“Wonderful home from home.”

- Dawn, October 2023
Karen September 2023

“This was our second visit to Barnstead.”

It's a lovely place and in a brilliant location. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, even when it was pouring with rain, as Barnstead is well stocked with books and I'm working my way through the boxed set of James Herriot books. I'll be going back next year to finish them! Excellent - simply can't fault the place!

- Karen, September 2023
Steven July 2023

“Cottage was brill everything you could possibly need to have a great stay”

- Steven, July 2023
Joan June 2023

“Lovely holiday cottage easy access to pubs shops park and lake owners friendly ...”

Lovely holiday cottage easy access to pubs shops park and lake owners friendly but not intrusive would definitely recommend

- Joan, June 2023
Phil April 2023

“Exactly what I expected.”

This is a great location. Barnstead has excellent accommodation and is very well equipped I dont think there was anything missing! There are excellent walks around the whole of Ullswater (both high and low) and I would certainly recommend the Ullswater Way. Ullswater Steamers provide even more options. Will definitely return.

- Phil, April 2023
Anne April 2023

“A lovely place to stay.”

We will come again!

- Anne, April 2023
Helen March 2023

“Thanks for a lovely stay.”

Perfect location, cottage was well equipped and spacious. The downside for us was this property was advertised as having a garden, however it doesn't it has a door opening onto a table and chairs with no enclosed garden for a dog, when the property is advertised as having a garden.

- Helen, March 2023
Sheila December 2022

“Really well equipped accommodation,with plenty of space for us and our Labrador.”

Enjoyed our stay very much.

- Sheila, December 2022
Carl October 2022

“Fantastic place - everything there that you would need.”

Cleanliness top notch Location perfect as a base to explore the lakes or in the evening to visit one of the local pubs for food. Only negative ….we didn’t stay long enough! Thank you for making our mini break as comfortable and trouble free as possible.

- Carl, October 2022
Karen September 2022

“Barnstead is a real gem.”

The place is beautiful inside and the owners have thought of absolutely everything; we would definitely go again.

- Karen, September 2022
Ian August 2022

“Home from home in a beautiful setting.”

All the amenities and comfort you could ask for. Dogs loved it too! Highly recommended.

- Ian, August 2022
Katherine August 2022

“Barnstead was a lovely cottage to stay in right in the centre of Pooley bridge which meets all needs if you wish to use the lake with for watersports or walk the fells We caravan in Pooley bridge every August so this cottage made a nice treat and an excellent price compared to other holiday cottages in the area .”

We are 2 adults , twins age 11 and 2 dogs . We would have preferred an area for the dogs outside for toileting first and last thing and it was not restful having to dress in a hurry and find leads to access the grass area . "the patio " at the property was nice to sit out but not suitable for dog toileting as it was not enclosed . Handy tips would be to pre book horse riding at park foot campsite , and pre book Peter Rabbit afternoon tea at Bowness. ( near windermete )

- Katherine, August 2022
Rachel July 2022

“This cottage was absolutely perfect!”

Very well equipped, spotless, comfortable and in a great location. The kitchen was particularly brilliant - everything we could possibly need for a week’s self catering stay. We loved chilling out in the comfy living room (reclining sofas!) and our dog cooled off nicely on the tiled floor. The bed was soft (which we liked) and the shower was powerful! Having two porches was an added bonus for our walking gear and paddleboarding stuff and it’s super to have a parking space in the Lakes where parking is at a premium. Pooley Bridge itself is lovely; three pubs, great shops and perfectly situated for lots of nice walks. It was a 5 minute walk down to the lakeside and we could easily carry the boards down. Overall we wouldn’t hesitate to come again and would definitely stay at Barnstead - we didn’t want to leave.

- Rachel, July 2022
Laurie April 2022

“House was spotless and smelt lovely.”

Has everything you could need. Pictures don’t do it justice! Wish I could stayed longer. Great location. Highly recommend.

- Laurie, April 2022
Jonathan March 2022

“Fabulous cottage in an area we have been visiting for 30 years.”

Our second stay and had it not been for covid would have been our fourth. Will definitely be back and would highly recommend

- Jonathan, March 2022
Jane March 2022

“The location is great right in the centre of Pooley Bridge.”

