Windermere

We selected the [listingCount] homes worth renting in this location

Book a stay in one of the best homes in [destination]

Stay awhile at this stunning Grade II Listed 18th Century residence, located on the main road between the Lake District National Park's villages of Staveley and Ings – and just a five-minute drive from Lake Windemere. Before you've even set foot through the majestic fifteen-panelled entrance door, you know this isn't your average holiday home. Eyes immediately draw to the stunning sweeping oak staircase, with two panoramic windows revealing a wooded garden that beckons for you to relax in. Inside, this exquisite home comes with all the period trimmings – original feature alcoves, parquet wooden flooring, sash windows, panelled walls, and antique furnishings galore. Upstairs, discover two immaculately presented bedrooms where five-star hotel standard king-size beds await, while a double-ended slipper bath brings a touch of decadence to the bathrooms. Back downstairs, the well-equipped kitchen with stylish black AGA and Belfast sink makes preparing mealtimes a joy, and with two large reception rooms, there's space for you to all spill out here. When it's time to spread your wings, Staveley is a leisurely ten-minute stroll away, where you'll find a traditional pub, quirky cafes, a bakery, gelato bar, a microbrewery, bike hire, and so the list goes on. And of course, there's Lake Windermere – how could we forget.

Wink to the Past

This charming home is in the Falls development in old Ambleside, just a five-minute walk from Ambleside yet in a remarkably peaceful setting. The home overlooks the Stockghyll Gorge, so the sound of water cascading down the rocks becomes the soundtrack to your stay – there are two terraces to enjoy this from, one of which has a barbecue. There are many delightful walks that you can set off on straight from the front door, so you won’t need to use your car much after your arrival. We love this home and think you will too. 

Kingfisher Blue

Seeking a cosy couple’s retreat with nature on your doorstep? This contemporary cottage in Ambleside more than fits the bill. From the open-plan living area, you can admire the countryside views while snuggling up in front of the wood burner. Step outside, and there’s a hot tub waiting to help you unwind – just the spot for stargazing after a busy day. If you can tear yourself away, a trip to Lake Windermere is a must, where you can while away the hours hiking the shores or on a boat cruise across the water. Pets are also welcome to tag along for a small fee, and you'll find plenty of dog walks on your doorstep.

Whistling Waters

This peaceful apartment was once the drying shed of a bobbin mill. It boasts views over Kentmere and the River Kent from its position in the village of Staverley, just outside of Ambleside and Windermere. The location is ideal, away from the crowds but still within easy reach of the Lake District’s most popular attractions. There are walks and bike rides to discover straight from the doorstep, so you don’t even need a car. The apartment is equipped with everything you might need for a comfortable stay in the Lakes. 


The Old Bobbin Mill

With a prime location in the heart of Ambleside, this charming home is a superb option for a family or group of friends looking to see more of the Lake District. You can walk to Lake Windermere from here and set off on wonderful walks straight from the front door. When you return home, beautiful views can be admired from the dining room. The home blends traditional elements with contemporary comforts – everything you need is close to hand. You’ll even have a small patio space to unwind in when the weather is warm. 

Ambleside Air

This luxurious home in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere has wonderful lake views from the roof terrace. There’s an enclosed south-facing private garden to relax in complete with a dining terrace and hammock too. Inside, the stylish interiors will impress your family and friends, and all three bedrooms have en-suites. Another highlight is the location – it’s just 200 metres from the shores of Lake Windermere and a short walk from the village centre, where you'll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and pubs. It's also the perfect base for exploring the Lake District National Park, with its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.

The Windermere Retreat

Drystone walls snake across emerald-green fields and heather-clad hills dot the landscape of the Lake District. This old stone cottage is in the middle of it all, with walking trails across hills and fells leading right from the doorstep into the great outdoors. If you fancy heading for civilisation instead, Grasmere is a twenty-minute walk away with its selection of bars, restaurants and traditional country inns. After a day in your hiking boots, there’s nothing better than returning to the crackle of the wood-burning stove in this quaint little cottage, while admiring the timber-beamed ceiling above you. The kitchen is fully equipped to whip up any meal of the day, and there’s a bench outside for a sunny morning coffee. The real highlight here is the view. Stepping outside you’re surrounded by fields and fells, with nothing but the sound of sheep bleating in the distance and birds in the trees. Should the weather turn, you can enjoy this vista from the comfort of the living room, where a window seat makes for the ideal reading spot and underfloor heating keeps toes toasty warm.  

