Looking for Lake District holiday cottages? Whether you want a romantic hideaway with a hot tub or a big house for the whole family, the right cottage makes the trip.

In this guide, we compare the best areas to stay in the Lake District National Park and beyond. We also share some of our favourite Ridgestone cottages, with what makes each one special.

If you’re short on time, here’s our quick guide to choosing an area:

• For lake views and restaurants: Windermere and Bowness
• For walkers: Ambleside, Grasmere and Coniston
• For food lovers: Cartmel, home of Michelin-starred L’Enclume
• For peace and quiet: the North Lakes or the Lyth Valley
• For big groups: larger country houses around Windermere and the South Lakes

Below, we look at each area in more detail, with the cottages we’d recommend.

Windermere and Bowness are the liveliest part of the Lakes, with boat trips, shops and plenty of places to eat. As a result, they suit first-time visitors and families.

Wyke View: a renovated three-bedroom house in Bowness that sleeps six. It has a hot tub, barrel sauna, games room and private garden.

Poole Brae: a four-bedroom family home with views of Lake Windermere, a short walk from Bowness.

Watermead: a five-bedroom retreat near Lake Windermere. It has a hot tub, landscaped gardens and a raised deck with lake views.

The Cosy Cottage: a retreat for two near the lake, with a private hot tub and a log-burning stove. It’s just minutes from Bowness-on-Windermere.

Coniston is calmer than Windermere, yet it still has fells, lake walks and village pubs. In particular, it suits couples and walkers who want space to breathe.

Jacksons Barn: a two-bedroom stone barn near Coniston Water. Inside, there’s a log-burning stove and two en-suite bedrooms, one king and one super king that can split into twins.

For ideas on what to do nearby, see our guide to the best walks in the Lake District.

Cartmel is famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants, sticky toffee pudding and racecourse. It’s also close to Grange-over-Sands and Morecambe Bay.

Wharton House Mews: a luxury loft for two in the heart of Cartmel, with a private hot tub.

The Lookout: a one-bedroom retreat on the edge of the village, built in 2025. It has a bright open-plan living space and a vaulted bedroom with views to Morecambe Bay.

Before you go, read our guide to the best restaurants in the Lake District.

The North Lakes feel wilder, with big fells and quieter valleys. As a result, they’re perfect for a romantic break.

The Hide: a stylish modern apartment at the top of a winding forest driveway. With its playful touches and peaceful setting, it’s ideal for a romantic escape.

Travelling with family or friends? These larger cottages have room for everyone:

Heron Beck: a five-bedroom country home near Ulverston, on the edge of the National Park, with far-reaching views from every level.

Glen Bank: a restored Cumbrian longhouse dating back to 1755. It’s in the Eden Valley near Appleby-in-Westmorland, just outside the Lake District, so it’s a good base for exploring both the Lakes and the Yorkshire Dales.

Richmond Place: a three-bedroom cottage with period features and a private spa room, complete with a hot tub, sauna and fireplace.

Before you book, it’s worth thinking about a few things:

• Location: do you want to walk to restaurants, or escape the crowds?
• Features: hot tubs, saunas and log burners make a big difference, especially in winter.
• Parking and access: some rural cottages are up narrow lanes, so check before you travel.
• Pets: if you’re bringing a dog, check the cottage’s pet policy first.
• Booking direct: booking with the team who manage the cottage means you can speak to people who know the property.

What is the best area to stay in the Lake District?
For first-time visitors, Windermere and Bowness are the easiest base, with lake cruises, restaurants and good transport links. Walkers often prefer Ambleside, Grasmere or Coniston.

When should I book a Lake District cottage?
Summer and school holidays book up early, so book several months ahead. Spring and autumn are quieter and often better value.

Do Lake District holiday cottages have hot tubs?
Many do. For example, Wyke View, Watermead, The Cosy Cottage and Wharton House Mews all have private hot tubs.

Where can I stay with a large group?
Look for bigger country houses. Heron Beck and Watermead, for example, both have five bedrooms.

Is it better to book direct?
It means you deal directly with the people who look after the cottage, so they can answer questions about the property before you book.

Ready to start planning? Browse all our Lake District holiday cottages.