Do book a country cottage for an amazing holiday in the Lakelands of the north west of England. For those who don’t know, the Lake District National Park is easily one of the United Kingdom’s most impressive and picturesque regions. Defined by its glacial ribbon lakes, vast open spaces and stunning mountain scenery, the Lake District has long been a favourite of British holidaymakers – which shows no signs of slowing. Of course, seeing is believing, and any first-timer in the region is guaranteed to be overawed by its natural beauty.

In Britain, you don't need any excuse for a short country holiday, especially outside school holidays when the prices are lower, so the winter months could prove an ideal time for a first (or second, or third) visit to the region.  Over Christmas, the stresses of entertaining friends and family, cooking, and buying gifts are also universally understood, meaning no eyebrows would be raised if you snuck off for a few short days of relaxation. And to fully recuperate while in the Lake District, you can get the complete experience by staying in a quaint self-catering cottage.

Click to view holiday cottages in the Lake District

Find the best cottage for you in the Lake District

The benefits of staying in your own cottage are numerous, and it is easier than ever to seek out your dream accommodation. Online tools now allow you to carry out an extremely tailored search, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for with minimum fuss and time expenditure.

Must have WiFi

The ideal cottage will of course be different from person to person, which is why the abundance of properties in the Lake District can only be a good thing. People travelling with families may decide Wi-Fi is an absolute must, as this will keep the kids happy – particularly those grumpy teenagers! A decent internet connection also means any adults staying in the cottage can keep one eye on their work emails, for that additional peace of mind. (You can also ensure you don’t miss an episode of your favourite show, while also uploading your stunning countryside flicks to social media.)  

Holiday cottage near Scafell Pike

Your ideal cottage in the Lake District doesn’t just have to be practical, though; if you don’t mind spending a little extra cash, you can go for an outrageously luxurious experience. This could mean staying in a vast character cottage close to some of the area’s main attractions, like the near-1km high Scafell Pike – which is England’s largest mountain. This would provide exceptional access to some stunning walking routes, which could be ideal for those visitors interested in hiking and exploring.

Another key point of interest in the Lake District is the beautiful Lake Windermere – which is also the largest lake in England. Windermere is an extremely popular fishing spot too, thanks largely to its size (nearly 15km2) and the variety of fish. You can find arctic charr, brown trout, pike, perch, roach and eels to name a few, while salmon and sea trout also pass through the lake to spawn in the tributaries. Naturally, this means there are some superb seafood restaurants in the area, which are definitely worth keeping an eye out for. (This is also where the self-catering aspect proves its worth, as you aren’t tied to one place and can indulge fully the Lake District’s markets, pubs and restaurants.)

If it is a walking or cycling break you plan on taking, you will no doubt realise the value of a luxury cottage after a cold winter’s day tackling the Lake District’s rugged terrain. It could be a plush corner sofa in front of a large HD TV that ticks the boxes for you, or perhaps a fantastic, mattress and high-end linen that ensure you catch up on some much needed sleep. Many cottages also now boast power showers, which is one of those little luxuries that can make all the difference. One step further still, it’s easier than ever to source a cottage with its very own hot tub in the garden, which can definitely make a good holiday a great one (particularly if you are on a romantic getaway as a couple).

Holiday accommodation in Cumbria and the Lake District National Park

Holiday bungalows to rent in the Lake District

Luxurious dog friendly holiday cottages in the Lake District