The Lake District has a way of making everything feel more romantic. Morning mist on the water, log fires in the evening, walks that lead to hidden waterfalls — it’s the kind of place that turns an ordinary weekend away into something you actually remember. But finding the right cottage matters. You want somewhere that feels like a retreat, not a holiday park with thin walls and a laminated welcome pack.
Here’s our guide to choosing a Lake District cottage for couples, plus a few ideas for making the most of your time together.
What to Look for in a Couples’ Cottage
Not every “sleeps 2” cottage is created equal. When you’re booking a romantic break, look for:
- Privacy — a detached cottage or one with its own entrance and outdoor space, not a room in a larger complex
- Character — exposed stone, beams, a fireplace. The details make the difference between “nice” and “special”
- A well-designed interior — you’ll spend time indoors, especially in the evenings. Good lighting, a comfortable sofa, and a kitchen you actually want to cook in all matter
- Location — close enough to restaurants and attractions, but quiet enough that you can hear the river at night
- No minimum group size pressure — a cottage that sleeps 4 can be perfect for two, as long as the pricing reflects it and the space feels intimate rather than empty
Our Pick: Rittson Cottage
Rittson Cottage in Eamont Bridge was designed with exactly this kind of stay in mind. It sleeps four, but couples are the guests who love it most. Here’s why:
- Riverside setting — the cottage sits beside the River Eamont, and you can hear the water from the garden. It’s the kind of sound that makes you breathe out the moment you arrive
- Beautifully designed — the interior has been carefully put together with quality furniture, soft textures, and a colour palette that feels calm and considered. No magnolia walls and flatpack furniture here
- A kitchen worth cooking in — pick up steaks from Cranstons, a bottle of wine from the Penrith Wine Company, and cook dinner with the doors open to the garden
- Walking distance to Eamont Bridge — a pretty village with a 13th-century bridge and easy access to riverside walks
- From £130/night — genuinely good value for this level of quality and setting
Romantic Things to Do in the Lake District
Ullswater Steamer at Sunset
The Ullswater Steamers run regular services up and down the lake, but the late afternoon sailing is the one to catch. The light on the fells at golden hour is extraordinary. Pack a flask and share a bench at the stern.
Dinner at Askham Hall
About 10 minutes from our cottages, Askham Hall is a country house restaurant with a kitchen garden and a tasting menu that changes with the seasons. It’s intimate without being pretentious, and the kind of meal you talk about for months. Book in advance — it fills up.
Aira Force Waterfall Walk
A short, beautiful walk through ancient woodland to a 65-foot waterfall. It takes about 45 minutes for the full loop and is particularly magical in autumn when the leaves are turning. Combine it with a stop at the National Trust café at the car park.
Stargazing
The Eden Valley has some of the darkest skies in England. On a clear night, step into the garden at Rittson and look up — you can see the Milky Way without any equipment. The silence is part of it.
The George and Dragon
A beautifully restored coaching inn in Clifton, about 10 minutes from our cottages. The food is excellent — locally sourced, thoughtfully cooked — and the building itself has real character. A lovely spot for a long, unhurried dinner.
A Weekend Itinerary for Couples
Friday Evening
Arrive, unpack, breathe. Open a bottle of wine, light the lamps, and cook something simple in the cottage. Early night — you’re on holiday now.
Saturday
Morning walk along the River Eamont or drive to Aira Force. Lunch at the George and Dragon or the food hall at Rheged. Afternoon exploring Lowther Castle gardens or browsing Penrith’s independent shops. Evening: Askham Hall or cook together with local ingredients.
Sunday
Ullswater Steamer from Pooley Bridge (15 minutes away). Walk from Howtown back along the lakeshore — one of the finest walks in England, about 7 miles. Stop for ice cream at J&J’s on the way home. Pack up slowly.
Book Direct for the Best Price
When you book directly with us at Cottage Collection, you skip the agency fees and get a personal, flexible service. If you’re planning a special occasion — anniversary, birthday, proposal — let us know and we’ll do our best to make it memorable.
View Rittson Cottage | Romantic breaks at Cottage Collection