The most famous of the Lakeland towns and villages, Windermere, a bustling miniature metropolis at the absolute heart of the Lakes, is the premier Lake District destination for self-catering cottage holidays. Named after the lake around which the town has grown, Windermere has been one of the UK’s most popular areas for holiday homes and summer houses, since the arrival of the Kendal and Windermere railway line in 1847. Formed 13,000 years ago from two glaciers – the first the Troutbeck Valley and the second the Fairfield Horseshoe – Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. Known as a ribbon lake, there are 18 islands on Windermere, the largest of which, Belle Island is now privately owned. Although originally known as Winder Mere, because the lakebed is deeper than it is wide, Windermere is actually a lake.
We have over 50 Lakelovers self-catering Windermere cottages, so you are not short of choice in terms of how you spend your Lake District break. And holiday cottages in Windermere don’t get much better than these; whether you are looking for a lakeside lodge, town centre cottage, town house sleeping 12 or a luxury 5 star apartment on an exclusive golf course, our properties are hand-picked for their unique styles and qualities and come in all shapes and sizes to suit all of your holiday requirements and budget. Our experienced and knowledgeable customer service team are always on hand to offer expert advice and to help you choose the perfect Lakelovers holiday that you won’t forget.
Whatever you pick, you’ll be sure of a relaxing yet vibrant time in Windermere.
Our cottages in Windermere are easily accessible with rail, bus and taxi connections all frequently available throughout the year. Trains and buses can be caught at Windermere Railway station, which is conveniently located next to both Booths supermarket and Country Lanes Cycle Hire, should you wish to continue your exploration of the area by bike. Buses arrive and depart from there regularly throughout the day, making their way across the district and beyond and the Transpennine Express train, travelling between Windermere and Oxenholme, also stops at Staveley, Burneside and Kendal.
Going self-catering in Windermere is made super easy by the many fabulous eateries and local food shops this town boasts. Booths supermarket, who also have branches in Keswick, Penrith, Ulverston and Kendal to name but a few, offer a wide selection of general groceries for stocking up your cottage, as well as a fabulous collection of products from local suppliers, including: cheeses and wines, Lakeland ales and some good old fashioned Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Alternative holiday cottage locations nearby: Hawkshead Cottages, Ambleside Cottages and Bowness On Windermere Cottages.
Add a little excitement to your holiday with a Kannku self-drive, off-road experience. See the Lakes as you never have before, as you bump and power your way across the fells in a 4×4; available for both individuals and groups. The Kannku headquarters are right across the road from Lakelovers Windermere HQ and all our guests can enjoy fantastic discounts when they show one of our Lakelovers Recommends keyfobs; which you will find on your property keys.
Learn loads more about the surrounding areas as you travel with a Mountain Goat Tour, available from right next door to our head office. Or why not visit the Lake District visitors centre at Brockhole, just a short drive out of Windermere town towards Ambleside. Here you can find out lots of information about where to go and what to see, as well as take part in the mountains of daily activities and courses available throughout the year and the kids can enjoy the fantastic free adventure playground; suitable for children aged 5 to 14 years.
Windermere offers a range of local and national shops, banks, cafes and restaurants, which are mainly located through the centre of the town. Forgotten your shampoo? Pick it up in Boots. Forgotten to bring that all-important holiday read? There is a well-stocked W H Smith.
For anyone considering a holiday self-catering in Windermere, a visit to The Lighthouse, for lovely indoor food, cakes and drinks, situated at the top end of town, is a must. For incredible take-away sandwiches, soups, baked potatoes and snacks, a visit to The Sandwich Chef is in order, also at the top of the town, across the road from The Lighthouse. For evening dining, don’t miss a chance to eat, drink and be merry at the nearby Brown Horse at Winster; located on the outskirts of the town and easily accessible by car or taxi – taxis can be picked up at Windermere station. Lakelovers also recommend the Wild Boar; for dining with a difference.
For further information on things to do in Windermere, we have provided information on walking, exploring and places to eat in Windermere.
Lakelovers’ holiday cottages in Windermere position you perfectly to explore the shore and beyond of England’s largest lake.
Even more detailsArrive at this traditional Lake District cottage, right at the heart of Windermere village, and you'll be surprised by the sophistication within. Spread over three floors, Tizzie Whizie Cottage is decadent yet relaxed; finished with natural colours, plumped up with leather furnishings and oozing Lakeland cottage charm.
This luxurious Lakeland Lodge nestles in a small row of exclusive luxury lodges within a peaceful setting yet is conveniently located so to take advantage of White Cross Bay 5 star facilities that include a bar, restaurant, shop and leisure club. The shores of Lake Windermere are just a stone's throw away from this beautiful lodge.
