Book directly with us
— up to 10% cheaper
than on Booking.com
The Cottage Windermere Exterior photoThe Cottage Windermere Exterior photoThe Cottage Windermere Exterior photo

THE COTTAGE, Windermere

•
8.7|Great
Check rooms and rates
From$206 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
01Nov
Check-out
02Nov
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

About the Hotel

Ellleray Road, Windermere
-
Steps from Windermere
Great
8.7
9.7
/10
4.3
/5

The Cottage: 4-Star Adults-Only Guest House in Windermere's Oldest House

The House

The Cottage is a 4-star adults-only guest house in Windermere's oldest house, built in the 1800s. The property sits in Windermere Village and has a shared lounge/TV area, outdoor furniture, and board games/puzzles. Free private parking is available with each room, and express check-in/check-out is included.

Rooms

Each room at The Cottage has an en suite shower room, a flat-screen TV, and a DVD player. Most rooms include a feature bed, and mini-fridges are available as custom room amenities. Accommodation options include Standard Double Rooms, King Rooms, Deluxe Double Rooms, and Twin Rooms with Bathroom.

Location

Windermere Train Station and Windermere Bus Station are both a 2-minute walk from The Cottage. Pubs and restaurants are on the doorstep, and Bowness-on-Windermere is a few minutes' drive away. The World of Beatrix Potter attraction is a few minutes' drive away, and Lake District National Park is nearby.

Breakfast

The Cottage is a room-only guest house that serves breakfast on site. The breakfast menu includes locally sourced breakfast options and vegetarian options, with service personalized to each guest's preferences. Guests can walk to the pubs, restaurants, and evening meal venues on the doorstep for dinner.

Services

The Cottage has express check-in/check-out, luggage storage, and a 24-hour security system with CCTV. Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are also in place. The shared lounge/TV area, outdoor furniture, and board games/puzzles are available to guests.

Highlights

History: Windermere's oldest house, built in the 1800s

Rooms: Feature beds, mini-fridges, en suite shower rooms

Location: 2-minute walk from Windermere Train and Bus stations

Parking: Free private parking with each room

Breakfast: Locally sourced breakfast options and vegetarian options

Adults Only: 4-star adults-only guest house

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the charming Orrest Head for breathtaking lakeland views.
  • Taste the famous Sticky Toffee Pudding at The Old School Room.
  • Explore the Windermere Jetty Museum for captivating boat history.
  • Stroll through the local Market in Ambleside on Thursdays.
  • Enjoy a scenic cruise on Windermere for stunning lake vistas.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Standard Single Room Shower
    2 persons
    8 m²
    1 Single bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Deluxe Double Room
    2 persons
    20 m²
    1 Queen-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Standard Double Attic Room Ensuite 2nd Floor no Lift
    2 persons
    18 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

View our calendar

Check prices and secure your dates today

Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Great
8.7/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Adults only
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Services

