The Little Cottage | 2-Bedroom Cottage in Ambleside Elterwater

Ambleside sits at the gateway to England’s most dramatic mountain scenery, and The Little Cottage offers a rare combination: authentic village living within walking distance of restaurants, paired with direct access to over 3,100 kilometres of fell walking. This 2 bedroom cottage rental in Ambleside operates as a sophisticated hideaway for couples and families seeking immersion in the Lake District National Park without sacrificing contemporary comfort.

The Britannia Inn stands just 200 metres downhill from your door—a two-minute stroll that places dinner reservations within reach without the formality of a drive. Yet the cottage itself, positioned in the quieter village of Elterwater, maintains genuine seclusion. You’re not staying in a Lake District town; you’re staying in a working village where locals outnumber tourists and the evening light hits the surrounding peaks in shades of amber and rose.

Inside The Little Cottage

The Little Cottage sleeps 4 guests across 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with each space designed by interior architect Katharine Pooley to honour the building’s original character while delivering modern amenities.

Ground Floor: The open-plan living and dining room functions as the social hub, anchored by a wood-burning stove that radiates warmth across exposed stone. The kitchen sits adjacent, equipped with a full-sized range cooker, integrated appliances, and preparation surfaces that accommodate serious cooking. Smart TVs provide evening entertainment, though most guests find the view towards the fells requires no competition.

First Floor: The master bedroom features a king-size bed and adjoining luxury en-suite bathroom with shower and premium fixtures. The guest bedroom offers flexible configuration—set as a king-size double or twin singles depending on your party composition. Both bedrooms receive southern light and overlook the garden. A dedicated shower room serves the guest bedroom, so morning routines accommodate four people without bottlenecks.

Throughout The Little Cottage, you’ll find Wi-Fi, Smart TVs in the main living space, a washing machine and dryer for extended stays, hairdryers, an iron and ironing board, and a car charging point for electric vehicles. The cottage provides practical infrastructure without visible clutter—technology integrates seamlessly rather than dominates.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Beyond the cottage door, the garden reveals its best assets in stages. The hot tub occupies a sheltered corner, positioned to receive afternoon sun and framed by mature plantings that create acoustic privacy from neighbouring properties. Post-walk soaks here—muscles still cooling, peaks visible through the steam—constitute one of Lake District cottage life’s defining pleasures.

The garden accommodates al fresco dining year-round, with a functional barbecue for summer entertaining and a firepit for autumn evenings when the temperature drops and conversation deepens. Outdoor seating clusters the space into conversational zones. Parking for two cars sits adjacent to the cottage entrance; the rural location means vehicles remain essential for reaching Windermere’s eastern shore or exploring the high passes.

The immediate surroundings present views across open fields toward Elterwater village. You’re not overlooking a lake directly, but the landscape maintains that characteristic Lake District verticality—mountains rise rather than sprawl, creating the peculiar geography that makes every mile of walking feel geologically significant.

Location: Ambleside and the Surrounding Area

The Little Cottage occupies what serious Lake District visitors consider the sweet spot: positioned within the national park yet connected to Ambleside, the region’s cultural and practical hub, just 15 minutes by car southbound.

Immediate Surroundings: Elterwater village contains the Britannia Inn (200m away), a traditional pub-restaurant serving Lake District fare—game pies, locally-caught fish, and rotating seasonal menus. Chapel Stile, 2 kilometres south, hosts a village shop covering basic groceries and provisions. For comprehensive shopping, Ambleside’s Tesco Express and independent grocers on Rydal Road serve both casual visitors and long-stay guests. The town also supports a Saturday farmers market (May through October), specialist delis, outdoor equipment retailers, and approximately twenty restaurants ranging from Michelin-level establishments to family-friendly venues.

Named Destinations Within 30 Kilometres: Bowness-on-Windermere (25km south, 25-minute drive) functions as the Lake District’s visitor epicentre—boat hire launches from here daily, the Lake Windermere Steamboat Museum documents the region’s Victorian heritage, and the Bowness promenade hosts seasonal events. Grasmere (20km south-west, 20-minute drive) attracts literary pilgrims visiting William Wordsworth’s former home and landscape enthusiasts exploring the valley he immortalised in poetry. The village remains famous for Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread Shop, operating continuously since 1854 and worth the drive for both product and historical atmosphere. Keswick (19km north, 20-minute drive) serves as an alternative market town with independent bookshops, climbing equipment specialists, and restaurants catering to serious outdoor enthusiasts. Coniston (24km west, 25-minute drive) offers Coniston Water for sailing and swimming, plus the Ruskin Museum documenting local artistic and industrial heritage.

