Cottages in Windermere

Everyone’s heard about Windermere and for good reason…. Sitting in the heart of the Lake District and home to England’s largest lake it’s the go to destination in the Lakes. Our collection of Windermere holiday cottages are scattered around in all the main hot spots and landscapes with Lake Windermere and the smaller Elterwater both within easy reach. Our cottages come in all styles and sizes from the ultimate luxury bolthole for 12 in Bowness on Windermeret, to a beautiful lakeside lodge for two complete with a hot tub. This is such a fabulous location for a family holiday or a short break with friends you can be as active or as chilled as you like. Many of our properties are pet friendly too so pack your walking boots and hike the Windermere Peaks with your four legged friend.  

Things to Do in Windermere  

Our Holiday cottages in the Lake District provide the perfect base for making the most of everything Windermere has to offer.  The lake itself is a hive of activity. Hop aboard the steamboat operated by Windermere Lake Cruises for a fun boat trip for all the family, you can even take the dog. The journey really showcases the 10.5 mile lake at its best, ideal for making the most of those incredible views and the wildlife. The boat operates all year round (except Christmas Day). If you’d rather stay on terra firma, step back in time and hop aboard the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway. Your journey starts at Haverthwaite Station and travels along the waters’ edge to the most southerly tip of Lake Windermere. You can also pick up the paddle steamer at the end of your trip and go to Ambleside and walk to Beatrix Potter’s former house. The two mile path leads to Hill Top and Far Sawrey, discovering the landscape which inspired such literary works. Hill Top is a delightful cottage with pretty gardens - you can almost picture Peter Rabbit and friends playing in it! 

Windermere is a great family destination with plenty of activities on offer. Kids and adults alike love Go Ape in Grizedale Forest for adventure activities including tree top challenge, or hike the three miles Orrest Head circular walk for wonderful views. The walk takes you through a landscape of fells and forest and down to Lake Windermere. If you enjoy watersports, Lake Windermere is the place to be. The lake offers canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding with instructions and boat hire all available. You can of course, always join the growing band of wild swimmers who take to the water whatever the season. 

Throughout the summer months there are regular Sunday markets at Bowness on Windermere showcasing the very best local produce that Cumbria has to offer. A great place to pick up ingredients for a picnic by the lake. Why not book a short break and join in the Windermere Christmas Celebration and nearby Hawkshead Christmas Fair and bag some gifts at the same time.  

Come and explore this beautiful area of Cumbria, check out our Lake District Travel Guide for more information, useful tips and insider knowledge from our local team to help you get the most out of your self-catering holiday in Windermere.