Christmas & New Year Cottage Breaks in the Lake District — A Festive Season to Remember
Imagine waking on Christmas morning to frost-covered fields, the scent of a wood-burning stove, and nothing to do but enjoy the day at your own pace. A Christmas or New Year cottage break in the Lake District is a chance to step away from the usual routine and celebrate the festive season in a truly special setting. Our self-catering cottages near Penrith offer everything you need for a cosy, magical holiday season in the Cumbrian countryside.
Whether you want a traditional family Christmas with all the trimmings, a New Year’s Eve celebration with friends, or a quiet, reflective break between the holidays, our cottages provide the warmth, comfort, and atmosphere that make festive memories last a lifetime.
Our Cottages at Christmas
Fern Cottage — A Classic Country Christmas
Fern Cottage was made for Christmas. The wood-burning stove fills the living room with warmth and flickering light, the fully equipped kitchen has everything you need to cook a festive dinner, and the enclosed garden may well be dusted with snow. Sleeping five, it is ideal for a family Christmas in Great Strickland, with the village pub just a short walk away for a festive drink. View Fern Cottage →
- Wood-burning stove for the ultimate cosy Christmas
- Fully equipped kitchen for cooking Christmas dinner
- Enclosed garden — magical if it snows
- Dog-friendly — bring the whole family (£25 per stay)
- Smart TV for the King’s speech and Christmas films
Maple Cottage — Festive Grandeur in a Historic Barn
Spending Christmas in a 17th-century barn conversion is an experience like no other. Maple Cottage’s oak beams and open fireplaces create a festive atmosphere that feels effortlessly authentic. Sleeping six, it is our largest cottage and ideal for extended family gatherings or groups of friends celebrating together. Imagine Christmas stockings hung from ancient beams and mulled wine by the fire. View Maple Cottage →
- 17th-century barn with original oak beams and fireplaces
- Sleeps 6 — room for the whole family
- Dog-friendly (£25 per stay)
- Spacious kitchen and dining area for festive meals
- 200 yards from the Strickland Arms pub
Rittson Cottage — Stylish New Year Retreat
Rittson Cottage in Eamont Bridge is a sophisticated choice for a New Year break. Its contemporary interiors offer a fresh, modern contrast to the traditional countryside setting. With two bedrooms sleeping four, it is perfect for couples or small groups seeing in the New Year together. The private garden is a lovely spot for a midnight toast. View Rittson Cottage →
Festive Things to Do near Our Cottages
Penrith Christmas Market
Penrith hosts a charming Christmas market in the town centre during the festive season. Browse stalls selling local crafts, artisan food, mulled wine, and unique gifts. The market creates a wonderful atmosphere, with fairy lights strung across the streets and carol singers adding to the festive spirit.
Rheged Centre Festive Events
The Rheged Centre near Penrith runs a programme of festive events throughout December, including children’s Christmas activities, special cinema screenings, and seasonal food offerings in the food hall. It is a reliable option for a family day out during the holiday period.
Winter Walks
The Lake District in winter is spectacular. Frost-covered fells, clear mountain air, and the low winter sun casting long shadows across the valleys create scenes of extraordinary beauty. Gentle walks around Ullswater, Aira Force waterfall, or the local villages are perfect for working off Christmas dinner and making the most of the short daylight hours.
New Year’s Eve
See in the New Year in the peace of the Cumbrian countryside. Local pubs host celebrations, or you can ring in midnight from your cottage garden under the stars. Away from the city, the silence of a rural New Year is surprisingly moving.
Village Atmosphere
There is something special about Christmas in a small English village. Fairy lights on stone cottages, the sound of church bells, and a genuine sense of community create a festive atmosphere that feels authentic and unhurried. Great Strickland and Eamont Bridge both embrace the Christmas season beautifully.
Practical Tips for a Festive Cottage Break
- Christmas dinner: All our cottages have fully equipped kitchens with ovens, hobs, and all the cookware you need. Cranstons in Penrith can supply a superb local turkey and trimmings.
- Food shopping: Penrith has supermarkets and excellent independent food shops. We recommend ordering your turkey and any specialty items in advance.
- Logs and kindling: Wood-burning stoves in Fern and Maple are ready to use. We ensure a supply of logs and kindling is provided.
- Christmas tree: If you would like a small tree in the cottage, let us know and we will see what we can arrange.
- Booking early: Christmas and New Year are our busiest periods. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible to secure your preferred dates and cottage.
Why Book Your Festive Break Direct
- No booking fees — Spend the savings on presents and local food instead
- Best price guarantee — Our direct rates are always the lowest available
- Local knowledge — We can advise on Christmas food suppliers, festive events, and the best winter walks
- Personal service — We go the extra mile to make your festive break special
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook a full Christmas dinner in the cottage?
Absolutely. All three cottages have fully equipped kitchens with ovens large enough for a turkey, plus all the pots, pans, and serving dishes you need. Cranstons in Penrith is an excellent local butcher for sourcing your Christmas meat and trimmings.
Are the wood-burning stoves available over Christmas?
Yes. Fern and Maple Cottages both have wood-burning stoves, and we ensure logs and kindling are supplied. There is nothing better than a real fire on Christmas evening.
How far in advance should I book for Christmas or New Year?
As early as possible. Christmas and New Year are our most popular periods, and cottages often book up months in advance. Contact us to check availability for your preferred dates.
Is there much to do in the area during the festive season?
Yes. Penrith Christmas market, Rheged Centre events, winter walks around Ullswater and Aira Force, local pub celebrations, and the atmospheric beauty of the Lake District in winter provide plenty of options. The quieter pace is part of the appeal.