Julie Smith
02 October 2019
Christmas is a time for celebrations, spending time with loved ones and enjoying good food, good company and a tipple or two. Whether you choose to go cosy and romantic with just one special someone or big and grand with the whole extended family, we’ve got a selection of luxury Lake District cottages to add some extra magic to your Christmas festivities.
You can gather the whole gang together for Christmas at the majestic seven-bedroom Townson Ground House which is located near the northeast shores of Coniston Water.
The grand dining room at this large Lake District cottage is perfect for serving turkey with all the trimmings. Take a walk to nearby Coniston village to work off the Christmas dinner and call in one of the characterful pubs for a festive drink or two.
Need to know: Townson Ground House sleeps up to 14 people and 2 dogs.
Why our guests love it: "Great house for a party or family gathering. Well stocked and really spacious."
If you fancy spending Christmas in a grand Georgian country house, the six-bedroom Tent Lodge could be the perfect holiday home for you. The property is surrounded by 17 acres of meadow which lead down to the shores of Coniston and your own private jetty.
With a dining room that includes an open fire and views over Coniston, Christmas dinner is bound to be an extra special occasion. Afterwards, you can wrap up warm to head outside and raise a toast your wonderful setting.
Need to know: Tent Lodge sleeps up to 6 people and 2 dogs.
Why our guests love it: "Fabulous house in a fabulous setting. Facilities were second to none."
With a choice of two sitting rooms and five bedrooms that are spread over three levels, Heron Beck Bowstead makes a great choice for a festive family celebration where everyone is welcome.
Heron Beck Bowstead is just right for a family games night or perhaps a murder mystery that makes full use of all the nooks and crannies at this large holiday home. A wood burner will keep things nice and toasty in the cosy snug and there are lots of interesting features including a cast-iron spiral staircase.
Need to know: Heron Beck Bowstead sleeps up to 10 people.
Why our guests love it: "A beautiful cottage in gorgeous surroundings yet only a 5 minute drive to Ulverston."
This warm and inviting log cabin is set by the banks of the Newland Beck River, offering the ultimate peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the buzz of Christmas. While winter works its magic on the magnificent Cumbrian hills, sit back with a glass of bubbly in the cosy warmth of the wood burner.
The Christmas dinner will be a family affair - the open plan lounge/kitchen/diner adds to the convivial atmosphere and ensures that those cooking the meal won't miss out on the festivities.
The market town of Ulverston is within a short drive to pick up the last-minute Christmas essentials, and the limbo days between Christmas and New Year can be spent exploring Coniston Water (7 miles), Windermere (8 miles) and the dramatic countryside of South Lakeland.
Need to know: The Woodsman Cabin sleeps up to 6 people.
Why our guests love it: "Beautifully made real log cabin set on the outskirts of the Lake District. Without a doubt the cleanest and most well presented self catering cottage we have ever stayed in. "
This luxury 5-star holiday home is nestled high above Ullswater and has stunning views of the picturesque lake - the perfect backdrop for an idyllic Christmas in the Lake District.
Serve a Christmas banquet to remember in the formal dining area which has high vaulted ceilings and a picture window that looks out over the surrounding fell.
Retire to the elegant living room for after-dinner drinks with comfortable sofas and chairs set around an AGA fire to keep everyone nice and warm.
Need to know: Bank Barn - Wreay sleeps up to 8 people.
Why our guests love it: "A beautiful, unique property tucked away within walking distance of a great pub"
The four-bedroomed Windrush is tucked away in a quiet spot that’s just a few hundred yards from the centre of Coniston village so you’ll find plenty of options for Christmas lunch if you fancy eating out.
The dining room at Windrush leads directly to elevated decking which spans the full length of the property and looks out over the charming garden.
With a rugged mountain range as a backdrop to the property, you could even try climbing The Old Man of Coniston as a Christmas challenge.
Need to know: Windrush sleeps up to 8 people and 2 dogs.
Why our guests love it: "Perfect for a large family with children and dogs. The enclosed garden was a hit"
Grammar School House in Watermillock was originally built as the local school and the open-plan living space here works very well for a sociable festive gathering.
