Last updated on March 8, 2023
One of the most scenic places in England, the Lake District National Park is a land of mountains, glittering lakes and picturesque, welcoming villages. It’s one of the most popular holiday spots in the UK and as such there’s a wealth of beautiful Lake District Airbnbs.
15 Best Airbnb: Lake District National Park
I’ve curated a guide to the best Lake District Airbnb lodgings, including everything from shepherd’s huts and yurts to luxury farmhouses complete with hot tubs and lake views. There’s an Airbnb in the Lake District for every style and budget.
We’ve included properties on VRBO, Plum Guide and Booking.com too, so that you have more to choose from. And we’ve created a separate guide to the best Lake District lodges with hot tubs.
Also see our guide to how to find the perfect Airbnb, the UK’s best Airbnbs, and if you’re heading to the Lake District, you might be interested in our best UK road trips post too. And our other Airbnb guides.
Lake District Airbnb: Which area is best?
The Lake District is made up of 16 lakes spread over 885 square miles. I’ve split the listings by lake and the most popular towns and villages to stay in for each one. Below I’ve included a quick description of each lake and area to help you choose the best option for you.
Windermere
Windermere is the biggest lake in the park and one of the most popular places to stay in the Lake District. It offers a bit of everything, from lake cruises, hiking and cafes to Beatrix Potter’s former home. It’s also in the centre of the national park, so offers easy access to most attractions. Popular towns and areas to stay around Windermere Lake are: Ambleside (small but busy town), Windermere (one mile from the lake shore), Newby Bridge (at the southern tip) and Bowness-on-Windermere (right on the water).
Ullswater
Ullswater is the second largest lake and widely considered the most beautiful. It’s particularly popular for watersports and lake cruises.It’s also close to the cute villages of Glenridding, Patterdale and Pooley Bridge.
Grasmere and Rydal
Grasmere is a popular village, famous for its gingerbread and Wordsworth connections. No motorboats are allowed on the lake, so it’s a good option for kayaking, swimming and rowing. It’s close to Rydal Water, a small picturesque lake that’s popular for wild swimming.
Derwentwater and Keswick
Derwentwater is at the tip of the Borrowdale Valley, a majestic spot of cliffs, rivers and ravines. It’s a good place for both hiking and climbing. And it’s only a 10-minute walk from Keswick, a town with plenty of shops (especially outdoor shops), restaurants and accommodation. It’s home to one of our favourite Lake District Airbnbs with a hot tub,
Coniston Water and Esthwaite Water
Coniston Water was the setting for Swallows and Amazons and is the third largest lake in the Lake District. It’s a sweet village with pubs, shops and places to eat, making a good option for basing yourself, and it’s also close to Hawkshead, one of the Lake District’s prettiest villages.
The North Lakes including Loweswater and Buttermere
The northern lakes are some of the quietest and least touristy in the Lake District, so a good option for those looking to truly get away from it all. Buttermere Village is a popular place to stay, and Loweswater is one of the loveliest lakes with a four-mile hike around the forested perimeter.
The Best Airbnbs in the Lake District National Park
Windermere Airbnbs
Cute micro home
This stylish Scandi hut is a cute space to stay on your Lake District trip. The tiny wood-panelled home has all you need for a comfy stay, including a king-size bed, ambient fire, mini fridge, coffee station, entertainment systems, and en suite bathroom.
What the guests say: “We had a lovely stay at the Scandi Hut! Such a cosy space, loved the electric fireplace and Philips Hue lighting. Alison was kind to install a microwave during our stay and recommended lots of walks nearby. I thoroughly recommend staying at the Scandi Hut!”
The Lake House
This historic house, sleeping up to eight, and surrounded by gardens and meadow, has incredible lake views and would be an epic place to stay on a group Lake District trip. There are four luxury en-suite bedrooms as well as large kitchen, dining room and drawing room. The huge garden is a highlight with the lake just 50 metres from the property’s boundary.
What the guests say: “This house is exquisite! The photos don’t do it justice. It is very well-equipped and full of thoughtful touches. It is stylish, yet cozy and comfortable, with spectacular views. Gillian was a very helpful host – super responsive and even put the groceries that we got delivered into the fridge before we arrived. Highly recommend this wonderful property!”
Rose Cottage
For a luxurious Lake District Airbnb, you can’t do much better than the stylish Rose Cottage. Just a short walk from Windermere town, the house sleeps up to six guests and is spread over four floors. Everything is stylishly done from the huge open plan living room, to the cosy snug and spacious bathrooms.
What the guests say: “We loved our stay at Rose Cottage. The house was so cosy and a beautiful place to spend a happy wintry break. We loved being able to walk down to the lake from the house. The hosts were so helpful before and during the stay, which was especially appreciated when travelling with our two young children.”
Midland Bank Chambers Flat in Historic Ambleside
This contemporary Scandi-style apartment is a departure from the usual quaint decor of a Lake District Airbnb. It comes with luxuries including a designer free-standing tub, a rainfall shower and high-spec chef’s kitchen.
What the guests say: “A truly incredible place to stay! Perfectly located in the middle of Ambleside it is both a brilliant base for walks and experiencing all the Lake District has to offer. The apartment was stunning and so well decorated. It was homely yet very up to date and well designed. There was no stone unturned when it came to making sure we had everything we needed.”
Online listing: Midland Bank Chambers Flat in Historic Ambleside
Price: From £118 per night
Sleeps: 4 people (two beds)
Ullswater Airbnbs
Far Boathouse
Right on the water’s edge, this is a spectacular place to stay in the Lake District and you can see why it’s popular with honeymooners. Sit out on the deck and watch the sailboats pass, or get cosy in front of the fire. There are lots of little luxury touches, from the bedding to the bathrobes to the wine fridge, but none more so than the magnificence of that view.
