The best Lake District Airbnbs for an English countryside escape

Best for? A couple's escape.

This little pod on Howe Farm, overlooking Coniston Lake, is named ‘Pod Cottage’ by its owner. A missed opportunity for the name Pottage, if you ask me. But not only is Pod Cottage a tiny little self contained gem with its own outdoor seating area, BBQ, and bike storage, it’s also surrounded by chickens and sheep, like some sort of perfect holiday fever-dream-come-true. The pod fits two people, but obviously, you’re gonna wanna like each other a lot - Pod Cottage is just 7m long and 3m wide. But it’s likely to be unlike anywhere else you’ve stayed before.

Rooms: One. Sleeps two guests. 

Price: From £105 a night.

Nearby: A five-minute drive from Coniston Water, with boat trips and Ruskin's old home Brantwood on the far shore. The Old Man of Coniston looms right behind for a leg-burner of a walk, and the village itself has a handful of decent pubs to collapse into after.

Best for? A cheap getaway 

You can't beat a good BBQ, but in the UK? Let’s just say, the weather is a little unpredictable. Luckily, the Lake District is so beautiful that you'll find yourself having a hard time complaining about a bit of drizzle. Plus we’ve found this awesome BBQ shack where you can flame-grill sausages in the comfort of your Scandi-style cabin. The central fire pit comes with charcoal and firelighters, so all you need to bring is the food. And then? Work off that feast with a long, lakeside bike ride; there's a warren of cycle paths which start at your doorstep.

Rooms: One. Sleeps two guests.  

Price: From £89 a night.

Nearby: Just 5 minutes from Kendal and 8 from Windermere, with a cycle lane running straight from the door into the Lakes. Bring your bike, dump the car for the weekend and pedal your way to the water instead. 

Best for? A hot tub soak.

For a pod experience for the whole family, consider this family pod – which comes with a hot tub. Here, four guests can enjoy an open fire, an outdoor seating area, an indoor kitchen with a dining table, and its stunning curved wooden panels. Right on the other side of a farm, separated only by a stone wall, this spot is a secluded treat, perfect for drinking gallons of prosecco and passing the weekend away. 

Rooms: One. Sleeps four guests. 

Price: From £193 a night.

Nearby: Torver sits just south of Coniston Water, so you've got the lake, the fells and the Coniston pubs all within a few minutes' drive, minus the crowds of staying in the village itself.

Best for? A family trip. 

Want to really escape? We hear you. Well, this place is perfect. It’s an Alpine-style lodge in a tranquil and secluded area of woodland in the Langdale Valley, near to Ambleside. Which means you’re not far from Windermere. You won't feel near anything though, from every window you are immersed in luscious greenery. We'd absolutely forgive you if you said 'ah, we can go there another time' and spent the entire time in the lovely cabin, and just forgot about the outside world.

Rooms: Two. Sleeps four guests.

Price: From £199 a night.

Nearby: Tucked into the Langdale Valley near Ambleside, with Windermere a short drive away. The Langdale Pikes are right on your doorstep for walkers, though the cabin makes a strong case for never leaving. 

Best for? Lake views.

If you’re going to visit the Lake District, why not really make it all about the lake (and less about the district)? This small-but-perfectly-formed boat house sits on the edge of Lake Windermere, one of the region’s most stunning spots (yes, ok, we know they’re all nice but still…). Inside, there are plenty of warming home comforts, like those plump velvet sofas and sumptuous beds. Outside there’s a hot tub suitable for use all year round and THE LAKE. It’s really all about THE LAKE (along with the sunsets, the hills and the wildfowl). Just live your best lake life, that’s all we ask.

Rooms: Two. Sleeps four guests. 

Price: From £390 a night.

Nearby: You're on the lake itself, with Bowness and Ambleside both a short hop away. Think steamer cruises across Windermere, the World of Beatrix Potter, Windermere Jetty Museum for the boat obsessives, and Ambleside's tiny Bridge House for a photo everyone in your group will make you take. 

Best for? A luxury stay.

Think of a nourishing place to call home while exploring the Lake District. Log burner, oak beams, modern fixtures, warm tones, amazing views. This cottage has the lot. It is sleek and simply luxurious. It’s close to Cockermouth (about four miles away) but it’s also in a beautiful little Northern Lake District village with a wonderful local pub that we can highly recommend. Keswick’s just 15 minutes away, too. Public footpaths are practically at the doorstep making it a prime place to discover the West Lakes from. 

Rooms: Two. Sleeps four guests. 

Price: From £135 a night.

Nearby: Four miles out of Cockermouth, where Wordsworth's birthplace and the Jennings Brewery tour are both worth an afternoon. Keswick's 15 minutes away for Derwentwater, Theatre by the Lake, and the Thursday market. If you're heading west instead, Loweswater, Crummock Water and Buttermere are all close by for the quieter side of the Lakes. 

Best for? A family adventure.

This series of cute-as-a-button (or row of buttons) cottages were home to horses, not humans; but they've been lovingly converted into three cosy houses that provide the perfect base for your Lake District adventure. They offer gorgeous views of the countryside, hills upon hills. The accommodation is also particularly well-suited to families, with ample children's books and toys on hand, plus a cot and high chair. That'll keep them occupied while you put your feet up after a long day's walking (and carrying the little ones).

