The team at Herdwick Cottages is passionate about where we live and what we do. We are uniquely placed to provide a perfect match between visitors to our beautiful Lake District National Park and surrounding areas and the vast array of self-catering holiday accommodations available.
So, whether you are seeking a romantic getaway in the heart of the Lake District and are thinking cottage with a hot tub and wood-burning stove please, or you are a large group of family and friends needing a substantial house with outside space and spectacular views, we have a match for you. Not forgetting your family’s four-legged members, we specialise in providing a welcoming home in the Lake District for your beloved pets.
Why Herdwick?
The Herdwick is an iconic Lakeland breed of sheep which has helped shape the culture and terrain of the Lake District. The Lake District National Park would not be the same without them. Indeed, these little sheep and how they are farmed were used as solid evidence in the Lake District’s successful bid for Unesco World Heritage status. We think they are pretty cute as well! They graze high on the Lakeland hills, delightfully oblivious that they are enjoying some of the best views in the world.
Local resident and writer Harry Griffin said,
More than the old drystone walls that quarter the fells, the packhorse bridges or the whitewashed farmsteads, the little grey Herdwick sheep typify the Lakeland.
Herdwick Cottages reflects the fact that we are a team of local people. We, too, are part of the landscape with several lifetimes of local knowledge and a passion for sharing that with visitors to the Lake District and the equally stunning surrounding areas. We differ from the sheep in that we are acutely aware of the natural beauty of where we live and can point you in the right direction for a perfect holiday getaway in the Lake District and some of our favourite surrounding villages and towns.
On your next holiday or short break in the Lake District, look out for these sweet-faced local sheep with their upturned noses, smiley mouth and sticky-out ears.
Meet our Holiday Home Office Flock
The team at Herdwick Cottages is connected by a strong sense of place, and respect for each other and the people we serve. We are locals living and working in the Lake District. We love what we do, and we love where we live. When you like something this much, it is natural to want to show it off and share it with others.
Herdwick Cottages was the vision of its founders, Adam Stephenson and Terry Knipe. Adam and Terry started the company in 2018. Adam came from a hospitality management and recruitment background and noticed a niche in the market that the company could excel.
Terry is our man zipping around the lakes and dales in our Herdwick Travel transporter. Lookout for the Herwick Travel van, and Terry will be driving. Always out and about with a purpose.
Maria, our General Manager, has over thirty-five years of experience in hospitality, specialising in reservation management. Her knowledge of holidays and short breaks in the Lake District knows no bounds. Want to get around the area without a car? Maria will cite the bus number you should take. Are you looking for recommendations for restaurants with gluten-free and dairy-free menus? Maria knows all the top spots.
Shunning the bright lights of city university life, Chloe has opted to remain in the place she loves, home in the rural market town of Kendal. She is studying business administration at the local college on day release, and the rest of the time is very much involved in supporting our holiday cottage owners and visitors to the area.
Our Lake District Holiday and Short Break Accommodation
The team at Herdwick Cottages recognises that everyone is different, with specific likes and dislikes, different interests, and vastly different requirements. Not everybody would put climbing Scafell, the highest mountain in England, at the top of their ‘must do’ list, but some people would. Adrenalin seekers may not thank you for a cottage with a hot tub when they could be high on a Lake District mountainside quarry crossing a rope bridge. Quaint village shoppers and coffee shop stoppers probably don’t want to be too far from the bustle of village life. Pets don’t want to be where they are not welcome.
That’s where Herdwick Cottages excel. We have a place that will suit your preferences, accommodation style, holiday plans and itineraries. All our Lake District holiday accommodation and short break accommodation is carefully chosen to ensure a high level of character and comfort, but outside of that, there is a plethora of choices to suit your specific needs. You may be glamping friends, a golfing fraternity, a family with small children who would love to stay on a farm, or a couple looking for a Lake District honeymoon destination. Whatever your best dream holiday, Herdwick Cottages have got a welcoming destination right for you.
What’s on in October and November in The Lake District
Autumn is a fantastic time to experience the Lake District and surrounding areas. The trees, mountains and hills are not quite ready to embrace the chillier days of winter, and in a magnificent show of kaleidoscopic colour, we see them in all their glory. So, if you want to take time and kick the leaves, now is a great opportunity.
There are also lots of activities that are reasons to visit at this time of year. We’ve got a few suggestions below…
Comic Art Festival
The Lakes International Comic Art Festival brings creative contributors from around the globe. There’s a vast selection of artists and publishers in Bowness-on-Windermere, right in the heart of the Lake District National Park. There will be guest speakers from comic art creators, family-friendly activities and workshops. Be prepared to be transported by superheroes to other worlds where you will meet fantastical creatures, crime fighters, and much more.
Dates for your Diary: 11th – 13th October
Kendal Wool Gathering
Keeping with our local Herdwick flocks, the Kendal Wool Gathering festival is a celebration of all things related to the world of wool. Taking place in the historic Kendal Town Hall, there will be colourful exhibits, demonstrations, intricate artwork, patterns, spinning wheels, hand-made garments, tools, accessories, and everything you need to start your own journey in the wool craft.
Dates for your Diary: 29th and 30th October
Holker Winter Markets
Great days out for the family in preparation for the festive season. There’s a plethora of crafts and hand-made produce, food and drink, entertainment and a lively atmosphere. Holker Hall estate dates back to the 16th century, and the magnificent gardens on the estate are particularly worth a visit. Entry to Holker Winter Market includes parking, access to the markets, the gardens and hall, with children under 12 admitted free. A great place to start your Christmas shopping!
Dates for your Diary: 4th – 6th November
Kendal Mountain Festival
Kendal Mountain Festival has a full programme of speakers celebrating the world of climbing and mountaineering. Established as a mountaineering film festival over forty years ago, today it attracts experienced mountaineers, climbers, skiers and paddlers from around the world. Indeed, their vision is ‘to inspire more people to explore, respect and represent mountains, wilderness and their cultures’ – even more relevant today than ever.
The festival features over 150 speakers, world film premieres, 12 adventure sports events, a 10k trail run, a photography competition, family adventure film sessions and lots of opportunities for socialising. What better time to find a little inspiration from the mountains and wilderness?
Dates for your Diary: 17th – 20th November
Dickensian Christmas Festival
In it’s 21st year, Ulverston’s Dickensian Christmas Festival is one of the most popular festivals of its kind in the country. The cobbled-street market town of Ulverston travels back to the Dickensian era and celebrates with this FREE costume-clad event. There are market stalls, specialist shops, children’s events, costume competitions, horse drawn carriages, a traditional fairground with helter skelter, food and drink, live music and a grand parade around the town. A perfect way to prepare for your own traditional Christmas.
Dates for your Diary: 26th and 27th November
Just say ‘BAA’ for 10% Off!
Herdwick Cottages offers an exclusive promotion for any stay during October and November. Just type ‘BAA’ as your promotional code to receive your 10% off discount on our properties. Type BAA in the promo code section.
Join our Flock
We’d love to hear from holiday cottage owners in the area who want to join our Herdwick flock. We don’t require a minimum availability – we will work with your schedule, either exclusively or non-exclusively. Low commission fees and no annual fees, set up fees or hidden costs.
If this sounds interesting, we’d love to chat with you.
