Discovering the Best Luxury Stays in the Lake District

Tucked away in the northwest corner of England, the Lake District is a stunning national park in Cumbria. It effortlessly combines natural beauty with quintessential British charm. Famed for its dramatic fells, tranquil lakes, and endless outdoor pursuits, it's no surprise this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the UK’s most beloved holiday destinations.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker eager to summit Scafell Pike or someone simply looking to unwind by a peaceful lake, the Lake District offers something for every type of traveller.

Choosing the Right Accommodation

If you're planning a luxurious escape to this breathtaking region, choosing the right place to stay can elevate your experience entirely. From elegant countryside retreats to high-end cottages with lake views, this curated list of ten of the best luxury accommodations in the Lake District offers something truly special.

Here's our list of 10 best luxurious places to stay in the Lake District courtesy of Sykes Holiday Cottages:

Gatesgarth, Coniston

Just a five-minute walk from the heart of Coniston, Gatesgarth is a striking, architect-designed property. It sits against the backdrop of the Old Man of Coniston, offering stunning views over Coniston Water.

This award-winning home, created by Ben Cunliffe Architects, blends cutting-edge design with traditional craftsmanship. Local materials are used throughout. Named Best Residential Build at the 2020 Northern Design Awards, it offers a luxurious stay for families or groups seeking exceptional comfort in a breathtaking Lake District setting.

Find out more about Gatesgarth at Sykes Holiday Cottages

Silverholme, Graythwaite near Hawkshead

Set on the magnificent Graythwaite Estate, Silverholme is a grand Georgian manor house. It offers an exceptional stay on the shores of Lake Windermere. Surrounded by stunning scenery, this luxury property blends timeless elegance with modern comforts.

Perfect for family gatherings or special celebrations, Silverholme features eight stylish bedrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen with lake views, a cosy drawing room, and even a private cinema. Every detail is designed for comfort, with breathtaking views both inside and out.

Find out more about Silverholme at Sykes Holiday Cottages

The Old Water Mill, Kendal

Nestled beside the River Sprint in peaceful Garnett Bridge, The Old Water Mill is a beautifully converted property. It offers luxury accommodation in a stunning Cumbrian setting. With views of the river, a private hot tub, and stylish interiors, it’s the perfect base for a Lake District escape.

Part of the exclusive 24-acre Cocks Close Estate, this spacious home is ideal for families or groups. It features en-suite bedrooms, open-plan living, and access to woodland walks, fells, and nearby Kendal.

Find out more about The Old Water Mill Kendal at Sykes Holiday Cottages

Bristowe Hill, Keswick

Set high above Keswick with panoramic views of the Northern Lake District, Bristowe Hill is a grand Edwardian home. It’s perfect for large family gatherings or special celebrations. With ten beautifully styled bedrooms, four acres of private grounds, and elegant period features paired with modern luxury, it’s a truly impressive retreat.

Inside, you'll find multiple lounges, two kitchens, a games room, and an orangery opening onto a sun-soaked terrace. Just a short walk from Derwentwater and Keswick’s shops and restaurants, it's ideal for exploring the North Lakes.

Find out more about Bristowe Hill at Sykes Holiday Cottages

High View Barn, Sedbergh

Perched high above the Lune Valley, just outside Sedbergh, High View Barn is a luxurious stone barn conversion. It offers panoramic views, cutting-edge amenities, and total seclusion. Rebuilt in 2019, this exceptional retreat features a hot tub, sauna, international-standard bowling green, Sonos sound system, and stylish interiors throughout—all set within two private acres.

Perfect for group getaways, it sleeps up to 14 with en-suite bedrooms, two kitchens, and open-plan living. The Yorkshire Dales and Lake District are both on your doorstep.

Find out more about High View Barn at Sykes Holiday Cottages

The Ridge, Bowness-On-Windermere

Perched above Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Ridge is a showstopping blend of luxury lodge and mountain retreat. Extensively redesigned in 2024 by award-winning developers Pin & Pin, this 6,000 sq ft home offers panoramic lake views, six opulent bedrooms, a cinema, gym, games room, and private boathouse—all within walking distance of the lakefront.

Inside and out, every detail is crafted for indulgence—from a lakeside hot tub to sunset terraces and private paddleboards. The Ridge redefines luxury in the Lakes.

