Holiday homes & rentals in the Lake District

The Lake District might just be the crown jewel of the United Kingdom. Located in the north west of England, it's a stunning landscape of mountains, valleys, picturesque villages and, yes, a multitude of lakes. This beautiful area is one of England’s top tourist destinations and provides an excellent space for outdoor recreational pursuits, especially hiking and fell-walking.

Home to a vast array of lakes, scenic walks, and quaint villages, it offers its visitors the chance to enjoy a trip that’s as relaxing or adventurous as they want it to be. Stay in a traditional lodge or log cabin, a cosy cottage or a comfortable modern holiday home. Whatever you choose, Lake District holiday homes provide the perfect base for exploring the many historic and natural sights of this beautiful and quintessentially English destination.

How to get to your Lake District holiday cottage

The Lake District is a highly rural area, with no large cities or airports located nearby. The options for getting there include travel by train, coach or car. While taking a train or coach is an easy and affordable way to reach the larger villages, visitors will probably find it preferable to reach their Lake District holiday homes by renting a car. This will permit you to explore the area's many sights with ease, even those which are rather remote.

Taking a chance with the Lake District weather

You never quite know what the weather will be like when you book a holiday home in the Lake District. We’re not going to lie to you: it’s not unusual to encounter a torrential downpour in the middle of summer here. That said, the region also gets its fair share of the more clement side of England's famously unpredictable climate.

You just don't really know what you’re going to get until you arrive, but as with most places in England, people don’t visit the Lake District for the weather so much as the natural beauty, which looks just as sublime on rainswept or cloudy days as it does bathed in sun.

What to do on your Lake District holiday

People flock to Lake District holiday cottages for an obvious reason: the area is simply beautiful! Whether you’re exploring small villages and settlements or eager to get out into that expansive, rolling countryside, you’ll find a wealth of treats waiting to be discovered in the Lakes.

As a starting point, spend some time in Bowness-on-Windermere. This small town on the shore of the idyllic Lake Windermere is your typical picture-postcard Lake District village, complete with charming cottages and independent cafés complemented by stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty. For a great experience, rent a motorboat or canoe and spend an hour cruising on the lake itself: it’ll be a definite highlight of your trip.

Once you’ve seen the village, it’s time to lace up your boots for a hike. There are many walking trails in the region, ranging from easy 1-2 hour strolls to epic multi-day treks. Whatever your skill level, make sure you spend at least some time immersed in nature during your trip.

Finally, we'd recommend retiring to one or two of the many historic pubs and inns that are dotted across the Lakes. Many of these date back centuries and have retained all of their original character, with exposed brick and oak bars often accompanied by a roaring fireplace, further warming the pleasant atmosphere.

Holidays in the Lake District With Kids

If you’re looking for a pleasant holiday with plenty of fun for both kids and adults, look no further than the Lake District. This mountainous region in the Northwest of England called Cumbria is famous for its natural beauty. A national park since 1951, Cumbria is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Despite its popularity, it's easy for families to find perfect holiday homes in this special corner of England. Typical accommodation in the area includes coastal cottages and large holiday homes built out of local grey stone.

It is never hard to find something to do when holidaying in the Lake District with kids. For a start, this unspoiled nature region is ideal for animal lovers. Get up close and observe unusual birds at the Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre in Penrith, or simply go for a walk around the town of Keswick to spot native wildlife by the Derwent River. The rare red squirrel can be found in Cumbria’s woodlands, where many rare birds including golden eagles, ospreys, and kestrels nest. If you're looking for more exotic species, bring your kids to the Lake District Wildlife Park in Bassenthwaite or to the Lakeland Maze and Farm Park near Kendal.

The proximity of beaches, coastline, and lakes makes the Lake District a perfect destination to enjoy water sports. Take on the challenge of paddle boarding or, if your children are younger, hire a boat to tour the lake in style. Paddle boards and boats are available for rent at Lake District’s top destinations, including Windermere, Glenridding, and Coniston Water. Finally, if you want to spend some time indoors too, why not visit the Wray Castle near Ambleside, or Lakeland Motor Museum near Newby Bridge?

