Escape to the natural wonders of Lake Windermere, Cumbria with a stay in these unmissable holiday homes.
Without a doubt, the Lake District is unquestionably one of the most beautiful locations in the UK, and one of the most popular holiday destinations.
The Lake District National Park has a wide range of activities on offer for those who are looking for some action, including walking, cycling and climbing. With Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, right in the heart of the national park, there are endless water sports on offer, such as sailing, canoeing, paddle boarding and wild swimming. However, if you are looking to enjoy a more relaxing break, the natural beauty of the entire area makes it easy to sit back, relax and simply enjoy the quiet location and stunning scenery.
If a holiday in the Lake District is on your wish list, you’ll be sure to find the perfect holiday cottage in our wonderful selection of Windermere cottages at Breakfree Holidays. With so many holiday cottages to choose from, we have put together this list of our favourites that are located close to Lake Windermere to help you narrow it down.
Breakfree Holidays’ Top 8 Luxury Cottages near Lake Windermere, Cumbria:
- Silverholme Manor (Graythwaite)
- Lodge on the Lake (Bowness-on-Windermere)
- Hammerhole (Graythwaite)
- Thirlmere (Nr Sawrey)
- Keepers Cottage (Graythwaite)
- Hilltop (Cunsey)
- Bassenthwaite (Nr Sawrey)
- Skyfall (Bowness-on-Windermere)
Silverholme Manor
Location: Graythwaite, Lake District
Great for: A stunning nine-bedroom Georgian manor house perfect for large gatherings
If you’re looking to celebrate a birthday or anniversary in style, or if you’re simply wanting to holiday in total luxury, this stunning nine-bedroom manor house will not disappoint you. Perched on the shore of Lake Windermere in the heart of the national park, Silverholme Manor is set in the ideal location from which to explore the area and is certainly one of the most opulent holiday cottages on offer.
With so much to see and so many activities in the local area, there is sure to be something for everyone in your party – even a party as large as this! For those looking for some action, there are plenty of water sports on offer down at the lake, including canoeing, paddle boarding and sailing. You can even try a bit of wild swimming if you’re brave enough! For those in the party who are looking for a more relaxing (and drier) stay, why not check out the local spas or take a walk around the stunning farmhouse that is Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top? There is something for everyone on a Lake District holiday, and it is not hard to see why this is one of the most impressive holiday cottages in Windermere, Lake District.
Facilities: Silverholme Manor is an eco-friendly Georgian Manor House that can accommodate up to 18 people in eight beautiful en-suite bedrooms and one stunning self-contained cottage for two. The huge kitchen is light and airy thanks to the wonderful full windows looking out onto the lake. Handmade cupboards, marble worktops and dining seating that can comfortably fit 18 make this the perfect place to enjoy breakfast with stunning views. It also has all the modern facilities you might need, including two dishwashers, a separate glass washer, two fridge-freezers, a walk-in larder and a remote-controlled extraction fan.
As well as dining in the kitchen, there is also the option to use the formal dining room with its large antique table and beautiful high-backed chairs. A library, a drawing room and a separate TV room complete the living area, all with Wi-Fi connection, so you will find plenty of places to sit, relax and enjoy some quiet time in front of the large open fire or woodburning stove. The outside will not disappoint either. The enclosed garden offers table tennis, lawn games and a superb fire pit – the perfect place for you to continue the entertainment outside during the spring/summer evenings. With plenty of private parking available for several cars, this property has it all. It’s easy to see why it is one of Breakfree Holidays’ favourite Windermere cottages.
Lodge on the Lake
Location: Bowness Bridge, Lake District
Great for: A stunning lakeside lodge resting directly on the edge of Lake Windermere with breath-taking views
This stunning lakeside lodge, resting right on the shores of Lake Windermere, Cumbria, is situated in the popular Fallbarrow Holiday Park. Located on the fringe of Bowness-on-Windermere and close to the town centre with superb on-site facilities, this lovely property is just a short stroll from the shops and pubs. With stunning views across the lake that will impress no matter the time of year, this is the perfect base for a romantic getaway or luxury family-friendly holiday.
With endless water sports on offer, as well as Windermere’s 18-hole golf course close by, there are plenty of activities to keep even the most energetic guests busy. There are also plenty of walking paths, including the Dales Way, and cycling routes available to explore locally. A short drive will take you to Windermere village and the quaint town of Ambleside where you will find a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants. This is a wonderful lodge, and it’s easy to see why it is one of our favourite Windermere Cottages at Breakfree Holidays.
Facilities: Tucked away in a quiet area of the park, this delightful lakeland cottage has three bedrooms – a king-size double bedroom with an en-suite, a double and a twin – and can accommodate up to 6 guests. The bright, open plan living area has a wonderful kitchen, separate dining area and comfortable lounge with plenty of seating, all with sublime views over the lake out of the wall-to-wall windows. The modern kitchen is fully equipped with everything you might expect in a self-catering cottage of this type, including an electric oven, gas hob, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and the all-important dishwasher!
