The Lake District in northwest England has been a vacation destination for centuries, attracting the likes of William Wordsworth, who came to marvel at its stunning natural beauty. Ullswater is the second largest of the lakes in this region and is the perfect spot for an introduction to this area. The pristine lake is surrounded by large hills, or fells, creating picturesque sights everywhere you go.
There are lots of ways to engage with the surroundings, whether by boat on the water or hiking up into the hills. In addition to the natural beauty, Ullswater is home to some of the prettiest homes you can rent during your trip! Read on for the best Airbnbs in Ullswater, United Kingdom.
1. Tranquil retreat in the breathtaking Lake District (from USD 220)
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Lake District at this beautifully renovated former school. The space includes two bedrooms, a kitchenette, a lounge, and a bathroom. Enjoy the shared patio, fully fenced private garden, and convenient amenities such as a washer, Nespresso coffee machine, and television. With long-term stays permitted, it’s the perfect retreat for those seeking peace and tranquility in nature.
Located just a short drive from Keswick and Pooley Bridge, this accommodation offers stunning mountain views and convenient access to Aira Force, Ullswater, and the base of Helvellyn.
Cumbria, England, United KingdomSuperhost Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
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claire also included a number of treats breakfast items and the coffee machine was a welcome additionvery warm and comfortable house and i would happily stay againCleanliness:
the decor was fabulous and everything was spotlessthe place is clean beautifully decorated and has a stunning outlookthe house is so clean so cosy so peaceful so comfortableHost:
claire is a great hostclaire was a great host and i would definitely stay here againclaire was so kind and helpful and very accomodatingclaire was so accommodating would definitely come backclaire has been a great host and we look forward to staying again in the futureRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful home and great location close to ullswater and aira fallsan outstanding stay location and hostfantastic property beautiful decor and locationullswater lake is a few minutes away so the location was perfect for scenery and hikes toothe house is set in a really stunning location and you can take a walk from the front door
2. The Dairy - Patterdale Hall (from USD 130)
Escape to this charming retreat nestled in a private wooded garden, offering a unique getaway for couples. The cozy accommodation features a comfortable living room with a wood-burning stove and a mezzanine sleeping area accessed by a wooden stairway. The compact kitchen and ground floor bathroom provide all the necessary amenities, including tea and coffee basics and essential kitchen supplies.
Outside, unwind in the serene private garden with a picnic table, barbecue grill, and laundry line. Immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings, visit nearby pubs, and explore the scenic hiking trails of the Ullswater Valley.
Glenridding, England, United KingdomSuperhost Accommodates: 2
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a great place with cozy vibesthe bedroom up the ladder is lovely and snug and has a very comfy bedCleanliness:
amazing unusual octagonal room - well equipped kitchen and bathroom - immaculately cleanit was lovely and clean with plenty of kitchen utensilsclean and well stocked with essentials for an effortless staygreat location and very clean accommodationbeautiful cottage fully equipped spotlessly clean and perfect for dogs with enclosed gardenHost:
we had everything we needed and the staff we met on site were lovelyhelpful host and very easy to find/get infantastic quirky cottage in the woods staff are nearby and very accommodating to any needsRead more reviewsLocation:
nice little place close to many trailsgreat location for walking and a trip on the lakegreat location for walking from patterdale and glenriddingfabulous property in a great locationvery nice location peaceful and quiet
3. Secluded cottage at the foot of the Fells (from USD 250)
Located comfortably off the beaten path, this holiday cottage in Ullswater is secluded in natural beauty but still has all the necessary comforts of everyday life. Inside this cozy, 17th-century home, you’ll find modern touches, like super fast Wi-Fi, an HD smart TV, and a fully-equipped kitchen. Up to eight guests can stay in the house, which has two twin bedrooms and two double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.
The home is removed from conveniences like grocery stores, so it is best to stock up on your way or arrange for a grocery delivery. The rental makes up for its remoteness with its proximity to nature: right outside you’ll see the rolling hills of the nearby fells. The hills are within walking or biking distance and the C2C cycle track is nearby, too!
