Overview

Discover the perfect place for your next family celebration in the stunning beauty of Windermere, located in the Lake District National Park. The 5-star holiday house is excellent for large families, reunions, and special events. Whether planning a grand party for all ages or seeking a relaxing retreat for three generations, the majestic Orrest Head House offers everything you need for an unforgettable experience. Get ready to create special memories in this beautiful setting, where luxury and comfort blend seamlessly to make your stay exceptional.

Activities

Orrest Head House is a stunning property that has maintained its charm while embarking on a new chapter. The property features extensive gardens where children and adults can play freely and safely.

Additionally, Orrest Head House provides direct access to the National Trust footpath leading to the summit of Orrest Head. This footpath is one of the most exceptional short walks in the English Lake District and holds special significance for the renowned writer Alfred Wainwright, as it profoundly impacted his life.

Food

Enjoy the convenience of a fully equipped kitchen with all the utensils and crockery you need to prepare a delicious meal.

If you’re walking up Orrest Head from the Windermere Hotel side, you’ll come across a converted horsebox located to the rear of Steve Hicks Blacksmith, where you can enjoy great coffee from Blacksmith Coffee. It’s a locally-owned stop that would greatly appreciate your support.

For a unique experience, visit The Crafty Baa, located in the centre of Windermere. They offer an extensive range of craft beers and other drinks in a cosy and exciting atmosphere.

HomeGround Coffee House, located towards the bottom of the village next door to Sainsbury’s Local, makes the best coffee in Windermere and offers some fantastic food.

Accommodation

Orrest Head Cottage can accommodate up to six guests in three bedrooms. It is situated on private grounds and is shared with Orrest Head House. The cottage is ideal for dog walkers, offering direct access to the Orrest Head Walk. It is a detached property located within the grounds of Orrest Head House, providing easy access to one of the finest short walks in the Lake District.

The cottage’s ground floor comprises an entrance hall, living room with a T.V., kitchen/dining room equipped with an electric oven, electric hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, and shower room with a shower cubicle, toilet, and heated towel rail. On the first floor is a super kingsize bedroom, a single bedroom, a twin bedroom, and a bathroom with a shower over bath and toilet. Gas central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels, and Wi-Fi are included. A highchair is also available. The cottage features a patio area with a sitting-out area and garden furniture, shared grounds, a B.B.Q., and private parking for two cars.

Orrest Head House was built in 1672 and was one of the first houses in Birthwaite, which was Windermere’s original name before it was renamed after the arrival of the railway in the 1850s.

Orrest Head House accommodates up to 12 guests but can be combined with Orrest Head Cottage to sleep up to 17. The ground floor of the house features a living room with an open fire, T.V., and patio doors leading to the patio, a snug with a T.V., a kitchen/dining room with a breakfast area, twin fan oven, 7-ring burner, Range cooker, microwave, two fridge/freezers, wine fridge, and dishwasher, a utility room with a washer/dryer and storage for boots and coats, a bar, and two separate toilets. There are five large bedrooms on the first floor, all en suite. Bedroom one features a super kingsize sleigh bed and an en-suite with a Victorian-style bath, shower cubicle, toilet, and heated towel rail. Bedroom two features a kingsize bed and an en-suite with a shower cubicle, toilet, and heated towel rail. Bedroom three features a kingsize bed, a bath, and an en-suite with a shower cubicle, toilet, and heated towel rail. The bedroom has four features: zip and link twin beds that can be turned into a super kingsize bed on request, a single bed, and an en-suite with a shower cubicle, toilet, and heated towel rail. Bedroom 5 also features zip and link twin beds that can be turned into a super kingsize bed on request, a single bed, and an en-suite with a shower cubicle, toilet, and heated towel rail. Gas central heating (underfloor in the kitchen), electricity, bed linen, towels, and Wi-Fi are included. Initial fuel for the open fire is also included, with the remainder available locally. A travel cot and highchair are available. The house features a patio with a sitting-out area and garden furniture, a B.B.Q., extensive shared gardens, and private parking for ten cars.

Nearby

Located in the Lake District, the cottages are just a 15-minute from the famous Lake Windermere. The area offers numerous hiking and cycling routes, including the walk up to Orrest Head, named after the house. The village of Windermere, with its cafes, bars, and independent shops, is also accessible from the cottage, only 600 meters away.

For those seeking adventure, Windermere Canoe and Kayak is the perfect place to visit. Situated at the chain ferry crossing in Bowness-on-Windermere, they offer a variety of canoes, kayaks, and cycles for hire.

For a thrilling experience, Go Ape Grizdale in Grizedale Forest offers five unique activities suitable for all ages. The Treetop Challenge and Zip Trekking Adventure are perfect for adrenaline enthusiasts, while teenagers can opt for the Treetop Adventure Plus, and young explorers can embark on the Treetop Adventure. Alternatively, you can explore the Lake District’s finest sights on a Forest Segway, where you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of Coniston Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Lastly, don’t miss out on Windermere Lake Cruises, which offers spectacular voyages with magnificent views of mountain scenery, secluded bays, and wooded islands. No matter where you start your journey, whether it’s Bowness, Ambleside, or Lakeside, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.

Summary

Orrest Head Cottage and Orrest Head House are surrounded by two acres of private grounds and overlook a beautiful vegetable garden with Lake Windermere in the background. The cottages are near the path leading through Common Woods to Orrest Head, one of the most spectacular short walks in the Lake District, as recommended by Alfred Wainwright. They are only a few minutes’ walk from Windermere Village, making it a perfect location for a family-friendly holiday.