The Best Places to Stay in the Lake District

A peaceful Airbnb set among the Lakeland fells, this one-bedroom shepherd’s hut greets you with freshly cut flowers and sprawling views of the Lyth Valley. Tucked away from the crowds, your nearest neighbours are the wild deer, sheep, pheasants and horses that roam the nearby acres of land, but if you’re craving a little more human interaction, it’s just a stone’s throw from two award-winning pubs. A welcome bumper breakfast hamper – including homemade scones, maple pecan granola, butter, jam and milk – is a lovely touch.

This log cabin Airbnb offers a true taste of the Lake District. Sleeping six guests in a king bed, bunks and twin singles, you’ll wake up to the sound of nearby waterfalls and views of the lakes and hills of Wordsworth country. Boasting a handy kitchen set-up with a wood-burning stove, it’s fully equipped for rustling up hearty meals to fuel your hikes around Grasmere, Rydal and Windermere, and you can warm yourself by the log fire when you return.

Looking for a little luxury? This state-of-the-art, five-bedroom Airbnb in the Lake District is set over three floors and offers a vast amount of living space including a lounge and relaxed sitting room. No detail is too small – there’s a piano, Smart TVs with Sky Q in all bedrooms, and the laundry facilities are accessed by a secret bookcase door. Very swish. Spend your evenings relaxing in the garden or take a short walk to the bustling village of Bowness and discover its impressive portfolio of restaurants and cocktail bars.

Set in a quiet picturesque square just a five-minute walk from town, Wayfarers offers hotel quality at hostel prices. Ideal for those attempting the Coast to Coast cycle route, 18 beds are spread over five shared and private rooms, and there’s a fully equipped kitchen. If you have your own equipment, there’s plenty of indoor cycle storage, plus the hostel has new hybrid-style bikes for hire so you can explore the quiet lanes in and around Penrith and Eden Valley. For an extra fee, you can fill your boots with a cold continental breakfast to fuel your ride.

Set in a beautiful spot just 3mi (5km) outside Keswick, Lodge in the Vale makes the most of its spectacular surroundings. It’s enveloped by mountain ranges amid rolling fields divided by dry-stone walls and fitted out in a modern contemporary style with en-suite double, twin and family bedrooms to choose from. In each, a 32-inch flatscreen adorns the walls, but we doubt you’ll spend too much time glued to the television, as stunning hiking and cycling routes abound nearby.

The idyllic Lodore Falls Hotel and Spa, with its prime position overlooking Derwentwater, is arguably one of the most impressive hotels in the Lake District thanks to the swanky spa, striking suites and trendy pan-Asian restaurant, Mizu. Luxuriate in a full-body massage post-hike before settling in for a glass (or three) of bubbles at its plush champagne bar. For those looking to explore, Grange is a 20-minute walk away, or you can hop in the car to head to Keswick for its shops, restaurants and theatre. The hotel is dog-friendly, so you can bring your pooch along for the ride, too.