Dockray, England, United KingdomSuperhost Accommodates: 8
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the communal space was excellent brilliant big dining tablefantastic cozy and comfy cottagewe had a great stay at anneli’s cottage we found it really comfortable for our party of 7 adultsrooms are spacious with comfortable beds especially loved the log burner perfect for winter monthslovely cottage comfortably sleeps 8 warm plenty hot water three showers and well equipped kitchenCleanliness:
the beds were clean and comfortablethe rooms really clean and well presentedthe house was very clean and had everything you could wantit was clean and the kitchen was well equippedspotlessly clean and in a great locationHost:
thank you for such kind and thoughtful hospitality :)anneli was always very helpful and accommodating and answered any questions we hadour hosts were very quick to respond to messages and resolve any issueswould love to go back for longer would highly recommend owners have thought of everythinga lovely stay in beautiful surroundings - with a friendly and helpful host :)Read more reviewsLocation:
great location in the lake districtvery close to beautiful ullswater lake tooanneli's place is in a great locationgreat location in close distance to a lot of amazing places to seethis is a lovely house in a very peaceful location
4. Stony cottage with lots of character (from USD 115)
The stony exterior of this long-term rental in Ullswater gives it personality and character you won’t find at just any accommodation! The intricate stonework and the surrounding gardens make the home blend in naturally with the rustic surroundings. Inside, the home is warm and cozy, with two bedrooms that can host up to four guests. There is also a large living room and a full kitchen, the perfect space to gather during your downtime! The living room opens onto a patio with a picnic table, where you can sit and take in the beautiful views of the rolling countryside.
Dockray, England, United KingdomSuperhost Accommodates: 4
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amazing views to have breakfast outside and the property is kept to a great standardthis is a lovely room and looks much smarter and bigger than it appears on the photoscomfortable quiet well equipped cottage in a great locationCleanliness:
spotlessly clean and well equippedvery clean and well equipedvery clean and with some lovely touches - highly recommendclean and tidy with a comfy bedeverything was clean and tidy and the kitchen was well-equippedHost:
excellent host with nice personal touchesjoanne called me on the way up to penrith on the train and was very friendly and welcomingjoanne is a great host and we definitely recommend this property for a relaxing breakthe owner was kind enough to leave some milk in the fridge and wine and flowers toovery good host lovely cottage and very accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
great place easy access to everywhere in the lakesvery warm and excellent location with walks for every ability from the doorsteplovely property in gorgeous location round the corner from a cracking pubthe location was perfect for us and the house itself was spot ona relaxing place to come back to at the end of a long days walking
5. Rental convenient to hiking trails (from USD 74)
This cozy rental is a small barn adjoining the host’s property. The home is a gorgeous, stone-walled building, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Two guests can enjoy complete privacy in the rental while being close enough to the host for questions or advice about the area. The home is located within a hiker’s paradise. Right outside the door, you’ll see the fells - impressive, rolling hills that have both easy and advanced level trails. The home is within hiking distance from Aira Force, a dramatic waterfall that falls 21 meters (70 feet) down a rocky landscape.
Dockray, England, United KingdomSuperhost Accommodates: 2
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it is one of the most comfortable beds i have ever slept inthe bathroom and bedroom are really niceCleanliness:
the barn was clean and tidy and had everything you neededvery clean and well equipped - a true home from homea clean and comfortable place to stay in an amazing locationenjoyed our stay and the cottage was clean tidy and had a full kitchen with washing machineHost:
host joanne was communicative and helpfuljo is a wonderful host and i highly recommend this accommodationRead more reviewsLocation:
amazing location for walkin and photography at the lakesperfect setup and location as a base for a break into the heart of the lakesgreat property in a fab location for exploring the lakesgreat location and a cosy well presented barn conversionbeautiful comfortable space fantastic location
6. Peaceful cottage with beautiful views
You’ll feel delightfully at peace in this cottage for rent in Ullswater, UK. With a remote location, surrounded by natural beauty, up to two guests will only have sweeping views of Ullswater as your company. This rocky little home is cozy and comfortable inside. Though it looks small from the outside, it actually has three floors with a major room on each level. It has a bedroom, living room, and kitchen, and touches like a small dining area and entryway with a wood stove make it feel spacious. The home has lots of windows that look out on the green rolling hills and nearby mountains.
Though it is in a rural location, it’s not too far from conveniences you might need. The hosts own a shop, bar, café, and laundry facilities, which are all within walking distance, and a cute town called Pooley Bridge is only 10 minutes away, by car.