Rooms: Two. Sleeps four guests. 

Price: £148.50 a night.

Nearby: The tiny, picture-postcard village of Mungrisdale is your immediate playground, meaning you can walk down the lane to The Mill Inn for a 17th-century pub experience and a post-hike pint. If you feel like a drive, the market hubs of Keswick and Penrith are both an easy 15 minutes away. Don't leave without exploring Ullswater and Pooley Bridge in the opposite direction, as they offer a gateway into the wilder side of the Northern Fells.

Best for? A hot tub after a hike. 

This cottage, which sleeps six, is charming as hell. Inside there's oak beams and an open fire. Outside, it's all greens and stone. Irresistible. The location’s gold, too – not only are you right on the beautiful Brathay River, you’re within easy reach of Ambleside, Grassmere and other lovely Lake District villages and towns. After all the walking around (with your dog or otherwise) you can unwind in the hot tub.  

Rooms: Three. Sleeps six guests. 

Price: From £360 a night.

Nearby: Start your morning at Chesters, a legendary local spot right down the road that serves up coffees and fresh jam doughnuts. The beautiful Brathay River flows just outside, giving you instant walking access to the craggy landscapes of the Langdale Valley. When you want a change of pace, the centre of Ambleside is only a few minutes away, packed to the brim with traditional pubs, local shops, and independent cinemas.

Best for? A couple’s trip with a twist.

Forget everything you think you know about glamping. This restored 1950s Pullman railway carriage completely rails against the ordinary. Parked on the tracks where the line once steamed through Ullock, it balances nostalgia with luxury. Inside, a curved wooden ceiling opens up to a plush open-plan living area, a bar, Royal Doulton crockery, and a dedicated dressing room. Step out onto your private platform overlooking the rushing River Marron for a lazy breakfast in the sun, before retiring to a king-sized bed.

Rooms: One. Sleeps two. 

Price: From £174 a night.

Nearby: This carriage is four miles out of Cockermouth, William Wordsworth’s birthplace. Keswick is just 15 minutes away if you are looking to catch a performance at the Theatre by the Lake or hit up the thriving market scene. If you are chasing a quieter vibe, head straight west to Loweswater, Crummock Water, and Buttermere to see the wilder side of the Lakes.

Best for? Hikers.

It’s maybe odd to say this on a list of great Lake District Airbnbs but this 400-year-old cottage really is all about the location. Why? Well, it’s at the foot of England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and near to England’s deepest lake, Wastwater, but we really like the fact that it’s right on the Whillan Beck – a beautiful, tempestuous river. It’s a bit like stepping back in time, here. Immediate surroundings include a well-manicured garden with ample space for alfresco dining. Inside, you have cottage-y vibes like no other. Lovely dark wood, snug ceilings, and not too much else, because who needs it here.

Rooms: One. Sleeps two guests. 

Price: From £288.50 a night. 

Nearby: You won't need the car keys here, as a three-minute stroll from the front door connects you to two village inns for hearty dinners and local pub quizzes. Serious hikers are completely spoiled as England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, and its deepest lake, Wastwater, are both within direct walking distance. For something gentler, cross the 16th-century packhorse bridge right outside to follow the paths running alongside Whillan Beck.

Best for? A big family getaway.

How's this for picturesque? Set in Loweswater, this cosy 17th-century cottage offers unrivalled views of the lake and the fells. But to tell you the truth, we can't quite decide which one's more charming - the view or the historic beauty of this preserved farmhouse. We're not complaining, it's a good problem to have. Boasting lots of original features from its heyday, the cottage is brimming with quaint, English charm that you can't help but want to curl up in every corner of this home. Not to mention, Its four bedrooms are roomy enough for up to eight guests, making it the ideal family getaway. 

Rooms: Four bedrooms. Sleeps eight. 

Price: From £409 a night.

Nearby: Tucked away in the quiet Western Lakes, you can step right out of the front door to hike the ancient "Corpse Road" trail for sensational viewpoints over Loweswater and Crummock Water. A 1.5-mile lakeside stroll through Holme Wood leads you straight to the garden of the famous Kirkstile Inn for a pint of local Loweswater Gold ale. If you fancy trading the peaceful fells for a bit of culture, the handsome Georgian town of Cockermouth is only seven miles down the road, while bustling Keswick is an easy 12-mile drive over the scenic mountain passes.

Best for? A romantic couple's break.

Want a quiet, romantic country escape? Head to the Little Lambs' Lodge tucked away for an idyllic long weekend filled with hiking and exploring Ingleton's famous caves and waterfall trail. Inside is a cosy, modern cool-toned lodge for two with a garden overlooking the lush fields. Expect to see a lamb, or two running around in the distance while you enjoy your breaky. 

Rooms: Four bedrooms. Sleeps eight. 

Price: From £117 a night.

Nearby: A short walk drops you right into the heart of Ingleton village, where you can explore the underground caves and the Waterfalls Trail. For food and a drink, a quick stroll on foot connects you to several pubs, including former Yorkshire Pub of the Year, The OPO. If you're looking to stretch your legs further, the lodge serves as a perfect springboard for tackling the mighty peak of Ingleborough and the endless hiking trails of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.