Find out more about The Ridge at Sykes Holiday Cottages

Kessock, Bowness-On-Windermere

Tucked into landscaped gardens on the shores of Lake Windermere, Kessock is a striking five-bedroom retreat just south of Bowness. Rebuilt in 2021, this luxurious lakeside home boasts private lake access, a beach, jetty, cinema room, mezzanine games area, and expansive views across to Coniston Old Man.

Perfect for families or groups of up to 10, the property combines sleek modern interiors with open-plan living, alfresco dining areas, and peaceful waterfront spots—an exceptional base for exploring the Lake District in style.

Find out more about Kessock at Sykes Holiday Cottages

Deer Close, Coniston, Lake District

Deer Close is a luxury lakeside retreat set in a private, gated position on the tranquil eastern shore of Coniston Water. With sweeping views of the fells, a private jetty, and boathouse snug, this stunning property sleeps ten. It features a hot tub, firepit, wellness suite, and stylish interiors across five bedrooms—perfect for unforgettable family escapes or group gatherings.

Spend your days exploring the lake with paddleboards from the jetty, soaking in the outdoor hot tub, or relaxing in the sauna after a long hike up Coniston Old Man. The open-plan living spaces invite slow mornings and sociable evenings, while the garden’s outdoor kitchen and firepit area make alfresco entertaining a joy.

The wellness suite adds a touch of indulgence with a massage space, gym, and spa-style shower. The lakeside boathouse snug is a magical retreat for quiet reflection or starlit drinks. With breathtaking views at every turn, Deer Close is a truly refined escape.

Find out more about Deer Close at Sykes Holiday Cottages

Eskdale Retreat, Boot

Eskdale Retreat is a luxurious former vicarage nestled in 10 acres of private woodland and meadows near Boot in the Lake District National Park. With river access, a hot tub, cinema room, and eight en-suite bedrooms across the main house and Coach House, it’s the ideal setting for large groups seeking tranquillity, adventure, or celebration. Private parking, EV chargers, and striking interiors complete this elegant retreat beside the River Esk.

Step inside to discover a stylish Scandi-Alpine design, with a boot room, open-plan living area, woodburning stove, and private chef options. Outdoors, unwind in the Zen Den for yoga or table tennis, enjoy wild swimming from your private river frontage, or dine alfresco with views of the fells.

With adventure activities, walking trails, and waterfalls on the doorstep, Eskdale Retreat offers a perfect blend of serenity, luxury, and outdoor fun in one of the Lake District’s most beautiful valleys.

Find out more about Eskdale Retreat at Sykes Holiday Cottages

Limestone, Great Urswick

Limestone is a sleek, Scandi-style retreat on the edge of the Lake District, just outside Great Urswick. With stylish interiors, underfloor heating, a woodburning stove, and three elegant bedrooms, this luxurious home is perfect for a rural escape.

Enjoy open-plan living, a high-end kitchen, and tranquil views from the outdoor wellness area, complete with sauna, plunge pool, and shower. The garden backs onto fields where friendly alpacas and Valais Blacknose sheep love to greet guests.

Step through bifold doors to peaceful countryside, or stroll to the village tarn for a wild swim. A short walk brings you to a cosy country pub, while Ulverston’s shops, golf course, and Laurel and Hardy Museum are nearby.

For families, the Lake District Wildlife Park, Barrow Park, and Ford Park offer days of outdoor fun. Whether hiking to Scafell Pike or relaxing in the sauna, Limestone blends luxury and location for an unforgettable Cumbrian stay.

Find out more about Limestone at Sykes Holiday Cottages

Sykes Holiday Cottages offers a choice of over 20,000 holiday cottages across the UK and Ireland, ideal for all types of self-catering breaks. Whether it’s a pet-friendly escape, a romantic retreat with a hot tub, a large group getaway, or a stay in a cottage with a swimming pool, there’s something to suit every traveller.

In addition to cottages, Sykes provides a wide selection of lodges, glamping pods, and caravans in top UK holiday parks. Great value deals, short breaks, and last-minute options are available. Recognised for excellence, Sykes Holiday Cottages was proudly named 'Best UK Holiday Cottage/Self Catering Booking Company' at the British Travel Awards.

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