Cottage Holidays

Staycations or holidaying at home are becoming increasingly popular for those that want all the action and relaxation without all the traveling or cost issues. There is no longer a buzz about going abroad and a lot of people are becoming put off by the increasingly populated and dense holiday resorts in the likes of Spain. What used to be secluded, beautiful and exotic beach getaways have become over built and ugly resorts, where you’d be more likely to have a typical English roast dinner than anything new and cultured. It’s this that has opened many people’s eyes to the beauty and fun that can be found on home soil.

Leading the pack in English tourism aren’t any of those overbearing 50 storey hotels, but quaint little cottages that embody the feeling of “getting away from it all.” The idea of a holiday is a break from your normal every day regime and the many cottage holidays available in the UK certainly give you that peaceful and much needed break, as opposed to the hustle and bustle of a packed beach, where your towel is the only free space available.

There are hundreds of different places in the UK you can go to and if there’s something of interest to visit, whether it be a historic market town or region filled with landmarks, there’ll definitely be cottage holidays to accommodate you. Some of the places rising in popularity in regards to cottage holidays include Devon, Northumberland, Cornwall and the cities of Oxford and Cambridge for their history and architecture.

Without a doubt the most popular cottage holidays in the UK come from the Lake District and with very good reason. This spectacular region in England offers a unique blend of fun and exciting activities with beauty and relaxation. The breathtaking sites of sprawling mountains and sparkling lakes were formed over thousands of years of glaciations, where ice slowly created waves in the landscape. This makes it perfect for those that simply want to admire the view, or for those that want to use the view for climbing and extreme water sports. Hell why not do both to fully complete the holiday experience?

Cottage holidays vary in price, but are usually cheaper than most other types of holiday. You can opt to go through a large company, which owns many cottages or you can do it the old fashion way and find somebody who independently rents out their cottage during the summer or winter months for a more personal feel. Unlike other resorts that have rows of identical holiday homes or hotels, no cottage is the same and each will have its own English charm to it. Part of the fun when going on cottage holidays is choosing the location and cottage, but make sure you choose one large enough for your party.

Whether you are looking for a location deep and secluded in the countryside, right near the sea or on the border of a town, cottage holidays offer all the options you want for a satisfying holiday break.

Keswick cottages

Keswick is a beautiful market town within the Lake District and is proving to be one of the more popular holiday destinations for British holiday makers looking for a quiet cottage holiday break. And if it becomes too quiet, there’s always the option of taking up one of the many outdoor sports available in this unique region of the UK.

Centered in the district of Allerdale, Keswick town is one of the most picturesque towns in Cumbria and all of England, offering the traditional buzz from the local market place (renowned for its cheese) and giving easy access to the Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake for those that want to experience the beauty and thrill of the lakes in the Lake District.

For those that avoid Keswick, thinking it’s just a secluded town with little action, think again. Not only does it link to some of the most exciting places in the Lake District (making it ideal for cottage holiday makers), but it also hosts its own series of activities. Each year thousands of paying visitors flock to Keswick for the renowned film festival, showcasing some of the rawest talent from not just England, but from all around the world.

For those that like good music and good home brewed British beer then their annual Beer and Jazz festival may be on your calendar. Taking place at the passionate Keswick Rugby Union grounds there is plenty of room to accommodate even the largest of crowds, which are growing every year. Get down there now before it becomes main stream. Just make sure you have a designated driver, because if you sample all 200 of the vintage ales, ciders and lagers, it may be a struggle to actually leave Keswick once you get there.

That’s not it though, not only can you watch blockbusters in the making, sip some real homemade ales and listen to some quality music, but you can also get a taste of celebrity life, when you visit Keswick’s “Cars of the Stars Motor Museum.” This golden building houses some of the finest automobiles used by celebrities in TV and film. There are bound to be a few cars that you recognise.

It’s true that when you go on a cottage holiday to Keswick you may not even experience any of the Lake District and still have a good time, although that would be doing your vacation justice. Once you’re done exploring the fruits of the town, be sure to visit the real Lake District and its landscape. Whether you want a relaxing boat ride or walk along the countryside, or want to go mountain climbing and white water rafting the Lake District offers it all.

No other place in the world offers such a unique experience and contrast between beauty and sporting danger. Mountains, cliffs, lakes and countryside are all lovely to look at but are also exciting to climb, jump, race and mountain bike over as well.

Overall Keswick offers a great destination for those that want to experience the Lake District but don’t want to be too far form civilization.

