14 beautiful Airbnbs in the Lake District, from design-led cottages to cosy camper vans
Staycations are not going anywhere – despite the resurgence of overseas travel – so if you're keen to holiday here in the UK this summer, Lake District Airbnbs could be topping your list of most-recent Google searches. And rightly so.
The Lake District is one of the most spellbinding locations in England for a weekend break – or week-long holiday. While Cornwall may serve up sea views (and sea food) in abundance, and the Cotswolds no-end of country pubs and farm shops (hola, Daylesford), the views from many of the Lake District's summits (namely, Scafell Pike) and lakeside towns are a force to be reckoned with. Not to mention the likes of of Windermere and Ullswater being home to a plethora of welcoming water sport schools (think: kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing) and some of the best spas in the UK.
The Lake District is easy to navigate with a car, so choosing one of the most beautiful Airbnbs in the Lake District for your upcoming getaway will provide you with an opulent base for a magical road trip. Yes, opulent. Forget what you thought you knew: the best Airbnbs in the Lake District don't just fall into the dated, cosy cottage category. The properties below are luxe, design-led and worthy of a spot on your Instagram feed. Case in point: this seriously stylish Georgian apartment with views of Lake Windermere from the large bay window and the chandelier-adorned luxury Orangery. A luxury retreat for two.
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Scroll for our full edit of the best Lake District Airbnbs to book this summer.
Lake District Airbnbs: the Georgian apartment
Beautiful Georgian Apartment in Bowness Centre
Why we love it: Located in the heart of Bowness, Biskey Howe is a delightful 17th Century Georgian property with tonnes of character. The ceilings are high, windows large and you'll even be able to catch a glimpse of Lake Windermere in the distance. The lake shore is only five minutes away from the front door of the property, and the pink walls of the living space make it more than worthy of a spot on your Instagram feed.
Sleeps: 2 guests in one bedroom.
Availability: At time of publication, there is good availability at Biskey Howe in June, July, August and September 2022.
Lake District Airbnbs: the chalet
HerdyView Lodge near Ullswater
Why we love it: This single-storey Alpine chalet, complete with sloping ceilings and views of the Pennine Hills, gets booked up in advance for a reason. It's perfectly located for easy access to the Northern Fells and the market town of Penrith, and has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. There's Netflix on the TV for a cosy evening in, and you'll be greeted with Cumbrian apple juice and freshly baked cookies on arrival. Oh, and this Lake District Airbnb is dog-friendly – so the host often leaves treats for them. Cute.
Sleeps: 5 guests across three bedrooms.
Availability: Availability here is good from September onwards.
Lake District Airbnbs: the house with a hot tub
Beech Rock Boutique Home with Hot Tub
Why we love it: The hot tub is, for sure, the selling point of this sleek and sophisticated treetop home, nestled at the end of a quiet, leafy lane – yet just a stones-throw from Lake Windermere. Completely private, there are five luxury suites for each of your eight guests to relax in, plus an open-plan living space and gorgeous garden terrace. Light floods through the large windows and bi-fold doors, and hosts Tess and Julie ensure everything is perfect throughout the duration of your stay.
Sleeps: 8 guests.
Availability: July 2022 has good availability. After that, you're looking towards the autumn.
Lake District Airbnbs: the Bowness retreat
Lakeland Cottage - Bowness-on-Windermere
Why we love it: The charming, three-bedroom Lakeland Cottage is located right in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere, with easy access to the lake, shops, bars and restaurants. Light and bright – yet welcoming and cosy – you'll be able to cosy up in front of the stone fireplace after a long day on the hills, cook breakfast from the beautifully modern kitchen before retreating to the romantic double bedroom with views across the front garden. There's parking for up to two cars and a private patio area for dining or reading a book in the summer.
Sleeps: 6 guests.
Availability: Availability from August onwards is great.
Lake District Airbnbs: the hut
The Den - Scandinavian BBQ Cabin
Why we love it: Embrace the charm of camping in the great outdoors – without needing to struggle through the trials and tribulations of the unpredictable British weather – at The Den, a cute Scandi-inspired cottage with pine interiors and fairy lights. Find wool throws and a barbecue to keep you warm, whatever the season. The hosts will even provide you with a bag of charcoal and firelighters.
Sleeps: 2 guests.
Availability: September 2022 onwards has good availability, with the odd weekend free during the summer.
Lake District Airbnbs: the one bedroom apartment
Kittiwake Modern One Bedroom Apartment
Why we love it: Host Michaela will make your stay in the Lake District a total dream if you choose to stay at Kittiwake. Located just a short walk from Lake Windermere, this luxury apartment with views of Claife Heights has an open plan bedroom, living area and kitchen. The bathroom is separate, and has a freestanding bath with skylight views.
Sleeps: 2 guests.
Availability: At time of publication, there was plenty of availability for Kittiwake all summer.
Save when you book Lake District Airbnbs with these Airbnb discount codes.
