Looking for something a bit different for your Lake District holiday or short break?
The Lake District has a rapidly growing trend for unique and quirky holidays and short breaks. Couples and families work extremely hard throughout the year and want something a little bit different when it comes to planning their precious-little holiday time together. Often the dream is to get closer to nature, seek out a peaceful spot surrounded by bird song, the sound of a rushing river, dark sky gazing and a campfire singalong. Practically, how many of us have the camping equipment or the back-to-basics inclination to make this a reality?
That’s where Herdwick Cottages step in and make your dream a reality. Take your dream of camping to its logical conclusion and most of us would agree that probably Glamping is much more what we had in mind! A comfy bed. A functioning kitchen. Outdoor eating – with an actual table and chairs! Throw in a hot tub, or a wood-burning stove, and … now we’re talking.
Herdwick Cottages has a great selection of Lake District and Yorkshire Dales holiday accommodation with an unusual twist, amazing location, or an out-of-the-ordinary Wow factor. Here are a few of our favourite fun, quirky and cool glamping and lodges that will make your Lake District adventure one to remember.
Cook Al Fresco and Bathe Outdoors
The stresses and strains of work and life will simply evaporate as you arrive at this stunning private hideaway. The Hut @Rawsons gives you all the glories of camping, but the comfort of a luxury Lake District vacation. We promised you outdoor bathing and it comes in the form of a woodland bath with hot and cold running water. A warm outdoor candlelit bubble-infused bath – could there possibly be anything more romantic?
There are several parts to this quirky and unusual Lake District accommodation – The Hut, The Pod, an outdoor kitchen, upper and lower decking, outdoor bathtub and shower and an inside/outside flushing loo.
Enjoy luxury carpet beneath your feet in The Hut which is equipped with a wood burner (a wheelbarrow of logs included), comfy seating, and double French doors. Peel back the years and relax to the sound of vinyl records on the vintage hi fi system. Forget uncomfortable camping nights, The Pod has a beautiful comfy King-size bed complete with luxurious bedding. The windows all around are perfect for enjoying star gazing on clear Lake District nights.
When it comes to cooking, the outdoor kitchen is fully equipped with all mod cons – there’s even a coffee pod machine and milk frother. So never fear, you have plenty of scope for indulging your foodie fantasy, but there’s always beans on toast if you choose the authentic camping experience.
The Hut @Rawsons is designed for two people, but if you are travelling with friends or family, there is also The Room @Rawsons which again sleeps two.
Attached to the gable end of The Farmhouse, The Room @ Rawsons is beautifully decorated and the last word in comfort and style. We challenge you not to say ‘WOW’ when you walk through the double oak doors to the bathroom. This luxurious impeccably-designed space with large ceramic bath and huge separate walk-in shower would sit very comfortably on the pages of Country Living.
Both The Hut and The Room @ Rawsons are perfectly situated on a farmstead at the foot of Whitbarrow Scar. There is woodland all around with many walking and cycling trails right on the doorstep. Perfect for those of an adventurous spirit, or equally for those who want to do nothing more than soak in the delights of the surrounding countryside.
Bedroom Stargazing
The Honey Bee Shepherd’s Hut is as adorable as its name! Everything has been thought of in this beautifully designed Lake District getaway. There is no compromise when it comes to the comfort of your night’s sleep. The superbly comfortable king-sized bed is arched above with a glass roof. It will be a race to get to bed to enjoy Lake District dark sky star gazing.
Cosy in any weather, as well as the underfloor heating, The Hut has a raised log-burning stove, perfect if there’s a nip in the air. Another feature of The Hut is the patio with hot tub – a short hop from the warmth of the indoors and definitely worth the hop!
Perfectly placed just minutes from the centre of the popular village of Hawkshead, there are a myriad of outdoor activities as well as quaint shops, pubs and eateries within easy walking distance. So, park up, and enjoy your Lake District break at the pinnacle of glamping luxury.
Living the Vintage American Dream
The phenomenon of Airstream was Wally Byam’s dream – ‘to build a travel trailer that would move like a stream of air, be light enough to be towed by a car, and create first-class accommodation anywhere’.
Well, Dixie Airstream, an iconic 1957 American Airstream, may not be moving far these days, but we can promise you first-class accommodation! Indeed, the fact that it is permanently stationed between the villages of Ings and Staveley in the Lake District means that you have fresh running water, an electricity supply and a plumbed-in loo.
This is perfect Lake District accommodation for those who don’t want to toil over a stove whilst on holiday (and let’s face it, who does?) as it doesn’t have its own cooking facilities. The big plus is that it is within easy walking distance of some pretty amazing pubs and restaurants serving excellent food. The Airstream does have facilities for breakfast, snacks and that all-important morning cuppa.
With excellent Lake District walking and cycling routes close by in the Kentdale Valley and all over the Lake District, this is a great choice for those looking for outdoor adventure. Secure undercover storage for bikes comes as part of the package.
Woodland Paradise
Three lodges in a wonderful woodland paradise away from the madding crowd. Styhead Tarn Lodge and Dock Tarn Lodge each have their own character and personality. As far as quirky Lake District accommodation goes, all three are in an elevated position surrounded by trees, giving them a ‘treehouse’ vibe. Watch out for red squirrels, deer, birds and their woodland creatures.
Each lodge caters to four people, so it is perfect for Lake District family holidays. The added bonus is the communal leisure complex, with an indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and a table-tennis table.
Top of the World Views
A triplet of Lake District glamping pods on Whitbarrow Farm that will make you feel as though you are living on top of the world. It won’t be long before you are joining Julie Andrew in a chorus of ‘The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music’. Such is the magnificence of the views from Tui Pod, Kiwi Pod and Huia Pod. Blencathra, one of the Lake District iconic peaks is displayed in all its glory, along with the Pennine peaks.
These pods are perfect for cyclists as they are situated along the Coast 2 Coast route and secure bike storage is available.
Also on Whitbarrow Farm are a couple of caravans with a quirky treat – Cross Fell and Pennine View have the delight of outside bath tubs!
Which Quirky and Unusual Lake District Accommodation will you choose?
When it comes to glamping, check out Herdwick Cottages full range of glamping accommodations. Which one will you choose?
Look at our special offers page and start planning your Lake District holiday or short break now. Whether you are searching for a large family or group accommodation, cottages with hot tubs, dog-friendly properties or just a cosy retreat for two – there’s a Herdwick Cottage just right for you.
Join our Flock
We’d love to hear from holiday cottage owners in the area who would like to join our Herdwick flock. We don’t require a minimum amount of 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, just click the link, we’d love to chat with you.