Cumbrian cottages

Cumbria is one of the most beautiful counties in England, positioned snuggly in the North corner of the country between Lancashire, Yorkshire and County Durham. It is renowned for its picturesque countryside, frequented by tourists who usually stay in quaint little Cumbrian cottages. Cumbria offers a lot of activities for tourists, whether it is long peaceful walks around the Lake District or something more extreme like riding the rapids or climbing rocks and cliffs. And if all gets too much you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Booking holiday cottages in Cumbria is a hassle free process with many travel agents and brochures offering great deals. There is rarely a chance of all the cottages and travel hotels getting fully booked, because although it is a tourist hot spot, it still remains quiet and secluded.

If you live in England, getting there couldn’t be easier either. You can simply decid to drive there by car yourself (although this isn’t always recommended for less advanced drivers), or you can use one of the many well equipped train services, with few change overs. Depending on where you live you can also travel by sea, across Heysham and Newcastle.

Cumbrian cottages sometimes are older style , but that’s all the fun of the holiday. Getting back down to nature and life’s basics. There are specific holiday cottages in Cumbria positioned close to the lakes and various resorts that can accommodate even the largest group, or further inland you can find regular Cumbrian cottages, lodges and hotels. We prefer the Cumbrian cottages closest to the Lake District, which you can find near the northern and southern lakes, as well as the various valleys and right up to Hadrian’s wall on the border to Scotland.

When visiting Cumbria there are a few sights that you must see to make the holiday truly complete. Whether you’re an eager and sporty type, or the kind that likes to relax you can’t miss out on the opportunity to go on a walking/climbing expedition around the Lake District’s peaks. You also have to check out the many designated trails (try not to wander for safety reasons). Another point of interest is the ancient stone circles (fifty in total) that can be fun to look and read about, and you may even want to engage in some spiritual activities. There are various maps that can help you find them all.

Cumbria is definitely for everyone, so if you are looking for some peace, coupled with some fun back to nature activities then holiday cottages in Cumbria sound like they are for you.

Cottages in Lake District

Lake District is fast becoming one of the more popular tourist and traveler destinations in the country. Its cool breeze and the nice weather certainly made it one of the worry-free places that you can go. The quiet villages and Lake District's natural beauty is a real attraction in itself. You can go for a serene vacation escapade that is worth remembering.

If you want to travel to Lake District, you can skip the hotel reservations and try something unique and different. You can rent out Lake District cottages that would truly make your stay convenient and comfortable. It's like you never left your own home.

You can select from a number of cottages in Lake District. If you are with your special someone, you can share an intimate Lake District cottage just for two. You also have a choice of renting out bigger spaces. You can pick a cottage that would fit 4, 6, and 10 people. Some can even accommodate 30 people. A Lake District cottage is perfect for small and big families.

Lake District cottages for couples can be a place of romance and love. It is home to a passionate ambience that calls for intimacy. A cottage is complete with cozy living room and dining room. It also has a fully furnished kitchen where you can cook special meals together. Some Lake District cottages also have a facility for under floor heating, washing machine and parking lot. The bedroom is yet another sight to behold. It has a ready bed where you can dive in and relax. It also comes with an en-suite shower room. You see a captivating view of the natural beauty of Lake District on cottages with a private sun patio.

Family cottages in Lake District are also a treat. Most of them have a modern kitchen area where you can do all the cooking for small or big families. It also include double bedrooms or two or more single bedrooms. You can find a family shower room and electric central heating. If you are in luck, you can book Lake District family cottages that have a facility for indoor pools.

Renting cottages in Lake District give you a more flexible itinerary. You can do a lot of things during your stay. You can walk around the villas or enjoy the breeze with your mountain bike on Grizedale forest. You can drop by nearby attractions and visit Haverthwaite and Bowness. You can take a cruise at the Lakeside and Lake Windermere via steam train. If you want a more exciting venture, you can drop by the Go-Apes where you can explore nature via bridges and swings. You can also get the chance to see the works of famous artist such as Richard Harris and Andy Goldsworthy. Lake District cottages are mostly near boutiques and shops. If you hope for a fancy shopping spree, you can go to Ambleside where you can find creative craft shops and clothing shops that would delight your eyes. If you feel tired from all that shopping, you can take a break in one of the nearby cafes and fancy restaurants.

If you want peace and serenity during your vacation, renting a Lake District cottage is an option that is worth a look!

Outdoor Activities In The Lake District

Located in Cumbria in the North West of England, the Lake District remains one of Britain`s most stunning and popular holiday destinations. It has firmly become a part of our National heritage, famous for its mountainous views, its beautiful lakes, its rich history, pubs and wildlife as well as its association with literature and art.