The cottage is spotless and well equipped. The tiled floors perfect for dogs but rather cold under foot so bring slippers! The double bed .mattress was very soft and sagged in the centre making a very uncomfortable night, especially for my husband with his bad back. Wifi would be nice as would an outside tap to wash muddy paws. The weather was fantastic during our stay and it would have been nice to have some enclosd private outdoor space.

- Jane, March 2022
Julie January 2022

“The cottage was very well equipped in an excellent location in the village.”

Even though it was a stones throw from all the amenities, it was very quiet and peaceful. The owners lived directly across from Barnstead so were on hand if needed. The little touches such as the boxes of tissues, toiletries, dog bowls and milk were very much appreciated. The only downside for us as dog owners, was there was no outside space to safely let the dog out for an early/last thing wee. The description states a patio, but it really is table and chairs outside the door next to the drive from the road up between the cottage and owners accommodation. The upshot was that we humans and dog had a great week's holiday here.

- Julie, January 2022
Anne December 2021

“Lovely well equipped barn conversion in the middle of Pooley Bridge .”

Spotlessly clean and very comfortable. We loved the open fire , very cosy in December. We would definitely book the property again .

- Anne, December 2021
Ilse November 2021

“This is one of the best equipped, cleanest and comfortable self catering properties we’ve stayed in and will definitely be returning.”

The location was absolutely spot on, 2 minutes on foot from Ullswater Lake, right opposite a great pub with 2 more less than a 1 minute walk (all do brilliant food) and a fantastic restaurant and tea room to boot. Super, super stay !!

- Ilse, November 2021
Vivienne October 2021

“Lovely cottage, very cosy, perfect location.”

Spotlessly clean. Would definitely book again.

- Vivienne, October 2021
Helen October 2021

“Generally the property is very good, the location, the kitchen is the best equipped ever, the bathroom nice and new.”

The double bed and sofa are quite uncomfortable however. And although you can't do anything about the positioning it is quite looked over. Gillian friendly and helpful.

- Helen, October 2021
Brian October 2021

“Having used the e facilities before, we found this holiday better than ever.”

- Brian, October 2021
Steven July 2021

“The cottage is situated in the village of Pooley Bridge.”

Where you will find lots of places to go and eat, or shop for supplies. It’s a lovely place to base your holiday ready to explore. It has a beautiful bathroom with shower and well equipped kitchen. No garden but not far from many walks in the countryside and at the side of the lake. Lovely owner who lives next door.

- Steven, July 2021
Anita July 2021

“Great place, Very helpful host.”

- Anita, July 2021
Sian June 2021

“We had a wonderful week at Barnstead couldn’t have wished for anything better.”

Very well equipped and comfortable. Wouldn’t hesitate to return.

- Sian, June 2021
Linda April 2021

“Fabulous place to stay right in the heart of the village lovely and friendly ...”

Fabulous place to stay right in the heart of the village lovely and friendly owners the cottage was exceptional had everything you could ask for great walks right from the cottage overall a fabulous stay thank you Gill and Paul

- Linda, April 2021
Aparna April 2021

“Very thoughtfully prepared accommodation.”

Very clean and beautifully laid out. We had an enjoyable break.

- Aparna, April 2021
Tony October 2020

“Really nice cottage in the centre of Pooley bridge close to shops and pubs.”

- Tony, October 2020
Laura October 2020

“Clean, comfortable, cosy and well equipped cottage in an excellent spot.”

- Laura, October 2020
John September 2020

“Thought it was really nice Gill and Paul are really nice and made you very welcome.”

We thought tthe bed was to soft though.

- John, September 2020
Karen September 2020

“This is a lovely cottage a few steps away from the amenities of Pooley Bridge.”

Added bonus of parking was very welcome. Even our transit van fitted! Very cosy with everything you need for a comfortable stay. If in the area again we would certainly book Barnstead

- Karen, September 2020
Kate September 2020

“This was a lovely barn conversion with a beautiful kitchen and tastefully decorated and furnished.”

