Cottages with easy lake access

In the Lake District, you have easy lake access from most of our holiday cottages. But some are literally a stone's throw away, have private lakeshore access, a lakeside jetty, amazing lake views, or even boat launching! 

Read on to find out more about some of our dreamy holiday homes that have the best lake access, or browse through all of our self-catering cottages to find your perfect Lake District stay.

Tinkler Beck Cottage – estate with private shoreline

Lake: Coniston Water

Sleeps: 8

Forming part of a beautiful Lakeland barn conversion, this charming cottage is on the northern edge of Coniston Water with direct lakeside frontage. Inside is cosy accommodation with a wood burner, plush furnishings and traditional charm, as well as four well-appointed bedrooms making this property perfect for a large family getaway. Wander through the grounds to the shore – shared with four other properties – where you can swim, paddleboard or kayak, or sit by the water with a picnic and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

Broomriggs 11 – water and mountain views

Lake: Esthwaite Water

Sleeps: 4

Boasting a spectacular setting in a former country house, this first-floor apartment is on the eastern shore of Esthwaite Water. The apartment is furnished in a refined style with large, latticed windows making the most of the stunning views over the water and towards the mountains. Outside are 40 acres of rolling, shared grounds with a playground the kids will adore. But the real gem is the lake access, where you can take rowing boats across the water or simply relax and admire the views.

Broadness Cottage – lakeside cottage on working farm

Lake: Bassenthwaite Lake

Sleeps: 7

Set in a quiet position on a rural, working farm, this charming cottage benefits from the Skiddaw mountain range and the peaceful Bassenthwaite Lake being mere moments away. It’s a great option for a family, with a range of bedroom configurations and plenty of space for the kids to play. Gather everyone together and stride off on waterside walks around Bassenthwaite Lake before returning from this home from home to cosy up in front of the roaring 

Dower House Cottage - daytime mooring on a jetty

Lake: Windermere

Sleeps: 5

How about a cottage in the grounds of a castle? Dower House Cottage shares a location with Wray Castle, an impressive Victorian folly on the banks of Windermere. The mid-19th century holiday cottage has access to the lake via woodland paths and daytime mooring is also available on the National Trust jetty. Or why not catch a Windermere Lake Cruiser and explore the lake and beyond from your front door? Don’t forget to also look out for visiting ducks, who might pop up to the cottage to say hello! 

2 Low Glenridding - near to the Ullswater Steamers jetty

Lake: Ullswater

Sleeps: 4 + 2 dogs

Just a 10-minute walk from the water’s edge, 2 Low Glenridding is an ideal self-catering cottage if you want to explore Ullswater, widely considered the most beautiful lake in the national park. The traditional stonebuilt cottage offers welcoming accommodation on a popular route up to Helvellyn. The walk down to the lake in the opposite direction takes you through the pretty village of Glenridding and to a jetty for the famous Ullswater Steamers. You can hop on one of these vessels to explore the water while relaxing with a drink from the on-board bar. Or, if you’d rather steer yourself, head to Glenridding Sailing Centre to hire a boat! 

The Screes - spectacular lake views

Lake: Wastwater

Sleeps: 4 + 2 dogs

The Screes is named for the imposing massif that rises out of the water on the southeast side of Wastwater. The views from this wonderful ground-floor apartment are incredible and you can get an even closer look with just a 10-minute walk down to the lake. This quiet area is perfect for a peaceful retreat but, if you’re looking to get that adrenaline pumping, there are plenty of options too. West Lakes Adventure offers plenty of guided water activities including paddleboarding and kayaking. Or why not brave the water and take a dip in England’s deepest lake? 

Blea Brows - woodland walk to Coniston Water

Lake: Coniston Water

Sleeps: 6 + 2 dogs

Formerly the stables of an Edwardian country estate, Blea Brows is a comfortable conversion nestled in the woodland around Coniston Water. A 5-minute walk down a private woodland lane takes you to the shores of the lake, where you will find a private beach, shared only with other residents of the estate. You can enjoy a wild swim here or discover your adventurous spirit, Swallows and Amazons-style, and take a kayak or canoe to Peel Island – known as Wild Cat Island in Arthur Ransome’s famous book – just 1km away from the beach.

Enjoy a waterside stay in the Lake District

Wherever you head in the Lake District, you can be sure of easy access to the lakes, rivers and fells that make this stunning national park so special. You can see all of our holiday cottages with our cottage search and find your perfect self-catering holiday home.