Property in the Lake District: Beauty Beyond the View
With dramatic scenery, timeless appeal, and a place among the UK’s most beautiful landscapes, property in the Lake District continues to captivate discerning buyers.
Despite being hundreds of miles from London, travel connections are good. The fastest trains from London Euston to Oxenholme or Penrith (the mainline stations serving the National Park) typically take about two hours and forty minutes to just over three hours (depending on service, time of day, and connections), with a short onward connection to towns such as Windermere.
From Manchester, direct trains to Oxenholme take around an hour to an hour and twenty minutes. For drivers, the nearby M6 motorway provides a major north–south route, convenient for reaching the area.
With so many attractive towns and villages, deciding where to focus your search for property in the Lake District can be challenging.
Below are some of the key locations our clients frequently ask about when considering a home or second home in the region.
Property around Windermere
Located at the heart of the National Park, the area surrounding Windermere reflects many of the qualities people associate with the Lake District, including lake views, leisure options, and village life.
Windermere is the largest natural lake in England and is fringed by pretty villages backed by striking mountain peaks.
A range of leisure activities are available locally, including seasonal options such as sailing and paddleboarding, as well as year-round walking routes. There is also a golf club, a yacht club, a motor boat club, and a marina village.
Bowness-on-Windermere is particularly popular with families and is home to The World of Beatrix Potter attraction. Much of the property in Bowness comprises detached homes, often set on quieter residential streets near the lake.
Homes in Hawkshead
Hawkshead is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque villages in the region. Known for its whitewashed cottages and historic charm, it is a popular choice for buyers searching for property in the Lake District.
Beatrix Potter once lived nearby, and a local gallery displays her sketches and manuscripts. Close by, Esthwaite Water offers excellent bird and wildlife watching and is well regarded for fishing.
To the south-west, Grizedale Forest provides mountain-biking trails and is the location of a Go Ape adventure course with zip wires and high ropes, making it appealing for active families and visitors alike.
Homes in Coniston
Set beneath the impressive Old Man of Coniston fell, Coniston is a lively village with a rich mining and boating heritage. The lake is known for sailing and for historic speed-record attempts and today offers peaceful cruises and paddle sports.
Coniston attracts those looking for a balance of amenities and quiet, with a village centre that includes shops, pubs, and cafés, and excellent access to fell walks and the Coniston Water shoreline.
Property ranges from traditional slate cottages to larger houses on the hillsides with lake or mountain views.
Second homes in Ambleside
At the northern tip of Windermere lies Ambleside, a small town combining good amenities with direct access to some of the National Park’s most scenic walking routes.
Many consider that the views over the lake and surrounding fells are striking in all seasons, making Ambleside an enduring favourite for those looking for a base that balances convenience with natural beauty.
Rydal Water and Grasmere Property
Further north of Ambleside, on the road to Keswick, lie Rydal Water and Grasmere. Many homes in this area enjoy a sense of privacy while remaining close to lakeside trails.
The area has strong literary connections with the poet William Wordsworth.
His former homes, Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, are highlights on many local walks.
Living in Grasmere
Grasmere is renowned for its charm and its famous gingerbread, still sold at the historic Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. Despite its small size, the village has a good mix of shops, pubs, and cafés, including the well-known Baldry’s Tea Room.
Traditional stone cottages and small period houses are typical, and the setting attracts those seeking a classic Lakeland home.
Homes around Ullswater
Ullswater is popular with visitors for water sports and fell-walking, offering both lake cruises and access to walking trails.
Nearby fells such as Dollywagon Pike, Helvellyn, and Place Fell offer challenging hikes, while the impressive Aira Force waterfall adds to the area’s appeal.
Villages including Patterdale, Pooley Bridge, and Glenridding each have everyday amenities, and the larger market town of Penrith provides a wider choice of shops and services.
Buyers will find a range of properties here, from traditional farmhouses to contemporary lakeside homes.
Homes in Glenridding
At the southern end of Ullswater, Glenridding is a popular base for walkers tackling Helvellyn and other high fells. The village itself offers a friendly community with cafés, pubs, and outdoor gear shops.
Properties include stone cottages in the village and hillside homes with views of the lake and surrounding peaks, ideal for those seeking an active lifestyle with access to some of the Lake District’s popular walking routes.
Homes in Pooley Bridge
Positioned at the northern end of Ullswater, Pooley Bridge has a lively riverside setting and a selection of pubs, restaurants, and small shops, making it another favourite for those seeking property in the Lake District.
The village is well connected by road to Penrith and the M6, making it a practical choice for those who need regular access beyond the National Park.
Homes here range from period stone houses to more modern family properties, many with views of the lake or surrounding countryside.
Property in Keswick and around Derwent Water
Derwent Water lies within the striking Borrowdale valley and is surrounded by excellent walking and climbing routes. Pretty villages such as Grange are dotted along its shores, and fells including Catbells and Maiden Moor are close by.
Keswick itself is a vibrant market town known for its outdoor equipment shops and lively weekly market. Just a short walk from the lake, it combines easy access to the countryside with a sociable atmosphere.
To the north-west of Keswick lies Bassenthwaite Lake. Its northern end and surrounding wetlands form a National Nature Reserve, creating a haven for wildlife and a peaceful setting for those seeking a quieter location.
Homes in Kendal
Although just outside the National Park boundary, Kendal is often considered the southern gateway to the Lake District. This historic market town offers a wider range of services, schools, and cultural amenities than many of the smaller villages.
Kendal’s mix of period stone terraces, Victorian villas, and contemporary developments appeals to those seeking the character of the Lakes alongside excellent connectivity for commuting or regular travel.
The town’s galleries, restaurants, and busy year-round events calendar add to its lifestyle appeal.
Off the beaten path
For those looking for true seclusion, there are smaller, quieter lakes such as Loweswater, where properties are often individual cottages or converted farmhouses with distant neighbours.
These areas offer high levels of privacy and a strong sense of immersion in nature, though prospective buyers should be mindful of access, winter road conditions, and local planning regulations.
Buying a property in the Lake District
It’s common for visitors to fall in love with the region and explore the idea of owning a property in the Lake District as a second home.
With a broad mix of property types, from stone cottages to modern lake-edge houses, and varying planning restrictions in the National Park, finding the right location and property can be complex.
Garrington’s consultants combine local market knowledge with property-search expertise to help clients identify areas that fit their lifestyle and requirements.
Whether you are seeking a lock-up-and-leave weekend retreat, a family home with rental potential, or a remote farmhouse, we can provide tailored advice and a full acquisition service.
If you are searching for a property in the Lake District and would like to learn more about our services, please contact us for a no-obligation discussion.
