Where to stay in the Lake District by Sawday's

The Lake District dispels the myth you have to cross the globe to see spectacular mountain scenery. For hundreds of years, the area’s staggering natural beauty has inspired countless artists and writers, but England’s largest National Park is much more than stunning views.

Shaped by industry and farming for centuries, the whole region was declared a World Heritage site in 2017, ensuring the preservation of a unique history, culture and landscape.

Holidays in the Lake District offer majestic fells and massive skies reflected in endless water, theatre shows in the streets of Keswick, steam gondolas on Coniston water, dramatic descents into old slate mines and adventurous ghyll scrambling. Lively village pubs serve craft pies and their own dark ales, a wealth of local produce draws top chefs and Kendal’s famous mint cake powers hikers through high passes and to surging waterfalls.

We’ve created this collection of Lake District accommodation, with ancient farmhouses, homely cottages and lodges, friendly pubs, and stylish hotels – we look for places and people that will introduce you areas beyond and between the hills and dales.

Places to stay in the Lake District

Choose from self-catering cottages set high up in the mountains, hotels right on the lakeside,
cosy bed and breakfasts overlooking fells, and friendly inns perfect for a delicious feast after a day of hiking.

Self-catering

Hotels

Inns

Bed & Breakfast

Our favourite collections in the Lake District

Dog-friendly cottages in the Lake District

These places welcome your four-legged friend, and there’s no better place to bring them than the Lake District. Some places provide blankets and bowls, others offer a welcome hamper, treats and even chewy toys – check the booking information of the place for details.

Romantic breaks in the Lake District

Head to the hills and spend quality time with your loved one in the great outdoors. Spend days hiking mountains or take a boat ride across the lakes, then cosy up in front of the fire or in an outdoor bath tub. Find your perfect place for two from our collection!

Family-friendly places in the Lake District

Bring the whole family for a memorable holiday of walking, exploring and quality time in nature. There’s plenty to do in the area to keep everyone entertained! Choose somewhere from our collection of special places and book your perfect family break!

Why we love the Lake District

The landscape offers everything from the white cap of England’s highest peak to sparkling blue water at sea level, changing with every season and every step
The range of hikes, from pub-to-pub strolls (try the two hour walk from The Punch Bowl Inn to The Derby Arms) to wild camping in the remote corners of the park
The history among the hills – the earliest railway in Britain was built on Caldbeck Fells to carry workers and materials to mines
Timeless stone villages on the shores of the lakes, such as Grasmere, Ambleside and Cartmel
The tradition of unfussy, superb food and fantastic local beer served up from over 40 local breweries.

Things to do in the Lake District

Travel by steam (boat or train) and enjoy views across to Lakeside and Lake Windermere
Climb Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain sitting at 978m, or take on the 12 mile trek of the Kentmere Horseshoe
Join festivals of beer, music and street theatre in Keswick throughout the summer months
Visit Honister Slate Mine, to see a traditional craft almost unchanged in 300 years
Try watersports on the huge Derwentwater or ghyll scrambling through the riverbeds.