Holidaymakers searching for holiday rentals in the Lake District also enquired about cottages in Oxfordshire, Cotswolds cottages and cottages in Cornwall

Cottages in the Lake District

If you're looking for Lake District cottages there is a wide and easy to browse selection at HomeAway. The Lake District is thought by many to be the most beautiful area in England, home to tall hills and a host of pristine lakes. People head here to take part in hikes and water sports, or simply to enjoy the sublime scenery. Most cottages in the Lake District feature centuries old stonework and traditional wooden furniture. You can also select the guest facilities for your ideal Lake District holiday home, for example the presence of a garden or internet access. Also, if you'd like to bring the family dog along for the adventure then many owners will consider pets at their rental accommodation.

Things to do

• Walking: As Britain's top hiking destination, there are breath-taking walks of all difficulties, many of which have their trailheads at the best known tourist spots like Windermere and Coniston. A popular spot is Scafell Pike, which has the tallest peak in England and numerous routes to its summit. Intrepid visitors attempt the coast to coast route, which passes through at Alston.
• Water sports: Hiring a canoe or kayak is a great way to get a fresh perspective of the wonderful scenery around lakes like Coniston, Derwent Water and Windermere. Water skiing and windsurfing are popular in summer, and there are a number of businesses in the area offering boat hire, while Esthwaite Water is one of the best fishing lakes in the region.
• Cycling: All forms of cycling are available here, with easy-going and picturesque country lanes and tough, off-road upland routes. Mountain bikers can make the most of a large network of bridleways, which take in peaks like Skiddaw and Helvellyn. The trails connect with each other, which means you can plan rides for 50 miles or more if you're feeling adventurous.
• Climbing: Modern rock climbing originated in the Lake District, and there are climbs to suit all experience levels. Among the best options for climbers with some experience are Esk Buttress, Dow Crag and Gimmer Crag. Lakeland Rock is strictly for those with plenty of experience. Alternatively some of the steeper fells are great for scrambling.
• Railway trips: There's the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, which takes in some beautiful landscapes in the Lake District and ends on the southern shore of Windermere. Another option is the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, which starts just in from the coast and finishes near the town of Boot, seven miles away.

Weather in the Lake District

Lake District cottages are set in a part of England known for its mild, damp climate. There are rarely fewer than 10 rainy days per month, and exposed areas can be rather windy. Winter brings the most rain, and temperatures at this time of year tend to hover a little way above freezing. Spring and autumn conditions are marginally drier, with daily highs that tend to reach just above double figures. Summers are pleasant, with far more hours of sunshine than other seasons; from May to September temperatures get up to the high teens or low-20s.

Travelling to the Lake District

You can fly to whichever of our cottages in the Lake District you chose, and most will be more or less be equidistant to a number of large international airports; Newcastle (NCL), Liverpool (LPL) and Manchester (MAN), which are all around two hours away, while Glasgow (GLA) is a couple of hours from the northern portions of the national park. The eastern side of the Lake District is served by the West Coast Mainline, which runs between London and Glasgow. You can get to Windermere direct from Manchester and there is also a line running down the coast of Cumbria. Many holiday homes in the Lake District will also be served by the public bus network.

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