Elterwater cottages

Holidays in Elterwater

Largely untouched and much quieter than some of the busier Lakeland spots, Elterwater is a truly peaceful place. We have a large range of holiday cottages in and around the Elterwater area, spanning from retreats for two to big detached houses that sleep up to ten guests. No matter the size of the cottage, however, you can choose to make your trip extra special by booking one of our luxury properties in the area, which are perfect for a special occasion.

Elterwater is in the foothills of the Langdale Pikes and is also situated on many amazing walking routes, making it the perfect destination for a walking holiday. Nobody loves to walk more than a dog, so take a look at our pet-friendly cottages in Elterwater, where you can enjoy exploring the area with your four-legged family member.

Due to its central location within the Lake District National Park, Elterwater is a great base if you want to try and see as much as possible of this dramatic, breathtaking region as possible. Elterwater itself disguises a rich mining history beneath its unspoilt landscape, but the village still retains a thriving local community and has plenty of things to do. There are two local pubs, both ex-farm houses, in Elterwater, The Britannia Inn and the Eltermere Inn. Both pubs are dog friendly and serve a range of tasty treats throughout the day. If you really want to get involved in local life, why not play or watch a game of bowls at Elterwater Bowling Club, accessible via the Britannia Inn?

The name Elterwater comes from the Old Norse term for ‘lake of swans’ and whooper swans from Scandinavia are regular visitors during winter, so avid bird watchers may be interested in a festive break in Elterwater. Red kites and peregrine falcons are also known to fly above the area, so be sure to pack your binoculars!

Our local team highly recommend a number of walking routes around Elterwater that will help you see the best of this patch of the Lake District. One good walk is the Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge circular route, 4 miles following the river and Skelwith Falls then back to Elterwater, which is perfect for those who love a waterside stroll. To get to Langdale, follow the bridle pathway from Sawrey’s Wood from Elterwater to Little Langdale. At Little Langdale Tarn, you can start the climb up to Wrynose Pass, one of England’s steepest and an absolute must-try for seasoned hikers.

Once you've finished exploring Elterwater, why not book another holiday in one of our Grasmere or Chapel Stile cottages or one of our many other Lake District cottages to continue your Lakeland adventures?