10 Best Lake District Cottages for a Cosy Countryside Escape
- UK Hidden Gems
- Sep 11
- 8 min read
The Lake District is one of the UK’s most enchanting destinations, where sweeping valleys, glittering lakes, and rugged fells create a backdrop of unrivalled beauty.
While many visitors come for the famous walks and panoramic views, there is another way to enjoy this corner of Cumbria, by retreating into a cottage that feels like a true countryside sanctuary.
Staying in a cottage allows you to experience the Lake District at a slower pace, waking to the sound of birdsong, enjoying log fires on cool evenings, and stepping straight outside into landscapes that look unchanged for centuries.
From romantic hideaways with stone walls and beamed ceilings to family-sized cottages near lakeshores, these properties offer something for every traveller. Many feature wood-burning stoves, gardens filled with wildflowers, and interiors designed for comfort after long days exploring the hills.
This guide highlights ten of the very best Lake District cottages you can book right now for a cosy countryside escape. Each one has its own character and charm, but all share the same promise: a perfect retreat in the heart of one of Britain’s most beautiful national parks.
Tucked into the slopes above Ambleside, Fellside Cottage captures the timeless charm of Lake District living.
The slate stone walls and traditional roof make it look as though it has grown out of the landscape itself. Inside, the interiors are warm and inviting, blending rustic beams with modern touches.
The living room is centred around a glowing open fire, where the smell of woodsmoke fills the air on cooler evenings.
Comfortable sofas and soft lighting create a haven after long days on the fells. The kitchen is well equipped for self-catering, making it easy to prepare meals from local produce bought in Ambleside. Upstairs, bedrooms are cosy yet airy, with soft bedding and views across the hills.
Step outside in the morning and you are met with the call of birds and the distant bleating of sheep. The cottage is only a short walk from Lake Windermere, where boats glide calmly across the water. With Ambleside’s shops and pubs nearby, you enjoy both convenience and tranquillity.
2) Rosemount Cottage, Keswick
In the lively town of Keswick, Rosemount Cottage offers a peaceful retreat with everything on your doorstep.
From the outside, the cottage looks inviting with its painted façade and seasonal flowers at the windows. Inside, the rooms are tastefully decorated, balancing charm with comfort.
The living space is centred around a wood-burning stove that brings warmth to every evening. Plush seating and gentle lighting make it the perfect spot to unwind with a book or a glass of wine.
The kitchen is modern and fully equipped, giving you freedom to cook at home if you prefer. Bedrooms are generously sized, with crisp linen and calming décor.
Step outside and within minutes you are in Keswick’s bustling market square, where local stalls sell crafts, food, and Cumbrian specialities. Just beyond lies Derwentwater, one of the most picturesque lakes in the district.
After a day of walking, you can return to the quiet comfort of the cottage and light the stove once more. Rosemount Cottage gives you the best of both town life and countryside charm.
Beckside Barn is a beautifully restored barn conversion in the peaceful village of Crosby Garrett, just on the edge of the Lake District.
Its traditional stone walls hint at history, but inside it feels bright, spacious, and contemporary. The mix of rustic features and modern design gives the property a unique character.
The living area is centred on a log-burning stove, which fills the space with warmth and atmosphere.
Large windows look out over rolling fields, with views that shift through the seasons. The kitchen is sleek and well-stocked, making it easy to prepare meals after days of exploring. Bedrooms are elegant and restful, designed for deep comfort.
The sound of the beck running nearby adds a calming backdrop to mornings with coffee in the garden.
The property is perfectly placed for exploring both the Lakes and the Yorkshire Dales. In autumn, the surrounding countryside glows golden, while spring brings fresh greenery and birdsong. Beckside Barn is a retreat that blends peace, beauty, and comfort.
Hidden in the quiet lanes of Ambleside, The Byre is a converted stone cottage that feels both intimate and stylish. Its exterior holds the charm of a traditional Lakeland building, while inside the décor is thoughtfully modern.
The balance of rustic features and contemporary design makes it appealing for both couples and small families.
The living room is bright yet cosy, with a log-burning stove as its centrepiece. Warm wooden floors and soft furnishings invite you to sink in and relax after a long day on the fells.
The kitchen is sleek and fully equipped, encouraging guests to cook with produce from local markets. Upstairs, the bedrooms are fresh and welcoming, with crisp linens and calming tones.
Step outside and you are only minutes away from Ambleside’s bustling centre, where cafés, pubs, and independent shops bring the village to life. Lake Windermere lies close by, offering boat trips and lakeside walks.
The Byre provides the luxury of town convenience while keeping a cottage’s quiet, private feel. It is a retreat where charm and practicality meet perfectly.
5) High Beckside, Patterdale
Set in the peaceful valley of Patterdale, High Beckside is a cottage that captures the essence of the southern Lakes. Its stone walls and slate roof give it a traditional Lakeland look, while inside it offers warmth and comfort at every turn.
The setting is surrounded by fells, giving guests the sense of being in their own private corner of the district.
The living room features an open fire that makes chilly evenings a delight. The décor is rustic but welcoming, with wooden beams and comfortable seating.
The kitchen is large and practical, designed for preparing hearty meals after days in the hills. Upstairs, the bedrooms are spacious and filled with natural light from skylight windows.
From the garden, you can watch sheep grazing and hear the gentle rush of the beck nearby. Walks lead directly from the door onto Helvellyn’s trails, making it a favourite with keen hikers.
Despite the adventurous setting, the cottage itself feels like a sanctuary. High Beckside is perfect for those who want to combine fell walking with homely relaxation.