Penrith, England, United KingdomSuperhost Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
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comfortable interior warm heating and indoor fireplacewonderful location and a very comfortable cottage with views all arounda cosy and comfortable away from it all accommodation with beautiful viewslovely to make up some breakfast and eat outside overlooking the water and mountains of ullswaterCleanliness:
really clean and tidy with a nice welcome touchsuper clean with great facilitiesthe inside was clean and contemporaryclean and well laid out with idilic outdoor seatingspectacular location and fantastic views- very clean and comfortableHost:
susan was really helpful & quick to replylovely welcome pack left by our hosts which was very unexpected and lovelyRead more reviewsLocation:
fantastic location very very tranquila fantastic stay in an epic locationhad a lovely short break away in this quiet beautiful settinggreat place to get away from it alla very peaceful and stunning location
7. Luxurious waterfront home (from USD 469)
The primary reason to visit is to be near this beautiful lake, so why not base your stay on this luxury getaway in Ullswater, United Kingdom? This stunning house was originally an early 1900’s gatehouse for a larger home, but it has been fully updated in a modern style and is large enough to host up to eight guests. The home has five bedrooms, a living room, a separate games room, a large kitchen, and a dining area.
It has many floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in the views of the lake and fells and also a balcony where you can take in the fresh air. Take a stroll down to the private shoreline and walk out onto the jetty. If you happen to have a kayak or canoe, this would be a great place to stay!
Watermillock, nr Penrith, Cumbria, United KingdomSuperhost Accommodates: 8
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it’s spacious and clean and is homelyRead more reviewsLocation:
6 friends got together for a reunion and were amazed by this idyllic location on lake ullswater
8. Cozy farmhouse in the Lake District
If you’ve always dreamed of living in a rustic English farmhouse, this cozy bed and breakfast would be the perfect place to stay! The rental is for a private room with an en-suite bathroom. It is a cozy spot suited for one or two guests with homey accents, like a crocheted bedcover and a window seat.
This private room rental is located in an authentic farmhouse, so you’ll wake up to the sounds of roosters and see sheep, ducks, and bee hives around the farm! Luckily, the bed and breakfast is not too removed from village life: just a short walk down the road is Dockray, where you can have a delicious meal at the Royal Hotel.
Matterdale, Cumbria, United KingdomTop guest reviews
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beautiful room with amazing views over the fellsgreat amenities and a super breakfastroom comfortable and spacious with great viewsa tasty breakfast was served the next day (not always offered with airb&bs) with stunning viewswe were given a really hearty breakfast in the morning with some local produce and great coffeeCleanliness:
the room is clean & comfortable the atmosphere is beautifulthe room was lovely and very cleandelightful bedroom with clean modern en suite shower roomthe room and en-suite bathroom were spotless and very comfortablethe place was very clean and more importantly felt like homeHost:
victoria was a wonderful hostvictoria and jim were perfect hostsexcellent hosts made us very welcomevery freindly hosts who make you feel so welcomevictoria and jim are the perfect hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
a great location near to ullswatergreat location to be in the lakes district but away from the throngs of touristsdelicious breakfast and superb location for exploring the lakesthe location was amazing and had a fantastic walk to the waterfallsthe location is also great for exploring ullswater
9. Romantic and cozy cottage for two
The perfect place for a cozy romantic getaway! This charming guesthouse may look like your average cottage from the outside, but it has amenities equivalent to those you’d find in a five-star hotel. These include a king-sized bed, coffee and tea supplies, snacks, and a hairdryer. You’ll also enjoy the heated floors, wood stove, and complimentary champagne or local gin on a cozy night in!
Breakfast is included in the cost but is provided at the Royal, a pub, a short walk away. You’ll also be within walking distance of the fells and Ullswater Lake, making this the perfect place for those who like to explore on foot.
Dockray, England, United KingdomTop guest reviews
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warm comfy and cozy with hot water bottles underfloor heating and a picturesque log burnerthe restaurant where you have breakfast (included in price) makes lovely foodperfect for a cozy getaway for 2 (and in our case an outdoorsy furry companion)the bothy was great - just like a great hotel room with no other guests highly recommendedCleanliness:
the bothy is really lovely very clean and cosy and has some lovely touchesvery clean quiet and a perfect base for ullswater and beyondthe accommodation was beautiful and spotlessthe bothy was cosy clean and warm and the shower facilities were greatthe bothy was spotless & the log burner was excellent after a long days walkingHost:
helen was super responsive and i made my booking easilya really wonderful place with fantastic hostshelen was very accommodating and very easy to communicate with throughout the processthe staff and locals are welcoming and you will be met with a warm reception everytime you visithelen is such an amazing host and the bothy is just a stunning place to relaxRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is great- a minutes walk to the pub and a nice walk to aira forceamazing location for visiting the lake districtso cosy and a great location in the north lakesexcellent walks right at your doorstepthe location is in a quiet village and has good road access to nearby attractions
10. Watermillock Cottage
Though this stunning cottage dates back to the 16th century, it has been thoughtfully updated in ways that make it the perfect place for a present-day vacation! With its solar thermal and biomass systems for hot water and heating and the hydro and PV panels for electricity, this home is practically carbon neutral and has even been given a ‘Gold’ Green Tourism award.
