Short Breaks Available
Gardener’s Bothy
Tucked away within the grounds of the historic Patterdale Estate on the shores of Ullswater, Gardener's Bothy is a beautifully converted retreat that effortlessly blends rustic character with snug, modern comfort. Originally an outbuilding serving the estate's remarkable heated glass-domed exotic garden — a feature of the magnificent Patterdale Hall — this charming bothy carries the quiet history of its horticultural past with real distinction. Today, a section of the original stone wall remains, now enclosing a glorious shared lawn garden complete with picnic benches, where guests can sit, breathe in the Lakeland air, and simply let the world slow down.
The Patterdale Estate itself has a rich and heartwarming story. In 1950, renowned philanthropist Rowland Lishman — a man of deep Christian faith and extraordinary generosity — purchased some 400 acres of estate land here in Patterdale, a place he had long treasured from childhood family holidays. He gifted the entire estate to YMCA North Tyneside, with a twofold wish: to preserve this exceptional corner of the Lake District, and to open its beauty to as many people as possible. That legacy lives on today, with every booking helping to support YMCA's vital work with vulnerable young people across the North East. When you stay at Gardener's Bothy, your holiday genuinely makes a difference.
Ideal for couples seeking a romantic escape or a lone traveller in search of a peaceful and well-equipped base, the Bothy offers everything you need and nothing you don't. The living space is warm and inviting, with a cosy two-seat sofa, a charming electric wood-burner-effect fire, and a dining table perfectly positioned to look out over the garden. The vaulted ceiling lends the interior a surprisingly spacious and characterful feel, while the clever mezzanine bedroom, nestled up in the roof space, adds a wonderfully intimate touch to your stay. Snug, stylish, and utterly cosy — guests are consistently delighted by how warm and welcoming the Bothy feels throughout the year.
Step outside and you'll find yourself in one of the most enviable positions in the Lake District. Glenridding and Patterdale villages are just a short stroll away, and the famous Ullswater Steamers pier is virtually on your doorstep — from here, you can sail the length of Ullswater to the magnificent Aira Force waterfall or northwards to the charming village of Pooley Bridge. Whether you're lacing up your hiking boots for the fells, cycling the lakeside trail, or simply boarding a steamer with a flask of something warm, adventure is always close at hand.
The Bothy's owners have thought carefully about the little things that truly elevate a stay. Guests are welcomed with complimentary tea and coffee from Pennington's of Kendal, Pure Lake bath products, and crisp bed linen and fluffy towels. A starter supply of dishwasher tablets and kitchen essentials means you can arrive and immediately feel at home. This is a place designed to be enjoyed fully — whether your idea of bliss is a windswept ridge walk followed by a hearty supper back at the Bothy, or a lazy morning with coffee and a book beneath the Velux sky window. Gardener's Bothy is, in the very best sense, a proper little gem.
Property Highlights
Dogs Permitted 
Pub within 1 Mile 
Beach within 1 Mile 
Garden / Patio 
Parking 
Dishwasher 
Hairdryer 
Wireless Internet Availability
(dates highlighted in green)
(dates highlighted in green)
inc 2% booking fee
Take a closer look at Gardener’s Bothy
- Kitchen: Compact and well-equipped kitchen with a tiled floor, wooden worktops, an electric stove and oven, a dishwasher, a fridge and freezer, a microwave, and a kettle and toaster. Wall-mounted fan heater.
- Shower Room: Accessed directly from the kitchen. Fully tiled with a walk-in shower cubicle (electric shower), basin, WC, electric heated towel rail, and wall-mounted fan heater.
- Living Area: Carpeted and welcoming with a two-seat sofa, coffee table, and dining table with two chairs set in front of the window overlooking the garden. Electric wood-burner-effect fire, Velux roof window, Freeview TV (not a Smart TV), and a Blu-ray DVD player.
- Bedroom: Situated on a mezzanine level within the vaulted roof space and a Velux window above, accessed via 12 carpeted steps. Please note that due to the restricted ceiling height at the mezzanine level, the comfortable mattress is positioned on a custom-made shallow bed base. Characterful and cosy.
- Outside: An immaculately kept shared garden with lush lawn, established shrubbery, and garden furniture — shared exclusively with guests staying in the adjacent Crock Boy's Bothy. Wonderfully private and beautifully maintained.
- Heating: The Bothy is fully electric and double-glazed throughout, with storage heaters and additional fan heaters. Guests consistently remark on how surprisingly warm and cosy the Bothy feels even in cooler months.
- Bedroom access: The bedroom is located on a mezzanine level, reached by 12 carpeted steps. Due to the vaulted ceiling, headroom is limited at the mezzanine level, and the mattress is positioned on the floor. Please consider this carefully if mobility is a concern.
- Television: The TV is a Freeview set (not a smart TV) and does not offer streaming services. A Blu-ray DVD player is provided.
- WiFi & mobile signal: Complimentary WiFi is provided. 5G mobile signal is available on most major networks in the area.
- Linen & toiletries: Bed linen and towels are provided. Pure Lake body wash is supplied for all guests.
- Welcome supplies: A starter pack is provided including tea and coffee from Penningtons Tea & Coffee of Kendal, dishwasher tablets, washing-up liquid, dishcloths, and tea towels.
- Dogs: One well-behaved dog is welcome for a small additional charge. Additional dogs may be considered by prior arrangement, subject to breed and size. Dogs are not permitted on the furniture.
- Parking: On-site parking is available within the Patterdale Estate.
- Check-in / Check-out: Please confirm arrival and departure times directly with the Patterdale Estate team at the time of booking.
- Booking with purpose: The Patterdale Estate is a wholly owned subsidiary of YMCA North Tyneside (Charity No: 1011495). Surplus income from every stay is gifted directly to support YMCA's charitable work with vulnerable young people in the North East.
About the location
The area is a paradise for walkers, with trails ranging from leisurely lakeside strolls to the exhilarating ascent of Helvellyn via the famous Striding Edge ridge — one of England's most celebrated mountain walks. Water sports enthusiasts will find paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing all readily available on Ullswater, whilst cyclists can explore the quiet lanes of the Eden Valley. For those seeking something a little more leisurely, the surrounding villages offer traditional Lakeland pubs, artisan galleries, and farm shops brimming with local produce. Whatever pace suits you, this corner of the Lake District rewards it generously.
Beyond the immediate valley, the broader Lake District National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — offers an almost inexhaustible wealth of experiences. The market town of Penrith, with its medieval castle ruins, bustling market, and excellent transport links, is a short drive away, as is the picturesque town of Keswick on the shores of Derwentwater. Guests looking to venture further afield will find the historic city of Carlisle and the charms of the Yorkshire Dales within comfortable reach. Crock Boy's Bothy places you at the very heart of one of England's most treasured landscapes.
Nearby Towns & Villages:
- Glenridding — On the doorstep (approx. 0.5 miles); Ullswater Steamers pier, pubs, cafés, and the gateway to Helvellyn.
- Patterdale — Approx. 1 mile; a charming and peaceful village with a traditional Lakeland inn.
- Pooley Bridge — Approx. 9 miles (or reachable by Ullswater Steamer); a picturesque village at the northern tip of Ullswater with a good range of shops and eateries.
- Penrith — Approx. 14 miles; a thriving market town with supermarkets, independent shops, a castle ruin, and excellent transport links including a mainline railway station.
- Ambleside — Approx. 16 miles; one of the Lake District's most popular towns, offering a wide range of restaurants, outdoor gear shops, galleries, and access to the southern lakes.
Reviews
Things to do nearby
Ullswater Steamers
Lake District Gyroplanes
Theatre by the Lake
Honister Mine – Via Ferrata Classic
Alpacaly Ever After
Lowther Castle & Gardens
Brockhole on Windermere
E-Bike Rentals
Windermere Lake Cruises
