#{ServerName}
Back
OverviewReviewsPhotosLocation
1 / 14  
2 / 14  
3 / 14  
4 / 14  
5 / 14  
6 / 14  
7 / 14  
8 / 14  
9 / 14  
10 / 14  
11 / 14  
12 / 14  
13 / 14  
14 / 14  

Bell Crags

Borrowdale, Lake District
holidaycottages.co.uk logo

This property is managed by holidaycottages.co.uk info_outline

Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 2
4 star
Enclosed garden / patio
Open fire / wood burner
Internet access
Pub nearby
Family friendly
Decorated for Christmas
Towels included
Travel cot available
8 more

At a glance

  • A beautifully updated holiday cottage in the heart of Borrowdale
  • Relax in front of the open fire while admiring the glorious views across the valley
  • Within easy reach of Buttermere, Thirlmere and Derwentwater
Overview
Property code: SZ068

This traditional former miner's cottage is situated in the hamlet of Seatoller at the foot of Honister Pass. The serene location in Borrowdale is perfect for those seeking a comfortable and homey base from which to enjoy all the valley has to offer.

The cottage has a peaceful outlook across the valley and takes its name from an east-facing crag on nearby Watendlath Fell. Four people can be comfortably accommodated in this two-bedroom property, which benefits from a cosy sitting room with open fire, a well-equipped kitchen and dining room, and a patio for sitting out. Hause Gill flows past the end of the lawned garden.

Walking in Borrowdale is second to none with both the lofty heights of Scafell Pike and the family friendly Catbells right on the doorstep. The valley floor offers gentle bike rides, whilst thrill seekers can take on the fearsome passes of Honister and Whinlatter. After a refreshing day out, a hotel, which is only 500 metres away from the cottage, serves excellent coffee and snacks. Guests can also enjoy dinner there when booked in advance.

Keswick is a 20-minute drive away and offers two supermarkets and many pubs, cafes and shops. The valley is well served by the Borrowdale Rambler (all year round) and the Honister Rambler (seasonal) allowing you to explore the valley without needing a car.

Inside, on the ground floor is a comfortable sitting room with an open fire, surrounded by a slate fireplace. Leather sofas provide seating around the TV with DVD player. A doorway leads into the dining room which is tastefully furnished with a pine table and chairs.

A further door leads into the kitchen which is equipped with an electric oven and hob, washer/dryer, dishwasher, fridge, freezer and microwave.

Upstairs there is a king bedroom and a twin bedroom. The bathroom has a bath with shower over it, WC and wash basin. In addition, you will also find a little 'secret room' at the top of the stairs.

The garden to the rear has a patio for sitting out, lawns, and a gate to Hause Gill, which flows past the end of the garden. Please supervise children.

  • 2 bedrooms – 1 king-size, 1 twin
  • 1 bathroom with shower over bath and WC
  • Electric oven and hob, washer/dryer, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, microwave
  • Open fire with coal supplied
  • TV, DVD
  • Enclosed garden with patio, outdoor furniture and lawn
  • Parking permit for one car in the neighbouring Seatoller House, 100 yards from the property
  • Please note, it may be a little snug for 4 adults and 2 larger dogs
  • Pub 1 mile, Buttermere and Derwentwater both 4 miles
  • A gate at the bottom of the garden leads to the Hause Gill stream – children should be supervised
  • This property will be decorated for Christmas
  • Arrival: 16:30 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00, unless otherwise stated in your arrival details
  • 2 dogs allowed. Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week
  • There is an Accidental Damage Deposit of £200 when booking at this property, however this may be waived for £25. We’ll provide more details about this when booking your holiday.

Sarah Thyer

This property is personally managed by Sarah.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 37 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.6 starsOverall cleanliness 4.6 starsOverall cleanliness 4.6 starsOverall cleanliness 4.6 starsOverall cleanliness 4.6 stars4.6
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 starsOverall equipment 4.6 stars4.6
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 starsOverall comfort 4.6 stars4.6
Overall location
Overall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 stars4.8

Reviewed by Fay 7th March 2025

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

Cottage really well equipped and so lovely and warm. Comfy king size bed!! Really well positioned for fabulous walks in the area, straight from the door! Also easy to get to Buttermere, crummock water, Keswick etc. Great pub next door with friendly staff. The cottage garden will be great in the warmer months, so many birds! Lounge sitting is quite Read moresmall, but didn't spoil our stay. Just best to be aware.... Hide

Reviewed by Lorraine 23rd February 2025

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

Excellent cottage, loved our stay here, would return. Comfortable, cosy, Very generous with the coal for the fire, we needed that lot most nights. Thank you for a lovely stay

Reviewed by Diane 15th February 2025

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

.

