A guide to holiday homes in the Lake District

Boasting some of the UK’s most stunning scenery – from barren grassland and snow-topped mountains to beautiful natural waterways – the Lake District is the perfect location for a holiday home.

Spanning than 1,500 square miles of breath-taking taking natural landscapes, the Lake District has no shortage of places to stay and things to do. It’s an ideal place to explore the great outdoors, reconnect with nature and enjoy some of the quaint towns, villages and countryside that make up Britain’s largest National Park.

With uncertainties around overseas travel prevailing and staycationing still high on many people’s agenda, there’s never been a better time to think about investing in a holiday home.

Whether you’re looking for a cosy bolthole to enjoy with friends or family, or a property you can let out to tourists and holidaymakers, the Lake District has plenty going for it.

Here, we take a closer look at some of the best places in the region to locate a holiday home and some of the things you need to consider.

Best locations for a Lake District Holiday Home

Several beautiful towns and villages are dotted around the Lake District, each with their own tradition, heritage and charm.

Ambleside is a beautiful town set in the middle of natural landscapes in the heart of the Lake District, making it an ideal destination for a rural escape.

Bowness is a romantic Lakeland town on the shores of Lake Windermere that’s surrounded by stunning Cumbrian countryside.

Coniston, meanwhile, is located on the banks of one of the region’s other most famous lakes and makes the perfect destination for an idyllic countryside escape.

Breath-taking natural views surround the picturesque village of Grasmere. Nestled deep in the Lake District’s countryside, Grasmere was the inspiration for many famous Lakeland poets, including William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey.

If you’re looking for a bit more hustle and bustle, the market towns of Kendal, Keswick and Penrith are all popular locations for a holiday home. They are all within easy access of the main roads through the Lake District, making them a great base from which to go out and explore.

And if coastal living is your thing, the charming resort of Ravenglass offers a tranquil atmosphere, overlooked by the stunning hills of the Lake District National Park.

Things to do in the Lake District

As one of the UK’s top tourist destinations, there’s a wealth of things to see and do in the Lake District.

There are plenty of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities, from high peaks and stunning countryside to picturesque Lakeland locations.

It offers some of the country’s most exhilarating walks and hikes, from simple scenic strolls suitable for children and elderly visitors right the way through to more challenging treks for seasoned hikers, including the impressive Catbells and the Borger Dalr Trail. For the real enthusiasts, why not tackle Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak, or the Cumbria Coastal Way?

If you’re looking for more leisurely activities, the World of Beatrix Potter Museum and the Coast Aquarium in Maryport make good days out for the whole family. So, too, do historical sites, including Lowther Castle, Kendall Castle and the beautiful Loughrigg Fell.

And no trip to the Lake District would be complete without experiencing a boat ride across the iconic lakes at Windermere, Derwentwater and Ullswater, or trying your hand at canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding on Coniston Water.

What sort of mortgage do I need to buy a holiday home in the Lake District?

If you’re looking to buy a holiday home in the Lake District, you’ll probably need a mortgage to make your dream a reality.

What you plan to use your holiday home for will determine the type of mortgage you’ll need.

Holiday home mortgages are for buyers looking to purchase properties intended only for personal use. So, if you’re interested in buying a second home in the Lake District to enjoy with your family and friends only, this type of mortgage will probably suit your needs.

However, if you plan to let your Lake District property out to tourists or holidaymakers on a short-term basis, then you’ll likely need a holiday let mortgage. These mortgages are specially designed for people wanting to borrow money to buy a property they plan to let out.

So, if you’re interested in buying a holiday home, understanding your options when it comes to the type of mortgage you need is essential.

Our expert team has over 40 years of experience in the holiday home market and is dedicated to taking the stress away from getting the right mortgage. We’ll provide honest, straightforward advice and guidance on the right way forward and help you arrange the deal that’s right for you to make your investment a Lake District holiday home as pain-free as possible.

For more information, get in touch today.