Outside the log cabin is a large deck that wraps around the side of the lodge and has direct access to a private beach which is perfect for swimming, canoeing and fishing. It’s also a splendid sun trap for much of the day, allowing you plenty of time to relax and catch some rays. Shared on-site facilities on the park itself include a pub (with a fabulous beer garden), a shop, a children’s play area and a delicatessen. Plenty of private parking, Wi-Fi, incredible facilities and a fantastic location make this Windermere cottage one not to miss.
Hammerhole
Location: Graythwaite, Lake District
Great for: An impressive holiday home resting on the shore of Lake Windermere, providing the idyllic lakeside retreat
This beautiful holiday cottage is in a great location right on the shores of Windermere lake making it the ideal base from which to explore the stunning scenery of the Lake District National Park. The central location allows easy access to the picturesque towns and villages in the area that are all just a short drive away, including Windermere Town, Bowness-on-Windermere and the charming village of Hawkshead.
This family-friendly and cosy cottage is located in a tranquil location and offers something for everyone. If you are looking for an active holiday, then head straight to the lake for a spot of sailing, canoeing or paddle boarding. There are also plenty of walking and cycling trails to explore within walking distance of the front door. If you are looking for a more peaceful time, then there are several superb spas just a mile or two from the property.
Facilities: This impressive holiday home sleeps up to 10 guests in five superb bedrooms – three double en suite rooms and two twin rooms. The living rooms have dual aspect windows, giving them a light and airy feel. There is plenty of comfortable seating all surrounding a woodburning stove and patio doors that lead directly out onto the lake. Additionally, there is a large wooden dining table with seating for 10 people, allowing you to entertain in the grand manner that you would expect in a property like this.
Outside, you will find ample private parking for all your guests, as well as a superb private patio and enclosed garden with outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy dining al fresco while taking in the absolutely stunning views out across the lake. You will also have access to the shared Graythwaite Estate facilities which are a short drive away and include a heated indoor swimming pool, table tennis room, children’s play area and a 2.5-acre trout fishing lake.
Thirlmere
Location: Nr Sawrey, Lake District
Great for: A first-floor apartment that overlooks the stunning views of the Esthwaite Valley
The village of Sawrey is situated two miles from Hawkshead on the shores of Esthwaite Water. It is here where Beatrix Potter created many of her famous characters, and her lovingly restored Hill Top home is now a popular visitor attraction, owned and run by the National Trust. This is a must-visit if you are staying at Thirlmere. For those guests who are looking for some action, there are plenty of water sports on offer at Lake Windermere, including canoeing, paddle boarding, sailing and wild swimming.
There are also plenty of walking paths, including the Dales Way, and cycling routes available to explore locally. A short drive will take you to Windermere village and the beautiful town of Ambleside where you will find a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
Facilities: This superb apartment is in a stunning location overlooking the Esthwaite Valley and can accommodate up to four guests in two bedrooms – one double and one twin – making it the perfect base for small families or two couples. There is a wonderful open-plan living area with a kitchen, dining area and sitting area with a woodburning stove. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you might need during your stay, including the all-important washing machine and there is also a tumble dryer in the shared laundry room.
Outside, there is use of a well-kept lawned garden that is shared with other properties, as well as plenty of off street parking in the shared courtyard.
Keepers Cottage
Location: Graythwaite, Lake District
Great for: A fantastic detached cottage resting on the edge of a tarn in the heart of the National Park and bursting with history
Keepers Cottage has played a key role in the Graythwaite Estate for over 500 years. Away from it all and sitting alone on the edge of a beautifully peaceful tarn, this cottage enjoys the tranquillity of the area and offers the ideal base for family or friends to explore the stunning landscape, scenery and activities that the Lake District National Park has to offer. If you are looking for an active holiday, then head straight to Lake Windermere for a spot of sailing, canoeing or paddle boarding.
For the fishing fanatics in your party, Graythwaite’s 2.5-acre fishing tarn is just a stone’s throw away, and for the runners, walkers or cyclists in the group, there are miles of on and off-road trails and routes to discover, many of which can be accessed within walking distance of the front door. As the property is dog friendly, you can even enjoy these activities with your four-legged friend.
Facilities: This detached period cottage set in a tranquil location near Lake Windermere, Cumbria offers accommodation for up to 10 guests, sleeping in 5 delightful bedrooms, and all with views across the fisheries and woodland. The bright and modern kitchen will provide you with all the facilities you might need during your stay, including a washing machine and tumble dryer. The living room provides a comfortable and cosy place to relax after a busy day, with its woodburning stove, large sofas, smart TV and Wi-Fi.
The outside of this property is just as delightful. There is a large private patio area with plenty of outdoor seating for you to enjoy dining al fresco in the warmer months. It is also dog friendly and offers plenty of private parking, making this cosy cottage one of Breakfree Holidays’ favourite cottages in Windermere, Cumbria.
If you’re looking for a dog friendly holiday cottage in the Lake District National Park but Keepers Cottage doesn’t quite tick all your boxes, then check out these favourite dog friendly log cabins in the Lake District for more inspiration, and book your next dream holiday today.
