There's nothing quite like arriving at your holiday cottage, popping open a bottle of bubbly, and spending the rest of the afternoon soaking your cares away in a toasty hot tub. If this sounds like absolute heaven, then why not look for lodges with hot tubs for your next weekend break? Even better, log cabins with hot tubs in the Lake District!
Glacial lakes, pretty market towns, and dramatic hillsides, you'll get to enjoy all these and more in the gorgeous Lake District National Park. Already dreaming of boat tours and mountain hikes? At Last Minute Cottages, we're big enthusiasts of spontaneous breaks. There's no need to spend hours planning every detail of your holiday when you could be at a gorgeous hot tub holiday lodge within the next couple of days!
With hundreds of beautiful homes dotted all around Cumbria, you'll be spoiled for choice. From dog-friendly cabins on holiday parks to open-plan luxury lodges with flat screens and en-suites, there's something for everyone. Of course, you'll also be treated to stunning views - made even better from the comfort of a private hot tub.
Best towns for a log cabin holiday in the Lake District
Choosing your favourite location in the Lake District is no easy task, so we've shared our top towns and villages in the area.
1. Grasmere
Best for: Discovering the history of the famous names who once lived here
While not the largest village in the Lake District, Grasmere still manages to pack plenty into its streets. Once the home of the famed 19th-century poet, William Wordsworth, he referred to this area as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”. If that doesn't make you want to see if for yourself, we're not sure what will!
If you do one thing: Visit the historic Wordsworth Grasmere, the former home of the famed poet.
Place to stay:22 Thirlmere is a cosy hot tub lodge just six miles from Grasmere
2. Windermere
Best for: Taking a steam train journey through the towns and valleys of the national park.A pretty town next to the popular Lake Windermere, you'll find plenty of opportunities for sightseeing here. Among the boutique shops there's a lovely choice of cafes and restaurants to refuel after a busy day of exploring the local area. The nearby village of Bowness-on-Windermere is also worth a visit, too! If you don't fancy wandering around by foot, you can take a scenic steam train ride through the valleys.
If you do one thing: Take a cruise along the mirror-like Lake Windermere with Windermere Lake Cruises - this is even a dog-friendly attraction!
Place to stay: Cedar Lodge is a large modern lodge situated in the Langdale area of White Cross Bay. It has its own private hot tub, positioned on the large decking area surrounding the lodge.
3. Keswick
Best for: Enjoying the local events taking place throughout the year
A lovely market town in the heart of the national park, Keswick is a popular destination among visitors. A hub of entertainment, there's always some kind of event going on in the town at any time of the year. For those who love getting out and about in nature, you'll find plenty of gorgeous woodland walks in the surrounding areas.
If you do one thing: Budding chefs should not miss the chance to brush up their culinary skills at the Keswick Cookery School!
Place to stay:Heathfield is a lovely two-bedroom cottage with a hot tub in Keswick.
4. Hawkshead
Best for: Exploring the nearby Grizedale Forest
Hawkshead is a historic village, just south from the popular town of Ambleside. Keen walkers will love the huge walking equipment shop within the village - just what you need to stock up on supplies before heading over to the nearby Grizedale Forest. Here, you can wander or cycle through acres of beautiful woodlands, with the dramatic peaks of the Lake District as a backdrop.
If you do one thing: Make a visit to Beatrix Potters' beautiful 17th-century farmhouse, Hill Top.
Place to stay: Shepherd's Cottage is a single-storey barn conversion in the pretty village of Hawkshead.
5. Coniston
Best for: Enjoying a steady climb to the top of The Old Man of Coniston
Yet another pretty village in the Lake District, Coniston is best known for The Old Man of Coniston - a dramatic peak that stands tall above the buildings. Many people enjoy trekking to its peak, but if you'd rather kick back and relax, you'll find plenty to keep you entertained in the village.
If you do one thing: See the sights from a unique Steam Yacht Gondola tour across the lake.
Place to stay:Tilberthwaite Farm Cottage is a cosy two-bedroom home close to the scenic Tarn Hows.
Best walks in the Lake District
Get out and about during your stay with these pretty walking routes around the Lake District.
