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.
A French Twist in the Fells
Tucked away in the peaceful village of Witherslack, L’Atelier is a bright and airy chalet for two that’s perfect for a relaxing countryside escape. With vaulted ceilings, a cosy log burner, and a stylish open-plan layout, it’s the ideal blend of comfort and simplicity.
Wake up to views over woodland and fields, enjoy breakfast on your private deck, or unwind by the shared fire pit as the sun sets. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, modern en-suite, and practical touches like parking, bike storage, and an EV charging point.
Just a short drive away, you’ll find the tranquil Foulshaw Moss, the historic Levens Hall, and the foodie haven of Cartmel, home to Michelin-starred L’Enclume. Peaceful, well-connected, and full of character, L’Atelier offers a charming twist on Lake District living.
Rustic Charm in a Cherry Orchard
Hidden within its own secluded cherry orchard near Windermere, Percy Shepherd’s Hut is a cosy, handcrafted retreat for two that blends rustic charm with modern comforts. Every detail has been designed by Cumbrian Shepherds Huts to create a “small but perfectly formed” getaway, with underfloor heating, an electric stove, and a king-sized bed, ensuring a cosy stay whatever the weather.
Enjoy breakfast in bed or a meal at the pop-up butler’s table, then step outside to your private orchard with wooden loungers and a fire pit for stargazing in peace and quiet. Percy also includes a smart TV, luxurious en-suite shower room, and practical touches like parking and access to a communal laundry.
Set on High Borrans Farm, just a 10-minute drive from Windermere, the hut is a perfect base for exploring the Lake District. Trails and footpaths are right on the doorstep, from gentle walks to fell-top adventures, while Ambleside, Grasmere, and Staveley are all within easy reach for sightseeing, dining, and cycling.
Countryside Charm on Underley Estate
Set in the heart of the Lune Valley near Kirkby Lonsdale, Underley Estate offers three delightful cottages, perfect for couples, families, or friends. The Old Laundry is a romantic retreat for two with open-plan living, a log burner, and a courtyard garden. Deer House sleeps four in two en-suite bedrooms, with a quirky octagonal layout, log burner, and enclosed garden. Bluebell Cottage blends country charm with modern comforts, including a clawfoot bath, log burner, and outdoor seating, also sleeping four and dog-friendly.
The estate provides 1.5 miles of private River Lune access for fly fishing, woodland walks, and clay pigeon shooting, alongside easy access to Kirkby Lonsdale and both the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. Food hampers can be added to make your stay extra special, making Underley Estate a perfect base for a peaceful, adventurous, or indulgent countryside escape.
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.
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.