Fields & Fells

Perched on the northern edge of Lake Windermere and cradled by the picturesque Loughrigg Fell, the delightful market town of Ambleside is a fine place to base yourself to uncover the best of the Lakes. And it's where you'll find this immaculate apartment, nestled along a quiet street.

Throw off your walking paraphernalia in the inviting entrance hall and make your way upstairs to discover a contemporary retreat awaiting. Exposed slate stone and lofty gables bring all the charm, while pops of colour and rich textiles add a dash of modernity. Come together in the cosy sitting room and break out the home's games. Or take pre-dinner drinks onto the sunny outdoor terrace – the views over the higgledy-piggledy rooftops are charming.

Friends or family coming together will love the extra privacy the two ensuite bathrooms bring, with power showers ready to kick start your day. 

And you won't have far to go when it's time to soak up Ambleside's gentle hustle and bustle. You're just moments away with its many bars, restaurants, and shops, including the beloved local landmark, Zeffirellis (one minute away), for its quality pizza and pasta. 

And once you're suitably watered and fed, head for the hills for bracing walks around the spell bounding lakes – there are trails starting just an eight-minute hop, skip, and a jump away. 

The Dancing Beck

This charming cottage is a perfect base in beautiful Ambleside. It’s a cosy home for four, ideal for a family or two couples. We love the log burner, which you can curl up beside after spending the day exploring the Great Outdoors – you can set off on excellent hikes right from the front door. There’s also a patio garden, a splendid spot for a glass of wine or a morning cuppa. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars nearby, and Lake Windermere is a short stroll away. 

Ambleside Cottage

Warm your feet by the fire in this impeccably styled Lake District cottage. Your hosts have cleverly combined period elements with modern style to create a welcoming home where you're free to relax in comfort.

On the ground floor, an open layout invites you to unwind on the sofa by the wood burner while others play cards at the dining table, and tempting smells emanate from the sleek kitchen. Here, a well-stocked larder and an impressive range cooker are set to elevate the self-catering experience to the next level.

Head upstairs to uncover a couple of outstanding bedrooms, one with a four-poster bed and a gorgeous en-suite bathroom, while the versatile twin room has a shower room adjacent for utmost convenience.

The cottage also features a beautiful garden with a hot tub and outdoor seating and dining areas, all set within a beautifully landscaped garden that perfectly juxtaposes the untamed beauty of the Lake District National Park beyond the property.

For lovers of the great outdoors, some of the country's most picturesque walks are right on your doorstep. And after working up a thirst on your morning hike, head to The Britannia pub for a refreshing pint or a bite to eat at either of the hotels in the village. Less than a mile away, Chapel Stile has a Co-op where you can stock up on essentials, while ten minutes in the car will see you arrive in the bustling market town of Ambleside, on the north shore of Windermere lake. 

Little Nut Cottage

Once the dwelling of the estate's groundskeeper, this Lake District property has been refurbished to become a contemporary countryside getaway.

Inside, the design could definitely be described as minimalist, with walls painted in soothing whites adorned only by a few well-chosen pieces of artwork, a sleek kitchen and a preference for simple wooden furnishings. The wood-burning fireplace situated in an archway between the living room and dining area is sure to keep the whole ground floor warm and toasty.

But what about during those balmy months in which a roaring fire isn't necessary? The alfresco dining table on the terrace is sure to see some use during this time, as is the barbecue. You'll probably want to work up an appetite first, however, and there's an onsite heated swimming pool and an activity centre offering everything from watersports, 4x4 off-road driving, clay pigeon shooting, archery, axe-throwing or bushcraft.

If you're after something a little more sedate, there are plenty of walking routes that start from the site, including one to the cute village of Hawkshead about ninety minutes away on foot.



The Keeper

It's easy to forget you're in North West England from this stunning home in Bowness-on-Windermere, as its modern mid-century interiors look straight out of '70s Hollywood. The grand living room is undoubtedly one of its main highlights as the pentagon-shaped window wall invites in floods of natural daylight and frames the backdrop of whimsical Lake Windermere in the distance. Here, you can kick back here in front of the fireplace, after fun-filled days of hiking, cycling or relaxing by the lake. When the weather is kind, take yourself outside on the balcony for some afternoon tea in the sunshine. 