  • Housekeeping

Children

  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

The Cottage Location

Ellleray Road, Windermere
Map view
Nearby
5 High Street
High Street
160 m
Gallery
Thuline Studio
150 m
Gallery
Cook House Gallery
230 m
Gallery
North South Gallery
310 m
Church
Windermere Methodist church & District Foodbank
540 m
Restaurants
The Lamplighter Dining Rooms
60 m
High Street
The Greys Inn
10 m
Elleray Road Grey Walls Hotel
Grey Walls Restaurant
40 m
Elleray Road Grey Walls Hotel
Lamplighter Bar
160 m
The Oakthorpe Hotel
The Golden Mountain Chinese Restaurant
200 m
7 Victoria St
The Windermere Speakeasy
180 m
4 High Street
The Elleray Restaurant
210 m
2-6 Cross Street
The Queens Pub
140 m
Victoria Street
The Smith
250 m
Unit 1
Magic Wok
170 m
2A Crescent Road
Sugar&Spice Cafe and Bistro
200 m
11 Main Road
Explore Windermere
Explore Windermere
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Windermere Steamboat Museum
10 minutes walking
Historic steamboats showcasing the boating heritage of the Lake District. Unique outdoor displays and insights into steam technology.
Lake Windermere
25 minutes walking
The largest lake in England invites boat trips, scenic walks, and waterfront picnics, perfect for family fun and relaxation.
Orrest Head Viewpoint
20 minutes walking
Breathtaking views of Windermere and the surrounding fells. A rewarding hike that's ideal for sightseers and nature lovers.
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
25 minutes walking
A whimsical journey into Beatrix Potter's tales offers immersive exhibitions and gardens, great for families and story lovers.
Hiking at Orrest Head
20 minutes walking
Accessible hiking trails to stunning views, suitable for all levels. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking adventure.
Relaxation at the Spa at The Gaddum
5 minutes drive
Wellness treatments, including massages and yoga classes. Perfect for guests wanting to unwind and rejuvenate.
Water Sports at Lake Windermere
25 minutes walking
Canoeing, paddleboarding, and sailing available. Rentals and lessons are offered for both thrill-seekers and beginners.
The Greys Inn
1 minute walking
Traditional British pub with hearty dishes and local ales. A relaxed atmosphere suited for casual dining and gatherings.
The Lamplighter Dining Rooms
1 minute walking
Contemporary dining with a focus on local ingredients. Signature dishes include seasonal specials and gourmet desserts.
Lamplighter Bar
2 minutes walking
Casual bar with a wide selection of drinks and light bites. A friendly atmosphere ideal for unwinding after a day out.
The Old Laundry Theatre
20 minutes walking
Local theatre offering a variety of performances, from plays to live music events, suitable for all ages.
High Street Bars
2 minutes walking
Thriving nightlife scene with pubs and bars featuring live music events, perfect for both locals and visitors at night.
The Fun Factory Bowness
30 minutes walking
An indoor play area for families, featuring various attractions and games designed for children, great for family outings.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Windermere 2 min  ·  100 m
  • Airports
    Carlisle Lake District (CAX) 122 min  ·  80.8 km
    Blackpool International (BLK) 149 min  ·  98.9 km
  • Bus
    Bus stop 3 min  ·  200 m
Want to unlock exclusive early deals?
Access members-only prices today
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
10

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about The Cottage from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Cottage enjoys a superb location next to the Windermere Train Station, making it ideal for exploring the Lake District with convenient access to buses and within a short walk of various cafes, restaurants, pubs and supermarkets. Guests frequently praise the spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and the provision of amenities like kettles and even Japanese-style functioning toilets. On-site parking adds to the convenience. While breakfast is generally well-received, a few guests found it only average and some rooms could benefit from more thorough cleaning of the table surfaces.
Show more
Review score
Based on 5 verified reviews
8.6 /10
Great
100%
Recommend
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.1/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.4/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Efficient check-in
Comfortable bed
Excellent breakfast
Cons
Noisy neighbors
Guest reviews
based on 5 reviews
8.6/10
based on 827 reviews
8.7/10
John D from United Kingdom
Single
standard double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 19, 2026
9.3/10

was excellent!

attentive staff clean room varied breakfast
the staff was AMAZING, and they made sure i had everything i needed. my room was very clean. breakfast had many choices. i really enjoyed my stay.
the room was slightly smaller than i expected, but it was not really a problem.
Dining
9/10
the breakfast offered a good choice of items. the menu included several options, great for variety . staff were attentive to ensure everyone had drinks.
Location
10/10
the hotel has a convenient location near the village centre. this provides easy access to different restaurants. the bus and train stations are a short distance.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel provides free parking . the rooms are serviced daily, guaranteeing a tidy space. the hotel has a very cute atmosphere and helpful staff.
0 Helpful
|
Leo from Germany
Single
Standard Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 12, 2026
6/10
dust accumulation unresponsive remote
breakfast service met my expectations with its efficiency.
the room was not thoroughly cleaned. i noticed dust accumulation on the headboard. the television remote was unresponsive, it lacked fresh batteries.
0 Helpful
Reese from Canada
Single
Standard Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 08, 2026
9.3/10