Situated almost in the middle of the village, we were unable to hear traffic or visitors (this may be different once the bridge is reopened and through traffic is back to normal, but I doubt it) Pleased that the provided towels were bath sheets for a change (like the coverage) and an efficient shower. Do need to point out that the can opener was possibly broken as we couldn't get it to work! If there was one thing I would have liked, it would have to be a small tumble dryer. The Lakes will leave you damp and muddy quite often, and while the washing machine was excellent, drying was more difficult. That however, would not stop me from booking again, I'd just bring more walking trousers with me!!

- Kate, September 2020
Natalie August 2020

“We spent a wonderful week at Barnstead.”

The cottage was clean and comfortable and the kitchen was very well equipped. Located in the centre of Pooley Bridge with everything on your doorstep it was ideal for a walk to the lake, the fells, restaurants and pubs. We will certainly be back.

- Natalie, August 2020
Shirley January 2020

“Myself, my son and our dog had a lovely stay in Barnstead Cottage Pooley Bridge in January, really clean and everything you need, will definitely go and stay again.”

- Shirley, January 2020
Paula December 2019

“Stayed in The Barnstead over the Christmas period!”

It had everything I needed to cook a 3 course Christmas dinner for 3 people, absolutely brilliant! It was so comfortable and homely and situated in the beautiful village of Pooley Bridge with 3 excellent pubs (although the Pooley Bridge inn was closed for refurbishment) we didn’t miss it as the other 2 pubs were fantastic! Would highly recommend The Barnstead and will definitely be back.

- Paula, December 2019
Janette October 2019

“Banstead is a superb cottage, comfortable, lovely and warm and kitted out with everything you need for your stay.”

Gillian and Paul are lovely hosts there if you need them but otherwise non intrusive. We would highly recommend this cottage.

- Janette, October 2019
Brian October 2019

“Lovely cottage.”

Thank you

- Brian, October 2019
Caroline September 2019

“Enjoyable stay in Barnstead cottage.”

It was comfortable, clean, practical - with tiled floor that could be easily cleaned: with having 2 Border Collies with us. Close to all Pooley Bridge amenities. So much so, we went out for lunch everyday. Using 2 of places that served food:- Granny Dowbekin's & Pooley Bridge Inn. We had lovely walks around the area - beautiful scenery & wonderful experience.

- Caroline, September 2019
Heather September 2019

“The perfect cottage in the perfect location.”

Extremely well equipped and spacious, everything you need is there, warm and cosy living room and lots of drying facilities if needed. Close to great pubs, a lovely village store and walks around the Lake and fells, we hardly used the car all week. Our second visit to Barnstead and we definitely hope to be back

- Heather, September 2019
D June 2019

“A wonderful cottage in a beautiful area.”

All facilities very close. Could not fault anything

- D, June 2019
Neil May 2019

“Great accommodation, great location.”

Very friendly experience. Hosts were fantastic, highly recommended.

- Neil, May 2019
Robert May 2019

“Great cottage in a Great location.”

Very comfortable cottage,kitted out with every thing you need,for a good holiday. Cottage situated in the village,with 3 very nice pubs for eating out or just a drink.Plenty of nice walks through the woods or down by the lakeside and for the fitter people there is easy access to the fells.

- Robert, May 2019
Marian April 2019

“Barnstead was more than a holiday home it was so well equipped with everything and more.”

The beds were very comfortable as was the entire cottage. The owners were very helpful. Barnstead was well placed in the centre of Pooley Bridge and next to many great Inns serving excellent food. It was also an easy walk to Ullswater and the Steamer. We will be going back and will definitely recommend Barnstead to friends and family. The other bonus was that it was dog friendly as was all of Pooley Bridge.

- Marian, April 2019
Fred February 2019

“A lovely warm, spotlessly clean, very comfortable cottage and everything in it you might need, really enjoyed our stay at barnstead so much we tried to book it again but unfortunately it was booked.”

- Fred, February 2019
Robert January 2019

“Lovely cottage.”

- Robert, January 2019
Sarah November 2018

“Very spacious property in great location in the heart of Pooley Bridge and a few minutes walk from Ullswater.”

Comfortable and all on one floor.

- Sarah, November 2018
Ann September 2018

“This is the best cottage we have stayed in.”

