10 Airbnbs That Drop Guests Directly Into the Fairytale That Is the UK's Scenic Lake District
The views from the Lake District’s many summits are some of the most beautiful in the UK—Scafell Pike takes the title of the highest mountain in England at more than 3,200 feet, and its rugged landscapes undulate in harmony with the rolling clouds. Windermere and Ullswater are the largest lakes, where you can sail, canoe, and kayak across the glassy water. But there are also medieval villages and charming towns to drop in on—it's in these that the majority of the best Airbnbs in the Lake District are found. Thankfully, most provide free parking too: it’s easiest to navigate the Lakes with a car, and the scenic backdrop makes for a magical road trip. Here are our top picks.
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Stylish Modern Home, Clappersgate
Set among 10 acres of private woodland, this secluded, impeccably renovated property offers breezy open-plan spaces. The interiors are warmed up with pops of pink and ochre, combining access to the wild unspoilt landscapes beyond with smart modern living. There are three king-size rooms—one with a freestanding tub and a balcony for drinking in the views, and another with an en suite. Outside, there’s a dining table, fire pit, and cozy corner sofas. It's the perfect place to huddle after a long day hiking up nearby Loughrigg Fell, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Windermere Lake and Ambleside. Afterward, retire to the cedar-clad hot tub to ease achy muscles.
Sleeps: Six
Price: From around $486 per night (two-night minimum)
gaspphotocoCozy Container Home, North Yorkshire
Offering a comfy spot to hole up for a romantic break, this shipping container home has been transformed into a chic countryside retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows maximize the bucolic views beyond, and a skylight in the bedroom makes it a prime stargazing spot. The space has been meticulously planned to ensure guests have everything they need—the kitchen is outfitted with an oven, dining table, and even a dishwasher, while the en suite has a luxe rainfall shower. A wood-burning stove ensures maximum coziness on chilly evenings and, on the terrace, a soak in the hot tub awaits. Do note that there’s no wifi, so you have the perfect excuse to abandon your phone for the weekend—bliss.
Sleeps: Two
Price: $317 per night (two-night minimum)
Quaint Country Cottage, Cartmel
Taking over Maggie Puddle Cottage, The Nest is a one-bedroom property where guests are given total privacy in the medieval village of Cartmel. Host Daisy has dotted the space with smart details such as retro club chairs, antique apothecary bottles, iron bed frames, and upcycled Champagne crates. Guests are welcomed with homemade lemon drizzle cake, locally made chocolates, or a bottle of prosecco (and even a Christmas tree during the festive season). Families can make use of baskets of toys, highchairs, and travel cots, plus there are piles of logs for the fires.
Sleeps: two
Price: from $173 a night (three-night minimum)
Ski-Style Chalet, Yanwath
Just five minutes from the market town of Penrith and Lake Ullswater, this single-story Alpine chalet with high, sloping ceilings is kept shipshape, and guests return again and again. On the edge of the Lake District National Park, it also has good access to the Northern Fells. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Pennine Hills from the herb garden, which has a barbecue and looks out over fields of Herdwick sheep. There’s Cumbrian apple juice in the fridge and freshly baked cookies on arrival from Bake 4 Eden, a local enterprise that employs people with special needs. Plus, the house is dog-friendly, and the owner, May, often leaves treats for them too.
Sleeps: five
Price: from $144 a night (two-night minimum)
Phil RigbyElegant Boathouse, Ullswater
This house once belonged to William Cavendish-Bentinck, who was Prime Minister twice in the 1700s and 1800s. There remains an air of grandeur about the property: dark mahogany and leather elements pop against a Farrow & Ball palette, with magnificent original beams and a freestanding copper tub. Bathrobes and bubbles are provided on arrival, which we’d recommend taking straight to the terrace for a toast overlooking the lake. Watch the sunrise over the fells in the morning from bed, and dive off the jetty for an invigorating start to the day.
Sleeps: two
Price: from $622 a night (two-night minimum)
Bunkbarn, Ings
Rally friends and family to take over this 18th-century stone barn on a functioning farm near the village of Ings. With space for 13 guests and an entire bike wash-down area, it’s a multigenerational holiday dream for adventurous families. Kids will feel like they’re at a never-ending slumber party in the bunk-lined bedrooms, while there’s a wheelchair-friendly washroom and plenty of common space for everyone to congregate. The spectacular beamed dining room is strung with rope lights, leather saddles, stirrups, and equestrian harnesses (a nod to the host’s stud farm). The space is practically purpose-built for hanging out by the fire and toasting the family at the giant table, which was hand-crafted by the host’s uncle. You’ll find farm-fresh eggs and homebaked goodies on arrival, and a short walk across the field is a farm shop with shelves heaving with local produce—such as The Watermill Inn’s beer, which is brewed and served over the road, too.
Sleeps: 13
Price: from $136 a night
Matthew MaddockGeodesic Dome, Windermere — Missing link
Located a 10-minute drive from Windermere, Matthew’s two-person pod is the perfect basecamp (or base-glamp) to explore the Lakes, but he’s also thought of everything you might need should you decide not to brave the often unpredictable weather, from a spare phone charger to Ibuprofen (in case you had a little too much fun at the Hawkshead brewery in town the night before).
The dome is designed to enable guests to hunker down, watch the rainfall from the squishy Simba bed, and listen to the gentle roar of the log burner. The peaceful, private deck looks out over woodland and a field, where you can watch the evening mist roll in between stoking the fire and constellation spotting—the Lakes famously have very little light pollution. Inside, the teeny tiny log burner kicks out heat, and there’s an electric blanket that makes an early bedtime all the more tempting.
Sleeps: two
Price: from $113 a night
Cozy Micro Home, Windermere
Draped with fairy lights and foliage, Alison’s unique micro home is so romantic that one pair of guests got spontaneously engaged here in 2020. Its size makes for an intimate experience, but clever designs such as the wood-print wallpaper, enamel pendant lights, and miniature faux log fire make it a delightful space to spend time in. Alison also provides free Netflix access, and if it weren’t for Homeground serving up such great brunches a short walk away in town, we’d be tempted not to leave.
Sleeps: two
Price: from $153 night (two-night minimum)
Scandi-Style Barbecue Cabin, Bowston
Inspired by the traditional Finnish grillkota—a hut used for barbecues year-round—this cabin comes with a bag of charcoal, firefighters, and all the utensils you need to embrace the grill without suffering at the hands of British weather. The Scandi-inspired pine interiors are strung with fairy lights and softened with wool throws. While the barbecue kicks out plenty of heat, we recommend bringing extra layers for in-between meals.
Sleeps: two
Price: from $114 a night
Bucolic 18th-Century Home, Staveley-in-Cartmel
Named after host Emma’s grandmother, Loveday has been painstakingly renovated using traditional, reclaimed, and antique materials—but is also impeccably decked out with Sonos speakers and speedy Wi-Fi. Emma leaves home-baked brownies for guests and creates private dining experiences too. With seven Michelin-starred restaurants in driving distance, Loveday is perfectly located for an epicurean escape.
Sleeps: two
Price: from $215 a night (three-night minimum)This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