The cottage is the ideal spot for families traveling with children. It can host up to nine guests in four bedrooms and has a fenced garden with a playhouse and sunken trampoline. The adults in your party can enjoy the attached ‘Olde Worlde’ bar, which has local drinks and a historic atmosphere.
Watermillock, United KingdomAccommodates: 9
Top guest reviews
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we had a very comfortable stay at watermillock cottagewe were a party of 7 and had plenty of room to relaxan excellent cottage with brilliant facilities for childrenit’s a great cottage for large parties plenty of room and well equippedgood facilities on campsite and mot far from local pubCleanliness:
super cotage - clean and well appointedthe house was clean with lovely white linen and comfy bedsthe accommodation was clean and comfortablethe bathrooms were modern and cleanthe cottage was super clean and tidy towels smelt gorgeous everything was freshHost:
a big thank you to the hosts for their hospitalitynice friendly and accommodating staff running the sitethe staff were most pleasant and helpfulour hosts were kind helpful and friendly and we thoroughly enjoyed our staystaff were very friendly and helpful :) will stay againRead more reviewsLocation:
the location of this property is amazinga good location to explore lake ullswaterit's in a great locationfab facilities fab location - we will returnclose to many great lakeland walks and activities
11. Ivy Cottage
Once a 16th-century blacksmith’s workshop, this charming cottage has come a long way to be the lovely vacation rental it is today! With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, it is the perfect size for two to six guests. The home has lots of historic character, including wooden ceiling beams and stone walls. It is also modern in a cozy way, with rustically elegant furnishings and eco-friendly sources for heat, hot water, and electricity.
With a small shop and a bar on the property, you won’t have to travel far for the necessities. However, the hosts graciously offer to pick up and drop off guests at the bus stop, a short drive away.
Ullswater, United KingdomAccommodates: 6
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ivy cottage is lovely and has a roomy living roomgood facilities in the cottage and on the site good play area in the bar for the kidsCleanliness:
everything was really clean and easy to findivy cottage was warm clean and cosycottage is very spacious clean and homelycottage was very good clean and plenty of spaceHost:
friendly and helpful staffthe staff on the site were very welcomingthe staff were very helpful and easy goingvery friendly staff at the quiet and made us feel very welcomethanks to all the friendly staffRead more reviewsLocation:
location is wonderful very quietperfect location (close to aria force waterfalls and helwvellyn)an amazing property in a beautiful locationhaving a little shop at the quiet holiday site was also handygreat place to use as a base to explore the lakes
12. Large, adjoined cottage for family groups
This lovely cottage would be the perfect option for a large group of travelers. It is made up of a cottage that sleeps up to six people and a connected larger cottage which can sleep up to nine. A large group would love staying on this gorgeous property that dates back to the 16th century.
The cottage has a stunning interior with wooden beams and stone walls that are reminiscent of its historic roots, but it is renovated with contemporary décor and amenities for a comfortable stay. There is also a play area on site for children, as well as a holiday park that has a small shop and even a family-friendly bar!
Accommodates: 15
Top guest reviews
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no/rare phone signal available and the wifi is pretty thin but i loved thisthe cottages are child friendly comfortable with high end updates that blend well with the original charmCleanliness:
it had everything we could want really peaceful very clean lovely garden comfy beds etcHost:
host was helpful and availablehost was very pleasant and provided lots of info when neededlovely house great owners stunning settingplus helpful staff who could advise on walks and other activities in the local areaalso very helpful with our requests which included taking delivery of a food shop ready for our arrivalRead more reviewsLocation:
a fab location for exploring the north lakesbeautiful surroundings and location is perfectgreat location beautiful scenery and comfortable cottageit's a great location for plenty of walksthis is a lovely place to stay in a fantastic location
A charming and beautiful part of England
You cannot help but be charmed by the towns surrounding Ullswater. The homes appear to be straight out of 19th century novels and you might even imagine yourself a Romantic character as you stroll the hills around the lake. As historic and relaxing as Ullswater appears, it is also a place that will engage visitors with all there is to do: boating on the lake, hiking a formidable mountain, or trying a new activity like biking or horseback riding. With equal opportunities for relaxation and adventure, Ullswater is the perfect getaway for your next English vacation!
If you would like to explore nearby options, you can also check out these cottages for rent near Ullswater and these yurts near Ullswater.