Cultural Attractions: The World of Beatrix Potter (Bowness-on-Windermere, 25km, 25-minute drive) reconstructs the author’s fictional universe in three-dimensional form—Mrs Tiggy-Winkle’s Kitchen, Peter Rabbit’s garden, Mr McGregor’s vegetable patch—engaging both children and adults familiar with the stories. The Lakes Aquarium (Bowness-on-Windermere, 25km) houses the UK’s largest collection of freshwater fish species, with interactive touch-pools and educational exhibits. The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway (34km south, 35-minute drive) operates vintage steam locomotives on a 5.6-kilometre route through the Leven Valley, connecting Lakeside station to Haverthwaite village—journeys take approximately one hour and depart daily during tourist season. Ambleside itself contains the Roman Fort remains and the Armitt Museum, documenting local geology, archaeology, and natural history.

Outdoor Activities: The Lake District National Park boundary commences immediately surrounding The Little Cottage. Elterwater itself sits beneath Great Langdale, where climbers access Langdale Pikes and hillwalkers begin 3-4 hour summit attempts. Catbells (north across Derwent Water) offers an accessible 4-kilometre fell walk with Lake District panoramas. The Whinlatter Forest, 15km north-west, provides mountain biking trails, Segway tours, and forest walking routes through native woodland. Windermere’s eastern shore supports kayak hire, paddleboard rental, and organized water sports. Cycling infrastructure includes the Lake District Cycling Network—the valley floors and lower passes remain accessible to casual cyclists, whilst experienced riders tackle passes including Dunmail Raise and Hardknott.

Seasonal Character: Spring (April-May) arrives with lambing season across the surrounding farms and native bluebells flowering in woodland. Summer (June-August) brings reliable daylight until 10 PM, ideal for evening hillwalking and al fresco dining, though visitor numbers peak during school holidays. Autumn (September-October) presents the optimal balance—cooler temperatures suit serious walking, the landscape transitions through ochre and burgundy, and accommodation becomes more available. Winter (November-March) transforms the higher peaks—snow appears regularly above 600 metres, creating dramatic Alpine scenery, though weather deterioration demands experienced hillwalking credentials.

Getting Here: Manchester Airport (106km south-east, approximately 90-minute drive via the M6 motorway) serves as the primary international gateway. Liverpool John Lennon Airport (136km south-west, 120-minute drive) provides an alternative for some routes. From either airport, the A591 northbound connects directly through Ambleside. Carlisle Airport (86km north, 70-minute drive) offers limited routes but reduced journey time for northern England approaches. Rail connections arrive at Windermere Station (17km south, 20-minute drive) on the branch line from Manchester Stockport, or Ambleside Coach Station receives National Express services from major UK cities.

Explore our full collection of luxury villas across Europe or discover more distinctive properties in the Lake District and surrounding regions.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Walking-Focused Couples: Two bedrooms mean no compromise on space; the hot tub and wood-burning stove facilitate recovery evenings. The positioning places high-level fell walking within 10-minute drives whilst maintaining walkable access to village dinner reservations.

Families with Secondary School Age Children: Four sleeping spaces accommodate two teenagers plus two adults without anyone doubling-up. Proximity to outdoor activities (climbing, cycling, kayaking) engages active adolescents. The hot tub functions as after-activity incentive. Absence of a swimming pool is offset by Windermere’s water sports infrastructure 20 minutes away.

Two-Couple Holidays: Separate bedrooms and bathrooms eliminate awkward morning sequencing. The configuration suits friends exploring together. The cottage’s entertainment setup—wood-burning stove, games, Wi-Fi—facilitates convivial evenings without forcing proximity.

Professional Remote Workers Requiring Downtime: Fast Wi-Fi and dedicated workspace allow four-day working weeks followed by three-day hill-country breaks. The village location provides isolation without feeling cut-off; the hot tub facilitates transition between work and leisure modes.

Winter Holiday Seekers: The wood-burning stove and full central heating make winter stays genuinely comfortable. Autumn/winter quiet, snow-covered peaks, and isolation from summer crowds appeal to guests seeking contemplative retreats rather than social seasons.

Practical Information

Capacity: The Little Cottage accommodates 4 guests maximum across 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. No additional sofa beds or annexes expand capacity.

