Windermere Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Windermere Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Windermere offers fantastic sightseeing opportunities beyond just the lake. The World of Beatrix Potter (TripAdvisor score 4/5 from 4,800+ reviews) brings her characters to life through interactive exhibits. It's open daily 10am-5pm at Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3BX.

Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House (TripAdvisor 4.5/5 from 1,400+ reviews) showcases stunning architecture and gardens. Find it at Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3JT, open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm.

Don't miss Orrest Head (TripAdvisor 5/5 from 1,200+ reviews), a short walk from Windermere town with panoramic views that first inspired Alfred Wainwright's love of the Lakes. The path starts at Windermere train station and takes about 20 minutes to climb.

Wray Castle (TripAdvisor 4/5 from 2,100+ reviews) is a mock-Gothic castle with grounds perfect for picnics. Located at Low Wray, Ambleside LA22 0JA, it's open daily 10am-5pm from March to October.

Pet Friendly

Windermere is brilliant for dogs. Many cottages welcome pets - just check if there are extra fees or restrictions before booking. After a day's walking, your dog can join you in the hot tub area (though not in the water!).

The Crafty Baa (LA23 3BN) welcomes dogs and serves great local beers. The Flying Pig in Bowness (LA23 3DH) offers a dog menu with treats and "puppuccinos".

For walks, Cockshott Point has a dog-friendly beach area where they can splash in the lake. Queen Adelaide's Hill is a short woodland walk perfect for morning or evening toilet trips from your cottage.

I recommend bringing towels specifically for drying your dog - the Lake District's famous rainfall means muddy paws are guaranteed! Most cottages have outdoor taps for cleaning them before coming inside.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Windermere

Windermere Lake Cruises (LA23 3HQ) is the must-do activity. Their green and white boats have been operating since Victorian times. The full lake cruise takes 3 hours round trip, but you can hop on and off at Ambleside or Lakeside. Winter cruises offer a different perspective with snow-capped mountains reflected in the water. One visitor wrote: "Seeing the lake from the water gives you a completely different view of the landscape."

Hill Top Farm (LA22 0LF), Beatrix Potter's home, remains exactly as she left it. Her original illustrations sit next to the actual rooms that inspired them. The garden changes seasonally but always features vegetables and flowers mentioned in her books. Pre-booking is essential as they limit visitor numbers. A recent visitor noted: "It feels like Beatrix just stepped out for a moment - seeing her handwritten letters was incredible."

Holehird Gardens (LA23 1NP) is the home of the Lakeland Horticultural Society. These volunteer-maintained gardens cover 17 acres with national collections of hydrangeas, astilbes and ferns. Open daily dawn till dusk with free entry (donations welcome). The walled garden is spectacular in summer, while autumn brings incredible leaf colors. A TripAdvisor review states: "The view across Windermere from the terrace is worth the visit alone."

What's the best time to visit Windermere?

September offers the perfect balance - summer crowds have gone but weather remains mild enough to enjoy your hot tub. Water temperatures in the lake are at their warmest (around 16°C) after summer heating. Autumn colors peak in late October.

Can I swim in Windermere lake?

Yes! Wild swimming is popular at Millerground Bay and Rayrigg Meadow. The lake reaches 16-17°C in summer. Remember there are no lifeguards, so swim parallel to shore. After swimming, your cottage hot tub is perfect for warming up!

How do I get around without a car?

The 599 open-top bus runs every 20 minutes in summer between Bowness and Grasmere. Windermere train station connects to Oxenholme on the West Coast mainline. Mountain Goat Tours (015394 45161) offer minibus excursions to harder-to-reach spots.

Where can I get groceries delivered?

Booths supermarket (LA23 3DH) offers delivery within 10 miles. Alternatively, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Asda deliver to most cottages. For local produce, Low Sizergh Barn (LA8 8AE) sells farm-fresh goods including their own raw milk.

What should I pack for a hot tub cottage stay?

Extra towels specifically for hot tub use, flip-flops for walking between cottage and tub, plastic glasses for drinks (no glass near hot tubs!) and waterproof bags for phones. A torch is useful as many cottages are in dark rural locations.

Is Windermere suitable for non-walkers?

Absolutely! Lakeside attractions, boat trips and scenic drives like the Kirkstone Pass offer plenty for those who prefer not to hike. Many cottages have stunning views right from your hot tub, so you can enjoy the landscape without strenuous activity.

1. Lake District National Park Official Site
2. Windermere Lake Cruises Timetables
3. Cumbria Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves