Family Holiday Cottages in the Lake District — Space, Safety & Adventure for All Ages
Planning a family holiday in the Lake District? Our three self-catering cottages near Penrith give you everything you need for a relaxed, memorable break with children of all ages. Set in quiet Cumbrian villages just ten minutes from Ullswater, these cottages offer enclosed private gardens, fully equipped kitchens, and easy access to some of the Lake District’s best family attractions.
Whether your little ones want to feed lambs at a farm park, burn off energy at an adventure playground, or simply run around a safe garden while you enjoy a cup of tea, our family-friendly cottages in the Lake District have you covered.
Our Family-Friendly Cottages
Fern Cottage — Sleeps 5, Dog-Friendly
Fern Cottage in Great Strickland is a wonderful choice for families. Sleeping up to five guests, it features a fully equipped kitchen for preparing family meals, a cosy living room with a wood-burning stove and smart TV for movie nights, and a private enclosed garden where children can play safely. The village setting means virtually no through traffic, so even older children can enjoy a sense of freedom. The Strickland Arms pub is just 200 yards away for a family-friendly evening meal. View Fern Cottage →
- Sleeps 5 in comfortable bedrooms
- Enclosed private garden — safe for children
- Wood-burning stove for cosy evenings
- Dog-friendly (bring the family pet, £25 per stay)
- WiFi, smart TV, and fully equipped kitchen
- Off-road parking
Maple Cottage — Sleeps 6, Dog-Friendly
Need a little more space? Maple Cottage sleeps six and is set within a beautifully converted 17th-century barn in Great Strickland. Children are fascinated by the original oak beams and open fireplaces, while the spacious layout gives families room to spread out. The enclosed garden is perfect for outdoor play, and the village location means you can let children explore without worry. View Maple Cottage →
- Sleeps 6 — our largest cottage
- Historic 17th-century barn conversion with oak beams
- Enclosed garden and private outdoor space
- Dog-friendly (£25 per stay)
- Wood-burning stove and open fireplaces
- 200 yards from the Strickland Arms pub
Rittson Cottage — Sleeps 4, Quiet Retreat
Rittson Cottage in Eamont Bridge is ideal for smaller families. With two bedrooms sleeping up to four, it offers a stylish, peaceful retreat. The private garden overlooks open countryside, and the village is perfectly placed for exploring both the Lakes and the Eden Valley. While Rittson does not accept pets, it is a fantastic option for families who prefer a pet-free environment. View Rittson Cottage →
- Sleeps 4 across 2 bedrooms
- Stylish interiors with modern comforts
- Private garden with rural views
- Pet-free — ideal for allergy-sensitive families
- WiFi, smart TV, fully equipped kitchen
Family Days Out near Our Cottages
One of the best things about staying near Penrith is the sheer number of family attractions within easy reach. Here are some favourites that our guests return to year after year:
- J&J’s Ice Cream Farm — A short drive away, this working farm lets children meet the animals and enjoy some of the best ice cream in Cumbria. A must-visit on any family holiday.
- Lowther Castle & Gardens — The adventure playground here is one of the best in the north of England. With climbing structures, water play, and acres of gardens to explore, you can easily spend a full day here.
- Rheged Centre — Rainy day? No problem. Rheged offers a cinema, soft play area for younger children, shops, and exhibitions all under one roof.
- Brougham Castle — An atmospheric English Heritage ruin that children love to explore. Pack a picnic and let imaginations run wild.
- Ullswater Steamers — A boat trip on Ullswater is magical for all ages. Sail from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding and enjoy the mountain scenery.
- Aira Force Waterfall — A gentle walk through woodland leads to one of the Lake District’s most impressive waterfalls. Pushchair-friendly on the main paths.
Family Walks from the Door
You do not need to drive anywhere to enjoy a walk with the family. Great Strickland and Eamont Bridge both have footpaths leading into open countryside. Gentle village loops are perfect for toddlers and buggies, while older children will enjoy following the River Eamont towards the ancient stone circles at Mayburgh Henge — a free, fascinating stop that brings history to life.
Why Book Your Family Cottage Direct
- No booking fees — You pay the price you see, with no hidden platform charges
- Best price guarantee — Booking direct always gives you the best rate
- Local knowledge — We live in the area and can recommend the best family activities, restaurants, and hidden gems tailored to your children’s ages
- Flexible service — Need a travel cot, highchair, or stair gate? Just ask when you book
Ready to plan your Lake District family holiday? Browse our cottages and book direct for the best experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the cottages safe for young children?
Yes. All three cottages have enclosed private gardens with no access to roads, and the villages have virtually no through traffic. We can provide travel cots, highchairs, and stair gates on request — just let us know when booking.
What family attractions are nearby?
You are spoilt for choice. Lowther Castle adventure playground, J&J’s Ice Cream Farm, Rheged cinema and soft play, Brougham Castle, and Ullswater Steamers are all within a short drive. Aira Force waterfall is around 20 minutes away.
Can we bring our dog on a family holiday?
Fern and Maple Cottages are both dog-friendly at £25 per stay. Rittson Cottage does not accept pets, making it ideal for families with allergies.
How far are the cottages from the Lake District?
Our cottages are on the edge of the Lake District National Park. Ullswater is approximately ten minutes by car, and Penrith town centre is about four miles away. You are perfectly positioned to explore the northern Lakes without the crowds of Windermere and Ambleside.