There is still time to book a special Christmas or New Year holiday or short break in the Lake District and North Yorkshire. Herdwick Cottages have limited availability for the festive season for those who are getting around to planning a last-minute get away. More likely, you are already planning your Spring or Summer break. Now is a great time to get ahead of the crowd and book that special Lake District holiday cottage or North Yorkshire retreat. So, whether you are looking for a cosy open fire or log burner, walks on your doorstep, a pub within walking distance, or a place to bring your family pooch, we have a great choice of Lake District and North Yorkshire holiday accommodation.
Wishing You Heartfelt Herdwick Christmas Greetings
Arriving for Christmas at one of our cosy Herdwick holiday cottages in the Lake District or North Yorkshire? Or anticipating Christmas at home with your nearest and dearest? Whatever your plans, perhaps more than ever it is the time of year to snuggle in and focus on the important things in life. Family, friends, a good cup of coffee, time to read the novel that’s been gathering dust by the bedside, a walk in the countryside, a competitive family game of Monopoly, a candlelit dinner with someone you love.
No BAA-Humbug in our Office Flock
Adam, Terry, Maria, Chloe and Julie, our Herdwick Heroes, are enjoying the lead up to the festive season. This is the team that knows everything there is to know about booking a holiday cottage stay in the Lake District or North Yorkshire. They couldn’t wait to get their Christmas hats on and wish all our regular guests, new visitors, and holiday cottage hosts a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Meet One of Special Herdwick Hosts
Herdwick Cottages would not have the reputation for excellent Lake District and North Yorkshire holiday accommodation if it was not for our magnificent flock of Herdwick Hosts. These are the holiday cottage owners that are responsible for ensuring our guests have an unforgettable stay that is second to none in terms of comfort and amenities. They provide holiday cottages that are welcoming and sparklingly clean. Just great places to relax and have the best time.
Garth Cottage is a beautiful Lake District holiday cottage in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Herdwick Cottage is delighted to introduce Bev Holroyd, one of our Lake District holiday cottage hosts. She tells us a little about how she started out as a host and the joys of welcoming people to the Lake District.
Lake District or Yorkshire?
I’ve got the best of both worlds. I’m a Yorkshire lass, but if I had to live anywhere else the Lake District would be a close second!
How Long Have you been a Lake District Holiday Home Host?
I’ve been a holiday home host now for four years. It was never our plan to do this. David’s father who lived at Garth Cottage was approaching 80 and after 40 years in the Lake District wanted to relocate to Yorkshire to be nearer family. We could have sold up but we all felt so sad as we love Garth so much. A friend of ours suggested let it out as a holiday home, and after a lot of deliberation we decided to give it a go.
Home from Home Lake District Holiday Cottage
The house, although lovely, needed some updating. We had a tight budget to work with, so much of the renovation work was done by ourselves. We used to drive up after work each Friday and start work around 8pm finishing late on a Sunday and drive back in time to go to bed and start work again the next morning. It was 6 months of hard work but also great fun as we watched it all taking shape.
Our main objective was to provide a home from home experience. Although it may not be the most modern property, it is immaculately clean and comfortable with the comfiest beds and best linen and fluffy white towels. We like the extra touches like luxury toiletries (we use Bath House, refillable as we are conscious of our carbon footprint) and have everything of good quality. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you would expect to find.
Herdwick Holiday Cottages – a great find!
We previously used a different agent but found it became too big and impersonal. After a few comments from our guests we decided to find a local, more compatible partnership. We stumbled across Herdwick Cottages. Adam could not have been more helpful and continues to be so to both us as hosts and our guests alike. Nothing is too much trouble for him and his fantastic team, and we couldn’t be happier with the service we receive.
A special mention must also go to our wonderful housekeeper, Joanne, without whom Garth would not be as clean and organised as it is. Living so far away and working full time we completely rely on Joanne to make sure it’s left just as we would want to find it if we were guests.
Why do Guests keep returning to Garth Cottage?
As well as the location, our guest love all the extra little touches like our welcome hamper. At Christmas we decorate the house from the first week in December through to the New Year.
We do have had lots of returning guests and some absolutely brilliant reviews in our Visitor Book. It’s important to us that we always listen to feedback and continually strive to be as good as we possibly can be. That’s how we ended up partnering with Herdwick Cottages.
The holiday cottage is just a mile from the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere. It takes about 15 minutes to walk, and most of it can be done away from the main road. The gardens are lovely and there’s plenty of space to play, for families, dogs and barbecues in the summer. The cottage also enjoys an abundance of wildlife all year round.
We are so lucky to have had such lovely guests over these past four years and we strive to make sure that they have the best possible experience whilst staying at Garth Cottage. We welcome them all as friends old and new.
