Hillside Cottage

Ambleside sits at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, ringed by peaks and crisscrossed with footpaths that start from the village itself. Hillside Cottage stands on the outskirts, close enough to reach the town's shops and pubs on foot but far enough to catch views across open countryside. This restored 18th-century property has kept its character—original stone floors, exposed beams, a working fireplace in one bedroom—while adding modern essentials like central heating and Wi-Fi.

The ground floor is one open space where living, dining and kitchen flow together, with a gas fire for cooler evenings. Upstairs are two bedrooms: a double with the original hearth, and a twin; they share a family bathroom with a bath and separate toilet. One car can park on site, and a south-facing garden offers a place to sit between walks. Everything you need to cook is here, from oven to hob to a washer-dryer. Bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi are included.

This suits walkers and people who want to be based somewhere quiet but can reach a proper town within minutes. The butcher F.W. Garside and several pubs are all under a mile away. The Waterhead Pier, where lake cruises depart, is nearby. There are steps at the entrance and in the garden, so access is worth checking before booking.