Central & South Lakes Holiday Cottages

Our holiday cottages in the South Lakes invite you to explore the most famous parts of the Lake District as well as perhaps try something new. From Hawaiian-style Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) on Lake Windermere to a beach or fell horsehide on a magnificent Clydesdale, there are lots going on throughout the year in the South Lakes. Step back in time and discover the village of Near Sawrey, with the white-washed Tower Bank Arms and picturesque countryside around Claife Heights, as featured in Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit tales.

From Lakelovers holiday cottages in the South Lakes, there’s more than just the well-known towns of Windermere and Bowness to explore. The ancient village of Cartmel, famed for its 12^th century priory and only 2 miles from the coastal resort of Grange-over-Sands, has become quite the foodie haven. Stock up your cottage kitchen at Unsworth’s Yard; there’s the new Cartmel microbrewery or try the award-winning Higginson’s Meat from the 450-year-old Cavendish Arms coaching inn. Holker Hall and Gardens, owned by Lord and Lady Cavendish, is a short 15 minute drive away and have a busy events calendar including their famous Chilli Festival, amongst others.

For some alternative activities when staying in Cartmel try a scenic Segdeway tour, where you’ll glide through the parkland around Cartmel. Getting your Segeway ‘stripes’ is a great group activity and then you can go on to try the off-road adventure tour. For a more romantic activity, take in a tour of this historic village from atop a carriage ride with the famous Black Horses. The sleepy holiday destination of Lakeside actually has lots to do considering its comparatively small size and distinct lack of crowds. Here you’ll find the Lakes Aquarium, home to sharks as well as native Lake District marine wonders. The Lakeside railway station, which initially brought tourist to this delightful spot, has been re-opened as a heritage steam train experience, with superb 18 minute trip from Lakeside to the village of Haverthwaite.

There are plenty of opportunities to experience something new when staying in one of our South Lakes holiday cottages. A little bit of Hawaiian-cool comes to the shores of Lake Windermere with the latest watersport, SUP (Stand Up Paddle boarding). It is a surf inspired sport and requires little skill so anyone can have a go. Offered by Total Adventure, this is an exciting alternative to the more traditional Windermere Lake Cruises and 45 minute taster sessions are available – ideal for groups looking for a bit of fun.

For a more tranquil experience of Lake Windermere, hire a kayak or canoe and glide along the coves looking for a peaceful picnic spot. If you’re hungry for more water-based action, Coniston Boating Centre is a less than 13 miles away and from here the Steam Yacht Gondola experience is one to try. Use pedal power hiring bikes, also from Total Adventure in Windermere, to try out the new South Lake District Cycle Trail network.

Hop on the Hawkshead Ferry from Bowness and cycle the traffic-free Windermere Trail, which is an 8 mile route to Ambleside, but takes in Claife Viewing Station and Wray Castle on the way. Both have cafes and Windermere Lake Cruises accept bikes and stop at Wray Castle if you decide to return by boat. Or, alternatively take a detour to join the gentle cycle route to Hawkshead. Taking adventure levels up a notch, off-road 4×4 experiences are available from Kankku in Windermere and will leave you will some very memorable holiday snaps! South Lakeland holidays are also seeped in a rich culture and heritage that’s not to be missed. To name a few; a treasure trove from the turn of the last century, Blackwell Arts & Crafts House, off the tiny B5360, is an unexpected gem as you head along Windermere’s eastern shore towards Newby Bridge and Lakeside; there’s the superb gardens at Holehird Gardens Lakeland Horticultural Society, Troutbeck; for families, Brockhole Visitor Centre on Windermere is a must, with free outdoor adventure playground; and culture vultures will love the Ruskin Museum and Brantwood historic house and art centre at Coniston. On the very outskirts of the South Lakes, you'll find the charming port town of Barrow-in-Furness; tucked away from the hustle and bustle, it's the perfect place to visit for a peaceful getaway.

Whilst myths, legends and remote landscapes populate the north Lakes, the South Lake District is a pleasant topography of English country estates, gentle hills and lush valleys with lots going on. Plus, there’s easy connection to the challenges and dramatic landscape of the central Lakeland fells. A welcoming world of adventure and relaxation awaits you with our South Lakeland holidays.