Reviewed by Sophie 7th February 2025

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

We stayed here for a birthday weekend with our two dogs. We had a great time doing some local walks and the cottage was perfect for what we needed. It is nice and rural and away from the tourist areas but bear that in mind for food etc (this didn't bother us as we bought some food with us and then popped into Keswick for some dinner one night). I'dRead more highly recommend as a place to stay if you are wanting to explore the area, we will definitely be staying again. Hide

Reviewed by Suzanne 6th January 2025

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

What a perfect little cottage! We went during all the snow at the start of January and it was just stunning, location is perfect, very peaceful. The cottage was very comfortable, clean, and the bed was dreamy to sleep in. Added bonus was the coal store out the back, which allowed us to keep the fire lit during the cold nights, will definitely beingRead more staying again. Highly recommend! Hide

Reviewed by Tina 1st November 2024

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

We have stayed at Bell Crags many times and will be booking again. The cottage is very comfortable, has everything we ever need for a holiday, warm, peaceful, and a very comfy bed! The location is fantastic if you love walking the fells. So many walks and peaks to do from the door. It has a parking space at Seatoller House. The neighbours are all vRead moreery welcoming. Keswick is easily accessible and a beautiful drive away. We love it here and will be back again next year! Hide

Reviewed by Sarah 11th October 2024

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

Third year in a row at Bell Crag and we love it there. Comfortable , cozy, well equipped and the perfect location for us and our Labrador to explore the Lakes and the many walks in the area. Having the Yew Tree pub open next door just added to it! Already booked again for next year!

Reviewed by Christopher 4th October 2024

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

Reviewed by Alison 13th September 2024

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

Reviewed by Mark 6th September 2024

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

Reviewed by Amy 16th August 2024

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

Great location. So close to many walks and the pub next door is fab. The pub was not noisy at all. The food in the pub is excellent and the staff were friendly and helpful. Over the road Seatoller Farm has a shop that does tea, coffee and a small selection of cakes. Also sells milk and other essentials. Very friendly there too. The bus routes from Read moreSeatoller are excellent; all day buses run during peak months. The cottage is a good size for 4. Great shower. nice garden. Bit tired. Hide

Reviewed by Catherine 2nd August 2024

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

A beautiful cottage in an amazing location. Only 10 minutes from Keswick for any shopping. The cottage is comfortable and has every item needed for a very happy stay. The views are amazing and so lovely to see mountains out of every window. Walks can be taken from the front door into the hills surrounding. Next door a pub has reopened with high quaRead morelity food. This does not affect the stay in the cottage at all as we were not disturbed by customers once during our stay. Hide

Reviewed by sally 12th July 2024

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

Really lovely. Just a note that the kettle seemed to be leaking. Please note re question below. I have recommended it to friends but now would have to mention the pub. It might not bother other people, however. . Certainly the food is very good and it couldn't be more convenient- that said, I'd recommend but with that caveat.

Reviewed by Alison 5th July 2024

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

Walks direct from the door, great location, lovely pub next door with garden and nice little cafe over the road. Great enclosed cottage garden with (fenced) river at the bottom , which was lovely. Inside small and a little dated but clean and has what you need. Parking at Seatoller House and in NT car park was easy. Bus service regular if not driviRead moreng. We had a great week. Hide

Reviewed by Lisa 15th June 2024

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

We had a wonderful weeks stay at Bell Crags. The cottage was clean and equipped with everything you could possibly need. The garden was a lovely suprise. Very well maintained and perfect for relaxing in the evening, listening to the birds... The location is fantastic. Plenty of walking routes could be accessed directly from the cottage, so we hardlRead morey needed to use our car. We definitely recommend staying here and will certainly look at staying here again when visiting the area next. Hide

Reviewed by Colin 24th May 2024

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

A cosy cottage with everything needed for a comfortable stay. Its Seatoller location is perfect with an abundance of doorstep walks for all abilities. Theres a farm shop opposite selling essentials (they once opened up just for us to grab milk & eggs) and the Yew Tree pub next door is excellent with fab staff & food. Theres an open-top bus running Read morethrough Borrowdale to Keswick so we didnt use the car once during our stay - always a treat. Overall the cottage gets a massive thumbs up from us! Hide

Reviewed by Tina 17th May 2024

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

Reviewed by Peter 6th May 2024

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

Reviewed by Donna 22nd March 2024

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

Reviewed by Tina 15th March 2024

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

We have stayed many times at Bell Crags and love the cottage and its stunning location. Perfect for walkers with countless walks and peaks from the door. The cottage is well equipped with all you need for a comfortable stay. The dogs love the secure garden. Keswick is not far for anything you may need. We will be coming back again! Thank you!

Reviewed by Lee 26th January 2024

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

We had a good time at Bell Crags in the glorious Borrowdale valley!

