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Bowderdale Farm Cottage

Wasdale Head, Cumbria
Sleeps 6
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
No Dogs
3 star
Waterside Views
Parking on site / nearby
Highchair available
Towels included
Family friendly
Internet access
Working farm
Open fire / wood burner
Country houses
9 more

At a glance

  • Situated in the Wasdale valley this stone cottage is part of a traditional Lakeland farm
  • Views from the cottage overlooking Wastwater lake
  • Surrounded by beautiful fells including Scafell Pike and 10 miles from Ravenglass on the coast
Property code: OC-SZ091

Situated in the Wasdale valley on the quieter side of the Lake District, this cottage is part of a traditional working Lakeland farm with connections to famous fell runner, Joss Naylor. With views overlooking Wastwater Lake and the surrounding fells, this holiday cottage is perfect for walkers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering basic, cosy accommodation for up to six people.

Wasdale itself is a valley of extremes. It boasts England's deepest lake (Wastwater), highest mountain (Scafell), smallest church (St Olaf's) and the world’s biggest liar competition (each November in the local inn). It is the birthplace of British climbing, with excellent climbs of all grades, and a playground for local diving clubs. Local rumour has it that each club has a collection of gnomes on the lake bed, one of whom has a noose around his neck as a result of club rivalry.

For more gentle exercise, there are hundreds of walks within close walking distance of the door of the holiday cottage. Wastwater Lake is 5 minutes away, or you can go high up on the fells and mountains. There are many good swimming and picnic spots on the shores of the lake.

There are three pubs in the valley - one at the top of the lake (2 miles), and the other two (3 miles) face each other on the way to Gosforth village, where you will find shops selling groceries, fresh fruit and vegetables, food to go, alcohol and newspapers.

Eskdale is another lovely valley, only 15 minutes' drive away, with hundreds of river and mountain walks. It also houses a terminus for the Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway - a popular miniature railway that travels 7 scenic miles to the coastal fishing village of Ravenglass. Muncaster Castle, Gardens and Owl Centre is also 15 minutes away and has lots going on all year round, especially for children.

Inside, the hallway leads to the kitchen, sitting room and bathroom. The kitchen is fully furnished with electric cooker and hob, microwave and plenty of storage space. There are laundry facilities at the farmhouse and the owner will launder your washing for you upon request.

The bathroom is downstairs with electric shower, toilet and sink. Towels are provided.

You will find a comfy sofa and seating in the sitting room and a multi-fuel stove which warms the living room nicely and also heats the radiators in the rest of the house. The stairs lead from the sitting room to three bedrooms upstairs. One double, one twin and one triple bedroom.

Outside there is the use of a garden which overlooks Wastwater Lake. Please note that the garden is shared with the farmhouse.

  • 3 bedrooms – 2 double, 1 triple with three single beds
  • 1 shower room
  • Electric cooker, hob and microwave
  • Wood burner (initial supply of logs provided)
  • Additional electric heaters available upstairs
  • TV for DVD only
  • Wi-Fi included (This is the owner's Wi-Fi next door so speeds may vary)
  • Please note there is no mobile reception at cottage
  • Shared garden
  • Parking for 2 cars
  • Regret not pets
  • Pub 2 miles, shop and restaurant 7 miles, beach 10 miles
  • Private water supply
  • The owner will launder your washing for you upon request
  • This property only accepts bookings of up to 6 guests
  • Arrival: 17:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • Sorry, no dogs allowed

Kieron Anderson

This property is personally managed by Kieron.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 19 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.1 starsOverall cleanliness 4.1 starsOverall cleanliness 4.1 starsOverall cleanliness 4.1 starsOverall cleanliness 4.1 stars4.1
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 3.8 starsOverall equipment 3.8 starsOverall equipment 3.8 starsOverall equipment 3.8 starsOverall equipment 3.8 stars3.8
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.1 starsOverall comfort 4.1 starsOverall comfort 4.1 starsOverall comfort 4.1 starsOverall comfort 4.1 stars4.1
Overall location
Overall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 stars5

Reviewed by Ulrike 9th May 2026

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

If you want to spend time in the nature in the middle of happy sheep and hennes, it is the perfect place. Just wonderfull.

