Riverholme

Families and couples looking for a compact base in the northern Lake District will find Riverholme works well. The cottage sleeps four across two bedrooms—a kingsize with ensuite on the first floor, and twins in the second room—with a family bathroom featuring a roll-top bath and separate shower. Ground floor living centres on a wood burner and TV, while the kitchen is fully equipped for cooking; essentials like heating, linen, towels and wi-fi are included, along with logs for the stove.

The setting matters here. A stream runs about 50 yards from the property, and the back garden has a small lawn and patio with seating; note there are three steps down to the garden itself. A pub is within a mile's walk. No smoking is permitted. The cottage suits couples wanting a quiet retreat and families after space to move around without pretence—there's a travel cot and highchair available if needed. Keswick, Cockermouth and Bassenthwaite are all within reach for days out, but equally the property works as a stayed-put kind of place.