Lake District Cottages, Cumbrian Cottages

Holiday Cottages: Lake District - Checklist and Booking

When booking cottages in the Lake District consider the following checklist and requirements:

What parking facilities, if any, do you need? What kind of location did you have in mind, and in what season - autumn, winter, spring or summer? Coniston cottages may be less appealing for some in the colder months when walking conditions are less than ideal, for example, and so such things need to be considered. Will you be eating in or out? Check to see if there are nearby pubs and restaurants, and/or cooking facilities in your cottage. Do you have young children? If so, are facilities like cots, high chairs, and a safe enclosed garden available? Access issues could also be important. Note the provision of ground floor access and disabled facilities if needed.

How many people will be staying in the cottage, and is there ample space available for those numbers? Is smoking allowed? Will you be requiring a TV and DVD player? Perhaps you had your heart set on a four poster bed for a romantic trip? If eating in will you need a microwave? Also check fuel facilities and whether this is inclusive in the price.

Cottages in the Lake District – Pets and Children

If you plan to bring your pet to the Lake District, first check to see if this is agreeable with the owner and if the layout of the cottage is suitable for dogs. Cottages situated on working farms are often unsuitable for pets, whereas cottages which state no children or pets are probably not suitably equipped for either. Some Ullswater cottages, or those around one of the other large lakes in the district, emphasise that they do not cater for children under a particular age.

Keswick Cottages - Lake District Pricing

Prices for holiday cottages in the Lake District vary according to high and low season, that is they are reliant on demand. When booking, be sure to ask the owners which weeks they define as high and low season and take into account the fact that some owners may be open to negotiation.

Low season varies but normally includes autumn, winter and spring, although be aware that prices will increase over prime holiday weeks such as Christmas, New Year, school half terms, and the Easter and May bank holidays. Low season means lower prices, quiet getaways and roads, and more affordable prices, meaning that you could book a cottage in low season for much less than you would pay in high season. High season can be vaguely defined as the summer months, and prices are approximately £100 more than in low season.

The following dates are an approximate guide to seasonal demand: High Season: 24-31 May (Spring Bank Holiday), 5 July, 30 August, 22 December, 5 January (Christmas/New Year) Mid Season: 12-26 April (Easter), 31 May, 5 July, 30 August, 27 September, 11 - 25 October. Low Season: 4 January - 12 April, 26 April, 24 May, 27 September, 11 October, 25 October, 22 December.

Cumbria Cottages – Lake District Accommodation Grading

When graded, self-catering holiday cottages in Cumbria and across the Lake District are now rated by a Tourist Board star system of 1 star to 5 stars. Grading standards do vary between English, Welsh and Scottish Tourist Boards, but a broad definition of grading standards can be taken as follows:

1 Star - Fair and Acceptable, Acceptable overall level of quality. Adequate provision of furniture, furnishings and fittings.

2 Stars - Good, Good overall level of quality. All units self-contained.

3 Stars - Very Good, Very good overall level of quality. Very good standard of maintenance and decoration. Ample space and good quality furniture. All double beds with access from both sides. Microwave.

4 Stars - Excellent. Excellent overall level of quality and attention to detail. Either access to washing machine and dryer, if not provided in the unit, or a 24 hour laundry service.

5 Stars -Exceptional, World-Class - Exceptional overall level of quality. High levels of fixtures and fittings, together with excellent standards of management efficiency and guest services. Excellent range of accessories and personal touches.

Ambleside Cottages, Lake District Self Catering Guide

Lake District cottages are well known for their excellence, but as an alternative, cottages in Yorkshire are also highly recommended. Regardless of where they are based, a number of cottages are independently accredited by self-catering associations which are independent of public and private sector tourist institutions. They have their own logos and associations insist that their members offer high standards of comfort, cleanliness, courtesy and efficiency.

If taking your pet to cottages in North West England, or cottages anywhere in the UK, do not allow them to go on the furniture and do not leave them alone in the property. Ask the owner for advice on local amenities and facilities. If you have any extra needs, queries or problems make sure that you speak to the owner - these are often easily rectified. Whether you'll be staying at holiday cottages in Devon, or in the Lake District, take out holiday insurance - premiums are low compared to holiday insurance abroad and cover risks such as loss of luggage, cancellation due to illness or family bereavement occurring just before or during your holiday.