All land in England higher than three thousand feet above sea level lies within this National Park, making it ideal for a vast number of outdoor activities. As you will see below, there is something for everyone - deciding what to do first may be your biggest challenge.



Walking/Hiking

The Lake District is frequently voted the UK`s favourite choice in destination for walking. Whether it be a relaxing lakeside ramble, a determined mountain walk or even a high-level traverse you`re after, you will certainly find it here. Whether you choose to explore the guides of William Wordsworth or Alfred Wainwright, or even amble from Windermere to Beatrix Potter`s Hill Top Farm, walking around the beautiful lakes of Rydal Water, Grasmere and Tarn Hows, remains one of the best ways to explore this area.



Mountain Biking

The Lake District offers some challenging yet stunning off-road terrains for mountain biking though the routes you take should depend on your experience and fitness levels as the gradients can be extreme. Beginners can join a number of clubs where they can enhance their skills in balance, braking, descending and ascending and in the right places – a typical route might be from Troutbeck, East of Windemere, to Ullswater, with a handy pit-stop at one of the many welcoming pubs in the area. The Roman roads that can still be seen in parts of the Lake District; make excellent trail guides though it is worth taking advice from experienced riders who know the area well.



Canoeing

With large tranquil lakes to exciting white waters, the Lake District is surely one of the most diverse places in the UK to try out canoeing. There are many canoe operators with the region, offering group activities to family day experiences on the water and with professional guides available, canoeists can be assured that they are in capable hands.



Kayaking

Kayaking beginners will require instruction prior to being let loose on the unpredictable waters of the Lake District. Structured lessons are available from a number of activity centres where basic skills in sea kayaking can be learned on some of the great lakes. White waters depend on rain and snowfall but there are a number of challenging routes along the river Eden between Lazonby and Armathwaite weir though a sound local knowledge of the river will be required for safety reasons.



Climbing

From absolute beginners to the risk-taking fanatics of rock climbing, the Lake District has a variety of challenges for anyone all year round. The mountains, known as fells, reach heights of up to 3210ft at Scafell Pike – the highest in England and the area is rich in slate, granite, limestone, sandstone and Borrowdale volcanic rock, all with many excellent bolt protected routes. There are a number of rock climbing clubs and societies that offer instruction for climbers of all experience whether it be for an individual challenge or a weekend group activity.



The Lake District is home to several large outdoor activity programmes where experienced and knowledgeable experts can guide you through the most challenging routes. Whilst reputable companies will insist on correct safety measurements, anyone going it alone should be wary too. Always inform someone on the route you plan to take and the time you intend to return, and invest in the correct safety clothing for the activity you will be taking: life jackets, helmets, arm and wrist bands, sound footwear and approved safety equipment in the case of more dangerous activities such as ropes for climbing. For help in getting started with your trip to the great outdoors, visit Merrell

Lake District Cottages

Lake District Cottages are some of the most popular out of all the cottage holiday resorts in the United Kingdom, mainly because in general the Lake District offers one of the widest variety of activities for holiday makers in Britain. Because of its unique landscape of mountains, valleys and lakes, the Lake District offers loads of different water sports, climbing and water activities.


For the young and active there are a lot of physically grueling sports to try. These range from rock and mountain climbing, to white water rafting, sailing and mountain biking.


For the hundreds of older people that book secluded Lake District Cottages further North there is still ample things to do, from relaxing in the countryside to long scenic walks through the valleys and along the many designated trails. Instead of going 60mph down a volatile river why not have peace and quiet on a lake cruise?


For younger children that may not be old enough to take up any physical activities, but are still full of beans you may want to take them around one of the wildlife parks or aquariums to see some of the animals that are only thriving in the Lake District such as the Red Squirrel.


There any many other places to visit that people of all ages can enjoy including museums, pottery plants and art galleries.


When booking holiday cottages Lake District or otherwise there are several things to take in to account. You need to decide on the area you want the cottage to be. This may sound obvious but not all brochures make it clear how close you are to certain activities that you may want to undertake. It’s all good being close to Hadrian’s Wall, but it’s not necessarily close to the lakes. Secondly you need to consider whether you want to go self catered, bed and breakfast or full bored and lodgings. The majority of cottages are rented out with no extras at all, so you may want to take a good amount of food if you choose not to eat out. Unlike a lot of holiday resorts the Lake District is not full of restaurants, although you may come across so gorgeous pubs out in the sticks.


If you are looking for sun sea sand and sangria then the Lake District isn’t for you. But if you want to experience the best natural beauty that UK has to offer then the Lake District and Lake District cottages should be high on your list.

Lake District lodges

Lake District lodges