Lake District Airbnbs: the design-led apartment
Stylish Apartment next to Windermere Train Station
Why we love it: A characterful apartment with a modern twist, this Lake District Airbnb has an elegant, open-plan living area and cosy bedrooms. Down the characterful hallway there are two spacious bedrooms, complemented by the period window arches that cast light gently into each room. Niall and Marta have dotted welcome, contemporary touches throughout, such as retro floor lamps, free-standing clothes rails and indoor plants. You'll be located just a two-minute walk from Windermere train station, and just seconds away from plenty of local shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.
Sleeps: 4 guests.
Availability: June, July, August and September onwards have good availability in 2022.
Save when you book Lake District Airbnbs with these Airbnb discount codes.
Lake District Airbnb: the Scandi hideaway
The Hideaway Luxury Scandi Home with Hot Tub
Why we love it: A luxury Scandi-inspired home with space for nine guests, The Hideaway is nestled between Winderemere and Troubeck Bridge for all of your Lake District adventures. Pull down the driveway (which has space for three cars), then step through the entrance hall and into the relaxing dining room. During the summer months, you can throw open the patio doors and take your family and friends for a barbecue on the terrace. Inside and past the dining room, there's a snug with corner sofa and cinema TV, plus a light and luxurious kitchen. Fully-equipped of course. The star of the show? That'd either be the Orangery – complete with cosy armchair and garden views – or the hot tub. Of course.
Sleeps: Nine guests.
Availability: Good availability from June 2022 onwards.
Lake District Airbnbs: the private room
Stunning Accommodation with Copper Bath & Double Shower
Why we love it: If you're not set on the idea of renting an entire Lake District property, consider this stunning private room which has been recently renovated. Located in the centre of the town of Windermere, it boasts a large freestanding copper bath, kitchenette and super king bed. The perfect antidote to a long day of walking in the hills.
Sleeps: 2 guests in one bedroom.
Availability: Good availability from early June.
Lake District Airbnbs: luxury cottage
The Den - Luxury Cottage in Centre of the Lakes
Why we love it: Newly-renovated, this one-bedroom hideaway provides the ultimate luxury for couples on a romantic break in the Lakes. Within the UNESCO World Heritage national park and moments from bars, restaurants and the waterfront, it boasts a luxury open-plan bedroom, double showers, freestanding bath, hot tub and private garden. With sun loungers for the ultimate relaxation, of course.
Sleeps: 2 guests in one bedroom.
Availability: Good availability from early June.
Lake District Airbnbs: the lakeside lodge
Why we love it: With beautiful, uninterrupted lake views from the decking and lounge, this luxurious lodge sits right on the edge of Lake Windermere. It sist within the five-star Fallbarrow Park, and is a five-minute walk into the town of Bowness for an array of restaurants, bars and shops. Or how about a steamboat excursion?
Sleeps: 6 guests.
Availability: Your best bed is dates from early August 2022.
Save when you book Lake District Airbnbs with these Airbnb discount codes.
Lake District Airbnbs: the lakeside studio
Lakeside Studio on the Lake Shore with Amazing Views
Why we love it: Host Michelle has finished this Lakeside studio to the highest specification, with features like en suite shower room, Ultra HD smart TV and glass-topped dining table overlooking the lake. There's a private patio with a table and chairs overlooking the Marina, and a kitchenette for all of your culinary needs.
Sleeps: Two guests.
Availability: There are a few free dates in July and August 2022. After that, there's good availability in September and the months that follow.
Save when you book Lake District Airbnbs with these Airbnb discount codes.
Lake District Airbnbs: the private room
Why we love it: The White House is a 12-bedroom grade II-listed building in the heart of Bowness, and after undergoing an extensive renovation over the past 15 months, you can now rent the rooms to use as a base for your Lake District road trip. Stylish and contemporary yet ever-so-cosy, room 7 has a powerful shower, large (and very comfortable) double bed and tea and coffee making facilities. You don't get breakfast included, but there are plenty of breakfast spots just a two-minute walk away.
Sleeps: 2 guests.
Availability: Plenty of availability from early June.
Save when you book Lake District Airbnbs with these Airbnb discount codes.
Lake District Airbnbs: the luxury studio apartment
Esperance Brand New Luxury Studio
Why we love it: Esperance offers the luxury of a boutique hotel, with all the home-from-home comforts offered by a luxury, serviced apartment. It's a brand new studio, set in the heart of Bowness and just a 10-minute stroll from Lake Windermere. The lounge area is the star of the show: a marriage of textures and colours – including a huge dusty Rose pink sofa. Inside the bedroom, you'll be able to kick back on a deep sprung mattress, underneath cooling hypoallergenic bed linen – before wrapping up post-shower in fluffy Egyptian cotton bath towels. And did we mention the complimentary welcome hamper you'll receive on arrival?
Sleeps: 2 guests.
Availability: Best availability from early July onwards.
Save when you book Lake District Airbnbs with these Airbnb discount codes.
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