In a small village with basic/essential amenities. Plenty of walks from the doorstep. No need to use car once there if you don't want to. Had a really smashing week in Pooley Bridge.

- Ann, September 2018
Heather September 2018

“Can honestly say that this cottage passed all expectations, lovely location - friendly owners - good parking facilities.”

The cottage is spacious, exceptionally clean and very well equipped. We couldn't have asked for more, cosy fire for chilly evenings and fantastic storage facilities for bikes etc. Comfy beds, fantastic shower in bathroom and a kitchen with everything you would need. Just wish it had been a longer stay but we'll definitely book this little gem again

- Heather, September 2018
Sian June 2018

“This cottage was in an excellent location, very central to the little village of Pooley Bridge, walkable to facilities, pubs, river and countryside walks, Ullswater lake and the boat across to Glenridding.”

Helpful owner across the way if needed. The property was spotlessly clean and kitchen and all other areas very well equipped. The only negative was that I found the bed/mattress in the main bedroom uncomfortable, though this is personal preference of course. I would recommend this holiday property.

- Sian, June 2018
Wendy April 2018

“It’s a fantastic location for exploring Ullswater.”

- Wendy, April 2018
Shirley March 2018

“This a clean, well epuipted and spacious cottage in the heart of a friendly village.”

Very dog friendly area.. we had a lovely holiday and will go back.

- Shirley, March 2018

Show less

Summary

Property only accepts Friday-Friday bookings
All ground floor
Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin
Bathroom with walk-in shower, basin and WC
Kitchen with dining area
Sitting room with open fire.
Oil central heating with open fire
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, WIFI, TV with Freesat, DVD
Fuel, power and starter pack for fire inc in rent
Bed linen and towels inc in rent
Off road parking for 1 car
Patio with furniture
Two well behaved dogs welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Shop and pub 1 min walk
Two well stocked villages stores and Post Office, selling papers/magazines, fresh meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, great range of groceries, beers/wines/spirits/soft drinks, toiletries etc
There are steps leading to front door, but can enter property via back door which only has one step.

The property

This detached barn conversion is situated in the heart of Pooley Bridge close to the shores of Ullswater in the beautiful Lake District.

Being located in the heart of the village there are a selection of inns, tearooms and post office all within a stones throw.

Approached by steps, inside there are two bedrooms, a lovely kitchen/dining room with oak beams, a sitting room with open fire and a family bathroom.

This charming cottage is the place to stay if you are wanting to explore the area with the shores of Ullswater just a few minutes walk away.

Why not hop on board the Ullswater Steamer and cruise down the lake to Glenridding which sits just below Helvellyn and Stridding Edge?

The rather unspoilt side of the lake is also great for escaping the everyday hustle and bustle with spectacular fells leading all the way down to Martindale.

At Glenridding you can hire rowing boats and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

This cosy and well equipped holiday cottage is a perfect base for a super family holiday.

Note - this property is next door to property ref: 25680 and is 300 yards away from ref: 923874, together they sleep 12.

Ullswater Holiday Cottages

All properties are in the Lake District, an area of outstanding natural beauty and within easy reach of Hadrians Wall - both are World Heritage Sites

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £250.

View on map

About the location

POOLEY BRIDGE

Penrith 6 miles.

The picturesque village of Pooley Bridge sits on the northerly edge of Lake Ullswater in the Lake District National Park. The name Pooley came to be due to the forming of a large pool, which was left by the fast flowing River Eamont, and the word Bridge was later added when a bridge, which is now 250 years old, was built over the river. Pooley Bridge has many traditional inns and tempting tea rooms, plus the Ullswater Steamers depart from the village, from where a tranquil cruise down the lake to the villages of Glenridding and Howtown can be enjoyed. There are numerous walks with breathtaking views nearby, plus a short walk up to Dunmallard Hill reveals fascinating Iron-Age remains, whilst the towns of Penrith and Keswick are within driving distance. Pooley Bridge is an ideal base for a cottage holiday stay in the stunning Lake District.

Please note - Dogs are not allowed in the bedrooms.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Last minute

Your selection:

Features

Reviews & Ratings

“Our first time here and we were nicely surprised, spacious rooms throughout with all you could need.”