1. Easedale Tarn
Location: Grasmere
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Just over five miles
Just two miles from the village of Grasmere, the Easedale Tarn is a small glacier lake. Renowned for the dramatic mountainous scenery that surrounds the tarn, it attracts many visitors throughout the year. In the summer months, pack a picnic bag and enjoy lunch by the lake.
2. Orrest Head
Location: Windermere
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Just under three miles
The Orrest Head Circular Walk from the town of Windermere will treat you to delightful views of the surrounding countryside. As you make your way around this well way-marked route, you'll wander through pretty woodlands before reaching the scenic summit.
3. Derwentwater Walk
Location: Keswick
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Ten miles
The Derwentwater Walk is a ten-mile route that consists of flat and easy pathways around the length of Derwentwater Lake. Often referred to as the 'Queen of the Lakes', you'll find a choice of picnic areas and cafes dotted around this popular lake. A must-see if you'll be stopping in the town of Keswick.
4. Tarn Hows
Location: Hawkshead
Difficulty: Medium
Walk length: Six miles
The Tarn Hows route will take you through open countryside and enchanting woodlands. A great choice for those visiting with dogs, there's so much to see along the way. A popular route in the summer months, we'd advise you to head out early in the morning if you prefer to avoid crowds!
5. The Coppermines Valley
Location: Coniston
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: Four and a half miles
Starting at the Coniston Tourist Information Centre, The Coppermines Valley walk will take you along the historic Elizabethan quarries of the Lake District. While maybe not as verdant as some of the others walks in the area, it's a unique insight into the history of the area.
Best sights in the Lake District
Looking to do a bit of sightseeing while away? Of course you are! Here's just a few of our favourite sights and attractions in the Lake District.
1. Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
Location: GrasmereFun fact: Tom Cruise has been spotted buying tins of gingerbread from here!
A visit to the Lake District isn't complete without a stop at the famed Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. Made using the same secret recipe from the mid 19th-century, this gingerbread is loved by foodies all around the world. After one bite you'll want to stock up on plenty of tasty treats to take home with you!
Pit-stop nearby: Visit The Jungle Room for a relaxed atmosphere and delicious menu crafted from fresh, local produce.
2. Brockhole
Location: Windermere
Fun fact: You can also arrive at Brockhole by boat!
Brockhole, or the Lake District National Park Authority Visitor Centre as it's formally known, has plenty to offer guests. The spacious grounds are often host to a range of events and fun activities throughout the year, including archery and mini golf. You can also hire boats and mountain bikes from the centre, so you can make the most of your gorgeous surroundings.
Pit-stop nearby: Stop by The Garden Shed for a tasty lunch or a much-needed cup of tea after walking the grounds of Brockhole.
3. The Lakes Distillery
Location: Keswick
Fun fact: The distillery also doubles-up as a non-profit alpaca rescue and farm!
Whisky fans won't want to miss a tour of The Lakes Distillery in Keswick. Wander through the beautiful Victorian farmstead, as you learn more about the process behind this renowned Lakes whisky. You'll also get to enjoy a tasting or two! The distillery isn't just for adults, though! Families can visit just to meet the resident alpacas.
Pit-stop nearby: Stop by The Pheasant in Bassenthwaite for tasty pub grub - it's just a five-minute drive away.
4. The World of Beatrix Potter
Location: Bowness-on-Windermere
Fun fact: A percentage of every admission ticket sold goes to six specially-selected charities
Whether you've got little ones in tow, or just love the classic tales of Peter Rabbit, be sure to make a stop at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere. An exciting day out for families, you'll get to see these beautiful stories come to life with wonderful displays and theatrical performances.
Pit-stop nearby: Treat yourself to an indulgent plate of waffles or pancakes at the nearby ChoccoBar Hot Chocolate House.
5. Brantwood
Location: Coniston
Fun fact: The house was once the home of John Ruskin, a famed 19th-century art critic
For a relaxed day out, visit the stunning gardens and estate of Brantwood. With 250 acres of magical woodlands and beautifully-maintained gardens, you can easily spend hours wandering through them. A must-see on those warm summer days!
Pit-stop nearby: Tuck into a hearty meal at The Coniston Inn, it's less than a ten-minute drive from the majestic gardens of Brantwood.
