The Area

Our cottages are located across the picturesque hills of the south Lake District. They all offer great amenities, attractions, walks and pubs on your door step or act as a great base to explore the wider area. 

Ambleside

Whether you are just passing through or making a day of it, would thoroughly recommend you spend some time in Ambleside during your visit. 

Some our top recommendations for this typically Cumbrian town include shopping; this is one of the best destinations in the Lakes for a little retail therapy, whether you are looking for some more hiking gear (try Gaynor Sports) or if you are looking for gifts for yourself or others our favourite independent shops include: Detail, Bathhouse, Old Bank House Chocolate Shop and Cherrydidi. 

Visit the cinema; this isn't you're usual multiplex offering, this is much better! Great for a rainy day or evening, this award-winning venue shows the latest films, live music events and other specials such as Westend shows and ballet! And best of all, for less the £25 you can have a two-course meal and film! 

We would also recommend checking out Stock Ghyll Force, an impressive 70ft waterfall on the outside of the town or take a cruise on Lake Windermere from Waterhead Pier; there is always something to do in Ambleside!

Pepper Cottage - 12 minute 🚗, Mountain Cottage - 20 minute 🚗 and The Roost - 15 minute 🚗

Hawkshead

Dating back to the 12th century, Hawkshead is a collection of higgledy-piggledy houses, archways, and squares beloved by Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, who went to school in the village and standing high above the village is the 17th Century Church of St Michael & All Angels; which completes the historic feel of this impressive quaint village. 

Today the village retains much of this historic charm and offer great amenities for your trip including a number of cafes (including a cat cafe), various delicatessens such as The Honey Pot and Relish and four pubs. One of our favourites is the King's Arms from where you can sit in the square, watch people coming and going over a refreshing pint. 

Pepper Cottage - 5 minute 🚗 or 25 minutes 🥾, Mountain Cottage - 10 minute 🚗and The Roost 📍In Hawkshead

Coniston

Originally a small farming village Coniston became a tourist favourite in the Victorian era, made popular by poet John Ruskin and Artist Henry Hall and then was catapulted to fame by Donald Campbell's four water speed records. Today the village has the air of a busy, lived-in place large enough to offer visitors and locals a museum, library, a couple of churches, a post office and a number of shops selling everything from newspapers to handicraft gifts.

And if there is one thing Coniston does better than any other village in the Lakes it is the pubs, with five there is nearly one for every day of the week; The Black Bull, The Crown, The Sun Inn, The Yewdale and The Ship Inn are all within just a 5 minutes walk. They all offer food and great beer selections. We would recommend you try the famous Bluebird Bitter in 400 year old The Black Bull, home of the Coniston Brewing Company.

Pepper Cottage - 10 minute 🚗, Mountain Cottage - 📍In Coniston and The Roost - 10 minute 🚗

Local Attractions

Grizedale Forest, is an unrivalled day out offering walking and cycling trails for all abilities. Named by The Telegraph as 4th best mountain biking route in the country, it offers "fabulous views, testing climbs and technical excitement" and with bike hire available. The forest also plays host to the exhilarating ‘Go Ape’ aerial adventure course and fantastic sculptures. Grizedale is within a 10 - 20 minute drive from the cottages.

Rainy day? The Ruskin Museum in Coniston featuring exhibitions about the Ruskin and the wider history of the area, and Brantwood, is his historic house, museum and centre for arts. 

Fancy getting on the water? Everything from motorboats to kayaks are available to hire at Coniston Boating Centre, and also at Esthwaite water where you can also hire fishing gear.