Reviewed by John 7th May 2026

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Fabulously situated at the heart of a working sheep farm, Bowerdale farm cottage provides breathtaking views over Wast water from its elevated position. It's snug and cosy and it's a real treat to sit out and drink in the scenery. If you're looking for something that's grimly over-renovated and set in a Disneyfied version of the Lakes, pick somewheRead morere else. If you want an authentic experience, book in for a week and joyously embrace life on a working sheep farm. Hide

Reviewed by Ian 14th March 2026

Guest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 stars

Wonderful location with views of Wastwater and great walks from the door. No outdoor space attached to the cottage. Paul's a really laid-back host but the upkeep of the cottage is also laid-back. The hob is VERY slow to heat up, one ring and half the toaster don't work, the kitchen is very dimly lit. Agree with other reviews that it's a tough stay Read morein cold weather, esp with unheated kitchen and bathroom. Directions inaccurate incl. cottage is second not first door in the farmyard. Hide

Reviewed by Emma 27th October 2025

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

The cottage is in an incredible setting, with stunning views over Wastwater and especially good base for climbing nearby Scarfell or Yewbarrow. It is very basic accommodation however, and perhaps best suited to warmer months; we stayed in the last week of October and it was quite cold on arrival, especially in the unheated kitchen and bathroom. OurRead more first evening and night was chilly, even with fire going, until the whole cottage warmed up a bit. Electric blankets would be good. Bring slippers! Hide

Reviewed by Lee 5th September 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

A rustic farm cottage with amazing views and farm life and great interaction with farmer Paul and his pooches.

Reviewed by Clare 15th August 2025

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

We had a wonderful week at the cottage. Paul and his son were great hosts and were there to help when we needed them. Also lovely to chat to about the local area. The location is stunning, so much to see and explore. Especially enjoyed our swims in Wast Water just down the road.

Reviewed by Graham 8th August 2025

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

The location of this cottage is fantastic, and the house is clean overall. The equipment (shower, stove, toaster) in the cottage is in need of improvement.

Reviewed by Catherine 4th July 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by Tracey 20th June 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

This is a real working farm with sheep, sheepdogs, ducks and chickens; I never realised that sheep had such character. The views are stunning, and the peace and quiet is remarkable. We slept over 8 hours a night heaven. Paul and his son were really friendly; it was interesting spending time talking to Paul about the area and the farm. They both usRead more very welcome. We very much enjoyed our stay here, and were sad to leave. Thanks Paul Hide

Reviewed by Willemijn 16th May 2025

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Absolute gem of a location, stunning landscape and loads of Herdwicks! This absolutely makes up for the basic cottage

Reviewed by Richard 4th April 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Reviewed by Alice 20th December 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This is a lovely, comfortable and well equipped cottage in a very, very special place overlooking Wastwater and the Screes, and on a working fell farm that has been in the same family for generations. Wonderful to have sheep, ducks and chickens wandering around and to spend a week in such an extraordinary place. Paul couldnt have been kinder and moRead morere welcoming. Well equipped kitchen, lovely comfortable beds. So many wonderful walks on the doorstep, even in bad weather with a lot of low cloud. Hide

Reviewed by Elizabeth 18th October 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

The cottage is in a great location and is very picturesque. We stayed in autumn and the fire was lit before we arrived, so it was nice and cosy. There were electric heaters in the bedrooms too. The kitchen was quite well equipped and there was plenty of hot water for showers.

Reviewed by Jon 21st September 2024

Guest rating 2.4 starsGuest rating 2.4 starsGuest rating 2.4 starsGuest rating 2.4 starsGuest rating 2.4 stars

Fantastic location in the heart of Wasdale. Bedrooms were cofortable and clean. Unfortunately the downstairs was mouldy, unclean and disappointing. Would not take much effort or expense to make it superb.

Reviewed by Donna 6th September 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Tim 23rd August 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

This corttage worked really well for three generations of family. In all respects it exceeded our expectations. It was also a rare glimpse into the life of a working hill farm, the children loved the animals in the farmyard. It was a superb base for mountain walking, despite poor weather. The beach at Seascale is ideal for the children.

Reviewed by Ian 16th August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Bowderdale is a very special place; I have stayed twice and will return as often as I can.

Reviewed by Zaib 9th August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

we recently had the pleasure of staying at Borrowdale Farm in the Lake District, and it was a truly lovely experience. This was the second time we attended. The accommodation was cozy and comfortable, providing a perfect retreat amidst the stunning natural beauty of the area. One of the highlights of my stay was the warm hospitality of the farmer. Read moreHe was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home from the moment we arrived. Hide

Reviewed by Susanna 14th June 2024

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Basic cottage in a fantastic location.

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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Sallys Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.