Self-Catering Cottages near Ullswater, Lake District
Stay just minutes from England’s most beautiful lake. Our three handpicked cottages in Great Strickland and Eamont Bridge put you within a 10-minute drive of Ullswater — without the crowds or premium prices of lakeside villages. Book direct with us and pay no booking fees.
Our Cottages near Ullswater
Fern Cottage, Great Strickland — Sleeps 5
A cosy 3-bedroom dog-friendly cottage just 200 yards from the village pub. With a wood-burning stove, private garden and off-road parking, Fern is perfect for families and dog owners exploring Ullswater and the northern Lakes. View Fern Cottage →
Maple Cottage, Great Strickland — Sleeps 6
A stunning 17th-century barn conversion with original oak beams, open fireplaces and a beautifully equipped kitchen. Dog-friendly and sleeping up to 6, Maple is ideal for larger groups or multi-generational holidays near Ullswater. View Maple Cottage →
Rittson Cottage, Eamont Bridge — Sleeps 4
A quirky riverside retreat on the banks of the River Eamont, a 5-minute walk from the local pub and just 2 miles from Penrith. Rittson sleeps 4 and is perfect for couples or small families wanting easy access to Ullswater. View Rittson Cottage →
How Far Are We from Ullswater?
Our cottages are ideally placed between Penrith and Ullswater. Great Strickland is a peaceful village just off the A6, giving you easy access to the lake without the traffic and parking headaches of Glenridding or Pooley Bridge.
- Pooley Bridge: 8 miles / 15 minutes by car
- Ullswater Steamers pier: 9 miles / 16 minutes
- Aira Force waterfall: 10 miles / 18 minutes
- Glenridding: 14 miles / 25 minutes
- Howtown: 12 miles / 22 minutes
- Penrith town centre: 4 miles / 8 minutes
Things to Do near Ullswater
Ullswater offers some of the Lake District’s best walks, watersports and family days out — all within easy reach of our cottages.
Walks and Hiking
- Aira Force waterfall — A spectacular 20-metre waterfall with woodland trails. Easy walk suitable for all ages, free National Trust car park nearby.
- Helvellyn via Striding Edge — One of England’s most famous ridge walks. Start from Glenridding for the classic route to the 950m summit.
- Ullswater Way — A 20-mile circular trail around the lake, easily walked in sections. The Howtown to Glenridding stretch is the highlight.
- Hallin Fell — A short, rewarding climb above Howtown with panoramic views over Ullswater. Perfect for a morning walk before lunch at a lakeside pub.
- Lowther Castle gardens — 130 acres of historic parkland just 3 miles from our cottages, with adventure playgrounds for children.
On the Water
- Ullswater Steamers — Historic boats cruising between Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge since 1859. A must-do experience.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding — Hire equipment at Glenridding or Pooley Bridge. Ullswater’s calm waters are ideal for beginners.
- Wild swimming — Sheltered bays around Howtown and Sandwick offer some of the Lake District’s best wild swimming spots.
Food and Drink
- The Strickland Arms — 200 yards from Fern and Maple cottages. Great pub food, real ales and a warm welcome.
- The Beehive, Eamont Bridge — 5 minutes’ walk from Rittson Cottage. Dog-friendly with a lovely beer garden.
- Granny Dowbekin’s, Pooley Bridge — Lakeside tearoom perfect for cake after a walk.
- The Quiet Bar, Glenridding — Cosy pub at the Inn on the Lake with Ullswater views.
- Penrith Farmers’ Market — Every third Tuesday in the town centre. Local cheeses, meats and baked goods.
Family Activities
- Rheged Centre — Cinema, shops and exhibitions in a grass-roofed building near Penrith. Perfect for rainy days.
- Lowther Castle adventure playground — One of the biggest in the north of England. Children love it.
- The Alpaca Trekking Company — Walk alpacas through the Cumbrian countryside. Booking essential.
- Ullswater Steamers + walk combo — Boat to Howtown, walk back to Glenridding. A classic family day out.
Why Book Direct with Cottage Collection?
- No booking fees — Unlike Airbnb or Booking.com, we never add service charges
- Best price guarantee — You won’t find our cottages cheaper anywhere else
- Direct contact with us — Questions before or during your stay? Just WhatsApp us
- Local knowledge included — We send personalised recommendations before you arrive
- Flexible and personal — We can often accommodate special requests that platforms can’t
Frequently Asked Questions
How far are the cottages from Ullswater?
Our cottages are 8-14 miles from Ullswater depending on which part of the lake you’re visiting. Pooley Bridge at the northern end is about 15 minutes by car; Glenridding at the southern end is about 25 minutes.
Are the cottages dog-friendly?
Fern and Maple cottages both welcome dogs (£25 per dog, per stay). Both have enclosed gardens. The nearby walks from the village are perfect for dogs, and most pubs in the area are dog-friendly.
Is there parking at the cottages?
Yes, all three cottages have free off-road parking. This is a real advantage — parking at Ullswater can be very busy in peak season, so having your own space to return to makes a big difference.
What’s the best time to visit Ullswater?
Every season has its charm. Spring brings daffodils along the lakeshore (as Wordsworth famously wrote). Summer is ideal for watersports and long walks. Autumn colours around the lake are spectacular. Winter offers quiet trails, cosy pub fires and dramatic scenery.
Can I walk to Ullswater from the cottages?
The lake is too far to walk directly, but there are beautiful walks straight from the cottage doors — through Great Strickland village, past the pub, and into the Eden Valley countryside. For Ullswater walks, it’s a short drive to any of the trailheads.
Ready to book your Ullswater escape?
Check availability and book direct →
For more ideas on things to do during your stay, visit our Out & About guide.