Last-Minute Cottage Breaks in the Lake District
Looking for a last-minute escape to the Lake District? You’ve come to the right place. At Cottage Collection, we offer three beautiful holiday cottages near Penrith, nestled on the edge of the Lake District National Park. Book directly with us and skip the service fees — our prices are always the best you’ll find, with no middleman markups.
Whether you’re craving a spontaneous weekend away, a midweek retreat, or a last-minute half-term break, our cottages are ready and waiting. We keep our availability calendar updated in real time, so what you see is what you get — no awkward “sorry, already booked” messages.
Our Cottages — Available for Last-Minute Stays
Fern Cottage — Sleeps 5, Great Strickland
A charming stone-built cottage sleeping up to five guests, Fern Cottage is perfect for families and small groups looking for a cosy Lake District bolthole. Set in the peaceful village of Great Strickland, you’re just minutes from Penrith and the M6, making it ideal for a spontaneous getaway. With a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living space, and gorgeous countryside views, Fern is everything you need for a relaxing break — from around £130/night.
View Fern Cottage & check availability →
Maple Cottage — Sleeps 6, Great Strickland
Our largest cottage, Maple sleeps up to six and is wonderfully suited to families or groups of friends. Also located in Great Strickland, Maple offers spacious rooms, a welcoming atmosphere, and easy access to the best of the Lake District. Ullswater, Lowther Castle, and the Pennine trails are all on your doorstep. Last-minute availability starts from around £150/night.
View Maple Cottage & check availability →
Rittson Cottage — Sleeps 4, Eamont Bridge
Tucked away in the historic hamlet of Eamont Bridge, Rittson Cottage is a beautifully restored retreat for couples or small families. With Penrith town centre a short walk away and the shores of Ullswater just ten minutes by car, it’s a superb base for exploring the northern Lakes at short notice. Prices start from around £120/night.
View Rittson Cottage & check availability →
Why Book Last Minute with Us?
We understand that the best holidays are sometimes the ones you didn’t plan. Here’s why booking last minute directly with Cottage Collection makes sense:
- No booking fees — save up to 15% vs Airbnb. When you book direct, every penny goes towards your stay, not platform commissions. The price you see is the price you pay.
- Instant confirmation. No waiting around for a host to approve your request. Book online and you’re confirmed straight away.
- Flexible check-in times for late bookers. We know last-minute plans don’t always follow a neat schedule. We’ll do our best to accommodate early or late arrivals — just let us know.
- WhatsApp us for same-week availability. Need to know right now if we have space this weekend? Drop us a WhatsApp message and we’ll get back to you fast — usually within the hour.
- All cottages ready year-round. Our properties are professionally maintained and always guest-ready. Whether it’s a sunny summer weekend or a cosy winter midweek break, we’re prepared for your arrival.
How to Book a Last-Minute Cottage
Booking a spontaneous Lake District break couldn’t be simpler:
- Check our availability calendar. Each cottage page has a live calendar showing exactly what’s open. Pick your dates and book in minutes.
- WhatsApp us directly for the fastest response. If you want to check availability, ask a question, or just get a quick recommendation on which cottage suits your group, our WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach us.
- Mention “LASTMIN” for a welcome hamper. Book a stay within 7 days of arrival and quote “LASTMIN” in your message — we’ll have a complimentary welcome hamper waiting for you when you arrive, filled with local Cumbrian treats.
WhatsApp Us Now for Last-Minute Availability
The Lake District on Your Doorstep
All three of our cottages sit on the northeastern edge of the Lake District, giving you the perfect combination of peaceful countryside and easy access to the region’s most popular attractions. Within a short drive you’ll find:
- Ullswater — England’s most beautiful lake, just 10 minutes away. Walk the famous Ullswater Way, take a steamer cruise, or paddle from one of the quiet beaches.
- Lowther Castle & Gardens — A stunning ruined castle with adventure playgrounds and woodland walks, perfect for families.
- Penrith town centre — Independent shops, cafes, pubs, and a twice-weekly market. Everything you need without the tourist-town crowds.
- The Pennines & Eden Valley — Rolling hills, quiet lanes, and some of the best cycling and walking in England, right outside your door.
- Keswick, Ambleside & Windermere — The classic Lake District towns are all within 30-45 minutes if you fancy a day trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a cottage at short notice?
Absolutely. We often have availability within 48 hours, and sometimes even for same-day arrivals. Our online calendar is updated in real time, so you can see exactly what’s available. For the fastest confirmation, WhatsApp us directly and we’ll sort everything out quickly.
Is there a discount for last-minute bookings?
Our direct prices are already the best available — typically 10-15% less than you’d pay through third-party platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com. We don’t inflate prices to cover commission fees, so you’re always getting genuine value. Plus, mention “LASTMIN” when booking within 7 days and you’ll receive a complimentary welcome hamper.
What if I need to cancel?
We understand that plans change, especially with last-minute bookings. Please check our terms and conditions for our cancellation policy. We always try to be fair and flexible — if you need to rearrange dates rather than cancel outright, just get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.
Do you accept same-day bookings?
Yes, subject to availability. If a cottage is showing as available on our calendar and you’d like to arrive today, WhatsApp us to confirm and we’ll have everything ready for you. We pride ourselves on being responsive and accommodating — life’s too short to miss out on a great break because of red tape.
Ready to Escape?
Don’t overthink it. The Lake District is calling, and we’ve got a cottage with your name on it. Check availability below or send us a quick WhatsApp — we’ll take care of the rest.
Fern Cottage · Maple Cottage · Rittson Cottage
Our Cottages
- Fern Cottage — Sleeps 5, dog-friendly, Great Strickland
- Maple Cottage — Sleeps 6, dog-friendly, Great Strickland
- Rittson Cottage — Sleeps 4, Eamont Bridge
For more ideas on things to do during your stay, visit our Out & About guide.