What the guests say: “We stopped at Jayne’s lovely boathouse on the way to Scotland and it was totally worth the trip. The boathouse is well equipped with everything you need to cook and eat, with the most delightful view of the water.
“Special touches made the trip super special, including wine and chocolates, plenty of brochures and in-depth instructions to find the location. We’d love to come back into the summer months and sunbathe on the lovely balcony.”
Duke of Portland
Also on the water’s edge, the Duke of Portland is a cosy, romantic spot in walking distance of the village of Pooley Bridge. You’ll have panoramic views of the lake, both from the deck and the house itself, and at night you can gaze at the stars from bed. It’s an ideal place for couples.
What the guests say: “A little slice of heaven in the Lake District. We fell in love with the boathouse, every little detail has been considered, a perfect little get away with the most magical views. We lapped up every minute from the log fire, to cups of tea over looking the lake and made a beautiful tea in the kitchen (that quite possibly has every utensil going!).
“When we did venture to Pooly Bridge the local amenities were great, we pitstopped in Granny Doubekins where the team were so lovely! Would 100% recommend to anyone, we are already looking for a date to come back.“
Grasmere and Rydal Airbnbs
Rydall Hall Cabin
This is one of several Lake District log cabins in the ornate grounds of Rydal Hall, which is in earshot of waterfalls and epic views of the lakes, crags and hills. The cabin is wonderfully cosy, powered by solar and with a wood burning stove for keeping warm. Washing facilities and toilets are in a shared bathroom block. Also check out the yurts on the same property (listed below).
What the guests say: “A beautiful hillside hut in a special part of the lake district. The huts are simple but have everything you need for a cozy few days including power sockets, lighting a stove and a warm, crackly wood burner.
“Good launching spot for climbs/runs/swims with some nice nearby pubs and Ambleside just down the road. Shower and toilet facilities are communal but clean and more than adequate. All in all a fantastic place, would recommend.”
Derwentwater and Keswick Airbnbs
Tommy Bit shepherd’s hut
Tommy Bit shepherd’s hut in Borrowdale is a cosy place to stay in the foot of the fells with beautiful valley and woodland views. The hut sleeps two and guests have access to a shower and toilet in a barn 40m away. Get cosy inside with a wood burning stove, or enjoy summer nights around the fire pit.
The hut has a kettle, toaster, microwave and fridge, or you could visit one of the many local restaurants for dinner. To top it off, there’s a special wood fired hot tub in the woodland, which you can book to use in advance. It’s one of the best Airbnb Lake District hot tub stays.
What the guests say: “My boyfriend and I really enjoyed our stay here. The hut was lovely and cosy and we had everything we needed. We could tell a lot of thought had gone into ensuring visitors got the most out of their time here and we really appreciated all the information provided. In particular, the walks from the door were very useful and allowed us to do a couple of decent hikes despite not being familiar with the area.
“The location was absolutely fantastic with beautiful views – even better than we imagined! Would massively recommend booking the fire powered hot tub for the day which was a unique experience and it was lots of fun making the fire too!”
Coniston Water and Esthwaite Water Airbnbs
Bluebell Shepherds Hut
Stay in this cute shepherd’s hut complete with its own outdoor wood-fired hot tub. What better way to end the day? There’s also a fire pit, and the hut itself is cosy with a comfy double bed, small kitchenette with hob and fridge freezer, plus wi-fi and TV. It’s A+ glamping.
Coachman’s House
This gorgeous converted coach house in the village of Coniston is impeccably decorated in shades of white and natural wood, and with a beautiful claw foot bathtub. Enjoy evenings out on the terrace and take scenic walks around the local area and village right from your doorstep.
What the guests say: “Such a beautiful cottage in a terrific location. Every room is incredibly stylish and there are so many terrific touches, whether it’s a well stocked kitchen or gorgeous bathrooms. We particularly loved how cosy coachman’s feels.
“We stayed on the weekend of storm Ciara and we couldn’t have chosen a more warm and peaceful haven from the wind and rain outside. Would thoroughly recommend!”
Lawson Park
This artists’ residency, which won a RIBA award for its conversion, has epic mountain and lake views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Colourfully quirky in places, serene in others, it has eclectic interiors and a beautiful farmhouse garden. Sleeping up to eight guests, it’s ideal for big groups.
The North Lakes Airbnbs
The Place, Loweswater
The Place, at the head of Loweswater, is a 17th Century farmhouse that sleeps up to eight and has sweeping lake views. Tastefully decorated throughout, it’s a charming place to get away from it all while still being close to some of the villages (it’s seven miles from Cockermouth and 12 from Keswick). It’s a good option for groups with both indoor and outdoor communal dining, plus a games barn with table tennis, table football and a pool table.
Tea Pot Cottage
Tea Pot Cottage is a cosy luxury cottage with a hot tub and wood burning stove in the idyllic country village of Ennerdale. The village has two pubs and a welcoming local cafe, and is a perfect place to base yourself in the Lake District.
What the guests say: “We had the best time at Teapot Cottage – so well decorated, everything ready for our arrival including a very generous breakfast – it made our first stay in the Lake District fantastic – the recommendations on the Instagram account were so useful as well, I highly recommend it !”
All photos courtesy of Airbnb.
Very informative. Thank you so much.
We are exploring the UK for 3-4 weeks and look forward to visiting some of the places you mentioned.