While the Lake District presents a vast array of shops, pubs and restaurants to try out (the nearest pub is just 500 yards away), you won't find bars and clubs open until the early hours. That's why the entertainment features of this home have been carefully selected to ensure guests are having fun around the clock. From the basement spa and games room, you'll find not only a pool table but a private hot tub jacuzzi and an old school home cinema too.

With both spaces for relaxation and socialising, this home is sure to appeal to everyone in a large family or group of friends – there's even a secluded home study in case you'll need to work from home at all. Although with so much to see and do in and around Windermere, the best experiences had here are when work is left behind. Set off on walks amidst nature, knowing that there'll be plenty of lakeside cafes and restaurants en route for leisurely pit stops. And since the rest of the Lake District can be explored by car or by buses running regularly from Bowness Bay pier (just a ten-minute walk away), there's room to make your stay as active and adventurous as you please. 

Take Me to the Lakes

United Kingdom luxury cottages

England luxury cottages

Wales luxury cottages

Scotland luxury cottages

Edinburgh airbnb alternatives

York airbnb alternatives

Cornwall luxury cottages

Cumbria luxury cottages

Devon luxury cottages

Dorset luxury cottages

Kent luxury cottages

Norfolk luxury cottages

Northumberland luxury cottages

Pembrokeshire luxury cottages

Somerset luxury cottages

Suffolk luxury cottages

The Cotswolds luxury cottages

Yorkshire cottages

United Kingdom

London airbnb alternatives

London luxury aparthotels

London luxury serviced apartments

London luxury short stay rentals

London luxury vacation rentals

London

Paris airbnb alternatives

Paris luxury aparthotels

Paris luxury short stay rentals

Paris luxury vacation rentals

Paris

Los Angeles airbnb alternatives

Los Angeles luxury vacation rentals

New York airbnb alternatives

New York luxury short stay rentals

New York luxury vacation rentals

Joshua Tree airbnb alternatives

Palm Springs airbnb alternatives

Palm Springs luxury vacation rentals

San Diego airbnb alternatives

United States

Italy luxury villas

Rome airbnb alternatives

Rome luxury vacation rentals

Milan airbnb alternatives

Florence airbnb alternatives

Venice airbnb alternatives

Apulia Luxury Villas

Sicily luxury villas

Tuscany luxury villas

Lake Como

Sorrento airbnb alternatives

Amalfi Coast airbnb alternatives

Italy

Spain luxury villas

Barcelona airbnb alternatives

Barcelona luxury aparthotels

Barcelona luxury vacation rentals

Madrid airbnb alternatives

San Sebastian airbnb alternatives

Canary Islands luxury villas

Costa del Sol luxury villas

Ibiza luxury villas

Malaga airbnb alternatives

Mallorca luxury villas

Marbella luxury villas

Spain

Portugal luxury villas

Lisbon airbnb alternatives

Porto airbnb alternatives

Algarve luxury villas

Madeira luxury villas

Portugal

Greece luxury villas

Athens airbnb alternatives

Crete luxury villas

Corfu airbnb alternatives

Mikonos airbnb alternatives

Rhodes luxury villas

Santorini airbnb alternatives

Greece

Berlin airbnb alternatives

Cape Town

Copenhagen airbnb alternatives

Dubai airbnb alternatives

Tel Aviv airbnb alternatives

Barbados luxury villas

Cyprus luxury villas

French Riviera luxury villas

Other

Top Destinations

Destinations

Windermere Accommodation

Windermere Accommodation for Groups

Windermere Airbnb Alternatives

Windermere Boutique Hotel Alternatives

Windermere Holiday Rentals

Windermere Hotel Alternatives

Windermere Long Stay Rentals

Windermere Monthly Rentals

Windermere Self-Catering Apartments

Windermere Short Stay Rentals

Windermere Vacation Rentals

Types

Book a stay in one of the best homes in Windermere

We selected the 264 homes worth renting in this location

Who's coming along?

Home spotlights in Windermere

We selected the top 3% holiday homes in Windermere

Most popular homes in Windermere

Check upcoming rates & availability for Windermere

Frequently asked questions