“Lovely cottage right in the heart of Pooley Bridge.”

“Superbly located in the heart of Pooley Bridge, within walking distance of everything the village has to offer.”

“This was our second trip to Barnstead.”

“Barnstead is simply wonderful!”

“Ideal position for amenities.”

“The cottage was a great central spot in the village.”

“Barnstead is simply wonderful, we love the place and it's excellent location.”

“This is a beautiful and homely holiday let.”

“We absolutely loved our stay at Barnstead it was just what we needed.”

“This was our third holiday at Barnstead.”

“Immaculately clean and everything you could possible need has been thought of, even down to dog towels and bowls.”

“Third visit to this cottage and already booked for next year.”

“WE HAD A LOVERLY STAY OWNERS ARE VERY FRIENDLY AND HELPFULL”

“This Cottage is absolutely beautiful to stay in, right in the hart of the Village”

“Perfect cottage in a perfect location, everything you need for an enjoyable ...”

“Wonderful home from home.”

“This was our second visit to Barnstead.”

“Cottage was brill everything you could possibly need to have a great stay”

“Lovely holiday cottage easy access to pubs shops park and lake owners friendly ...”

“Exactly what I expected.”

“A lovely place to stay.”

“Thanks for a lovely stay.”

“Really well equipped accommodation,with plenty of space for us and our Labrador.”

“Fantastic place - everything there that you would need.”

“Barnstead is a real gem.”

“Home from home in a beautiful setting.”

“This cottage was absolutely perfect!”

“House was spotless and smelt lovely.”

“Fabulous cottage in an area we have been visiting for 30 years.”

“The location is great right in the centre of Pooley Bridge.”

“The cottage was very well equipped in an excellent location in the village.”

“Lovely well equipped barn conversion in the middle of Pooley Bridge .”

“This is one of the best equipped, cleanest and comfortable self catering properties we’ve stayed in and will definitely be returning.”

“Lovely cottage, very cosy, perfect location.”

“Generally the property is very good, the location, the kitchen is the best equipped ever, the bathroom nice and new.”

“Having used the e facilities before, we found this holiday better than ever.”

“The cottage is situated in the village of Pooley Bridge.”

“Great place, Very helpful host.”

“We had a wonderful week at Barnstead couldn’t have wished for anything better.”

“Fabulous place to stay right in the heart of the village lovely and friendly ...”

“Very thoughtfully prepared accommodation.”

“Really nice cottage in the centre of Pooley bridge close to shops and pubs.”

“Clean, comfortable, cosy and well equipped cottage in an excellent spot.”

“Thought it was really nice Gill and Paul are really nice and made you very welcome.”

“This is a lovely cottage a few steps away from the amenities of Pooley Bridge.”

“This was a lovely barn conversion with a beautiful kitchen and tastefully decorated and furnished.”

“We spent a wonderful week at Barnstead.”

“Myself, my son and our dog had a lovely stay in Barnstead Cottage Pooley Bridge in January, really clean and everything you need, will definitely go and stay again.”

“Stayed in The Barnstead over the Christmas period!”

“Banstead is a superb cottage, comfortable, lovely and warm and kitted out with everything you need for your stay.”

“Lovely cottage.”

“Enjoyable stay in Barnstead cottage.”

“The perfect cottage in the perfect location.”

“A wonderful cottage in a beautiful area.”

“Great accommodation, great location.”

“Great cottage in a Great location.”

“Barnstead was more than a holiday home it was so well equipped with everything and more.”

“A lovely warm, spotlessly clean, very comfortable cottage and everything in it you might need, really enjoyed our stay at barnstead so much we tried to book it again but unfortunately it was booked.”

“Lovely cottage.”

“Very spacious property in great location in the heart of Pooley Bridge and a few minutes walk from Ullswater.”

“This is the best cottage we have stayed in.”

“Can honestly say that this cottage passed all expectations, lovely location - friendly owners - good parking facilities.”

“This cottage was in an excellent location, very central to the little village of Pooley Bridge, walkable to facilities, pubs, river and countryside walks, Ullswater lake and the boat across to Glenridding.”

“It’s a fantastic location for exploring Ullswater.”