Reviewed by Andrea 29th December 2023

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

Fantastic, comfortable cottage, ideal for when you return from soggy walks. Ideal location for hill walks straight from the door, so we hardly used the car all week. Whilst the pub next door has seasonal opening, the Glaramara hotel just a stones throw away is very accommodating to non-residents with cosy fires and a welcoming bar, plus a huge dryiRead moreng room so you can leave your wet gear whilst you have a drink (v dog friendly too). All in all a great cottage in a beautiful, quiet location. Hide

Reviewed by Peter 15th November 2023

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

Reviewed by Sally 27th October 2023

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

Reviewed by David 22nd September 2023

Guest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 stars

Cottage needs a deep clean.

Reviewed by Janet 15th September 2023

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

Lovely place, all the comforts of home. Great location for walking straight from the door with amazing views of Borrowdale. Nice garden with a beck running through, and a handy parking space a short step down the road. Sadly the weather let us down, but hey ho, it's the Lakes - got some walks in between downpours, and our last day managed to stay dRead morery enough for a walk around Buttermere! Hide

Reviewed by Stuart 1st September 2023

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

Cottage is nicely situated in a quiet hamlet. Has a nice garden out back. There are no facilities in the hamlet other than the farm shop opposite but Keswick is only 7 miles away. Great location for walking the surrounding mountains. There is a recently opened pub right next door ( summer opening only) that does not yet do food however there are a Read morenumber of places to eat on the way to Keswick. Kitchen has all the facilities to prepare food if eating out is not desired. Hide

Reviewed by Rebecca 18th August 2023

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

House is lovely and clean, and well stocked with equipment. Pub has now opened next door which can be noisy, but may suit some. Usual easy access to beautiful walks in this stunning area of the Borrowdale Valley.

Reviewed by Charly 11th August 2023

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

Reviewed by Tina 4th August 2023

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

We have stayed at Bell Crags quite a few times now and have more trips booked. The location is stunning with access to so many fells. This is perfect if you love walking. . Seatoller is so peaceful. There is a beautiful garden, safe and secure for the dogs and a pleasure to sit in after being out walking all day. The cottage has everything you needRead more for a holiday, with plenty of hot water, comfy beds and a washer dryer if needed. We love it here! Thank you for another perfect week. Hide

Reviewed by Sarah 14th July 2023

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

Super cottage in a stunning location. The bed was very comfortable and provided an excellent night's sleep. The garden to the babbling beck is wonderful and the cottage is very well equipped. There are so many breath taking walks on your doorstep. The double decker bus to Keswick, the stop is a two minute walk away, is the best fun for two pounds! Read moreLocal Glarramarra Hotel serves excellent meals and the pizza from Seatoller farm is very tasty. Overall a superb cottage in a perfect location. Hide

Reviewed by Steven 7th July 2023

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

Absolutely loved our stay at Bell Crags, which we chose mainly because of its location right at the heart of the Lake District, and it really delivered on this. We used our car a bit to get in and out of Keswick, which was easy and had plenty to offer, but tried to walk from the cottage as much as we could and if you dont mind tackling gradients, tRead morehere is loads on offer right on the doorstep. The cottage was comfortable and the garden was a real bonus for our two dogs. Thank you! Hide

Reviewed by Sandra 30th June 2023

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

The cottage was beautiful, and the separate garden is so relaxing with the stream running at the bottom. (All safely fenced) A perfect place to recharge. Great access to walks from the door, Honister - the only working slate mine in England with adventure activities and Winnlatter forest if you like mountain biking. The farm does a fabulous stone bRead moreaked pizza on Saturday evenings and stop off for a drink at the pub nextdoor which reopens its doors late July. Hide

Reviewed by Diana 12th May 2023

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

Reviewed by Elizabeth 5th May 2023

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

What a perfect location, I walked right from the door most days and had some wonderful days in the hills. it was peaceful and quiet and the bed was blissfully comfy.

Reviewed by Elizabeth 31st March 2023

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

We had a lovely stay in this very special location right at the bottom of Honister pass. The cottage had a lovely garden suitable for our dog to be off her lead which was a huge boness to her!

Reviewed by Tina 17th March 2023

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

Another lovely stay at Bell Crags. The location of this cottage is very special and pretty hard to beat! Seatoller is quiet and so beautiful . Walks from the door are superb and whilst we had a wet and cloudy week we still did some amazing walks and bagged a few more peaks! The cottage was warm and comfortable and very clean. We love it here and haRead moreve more weeks booked this year already and will definitely be booking 3 or 4 visits again next year! Hide

35 more
Photos
Show 2 more

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.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Sallys Cottages is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Sallys Cottages | 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.