Hilltop
Location: Cunsey, Lake District
Great for: A Luxury holiday home situated in woodland with fantastic views of Lake Windermere
Hilltop is part of the beautiful Graythwaite Estate and is located up its own private track in the forest, making for a wonderfully peaceful holiday location. The property is a 15-minute walk from the shores of Lake Windermere and just three miles from the central Home Farm Courtyard where you will find the home farm shop and the swimming pool which is available for guests to book. Hilltop is also located just a short drive from the Far Sawrey to Bowness ferry, giving you plenty of options for day trips during your stay.
If you are feeling active, you can try a range of outdoor pursuits on nearby Lake Windermere, ranging from canoeing, paddle boarding and sailing. There are also plenty of walking paths and cycling trails that can be accessed directly from the property meaning there really is something on offer for everyone. If you are looking for a more relaxing time, brush up on your history and visit the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, the Stott Park Bobbin Mill or the National Trust property of Hill Top. The on-site activity company, Graythwaite Adventure, also provides activities including 4×4 off-road driving, clay pigeon shooting, archery, bushcraft and even axe throwing! There is something for everyone at Hilltop.
Facilities: This wonderful property has two attractive bedrooms – one king-size double with en suite and one twin room – making it the ideal holiday home for families or small groups of friends. There is a well-equipped kitchen and open plan dining area, along with a very comfortable and welcoming sitting room with an open fire for those cosy evenings in front of the TV.
Outside, you will find a wonderful private garden, so you can enjoy dining al fresco during the summer months. The property is also dog friendly, so your four-legged friend can join you on holiday and enjoy the beautiful countryside. What more could you want? You can certainly see why Hilltop is one of Breakfree Holidays’ favourite holiday properties in the Lake District National Park.
Bassenthwaite
Location: Near Sawrey, Lake District
Great for: A cosy and homely, ground floor apartment in the beautiful Esthwaite Valley
This wonderful holiday cottage is located near to Hawkshead and the ferry to Bowness-on-Windermere, making it the ideal location for those looking to explore the whole of the Lake District National Park. Bassenthwaite is just a few hundred yards from The Tower Bank Arms pub, a charming historic lakeland inn proving a warm and cosy retreat after a busy day exploring the surrounding countryside. Here you will find quality fresh food and an extensive selection of traditional, award-winning local Cumbrian real ales – well worth a visit, or two!
Head to the nearby Esthwaite Water which has rowing boats on offer, as well as trout fishing, and if you’re very lucky, you might catch a glimpse of nesting Ospreys while enjoying a drink at the café on the water.
Facilities: This property can accommodate up to four guests in two bedrooms. There is a delightful sitting room complete with a wood-burning stove for the perfect place to sit and relax after a busy day. The kitchen is fully equipped with all the appliances you would need helping to make your stay as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Outside, there is a large lawned garden with plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the stunning lake and countryside surroundings – the ultimate place for al fresco dining during the warmer months. It’s not hard to see why Bassenthwaite made our list of top cottages near Windermere.
Skyfall
Location: Bowness-on-Windermere
Great for: A stylish apartment with a tennis court and putting green nestled close to the shores of Lake Windermere, Cumbria
Skyfall is a lavish boutique apartment that is located in a peaceful rural location within walking distance of the vibrant village of Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District National Park. In the village, you will find all the local amenities you will need, along with the award-winning World of Beatrix Potter attraction, a traditional cinema and a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
This superb holiday home, close to Bowness-on-Windermere, has so much to offer. From here, you’ll find much to keep you busy. Take a trip aboard a Windermere Lake Cruise, and set off to explore the picturesque villages nearby, or head for a fun day out at the aquarium and motor museum close by.
Facilities: Skyfall is a luxurious and modern first-floor apartment with its own private entrance. With two wonderful bedrooms – one king and one twin – the apartment can accommodate four guests, and pets are welcome too! The open plan living area has a large, well-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer. The kitchen opens out onto the dining area and comfortable lounge area, with stunning views pouring in from the windows.
All this is set within an exquisite private garden where you will find a tennis court and even a putting green for your enjoyment! There is a private outside area with a table and chairs, so you can enjoy a sundowner with friends and family on warmer evenings while taking in the stunning views. It is very easy to see why this is one of Breakfree Holidays’ favourite holiday homes near Windermere in the Lake District National Park.
Book Your Next Amazing Dream Holiday to the Lake District Today!
Did the holiday properties on this list get you excited about your next holiday in Cumbria but not tick all your boxes? Then don’t worry! Here at Breakfree Holidays, we have so many stunning holiday homes on offer that we are sure you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re looking for a picturesque detached cottage resting on the shores of the lake with a woodburning stove and private hot tub or a stylish apartment nestled in the countryside just a few minutes’ stroll from the local pub, we have it all. Head over to our main website for details of all our holiday cottages in Windermere and other nearby properties, and book your next dream holiday now.