Lake District, UK Cottage Rentals

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.

People flock to the cottage country in the Lake District 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.

The Lake District is one big playground for kids and adults alike. Young ones will enjoy many of the same attractions that bring grown ups here, such as splashing about in a boat on the water or playing games in the lakeside parks. There are also numerous woods and child-friendly walks that promise to get them away from their screens and back into nature.

But it's not always necessary to dictate the kids' activities during your holiday in the Lake District. Take them to Buttermere, for instance, and they’ll create fun all for themselves as they skip stones and play in the shallow water.

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 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.

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.

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.