What to do with pets in the Lake District

There is, arguably, no finer destination in the British Isles for a holiday with your pet than the Lake District. This, after all, is a region dominated by the great outdoors. There are plenty of pet friendly cottages and holiday homes on offer, and is there anything better than exploring the nooks and crannies of an enchanting forest with your canine friend by your side? We take a look at some of the best activities for pets below.

Whinlatter Forest The forest that captures all that’s magical about the Lakes region. Here, you’ll be treated to spectacular, life-affirming views of Bassenthwaite Lake and Keswick. You’ll come to understand why this corner of the world has been so inspirational for budding artists and writers; your dog, meanwhile, will love exploring the trails that are dotted all around.

Windermere Lake The largest natural lake in England usually serves as an anchor spot for visitors to the region, who come for the water and stay for the quaintness of the adjacent village, which is filled with charming souvenir shops and cafes where dogs are (mostly) welcome. The call of the lake is usually too much to resist, so make sure you take a trip on a cruise. Dogs are more than welcome. Disembark at the other end of the lake, and take a trip along one of the many trails.

Grizedale Forest Sometimes, all you need is an outdoor area that’s perfect for exploring. The Grizedale Forest is that such area. The wooded area is home to wildlife, walking trails, and a picnic area. Everything you and your pup need, in short, for a memorable day out.

Events to check out while visiting the Lake District

Rent a Lake District holiday cottage, and you're sure to find plenty of fun local events nearby. Weekly fruit and vegetable markets are firm favourites, plus there’s the Keswick Jazz Festival, the Kendal Freerange Comedy Festival and the delicious Cumbria Life Sausage Festival. The Lake District is particularly good for those who enjoy hearty food and real ales, with many food- and drink-oriented events held throughout the year.

Self-catering holiday lettings in the Lake District

Self-catering Lake District holiday cottages allow guests the freedom to create their own food and atmosphere on their own time schedule. Big shopping outlets are relatively hard to come by, but you’ll find local supermarkets as well as smaller, independent stores selling high-quality products in all of the villages in the area, along with the usual weekly farmers' markets selling fresh fruit and veg.

After a day of exploring the great outdoors, you'll want to return to cosy and comfortable accommodation. Whoever you're travelling to the Lakes with, you'll be able to find the cottage that's right for your trip. We take a look at several options below.

Romantic Spaces Looking for a romantic Lake District getaway? You’ll find wooden cottages that are tucked away far from the crowds, and which have an outdoor hot tub. Perfect for enjoying those magical Lake District nights, when the air is fresh and the stars are out.

Family Holidays Travelling with the whole clan in tow? Then a large, three-bedroom holiday cottage located right on the edge of Lake Windermere will be the ideal accommodation choice for your getaway. You’ll have enough space for everyone to be comfortable, an outdoor space to enjoy a summer’s BBQ, and you’ll be conveniently located on the edge of the region’s most famous attraction to boot. Perfect.

Large Reunions The Lake District, with all the fun adventures and natural beauty it provides, makes for the ideal destination for a reunion of friends or family. Book a holiday home that accommodates twelve or more people, and you’ll have the perfect base for your large gathering.

Where to book your Lake District holiday cottage

B000929-2: Derwentwater

Framed by beautiful forested hills, so-called fells, Lake Derwentwater is a stunning natural setting. On the shore of the lake, you will find sailing and wind-surfing centres, as well as cafes serving lunch and coffee.

Orrest Head

Orrest Head is one of the many hills, or fells of the English Lake District. But this fell culminates in a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view over Yorkshire, Langdales Troutbeck Valley and Lake Windermere.

Lake Windermere

Lake Windermere is England's largest natural lake. There are many ferries and boats crossing the waters but if you prefer to stay on ground, the historic Lakeside and Haverthwaite steam railway beckons.

B000931-1: Lakeland Motor Museum

This museum in the city of Backbarrow houses hundreds of historical vehicles, with a focus on some of the earliest racing cars and vintage motorcycles.

Muncaster Castle

Not far from Ravenglass, the Muncaster Castle offers Himalayan gardens and a fascinating Hawk & Owl Centre that will delight children.

Frequently Asked Questions