Nearest Airport: Manchester Airport stands 106 kilometres south-east; journey time approximately 90 minutes via the M6 motorway and A591. Liverpool John Lennon Airport (136km south-west, 120 minutes) and Carlisle Airport (86km north, 70 minutes) provide alternatives depending on flight availability.

Nearest Supermarket: Tesco Express on Rydal Road, Ambleside (12km south, 15-minute drive). Chapel Stile village shop (2km south) stocks basic provisions for immediate needs.

Included in Rental: Wi-Fi and internet connectivity, full central heating, hot tub access (subject to terms and conditions), Smart TVs, all utensils and cookware, washing machine and dryer use, parking for 2 cars, hairdryers, iron and board, car charging point. Linen and towels are typically provided; confirm with the booking agent. The wood-burning stove operates seasonally (October-April); logs may require purchase or advance arrangement.

Check-in Flexibility: Standard check-in occurs at 3 PM; early arrival and late departure may be accommodated depending on booking calendar. Contact Excellence Luxury Villas directly to arrange variations.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Little Cottage

How many guests does The Little Cottage sleep?

The Little Cottage sleeps 4 guests across 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The master bedroom contains a king-size bed; the guest bedroom configures as either one king-size bed or two single beds depending on party composition. No additional sofa beds or fold-out mattresses supplement this capacity.

What is the nearest airport to The Little Cottage in Ambleside?

Manchester Airport sits 106 kilometres south-east of The Little Cottage; the drive takes approximately 90 minutes via the M6 motorway and A591 northbound. Liverpool John Lennon Airport (136km south-west, 120-minute drive) serves as an alternative for certain routes. Carlisle Airport (86km north, 70-minute drive) provides the shortest journey for visitors arriving from Scotland or northern England.

What is the best time of year to rent The Little Cottage?

Late April through May suits visitors prioritising predictable weather and active hillwalking; spring light extends into early evening. June through August deliver maximum daylight (sunset after 10 PM) but coincide with peak visitor numbers and highest prices. September and October present optimal conditions—cool temperatures suit serious walking, the landscape displays autumn colour, accommodation becomes more available, and visitor numbers decline. November through March require experience with winter fell conditions; snow frequently appears above 600 metres, creating dramatic Alpine scenery, but unpredictable weather, shortened daylight, and occasional access restrictions demand flexible planning.

Is The Little Cottage suitable for families with children?

The Little Cottage suits families with children aged approximately 8 and older. The absence of a swimming pool or dedicated children’s play area means families with younger children should confirm suitability based on individual requirements. The hot tub carries safety protocols (typically unsuitable for children under 6, with maximum time restrictions for others); inquire with the booking team regarding terms and conditions. Proximity to Windermere’s beaches (20-minute drive), the World of Beatrix Potter (25-minute drive), and the Lakes Aquarium (25-minute drive) provides age-appropriate entertainment. The open-plan living space and outdoor firepit create family gathering points. Cradles, high chairs, and other baby equipment may be available upon request; confirm during booking.

What is included in the rental price at The Little Cottage?

The rental price includes Wi-Fi internet, full central heating, Smart TV access, hot tub use (subject to specific terms and conditions), parking for 2 vehicles, electric car charging point, washing machine and dryer access, hairdryers, iron and ironing board, and all kitchen equipment including cookware, utensils, and serving pieces. Linen and towels are typically provided; confirm exact inclusions when booking. The wood-burning stove operates seasonally (October through April); wood supply arrangements vary—confirm availability and any associated costs before arrival. Cleaning is generally included in standard checkout; confirm the specific requirements.

What restaurants and shops are near The Little Cottage?

The Britannia Inn stands immediately adjacent to The Little Cottage, just 200 metres downhill—a 2-minute walk serving traditional Lake District cuisine. Chapel Stile village shop (2 kilometres south) stocks basic groceries and provisions. Ambleside’s Rydal Road (12 kilometres south, 15-minute drive) concentrates restaurants including fine dining, casual pizzerias, Indian and Thai cuisine, plus Tesco Express supermarket, independent grocers, and specialist delis. The Saturday farmers market (May through October) operates in Ambleside’s Market Hall, selling local produce, cheeses, bread, and prepared foods. Bowness-on-Windermere (25 kilometres south, 25-minute drive) expands dining options significantly and hosts Lakeside restaurants with waterfront seating. Keswick (19 kilometres north, 20-minute drive) offers climbing equipment retailers, independent bookshops, and restaurants serving the serious outdoor enthusiast community.