Townfoot Cottage sits on the edge of Glenridding, where the mountains sweep down towards Ullswater.
The exterior is traditional and charming, with stone walls and flower pots marking the entrance. Inside, the cottage feels bright and cheerful, with a mix of rustic details and modern style.
The living room has a wood-burning stove that quickly warms the whole space. Comfortable sofas and soft throws make it a place you will want to linger in the evenings. The kitchen is compact but fully equipped, ideal for self-catering meals. Bedrooms upstairs are snug and restful, with calming colours that help you unwind.
From the doorstep, Ullswater is only a short walk away, offering boat trips and lakeside strolls. The mountain paths of Helvellyn also rise nearby, making the location perfect for walkers of all levels.
After a day outdoors, returning to the quiet of the cottage feels like a true escape. Townfoot Cottage is a little gem in one of the most beautiful valleys in the Lakes.
Nestled in the heart of Grasmere, Mill Brow Cottage feels like a slice of poetry brought to life. Surrounded by green hills and close to the village once home to Wordsworth, it offers a setting steeped in history.
The exterior is quintessentially Lakeland, with stonework and slate that blend into the valley landscape.
The living room is cosy, with a log-burning stove and comfortable seating. Soft lighting makes it a peaceful retreat after days spent exploring the fells.
The kitchen is charming and practical, ideal for both quick breakfasts and home-cooked dinners. Bedrooms are warmly decorated, combining traditional character with restful comfort.
Step outside and you are moments from Grasmere’s village centre, with its cafés, pubs, and famous gingerbread shop. Scenic walks circle the nearby lake, while higher trails lead to Easedale Tarn and beyond.
Returning to the quiet of Mill Brow Cottage after a day’s adventures feels like a gentle embrace. It is a cottage that embodies the timeless charm of Grasmere.
Brothersfield Cottage sits in the heart of Patterdale, with its stone façade overlooking fields that roll into distant fells.
Step inside and the lounge welcomes you with a large fire in the hearth, soft rugs underfoot, and windows that frame moody skies or bright mornings depending on weather. The scent of woodsmoke mingles with fresh linen and muted tones of blankets draped over furniture.
The kitchen is generous, with rustic timber beams overhead and space for cooking hearty meals after long walks. Bedrooms are comfortable retreats, each offering views across green paddocks or glints of distant peaks.
Outside, the garden is sheltered yet open to the sky, giving room for morning tea as dew settles on grass. The cottage feels grounded and genuine, not trying to impress but simply being perfect for rest.
When dawn breaks, light spills across fells and wakes up birdsong. At dusk, the hearth glows and shadows dance gently. Walks from the door lead you along rivers, up slopes, or into forested gullies. Brothersfield Cottage offers a Lake District escape that feels secluded and restorative.
Keldas is a delightful cottage on the outskirts of Ambleside, its stone walls warmed by creeping ivy and wild blooms. Inside, the living space feels bright yet snug, with soft carpets, wide windows, and a fireplace that beckons in the evening.
The décor manages to be both elegant and comfortable, with details like handcrafted wood and artful lighting.
The kitchen is spacious for a cottage, with modern appliances and room to cook hearty meals.
Bedrooms are restful, with muted tones and linens that feel fresh. Outside, the garden offers a gentle slope to sit and watch clouds pass over the fells. At night, the stars are visible away from village lights, and the cottage seems to settle into silence.
Mornings bring crisp air and the promise of walks: Ambleside’s paths are nearby and less trodden trails are within reach.
Evenings bring the firelight, with mugs of tea and soft couches. Despite being close to amenities, Keldas feels remote enough to offer peace. It is a place you return to again and again.
Fernleigh Cottage sits on a gentle slope above Ambleside, its brick walls softened by climbing plants and an inviting front garden.
The living room welcomes you with large windows that let in daylight, a wood-burning stove that warms every corner, and soft furnishings that beg you to rest. Rustic beams overhead contrast with sleek modern fittings, giving it character and comfort in equal measure.
The kitchen is bright and fully equipped, making it easy to prepare meals after a day exploring the fells. Bedrooms are peaceful retreats: windows framing views of fells or treetops, linens that smell fresh, and calming hues that invite sleep.
Outside, the terrace is perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks as the sun sets behind distant peaks. Evenings bring the glow of the fire, the smell of woodsmoke and the hush of countryside all around.
Mornings are full of bird song and fresh air, with woodland walks just beyond the garden gate. Ambleside’s cafés, pubs and shops are close enough to stroll into, yet Fernleigh Cottage feels private and removed.
The mix of views, warmth, and design makes this cottage a true escape. Whether for couples, small families or those seeking peace, Fernleigh delivers countryside cosiness at its best.
The ten cottages described here have been chosen for their warmth, character, and genuine Lake District charm. Each one offers more than just four walls: the crackle of a fire, the whisper of the wind through trees, the taste of a peaceful morning beside hills or lakes.
Whether you are looking for a couple’s hideaway, a family base, or a retreat with your dog, these cottages deliver countryside escape at its finest. The locations are varied, close enough to the bustle to enjoy village life, far enough to feel removed and still.
Booking one of these verified cottages means you can arrive knowing your stay will be comfortable, beautiful, and restorative. There is something special about stepping into a premises where stone, wood, and nature all converge in harmony.
I hope this guide helps you find the perfect cottage for your next Lake District holiday. When you wake to mist over the fells and finish your day by the fire, those are the moments that make memories.
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