Cottages in the Lake District

Lush green forests, beautiful lakes, dramatic coastline, small fairytale towns and stunning panoramic views. The many natural parks across the UK are truly natural gems you cannot miss. Cumbria boasts sublime mountain views and the deepest, largest lakes in England that have inspired writers and visitors from all over the world. Find your ideal cottage in Hawkshead, north of the Esthwaite or book a traditional one on the edge of Derwentwater in Keswick. Grasmere, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cartmel, Ambleside and Coniston also offer great accommodation, history and nature near the lakes.

Cute little villages with traditional, grey stone buildings which are centuries old and many churches dating as far back as the 13th century. Cute whitewashed little cottages lining up the meandering streets also with shops, pubs, restaurants and cosy cafes. Feel at home in two-storey cottages, with refurbished kitchens, cosy lounges, comfortable bedrooms and wide windows that let you admire the beauty of the immediate surrounding views. Enjoy a great BBQ and wind down in the patio or the back garden in the summer and get warm watching the cracking wood by the fireplace in the winter. Cumbria can be visited all year round and the accommodation will fit families, couples and friends at any time.

Adventure on the water for your next holidays? In the Lake District you can choose from a myriad of water sports. Lake District is in fact a clue of what you can do here! There is no shortage of water activities in the lakes. Around 80 lakes, tarns, rivers and meres for you to explore, you will navigate along the waters around Windermere, Derwentwater, Ullswater and Coniston Water. Go canoeing, kayaking, SUP, sailing, windsurfing or diving. Bring your own gear or rent some canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to have a great day in the water. For swimming lovers, there is the UK’s biggest swimming event you can join in open waters - The Great North Swim. Still doubting about what sport you should try? Try some sailing lessons or learn how to water-ski! Are you with a group? Then you should try a fun team activity such as dragon boat racing or raft building. Have you decided yet?

Walking, getting fit, be in touch with nature or simply have a great time visiting one of the most beautiful parks in England. Whether you decide to do a route on your own or join a walking tour, always check the walking guides, security tips and the weather forecast. You can choose from lots of different routes starting at different signalled points. There are 48 easy access routes suitable for those with reduced mobility including wheelchair users, pushchairs and the visually impaired. Harder and longer walks are also available. Depending on your fitness level, you can choose the route that best suits your needs. In addition, if you want to learn some skills for the hills, take a navigation course for map and compass orientation or learn how to tackle the snow and ice. Welcome and enjoy the Lake District!

Her first published books are set in Derwentwater, Lingholm, and Catbells. Like many other famous writers, Beatrix Potter found her inspiration in Lingholm. When she was 19 years old, she rowed on the lake, visited the islands and climbed Catbells. Lingholm and Fawe Park are part of this writer’s tales and they can clearly be seen across the lake from Watendlath, Walla Crag, Castlerigg Stone Circle and Latrigg walks. If you join a walking tour you can explore where she found her inspiration. The World of Beatrix Potter is a museum in Windermere with interactive exhibits telling her writing story and her importance to lake conservation.

Tarn Hows is a man-made location during Victorian times when they blocked a beck and that created the current tarns we can now see. This is a quintessential English spot surrounded with lush green hills where to spend a whole day strolling around and taking in the fabulous views. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, breathe in deeply and let the fresh air bring the essence of Cumbria. Definitely a place not to be missed!

Aira Force is one of those places that you will keep in your mind forever. This is no ordinary waterfall! The site is a true display of natural sheer beauty and power. After it has rained and if water levels are high enough, you will be admiring an amazing show of falling water that will mesmerise even the most experienced traveller. Take your time, some pictures, relax, sit by the water. Let the magic of the waterfall embrace you. And remember, leave nothing but footsteps!

Looking for a challenge? Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England, with 978 metres and certainly is an adventure! Most people start from Wasdale. Always check the weather conditions before starting an adventure to tackle the fells as it changes quickly. The reward is going to make it worth the while though. Once you reach the top, you will be able to enjoy some of the most spectacular views. Remember to bring your camera and capture the moment so you can take these memories home. Get your walking gear and head to the summit!

Grasmere is located in the heart of the Lake District. As well as other little villages, in Grasmere you will find cute little independent shops, traditional pubs and lovely restaurants. Remember to have some famous Grasmere Gingerbread that you will find in the original cottage where Sarah Nelson lived and worked long ago. The fells around the village will captivate you as well as it did to many writers, who took their inspiration in this beautiful corner of Cumbria.

Brockhole is on the shores of Lake Windermere, between Ambleside and Windermere. This is ideal for families, groups and couples. Try the high ropes attraction Treetop Trek and Nets flying down a long zip wire. For some action on the water, hire a motorboat, a canoe or kayaks to splash around the lakes and have great fun! Brockhole is a great parkland and a fabulous playground for the whole family with plenty of activities including archery, laser clay shooting, a Woodland Faerie Trail or mini-golf. Children and adults can have the time of their lives. For some down time, have a nice cuppa and piece of yummy cake in the Brockhole Café as you gaze at the lake from your chair. Do you prefer a picnic on the lawn? Get a tasty sandwich from The Potting Shed and enjoy the views and the food.

From all the lakes in the Lake District, Ullswater is a magical one. The magnificent scenery, the verdant rolling hills and the stunning natural beauty makes this lake a truly magical one. It happens to be the second largest English lake. Choose the way you are going to enjoy its waters and its views. On a boat, practising some water activities, walking around, cycling along the 20 mile circular route. You will never get tired of the views.