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Firbank

Thornthwaite, near Keswick, Cumbria
Sleeps 6
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 1
4 star
Parking on site / nearby
Highchair available
Family friendly
Internet access
Open fire / wood burner
Enclosed garden / patio
Downstairs bedroom
Downstairs bathroom
Shop nearby
Pub nearby
Country houses
11 more

At a glance

  • Cosy up by the open fire in this welcoming Lakes cottage with fell views
  • Take a drink into the enclosed garden and let your dog stretch their legs
  • Whinlatter Forest Park is found on the fell behind the property and Skiddaw beyond Bassenthwaite, to the front
Property code: OC-SZ194

Welcome to this delightful house sleeping up to six people in the charming village of Thornthwaite. Situated just outside Keswick and offering some of the Lake District's best walking right on the doorstep, it makes a perfect base from which to explore the area. It boasts lovely light decor, comfortable furnishings and wonderful panoramic mountain views to inspire your days out.

The cottage is situated in a veritable walking and cycling paradise with Whinlatter Forest Park on the fell behind you and majestic Skiddaw, England's fourth highest mountain, beyond Bassenthwaite to the front. Whinlatter makes a great place for families to visit with cycling tracks, a fantastic playground, the osprey project and, if you look hard, the odd Gruffalo! Keswick, one of the Lake District's best-loved towns is just 3 miles away, opening up a world of adventurous possibilities both on the fells and on picturesque Derwentwater. Thornthwaite village has its own art gallery and cafe just across the road from the cottage with a wide range of local art for sale and a delicious slice of cake or two for the less artistically inclined. While the neighbouring village of Braithwaite, just over a mile away, has three pubs and is on a very handy bus route back to Thornthwaite.

The cottage is also perfectly placed to make the most of the history and culture of the area with Cockermouth, the delightful Georgian town which was Wordsworth's birthplace just 15 minutes away. While Mirehouse, a beautiful stately home with an abundance of literary links and gorgeous gardens, lies just the other side of Bassenthwaite Lake. Keswick also offers many cultural delights with its own art deco cinema showing mainstream and independent films while the beautifully situated Theatre by the Lake has a varied programme of drama, music and comedy throughout the year. Whether you choose to fill your visit with history, culture, outdoor pursuits or just relaxation in lovely surroundings then this cottage makes an ideal base.

On arrival at the house, guests enter via the rear door. Here there is a large porch with space for muddy boots. From here you progress through to the light, airy kitchen/diner with wonderful views of Skiddaw in the distance. It's well-equipped with double oven and ceramic hobs, a slimline dishwasher, microwave, and a built-in fridge/freezer. There's a wooden dining table for six and a Bose stereo for a spot of ambient dining music.

Through to the main hallway from which you access the bedrooms, bathroom and lovely living room. With a deep comfy sofa and armchairs arranged around the open fire with green slate fireplace and large curved screen Smart TV with Freeview, it makes a gorgeous place to relax. What makes it extra special is the two large windows which, as well as drenching the room in light, also take in the sweeping grandeur of the mountain views.

The master bedroom on this floor has a king-size wooden bedframe, a triple wardrobe and dresser. It also benefits from that glorious view to the front of the house. The comfortable twin room looks out to the rear of the house and has a wardrobe and chest of drawers. The family bathroom is also on this floor with an electric shower over the bath. The cottage's third bedroom suite is a fantastic flexible space. Accessible either from the main hallway, via a stairgated hatch and a steep ladder-style staircase (please note this may be unsuitable for guests with limited mobility), or from outside the house through its own French doors. It's an ideal space whether your party has teens who'd like their own space or grandparents who'd enjoy some peace and quiet. The spacious bedroom has a wooden king-size bedframe, built-in wardrobes, chest of drawers and yet more of those mountain views. Off the bedroom there's an en-suite shower room with mixer shower. The suite also benefits from a lovely downstairs snug, it has a comfy two seater sofa, a desk and a TV. The utility room is beyond the snug where there is a washing machine and tumble dryer.

Moving outside, the cottage benefits from a delightful mature garden with lawns, outdoor seating and dining furniture. Absolutely perfect for making the most of sunny days and outdoor dining opportunities. There is parking for at least two cars on the gated driveway with space for a further car outside the gateway.