It’s located in a wonderfully peaceful location on the Ullswater Path with nearby Pooley Bridge and Aria Force waterfall both making wonderfully scenic options for a Christmas walk.
You can enjoy your own winter wonderland in the gorgeous grounds which are a haven for wildlife with woodland and a pond. All you need is a sprinkling of snow and a visiting robin to complete the picture-postcard scene.
Need to know: Grammar School House sleeps up to 8 people and 2 dogs.
Why our guests love it: "The house is fantastic, well equipped and with a super location."
The magnificent Thorphinsty Barn is a medieval cruck barn that dates back to the 1300s - an extra special property for a memorable festive celebration. The Grade II listed building has been beautifully transformed into a luxurious holiday home and the grand dining area is framed by ancient oak beams and trusses to add some grandeur to your Christmas feast.
Dark skies in the gardens and grounds are perfect for a spot of evening stargazing and in the daytime, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding woodland, fell and countryside. There are hidden picnic benches to seek out and even a shepherd’s hut with a wood burner that’s located on the edge of a pretty pond.
As well as the main living space, there’s also a cosy snug with spectacular views and a garden room that opens straight out onto one of the formal garden spaces.
Need to know: Thorphinsty Barn sleeps up to 8 people and 2 dogs.
What our guests say: "An amazing escape in a stunning property, surrounded by trees, sheep and quiet lanes"
The highlight of this charming garden apartment are the panoramic views of Skiddaw, Cat Bells and High Craggs which make an extra special backdrop to Christmas in the Lake District.
Garth Cottage makes a great base for walking with a range of fells to climb plus the western shores of Lake Bassenthwaite and Whinlatter Forest all nearby.
Inside the cottage, you can take a seat in the conservatory to make the most of stunning views and light the wood burner in the sitting room to get nice and cosy.
Need to know: Garth Cottage sleeps up to 4 people.
Why our guests love it: "Splendid place to stay, perfectly located to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lakes."
Spend the festive season exploring Cartmel with a Christmas getaway to Ducks Haven which is just a mile away from the beautiful Lake District village.
The two-bedroom holiday cottage is ideal for small families and up to three doggies can come along too. The property is set beside a duck pond and comes with a lovely garden that’s perfect for four-legged friends.
We recommend heading into Cartmel for a fabulous festive lunch and picking up some delicious Christmas Pudding for dessert from the Cartmel Village Shop. You can also attend a Christmas morning service at the 800-year-old Cartmel Priory.
Need to know: Ducks Haven sleeps up to 4 people and 3 dogs.
What our guests love it: "Great property in a great location. All you need from a home from home."
If you fancy a Christmas getaway for two, Bramblewick is an idyllic one-bedroom holiday home that’s just 5 miles from Lake Windermere.
With a romantic setting in 3 acres of gardens and a sumptuous bedroom complete with freestanding bath, we think Bramblewick is the perfect romantic retreat.
Guests have access to private leisure facilities including an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna and can even indulge in a range of spa treatments for an extra special Christmas treat.
Need to know: Bramblewick sleeps up to 2 people and 2 dogs.
What our guests say: "Peaceful grounds, excellent facilities, great walks right from the property."
Escape the madding crowd and head to the unspoilt Kentmere Valley for some quality time together.
You can wake up on Christmas morning to glorious valley views, then rustle up Christmas lunch for two in the cottage’s Aga.
Shepherd’s Nook is a dog-friendly cottage and you’ll find a range of scenic walks to try from the doorstep before settling back on the comfortable sofa for a cosy night in.
Need to know: Shepherds Nook sleeps up to 2 people and 1 dog.
What our guests say: "The cosiest cottage we have ever stayed in. Outstanding location in a peaceful valley"
The Lake District is magical during Christmas with roaring log fires in country pubs and shops that are full of festive fare. Boats are run on Coniston, Windermere and Ullswater every day except Christmas Day so you can enjoy a festive trip around the lake and there are lots of scenic winter walks to try.
Browse our full range of Lake District holiday cottages for Christmas and start planning your perfect festive getaway.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.