Cottages with Private Gardens near the Lake District — Your Own Outdoor Space in Cumbria
A private garden can transform a cottage holiday. Whether you want a safe, enclosed space for children to play, a quiet spot to enjoy your morning coffee, somewhere for the dog to run, or simply the pleasure of sitting outside on a summer evening surrounded by countryside, a garden makes all the difference. All three of our self-catering cottages near Penrith come with their own private gardens, each with its own character and outlook.
In the busier parts of the Lake District, many holiday cottages share outdoor space or have no garden at all. Our rural village locations in Great Strickland and Eamont Bridge mean you get genuine private outdoor space with views over open farmland — the kind of garden you can enjoy in peace, at any time of day.
Our Cottage Gardens
Fern Cottage Garden — Enclosed and Dog-Friendly
Fern Cottage has a lovely enclosed garden that is both private and secure. Surrounded by hedging and fencing, it is safe for children and dogs alike. The garden catches the afternoon and evening sun, making it an ideal spot for relaxing after a day exploring the fells. In summer, you can eat outside, set up a deckchair with a book, or simply enjoy the birdsong and distant views of the Cumbrian hills.
For dog owners, the enclosed nature of the garden is a real bonus — your dog can be off the lead in a safe space while you unwind. View Fern Cottage →
- Fully enclosed — safe for children and dogs
- Afternoon and evening sun
- Rural views over farmland
- Space for outdoor dining
- Quiet village setting with no through traffic
Maple Cottage Garden — Historic Setting with Space
Maple Cottage’s garden reflects the character of the property itself. Set within the grounds of this 17th-century barn conversion, the outdoor space offers a blend of traditional charm and practical usability. The enclosed garden is generous in size, giving children room to play and adults room to relax. Stone walls and mature planting create a sense of seclusion that makes you feel a world away from everyday life.
On warm evenings, the garden is the perfect place for a barbecue or a glass of wine as the sun goes down over Great Strickland. View Maple Cottage →
- Enclosed garden within a historic barn setting
- Generous size for families and groups
- Dog-friendly and secure
- Stone walls and mature planting for privacy
- Space for barbecues and outdoor entertaining
Rittson Cottage Garden — Countryside Views
Rittson Cottage in Eamont Bridge has a private garden that looks out over open countryside towards the Pennine hills. It is a peaceful, contemplative space where the views change with every season — green and lush in summer, golden in autumn, frost-covered in winter, and alive with wildflowers in spring. The garden is well-maintained and offers a quiet retreat for couples or small families.
While Rittson does not accept pets, the garden provides a pristine, relaxing environment for guests who prefer a pet-free space. View Rittson Cottage →
- Private garden with panoramic countryside views
- Overlooking fields towards the Pennines
- Well-maintained and peaceful
- Perfect for quiet relaxation
- Pet-free for a pristine environment
Why a Private Garden Matters
Having your own outdoor space on a cottage holiday offers benefits that are easy to overlook until you experience them:
- Safety for children: Enclosed gardens mean you can let young children play outside without constant supervision. In our quiet village settings with no through traffic, the sense of security is genuine.
- Freedom for dogs: A secure garden where your dog can be off the lead is invaluable, especially after a long car journey. Fern and Maple both offer this.
- Outdoor dining: On warm evenings, eating outside in your own garden is one of the great pleasures of a cottage holiday. No queuing for tables, no background noise — just you, your food, and the sound of the countryside.
- Morning coffee ritual: Starting the day with a cup of tea or coffee in the garden, surrounded by fresh air and birdsong, sets a completely different tone from a hotel breakfast room.
- Summer evenings: Long Cumbrian summer evenings last until well past nine o’clock. A private garden is the best place to enjoy them.
- Privacy: Unlike shared hotel grounds, your cottage garden is yours alone. No strangers, no noise, no schedule.
Beyond the Garden — Outdoor Space Nearby
The gardens are just the beginning. Our cottages are surrounded by some of the finest outdoor landscapes in England:
- Village footpaths: Both Great Strickland and Eamont Bridge have paths leading into open countryside from the doorstep.
- Ullswater: Ten minutes away, the lake offers swimming, boating, and lakeside picnics.
- Lowther Castle Gardens: Extensive formal and wild gardens with adventure play areas for children.
- Local parks: Penrith’s parks and the River Eamont meadows offer more green space within easy reach.
- The Fells: The Lake District fells are the ultimate outdoor space, accessible within 20 minutes of the cottage.
Barbecue and Outdoor Cooking
There are few things better than a barbecue in the garden of a Lake District cottage on a warm summer evening. Our gardens have space for outdoor cooking, and Cranstons butcher near Penrith can supply outstanding Cumberland sausages, local burgers, and marinades. Ask us about barbecue equipment availability when you book.
Why Book Direct
- No booking fees — Enjoy the savings in the garden with a nice bottle of wine
- Best price guarantee — You will always get the best rate by booking with us directly
- Local knowledge — We can recommend the best outdoor activities, walks, and picnic spots
- Garden details — We can provide specific information about each garden, including sun position, size, and facilities
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the gardens fully enclosed?
Yes. All three cottage gardens are private and enclosed. Fern and Maple have secure boundaries suitable for dogs and young children. Rittson’s garden is private with countryside views.
Can we have a barbecue in the garden?
The gardens have space for barbecues. Please ask us when booking about the availability of barbecue equipment at your chosen cottage.
Which garden is best for dogs?
Fern Cottage’s garden is particularly well-suited for dogs as it is fully enclosed with secure fencing. Maple’s garden is also dog-friendly and enclosed. Rittson Cottage does not accept pets.
Do the gardens have furniture?
Yes. Our cottage gardens are equipped with outdoor furniture including tables and chairs for al fresco dining. Specific items may vary by cottage and season.