Ullswater Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Ullswater Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Ullswater offers some of the Lake District's most impressive landscapes without the crowds you'll find at Windermere. The lake itself stretches for 7.5 miles through a glacial valley with mountains rising dramatically on both sides.

Aira Force (CA11 0JS, open dawn till dusk) is the area's most visited natural attraction, scoring 4.5/5 from over 3,000 TripAdvisor reviews. This powerful waterfall drops 65 feet through ancient woodland. I recommend visiting after rainfall when the water volume creates the most impressive display.

The Ullswater Steamers (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) run year-round from Glenridding Pier (CA11 0US). These heritage vessels have been operating since 1859, giving visitors fantastic views of Helvellyn and the surrounding fells. Winter sailings are particularly atmospheric when snow caps the mountains.

Lowther Castle (CA10 2HH, open 10am-5pm) sits just 15 minutes from Pooley Bridge. The impressive ruins and restored gardens score 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. We love the adventure playground here - it's built among the trees and keeps kids busy for hours.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Ullswater almost as much as their owners! The lake shore provides endless swimming opportunities and most of the walking paths welcome well-behaved dogs. Many cottages with hot tubs specifically advertise as dog-friendly, often allowing 2-3 pets per booking.

The Quiet Bar at the Brackenrigg Inn (CA11 0JQ) welcomes dogs and serves excellent food. Their outdoor seating area has water bowls and staff bring dog treats. Another good option is the Fellbites Café in Glenridding (CA11 0PD) which has a covered outdoor area for wet dogs.

Aira Force is extremely dog-friendly with water available at the National Trust tea room. The circular walk takes about an hour and has good path surfaces even in wet weather. Just keep dogs on leads near the steep drops by the falls.

If your dog enjoys swimming, head to the shore at Glencoyne Bay where the water is shallow and there's a small beach area. After a day of walking, your hot tub will feel even better while your tired dog snoozes beside you!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Ullswater

The Ullswater Way is a 20-mile walking route that circles the entire lake. Don't worry - you don't need to tackle it all at once! The path is well-marked and divided into sections, so you can walk part of it then catch the steamer back. The stretch between Howtown and Glenridding (4 miles) offers the best views and follows the lakeshore closely. We've walked it in both directions and prefer starting at Howtown as the views of the mountains improve as you progress.

Kirkstone Pass (LA22 9LQ) is the Lake District's highest road pass at 1,489 feet. The views from the top are incredible, stretching across to Windermere in one direction and down to Ullswater in the other. The Kirkstone Pass Inn claims to be England's third highest pub and serves good hearty food. One visitor wrote: "Worth the drive just for the views - we could see for miles on a clear day and the photos were stunning."

Dalemain Mansion (CA11 0HB, open Sun-Thu 10:30am-4pm) is a beautiful historic house with medieval, Tudor and Georgian sections. The gardens are exceptional, particularly in spring when thousands of daffodils bloom. They host the World Marmalade Awards each year and you can buy the winning preserves in their shop. A recent visitor commented: "The house tour was fascinating but the gardens were the real highlight - we spent hours exploring all the different sections."

When is the best time to visit Ullswater?

Spring (April-May) offers daffodils, lighter crowds and moderate weather. Summer brings warmer temperatures for swimming but busier attractions. Autumn shows spectacular colours on the fells. Winter can be magical with snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake and your hot tub feels extra special in cold weather!

How do I get around Ullswater without a car?

The Ullswater Steamers connect Glenridding, Howtown and Pooley Bridge. The 508 bus runs between Penrith and Windermere via Pooley Bridge and Glenridding. Taxis are available but booking ahead is essential, especially in peak season.

Where's the best place to see wildlife around Ullswater?

Glencoyne Bay is excellent for red squirrels - early morning visits increase your chances. The RSPB reserve at Haweswater (30 minutes drive) has golden eagles. On the lake itself, look for otters at dawn near Sharrow Bay.

What's the best walk for non-hikers?

The Glenridding to Lanty's Tarn circular walk takes about 90 minutes and offers spectacular views without steep climbs. The path is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels.

Where can I buy groceries near Ullswater?

Pooley Bridge has a small Spar shop for essentials. Glenridding has a village store with local produce. For larger shops, Penrith (15 minutes from Pooley Bridge) has Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Booths supermarkets.

Is Ullswater suitable for swimming?

Yes, but be aware the water is cold year-round. Glencoyne Bay and Howtown Bay offer gentle entry points. Always check water conditions and never swim alone. After swimming, your cottage hot tub provides the perfect warming remedy!

1. Ullswater Steamers - Timetables and Tickets
2. Official Ullswater Way Walking Guide
3. National Trust - Aira Force Information