A romantic, contemporary and surprisingly convenient riverside retreat in the popular village of Staveley, at the mouth of the Kentmere Valley. Within a tasteful barn conversion, this peaceful property enjoys balcony views and plenty of outdoor breathing space. It has a relaxed ambience and a superb location: Staveley is a friendly and well-served community, and a hub for walkers, laid-back holidaymakers and mountain bikers (property has secure bike store).
This is a contemporary and sophisticated central retreat, nestling in a peaceful spot just a stone's throw from the absolute heart of picturesque and bustling Windermere village. If you yearn for sumptuous relaxation, surrounded by all Windermere has to offer with a bird's eye superb panoramic view, then we are sure you will love Lakeland Loft. One or two couples can spread out here, relax and soak up this stylish loft.
This magnificent original Victorian Carriage House makes sublime holiday living in contemporary open plan splendor - this is a place to escape the everyday, relax and spend precious time together close to the shores of Lake Windermere and all this ever popular destination offers.
Set in the grounds of a glorious gentleman's residence, this sophisticated detached lodge is the perfect place to relax and socialise in a marvelous and peaceful setting. Windermere village and the lake are only a few minutes' stroll away. Stretch out on luxurious furnishings around the woodburning stove, with a wall width window pouring light and scenery into the room.
In a countryside setting only 10 minutes from Bowness and Lake Windermere, the historic Starnthwaite Ghyll mill house has been tastefully converted into a special complex of character cottages. Delightfully off the beaten track, Gilpin View is one of a row of four attractive cottages overlooking the stream and across the orchard to the lush Lyth Valley, very close to Crosthwaite village and the award-winning Punchbowl Inn (1.5m away).
Style, serenity and scenery are at the heart of this romantic Lake District lodge, one of only a few select lodges set in a secluded rural location alongside a working farm, only 3.5 miles from bustling Windermere itself, yet surrounded by idyllic Lake District walking landscapes.
This traditional Lakeland residence is conveniently located only a short 5 minute stroll mid way between both vibrant villages of Windermere and Bowness together with the shores of Lake Windermere. Convenience and space makes Ravenscroft a perfect base for sociable gatherings and family holidays at any time of the year with each of the four large bedrooms enjoying en-suite bathroom facilities.
Capturing the very essence of the Lake District this conveniently located contemporary detached Lakeland cottage has been stylishly refurbished to provide a truly sophisticated and romantic Lake District retreat. This gorgeous Lakeland slate cottage is only a stone's throw from the absolute heart of both popular villages; Bowness and Windermere, as well as being only a short walk to the shores of the lake.
This contemporary country Lakeland cottage would be ideally suited to grace the cover of any chocolate box, situated in a gently elevated setting with views over the glorious green valley. Set within a beautiful landscaped select holiday home park known as Ings Mill Park, circumscribed by 5 acres of wooded valley alongside the soothing River Gowan, only a 2 minute stroll from the hamlet of Ings.
An airy haven of great views, sleek design and undeniable class, this handsome converted former coach house is a five minute walk from the centre of Windermere and commands stunning views across Lake Windermere, towards the famous Langdale Pikes. Wake in the comfort of one of the modern four-poster bedrooms, then gather in the gorgeous open plan living area to gaze out over the lake and plan your day.
Within a highly individual converted church outbuilding, The Sanctuary incorporates modern furnishings and comfort with the utmost style. It's a treat for one or two couples, or families, looking for something a little bit different in this popular Lakeland village. Overlooking the vast churchyard through patio doors, and with a Gothic stair window, this bolt hole is true to its original character.
Sitting on the edge of the Lake District National Park in the popular village of Staveley, Reston Mill is a great cottage for those seeking accommodation for families or groups of friends. Accommodating ten people in six bedrooms this property offers plenty of space to relax and socialise, and is an ideal base for exploring the Lake District, on foot, by car or on two wheels.
This is an outstanding, uniquely designed property in a very tranquil setting, nestling on the edge of private woodland (a haven for wildlife) and enjoying beautiful ever changing Lakeland views across the owners' private gardens to the lake and hills beyond. Adjoining the owners' home, it is tucked away on a private road just north of the village and walking or touring the Lakes by car from here in any direction is easy, with many guests choosing to return year after year.
This magnificent luxury farmhouse stands secluded at the top of the Kentmere Valley with breathtaking views in every direction.
This attractive cottage occupies a glorious setting with far reaching panoramic views within the grounds of the owner's home in a sleepy village called Levens complete with country pub and shop in the Lyth Valley, a 9 mile drive from the ever-popular Windermere.
Tucked away from everyday hustle and bustle of Windermere village centre, we found this sophisticated traditional Lakeland cottage. Built in 1854, The Stables still boasts many of its original features; old exposed beams, traditional stone fireplace and those thick, thick cottage walls. With rest and relaxation as a priority, the owners have refurbished throughout to create a stylish, central holiday property for couples, family or friends to enjoy at any time of year.
