There are self-catering options aplenty scattered through the towns, villages, and remotest corners of this great county.
If you’re looking to find the best Lake District cottages for an upcoming holiday, we’ve got you sorted. Whether you’re planning a weekend of hiking the country’s highest peak at Scafell Pike, taking in the country’s largest lake on Windermere, or eating at some of the country’s best restaurants (did you know Cumbria has the most Michelin-starred restaurants outside London?), the Lake District is the place to be.
This list features self-catering options from modern to more historic, chocolate box-tiny to airy and spacious – so there’s something for everybody. We’ve listed accommodation from one bed to three bed, so whether you’re travelling as a couple, as a family, or with friends, there’s an option to suit.
One bedroom:
Rose Cottage – Duddon
This perfectly situated little bolthole is situated on the banks of the Black Beck, in Duddon. This chocolate box cottage has everything a couple would need, with a balcony overlooking the beck and a hot tub, to allow you to truly luxuriate in the great outdoors. The log burner and comfortable, stylish interiors elevate the experience further, making sure your comfort is prioritised every step of the way. In the beautiful village of The Green, this secluded spot sits with several old cottages, with a local pub only a walk down the road. Only five minutes away you’ll find coastal routes, or head into the Lakeland fells for hillwalking aplenty.
From £149 per night in September.
Address: Rose Cottage, Duddon, LA18 5HJ
>> Check rates and availability
The Ashes – Caldbeck
This idyllic historic byre has been converted into a welcoming, comfortable, and most tranquil holiday home. Contemporary yet historically sympathetic interiors prioritise comfort, style, and preserving the charm of this historic building.
Enjoy sitting at the table in the courtyard, enjoy a drink or a nibble as rambling roses climb the red brick facade of this awe-inspiring byre. Quiet and peaceful, this is the perfect destination for a few days of real retreat – into comfort, and into nature.
Equipped with everything you could need for a relaxing few days away, hosts Jen and Richard even provide some homemade treats upon arrival to make you feel extra welcome.
One bedroom, with sofa bed in the living room area.
From £324 per night in August.
>> Check rates and availability
Rockside – Windermere
This luxurious home-away-from-home offers everything you’d need for your trip away – plus the added extravagance of your own hot tub! Central, with parking, and pet-friendly too, it might be one of the best Lake District Cottages for you.
Clean, stylish, and modern, Rockside is located only a short walk from the main restaurants, shops, bars, and pubs that Windermere has to offer. There are plenty of tourist attractions, from boat trips to visiting historic houses, horse riding to museums, if hiking isn’t on your ‘to do’ list. Enjoy eating in the garden – a bit of a suntrap – which is perfect for making the most of every precious ray of Lake District sunshine.
Address: Oldfield Court, Windermere, Windermere, LA23 2HH
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Two bedroom:
Wharton House Mews – Cartmel
This plushly renovated Cartmel Mews house is modern and luxurious, done out to a very high-quality finish. Spacious, airy, and modern, it’s the perfect bolthole for those exploring Cartmel – home to the Rogan empire of must-visit Michelin-starred restaurants – and the surrounding fells, lakes, and small villages.
The outdoor patio courtyard is perfect for catching a ray of sunshine with a glass in hand, or head inside to the spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, living room to relax and enjoy a restful weekend away. Escape to the ‘spa’ to enjoy your own private hot tub, to unwind even further!
From £324 per night in August.
Address: The Square, Cartmel, LA11 6QB
>> Check rates and availability
Three bedroom:
Woodland Crag Cottage – Grasmere
This three-bedroom cottage offers the epitome of a Lake District holidaying experience – a cosy stone cottage with log burners, perched in the woodlands overlooking Grasmere, which is under a kilometre away. The property exudes old world charm, but with the comforts provided by recent refurbishment. Bathrooms are light, clean and airy, whilst bedrooms are spare and tranquil.
In bedroom one you’ll find two single beds. Bedroom two offers one large double. Bedroom three features a double bed.
From £147 per night in September.
Address: Howe Head Lane, Grasmere, LA22 9SG
>> Check rates and availability
Two bedroom:
The Haven – Keswick
Out-of-this-world scenery awaits you at this newly refurbished Lake District cottage. From every window, enjoy views with fells aplenty as well as lake views over to Derwentwater 9km away. Comfortable, clean, and homely, this isolated property set in such a stunning situation is the perfect bolthole for your Lakeland adventures. The bonus is, you’re only three miles out of the bustling town of Keswick, so everything you’ll need is easily accessible, too. Follow the path a stone’s throw away to climb up to Whinlatter, or enjoy countless cycle routes, as well as pubs, cafes, and restaurants all nearby. The property offers two bedrooms. Bedroom one features a double bed, whilst the second bedroom offers two double beds.
From £240 per night in August.
Address: Thornthwaite The Hollins, Keswick, CA12 5SG
>> Check rates and availability
The Dash Farmhouse – Bassenthwaite
Sleeping up to five, Dash Farmhouse is set amongst the most astounding views, making it amongst the best Lake District cottages for fully taking in the scenery. With Old-world Farmhouse charm by the bucketload, this secluded farmhouse in its own valley is nevertheless set only four miles from the charming little village of Bassenthwaite. Surrounded by spectacular rugged scenery, this is remote Lakes living at its best. Bedrooms one and two offer a double bed, bedroom three a single bed.
From £198 per night in August.
Address: Bassenthwaite, Bassenthwaite, CA12 4QX
>> Check rates and availability
Old Brewery Barn – Ullswater
This recently renovated holiday home near Penrith is tranquil, stylish, and Scandi, with burnt cedar cladding leading you into a light, airy and spacious interior. The ‘outside in’ effect is further enhanced by fully opening bi-fold windows onto the generous garden, encouraging you to really make the most of the external space, and the barbecue facilities provided. A focal wood burner takes pride of place in the stylish open plan living area. This allows you to spend comfortable, relaxing time together, and an electric car hook up takes away the stress of looking for a local recharging point.
Three bedrooms each have use of their own bath or shower facilities, for an added sense of their own space, and each feature an extra-large double bed for added comfort, and the ground floor ensuite has a low-level shower tray to assist in accessibility issues. This room’s king-size bed can also be split into two singles, if preferred. The hosts can provide two additional cot beds, as well as high chair and stair gates, for those travelling with little ones, for added peace of mind.
From £381 per night in August.
Address: Old Brewery Barn, Tirril, Penrith, Penrith, CA10 2JE
>> Check rates and availability.
Hollace – Torver
Escape the crowds and discover “Hollace,” a serene holiday cottage nestled in Torver village near Coniston. This tranquil Lake District retreat offers a comfortable stay with a well-equipped kitchen, spacious lounge, and three cosy bedrooms. The true charm lies in the outdoor spaces, including secret gardens and awe-inspiring views. Explore Torver, Coniston, and surrounding areas, with local amenities, water sports, and stunning hikes at your doorstep. Embrace the peace and quiet of Torver at Hollace, your ideal Coniston holiday cottage getaway.
From £233 per night in August.
Address: Hollace, Torver, LA21 8BH
>>> Check rates and availability
For more ideas on places to stay, check out the article Best Places to Stay in Lake District for Couples
We hope you find your next holiday and get the chance to absorb all that the Lakes have to offer!