  • 3 bedrooms – 2 king-size, 1 twin
  • The lower-ground floor king-size bedroom is accessed either via a stair-gated hatch and steep, ladder-style staircase from within, alternative access is via French doors from outside
  • 2 bathrooms – 1 bathroom with shower over bath and WC, 1 en-suite shower room with WC
  • Double oven and ceramic hobs, slimline dishwasher, microwave, built-in fridge/freezer
  • Utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer
  • Open fire
  • Smart TV  in lounge, TV in snug
  • Towels not provided
  • Enclosed garden with furniture
  • There is off-road parking for 2 cars on the gated driveway with space for a further car outside
  • Additional dogs may be accepted upon request
  • Shops and pub within 1.5 miles
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 1 dog allowed. Additional charges may apply

Kylie Harmon-Twidle

This property is personally managed by Kylie.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 19 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 4.2 starsOverall equipment 4.2 starsOverall equipment 4.2 starsOverall equipment 4.2 starsOverall equipment 4.2 stars4.2
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 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 starsOverall location 4.9 stars4.9

Reviewed by Henry 6th May 2026

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

Lovely cottage in Thornthwaite, perfect for a group of friends to explore the lake district. Location is great, just beneath Whinlatter and not far from shops in Keswick. The gallery right next to the property is worth a visit. Parking for two cars on the driveway is just about possible as long as they are not too big.

Reviewed by Andrea 18th April 2026

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

2nd time here and A beautiful place to stay with gorgeous views and only 5 minutes from Keswick - lots of brilliant walks and hikes close by. The garden is lovely to sit in on a nice day and great for the dog . Will definitely return again

Reviewed by Neil 15th February 2026

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

Excellent stay at Firbank in February. Snow topped mountains view. I stayed in the lower floor with the ensuite and the low beam (mind your head). Comfortable, clean and cosy. Remember to bring towels! Thornthwaite is an ideal location from which to explore the North Lakes with easy bus, road and walking links.

Reviewed by Rachael 26th September 2025

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

Lovely little cottage in a stunning location. The property could do with some attention in a couple of areas but comfortable and well stocked and we loved the hatch!

Reviewed by Kerri 19th September 2025

Guest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 stars

This cottage has so much potential as its in an excellent location with beautiful views. The beds are comfortable and the lounge is cosy. However, its in desperate need of redecoration and a proper clean. There were cobwebs on lampshades and the back of beds. There is also black mould in the downstairs bedroom and shower. The water temperature is iRead morenadequate and only gets lukewarm and the oven is so old you cant read the dials as theyve worn off. We enjoyed our stay but disappointing. Hide

Reviewed by David 12th September 2025

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

Very clean property in a superb location with wonderful views. Cosy lounge with open fire and spacious kitchen with huge table which was great for family meals. Comfortable beds and lounge seating.

Reviewed by George Colin 22nd August 2025

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

Very convenient but quiet location for North and Western Lakes. Lovely views from the property. The propertys decor is looking a little tired but it was clean. Beds were comfortable. It was reasonably priced (after last minute discount) for peak season.

Reviewed by Debra 1st August 2025

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

Great cottage, incredible views. Stayed here 3 times and never disappoints.

Reviewed by Petrina 27th June 2025

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

Loved the cottaged. The views over skiddaw were amazing. Kitchen was home from home.

Reviewed by Andrew 30th May 2025

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

We slept in the downstairs annexe. That beam running along the ceiling is a pain in the head. I'm 6 foot. Ouch. But after the 5th time I got used to it lol.

Reviewed by Sally 12th May 2025

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Reviewed by Diane 7th March 2025

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

Reviewed by Sarah 18th February 2025

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

Fantastic views, comfortable beds, very clean thoroughly enjoyed our rainy stay here! Thank you.

Reviewed by Samantha 4th October 2024

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

Wonderful cottage in the best location! Had everything we needed and was comfortable. Views were amazing! Walks directly from the door into Whinlatter Forest. Saw red squirrels several times and saw some some deer.Even saw the Northern Lights when we were there.

Reviewed by Rachael 27th September 2024

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

Reviewed by Maxine 13th September 2024

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

Great accommodation with spectacular views. Access from the downstairs room through the hatch gave us a giggle! Ideal location for exploring that part of the Lakes. Good bus service to Keswick and lovely walks straight from the door.

Reviewed by C 12th July 2024

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

Quirky layout which worked very well. Stunning views (we were even lucky enough to see the top of Skiddaw!), lovely outside space, well equipped (although more loo roll and salt and pepper would be good!), great location and an all round excellent choice. Dont miss the walk up to Whinlatter from the doorstep as its beautiful. And the art gallery isRead more worth a visit too. Hide

Reviewed by Kathryn 28th June 2024

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

Reviewed by Sheena 21st June 2024

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

Lovely welcoming and comfortable cottage. Great, quiet location with spectacular views. Ideal base for exploring all of the Lake District. We had the added benefit of a week of amazing weather too. We hope to come back again

17 more
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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.