One of the oldest cottages in Windermere, Hare's Cottage has been stunningly refurbished to provide a truly special romantic retreat. Tucked away in a peaceful backwater, with easy access to Windermere train station, Bowness village and the shores of the lake, you'll find a charming traditional property. The living room is made for cosy evenings in, and the dining area opens out to the gravelled garden - serenity for sunny days with a brook babbling by.
Once a thriving bobbin mill, this gorgeous character property is part of the Ings Mill Park development - a select set of cottages set in lush green countryside, alongside the River Gowan and circumscribed by 5 acres of wooded valley between Staveley and Windermere.
The most famous of the Lakeland towns and villages, Windermere, a bustling miniature metropolis at the absolute heart of the Lakes, is the premier Lake District destination for self-catering cottage holidays. Named after the lake around which the town has grown, Windermere has been one of the UK’s most popular areas for holiday homes and summer houses, since the arrival of the Kendal and Windermere railway line in 1847. Formed 13,000 years ago from two glaciers – the first the Troutbeck Valley and the second the Fairfield Horseshoe – Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. Known as a ribbon lake, there are 18 islands on Windermere, the largest of which, Belle Island is now privately owned. Although originally known as Winder Mere, because the lakebed is deeper than it is wide, Windermere is actually a lake.
We have over 50 Lakelovers self-catering Windermere cottages, so you are not short of choice in terms of how you spend your Lake District break. And holiday cottages in Windermere don’t get much better than these; whether you are looking for a lakeside lodge, town centre cottage, town house sleeping 12 or a luxury 5 star apartment on an exclusive golf course, our properties are hand-picked for their unique styles and qualities and come in all shapes and sizes to suit all of your holiday requirements and budget. Our experienced and knowledgeable customer service team are always on hand to offer expert advice and to help you choose the perfect Lakelovers holiday that you won’t forget.
Whatever you pick, you’ll be sure of a relaxing yet vibrant time in Windermere.
Our cottages in Windermere are easily accessible with rail, bus and taxi connections all frequently available throughout the year. Trains and buses can be caught at Windermere Railway station, which is conveniently located next to both Booths supermarket and Country Lanes Cycle Hire, should you wish to continue your exploration of the area by bike. Buses arrive and depart from there regularly throughout the day, making their way across the district and beyond and the Transpennine Express train, travelling between Windermere and Oxenholme, also stops at Staveley, Burneside and Kendal.
Going self-catering in Windermere is made super easy by the many fabulous eateries and local food shops this town boasts. Booths supermarket, who also have branches in Keswick, Penrith, Ulverston and Kendal to name but a few, offer a wide selection of general groceries for stocking up your cottage, as well as a fabulous collection of products from local suppliers, including: cheeses and wines, Lakeland ales and some good old fashioned Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Alternative holiday cottage locations nearby: Hawkshead Cottages, Ambleside Cottages and Bowness On Windermere Cottages.
Add a little excitement to your holiday with a Kannku self-drive, off-road experience. See the Lakes as you never have before, as you bump and power your way across the fells in a 4×4; available for both individuals and groups. The Kannku headquarters are right across the road from Lakelovers Windermere HQ and all our guests can enjoy fantastic discounts when they show one of our Lakelovers Recommends keyfobs; which you will find on your property keys.
Learn loads more about the surrounding areas as you travel with a Mountain Goat Tour, available from right next door to our head office. Or why not visit the Lake District visitors centre at Brockhole, just a short drive out of Windermere town towards Ambleside. Here you can find out lots of information about where to go and what to see, as well as take part in the mountains of daily activities and courses available throughout the year and the kids can enjoy the fantastic free adventure playground; suitable for children aged 5 to 14 years.
Windermere offers a range of local and national shops, banks, cafes and restaurants, which are mainly located through the centre of the town. Forgotten your shampoo? Pick it up in Boots. Forgotten to bring that all-important holiday read? There is a well-stocked W H Smith.
For anyone considering a holiday self-catering in Windermere, a visit to The Lighthouse, for lovely indoor food, cakes and drinks, situated at the top end of town, is a must. For incredible take-away sandwiches, soups, baked potatoes and snacks, a visit to The Sandwich Chef is in order, also at the top of the town, across the road from The Lighthouse. For evening dining, don’t miss a chance to eat, drink and be merry at the nearby Brown Horse at Winster; located on the outskirts of the town and easily accessible by car or taxi – taxis can be picked up at Windermere station. Lakelovers also recommend the Wild Boar; for dining with a difference.
For further information on things to do in Windermere, we have provided information on walking, exploring and places to eat in Windermere.
Lakelovers’ holiday cottages in Windermere position you perfectly to explore the shore and beyond of England’s largest lake.
Even more details