Towns and Villages in the Lake District
Our Top 5 Lake District Towns and Villages
As the home of literary greats like Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, the Lake District has long been known for its remoteness and tranquillity, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have its fair share of perky towns and villages. Our holiday cottages in the Lakes are spread throughout the region, from tourist hotspots like Keswick and Grasmere, to little tucked-away hamlets that are as pretty as a picture. We have created this guide as your go-to manual for visiting both the bustling towns and the lesser-known areas of the Lake District.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Windermere is arguably the Lake District’s most renowned landmark and Bowness-on-Windermere certainly makes the most of its neighbouring attraction. Known as the hotspot for outdoor and watersports activities in the Lakes, Bowness-on-Windermere is the place to be if you love an adventure. The town itself is a picture of Victorian beauty, with antiquated buildings that take you back in time to when Beatrix Potter was here. Speaking of Potter, the Beatrix Potter experience is also in Bowness, which you can read more about in our Things to Do Guide. If bustling Bowness seems like your ideal holiday location, take a look at our properties in the area.
Staveley
To the east of Bowness you will find Staveley, a staple Lake District town that is popular with families, outdoorsy types and those looking to relax alike. Set in the foothills of the Lake District fells and on the banks of the River Kent, Staveley is full of natural charm and some lovely local businesses. Wilf’s Cafe has been a local landmark since 1997, offering homemade, tasty meals and a range of drinks (hot or cold depending on the weather!). Staveley is also home to the Hawkshead Brewery, nationally recognised as one of the best and a must-visit for ale enthusiasts. If it’s a mix of the natural world and town-life you’re after then be sure to check out our holiday cottages in Staveley.
Elterwater
One for the walkers, Elterwater is named after the small lake of the same name in this little village. Very quiet and peaceful, Elterwater is ideal for those wanting to ‘get away from it all’, whilst still being within walking distance of the Langdale Valleys and driving distance of some of the Lake District’s larger towns and attractions. Our cottages in Elterwater range from two to ten guests, making them perfect for walking groups of all sizes. The Elterwater Circular Walk is one of the most popular local walking routes, is relatively flat and provides outstanding views of the Langdale Pikes.
Little Langdale
If talk of the Langdale Pikes has caught your eye, look no further than our holiday homes in the hamlet of Little Langdale. Little Langdale is home to nothing more than a few stone houses and a pub, The Three Shires Inn, but this would have been a very different story a few centuries ago when the village was a major intersection for packhorse routes carrying goods across the North. Nowadays, Little Langdale is the perfect spot for hikers seeking to challenge themselves to the nearby scales of Little Langdale Tarn and Blea Tarn, as well as being within driving distance of other Lake District Mountains like Scafell Pike.
Clappersgate
Clappersgate is a village close to Ambleside that is ideal for those who love to be near the water. Roughly a thirty-minute walk from Windermere, or a short lake cruise ride away if you prefer, Clappersgate is another Lake District village that perfectly marries seclusion within reach of amenities and attractions. Browse our small selection of Clappersgate cottages to find your perfect rural bolt-hole.
