Ullswater Cottages, Lake District

Ullswater cottages are the ideal way to enjoy this beautiful area. Widely regarded as one of William Wordsworth’s favorite places, Lake Ullswater was the inspiration to the iconic poem.

“I wandered lonely as a cloud, That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.”

Meandering around the lake in Spring the fluttering daffodils can still be seen, nestling under the trees and the first signs of sunnier days ahead.  Perhaps it is the fact many poets have been inspired by the natural beauty of Ullswater that it is known as the most romantic lake in the Lake District.

Lake Ullswater is only a 20 minute drive away from the M6 contrasting the beauty of the Lake District with the modern world in which we live.  As you drive down the winding road with glimpses of the Lake appearing in your vision there is an instant feeling, an unconscious knowing, that the daily stresses of life can be parked, while you stop, breathe and marvel at the beauty unfolding in front of you.

The lake itself is sheltered by majestic mountains, a walkers delight with stunning scenery, literally at every turn, not as challenging as some of the Lakeland fells, families are often seen enjoying the vista from the summits of Little Mell Fell, Gowbarrow Fell, Place Fell and Hallin Fell.  Another popular walk and a must for any visitor to Ullswater is Aira Force, a fast flowing, tumbling waterfall, hurtling 65 feet to the pool below, surrounded by woodland trails which are home to the red squirrels and a tea room serving delicious treats explorers young and old always enjoy time spent here, especially if the weather is kind and you can cool down in the shallow pools at the top of the falls.  Many visitors also take on the challenging Ullswater Way, a 20 mile route circling Lake Ullswater, some rising to the challenge others opting to do part of the walk and catching the Ullswater Steamer back.

The Lake itself is home to many sailing clubs, you can hire a row boat, charter your own yacht, try windsurfing, paddle boarding, wake surfing, canoeing and many more water based activities around the lake.  You certainly get a different perspective of the majesty of the area from the open water and the Ullswaters Steamers allow you to relax and enjoy the cruise down the length of the Lake, hop off at one of the piers to explore the area before returning to finish your journey.

Dotted around the lake are a number of villages and hamlets, Pooley Bridge being the largest and possibly one of the most popular locations within the Lake District nestles on the north eastern shores of the Lake and has a small number of galleries and gift shops, traditional inns and tea rooms serving delicious home cooked meals, afternoon teas and locally brewed ales lining the main street.  As you travel around the lake you will pass hamlets and villages such as Watermillock and Glenridding, each with a pub to enjoy a refreshing break on your journey.  Another Place and 1863 Restaurant offer fine dining experiences for those special occasions or just because you’re on holiday and why not.

There are a number of attractions dotted around Ullswater and fells surrounding the lake.  Pony trekking, Alpaca centre, Dalemain House, Rheged Centre, Lowther Castle and Gardens and the Bird of Prey Centre.  Golfers will delight at the number of golf courses in Cumbria and Penrith and Keswick Golf clubs are both easily reached by car.  For some the draw of the lakes is the fishing opportunities in the lakes or at the Solway Coast, either destination offers a relaxing day surrounded by stunning scenery.

From Ullswater you can follow the lake to the start of Kirkstone Pass, a scenic, winding road through the valley to the summit, on your decent you will have a choice of Windermere or Ambleside, both popular tourist destinations within the Lake District and nestle on the banks of Lake Windermere.  Alternatively the A66, a 5 minute drive away, will take you to the town of Keswick sitting on the shores of Derwentwater, making Ullswater a popular choice for those looking to adventure around the lakes.

The market town of Penrith, known as the Gateway to the Lakes, is a 20 minute drive and has numerous boutique shops, restaurants, takeaways and supermarkets, there is also the castle ruins and park to explore and perfect for a day away from the Lake District.  The county capital of Carlisle is a 40 minute drive with shopping centre, castle, cathedral, parks and a range of indoor children themed activities such as trampoline park, Lazer quest, cinema etc for those rainy days.

Once you have visited Lake Ullswater it will always hold a little bit of your heart and you will want to return, we can’t wait for you to find out for yourself why we love Ullswater so much.

Browse our Ullswater holiday cottages below.