The Best Airbnbs and Cottages in the Lake District: Your Home Away from Home in the Fells
After twenty years of exploring every fell, tarn, and hidden valley in the Lakes, I can tell you that where you stay makes all the difference to your Lakeland experience. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a family adventure, or a walking holiday with friends, the right cottage or Airbnb can transform your visit from good to absolutely magical.
Choosing Your Perfect Location
The beauty of the Lake District lies in its diversity, and each area offers something wonderfully different. If you're new to the Lakes, Ambleside and Bowness provide excellent bases with plenty of amenities, good parking (though arrive early in summer), and easy access to popular walks. The town centres can get busy, but step back into the residential areas and you'll find charming Victorian terraces and converted barn cottages that offer peace without isolation.
For those seeking something more intimate, Grasmere remains my favourite village base. The cottages here, many built from local slate and stone, put you within walking distance of both Dove Cottage and some of the most rewarding low-level walks. The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop and several excellent pubs mean you won't go hungry, though I'd always recommend booking dinner at The Jumble Room well in advance.
Lakeside Luxury and Tranquil Retreats
Nothing quite compares to waking up to lake views, and properties around Windermere and Ullswater command premium prices for good reason. The eastern shores of Ullswater, near Pooley Bridge, offer some of the most spectacular rental properties I've encountered. Many feature private jetties and gardens that slope directly to the water's edge. The parking here is generally easier than around Windermere, and you're perfectly positioned for the Helvellyn range if you're serious about your walking.
Coniston provides a wonderful middle ground between accessibility and wilderness feel. The cottages around Coniston village give you easy access to both the lake and the dramatic fells behind. John Ruskin's Brantwood is a short drive away, and the steam yacht Gondola offers a unique perspective on the lake when the weather's kind.
Hidden Gems in the Valleys
Some of my most treasured stays have been in the more remote valleys. Borrowdale offers cottages that feel genuinely off the beaten track, despite being easily accessible from Keswick. The valley's dramatic scenery, with Scafell Pike looming at its head, creates an atmosphere that's both intimate and awe-inspiring. Many properties here are working farm conversions, complete with stone flags, oak beams, and views that will have you reaching for your camera every morning.
Langdale, both Great and Little, provides similar magic. The cottages scattered around Elterwater and Chapel Stile put you at the heart of some of the finest walking country in England. The Langdale Pikes rise directly above many properties, and you can walk from your door to several National Trust car parks, saving both parking fees and the early morning scramble for spaces that characterises busier areas.
Southern Charm and Market Towns
Don't overlook the southern Lakes for your stay. Cartmel offers a completely different flavour, with its medieval priory, famous sticky toffee pudding, and proximity to both lakes and coast. The cottages here tend to be more affordable than their northern counterparts, and you're perfectly placed for exploring both the Lakes proper and the gentler landscapes around Grange-over-Sands.
Kirkby Lonsdale, while technically just outside the National Park, deserves consideration for longer stays. The town's famous Devil's Bridge and the view Turner called 'one of the most beautiful in England' provide daily inspiration, while properties here often offer more space and better value. You're also well-positioned for exploring the Yorkshire Dales if you fancy a change of scenery.
What to Look for When Booking
Beyond location, several practical considerations will enhance your stay enormously. Parking is crucial, particularly if you're visiting between Easter and October. Many town centre properties rely on public car parks, which fill quickly and can be expensive for longer stays. Look for cottages with dedicated parking spaces, even if they're a short walk from the property itself.
For walkers, proximity to footpaths directly from the cottage transforms your daily routine. Nothing beats stepping out of your door straight onto the fells, avoiding the crowds and parking challenges entirely. Many properties in Borrowdale, Langdale, and around Ullswater offer this luxury.
Kitchen facilities matter more than you might expect. While the Lakes boast wonderful pubs and restaurants, booking can be challenging, particularly for larger groups or during peak season. A well-equipped kitchen gives you flexibility and the pleasure of preparing meals with local ingredients from the excellent farmers' markets in Keswick and Kendal.
Booking Like a Local
Book early, particularly for school holidays and the gorgeous autumn months when the deciduous woodlands around Borrowdale and Ullswater put on their spectacular show. Consider shoulder seasons too. May and September often provide the best balance of weather, availability, and value, with the added bonus of bluebells or autumn colours respectively.
Many of the finest properties don't appear on the major booking platforms. Local letting agencies, particularly those based in Ambleside, Keswick, and Windermere, often handle unique cottages and farmhouses that you won't find elsewhere. A phone conversation with local agents can reveal hidden gems and valuable local knowledge about everything from the best walking routes to which pub serves the finest Cumberland sausage.
The Lake District rewards those who choose their base thoughtfully. Whether you're drawn to the bustling atmosphere of Bowness, the literary connections of Grasmere, or the wild beauty of the remote valleys, the perfect cottage awaits to make your Lakeland memories unforgettable.