Fantastic Stay!

spacious room great quality breakfast perfect location
I found the room was larger than I anticipated! The breakfast was great quality! It was served quickly! The location in town proved perfect. Everything was so accessible!
The parking area felt a little tight. Maneuvering required some care.
Rooms
9/10
My standard double room had ample space and felt very clean. The bed was very comfortable and provided great support, resulting in restful sleep. The room also included a modern television with multiple channels.
Location
9/10
The proximity to local attractions made exploring very simple. I found the train station and bus stops are located within easy walking distance. Many restaurants and shops are only a few minutes away too.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast featured various options! The quality looked quite high! Items included fresh fruit! Pastries looked delicious and tasted wonderful. The dining area felt clean and well maintained.
Service
10/10
The staff seemed very polite and always ready to help! Check-in was efficient. I experienced quick service. They were able to answer all my questions!
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Steve from United Kingdom
Couple
Deluxe Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 07, 2025
9.3/10

Really good Stay

ideal location transport access friendly service adequate storage
The location worked perfectly. It offered easy access to transport links. The breakfast was lovely. The lady serving breakfast seemed very friendly. The check-in was straightforward. The room looked very clean. Appliances were in working order. The room provided adequate storage space.
I found one towel with stains. The cleaner did not acknowledge my greeting the next day. The room was barely touched after the initial service. Only the bins were emptied. There were no other issues .
Location
9/10
The hotel is located very close to the bus and train station. Shops, bars, and restaurants can be reached within a short walk. This allows easy access to all main attractions and amenities.
Service
10/10
The lady serving breakfast seems helpful and entertaining. She ensured that every guest had a pleasant experience. The service was prompt and polite. All requests seemed addressed with a smile.
Rooms
9/10
The room was nicely furnished and decorated. It had a comfortable bed. The appliances inside the room were in good working order.
Facilities
9/10
On-site parking is available. This made arrival and departure very easy. The breakfast offered great choice. The check-in process was very easy. This added much convenience to my stay.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Christina from United States
Couple
Standard Double Room
3 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: August 28, 2025
9/10
complete privacy excellent location breakfast service
the room included a fridge which was a plus. i had complete privacy to come and go as i pleased because there isn't a reception. breakfast service was lovely, and the host was ready to help with getting around the area.. the location near the train station and the main road is excellent.
the room was a bit small, and i had to move the chair each time to open the wardrobe door.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Cottage
How far is The Cottage from Windermere Train and Bus stations?
The Cottage is just a 2-minute walk from Windermere Train and Bus stations.
What are some nearby attractions to The Cottage?
Nearby attractions include the World of Beatrix Potter attraction (3 km), Bowness-on-Windermere (2 km), and Orrest Head (1 km).
What amenities are available in the rooms at The Cottage?
Rooms at The Cottage include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and en suite shower rooms.
What dining options are available at The Cottage?
Breakfast featuring cold and cooked items, including vegetarian options, is served in the traditional dining room.
Is there free parking available at The Cottage?
Free private parking is available on-site for each room.
What time is check-in and check-out at The Cottage?
Check-in is after 16:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
What is the closest airport to The Cottage?
The Cottage is located 85 km from Carlisle Lake District Airport.
What is the distance from The Cottage to Bowness Bay?
The Cottage is approximately a 20-minute leisurely stroll to Bowness Bay.
What languages are spoken by the staff at The Cottage?
The staff at The Cottage primarily speaks English.
Are there any notable restaurants near The Cottage?
Nearby restaurants include The Queens Pub, Brown Sugar, and The Elleray Restaurant, all within 0.5 km.
What hotel type is The Cottage?
The Cottage is an adults-only guesthouse with a charming historical ambiance.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.