Whilst hotels, B&Bs and guest houses remain popular, many visitors choose self catering holidays in order to enjoy more freedom. Staying in self catering holiday cottages provides the opportunity to explore Cumbria and The Lake District like a local resident.
From traditional cottages in quiet villages or tourist hotspots, to larger homes in market towns such as Kendal, self catering accommodation allows visitors to explore at their own pace. The benefits include being able to enjoy local food shops, independent cafes and traditional pubs, and explore quiet walking routes.
Enjoy Greater Freedom
Unlike hotels or traditional accommodation with fixed schedules, self catering holiday homes allow guests to enjoy their break entirely on their own terms. There are no set meal times, busy communal areas or rushed mornings.
This flexibility is especially valuable when exploring an area as diverse as Cumbria. Days can begin early with a countryside walk, while others may be spent relaxing in a local village or town, enjoying scenic drives or simply unwinding in the surroundings. Visitors can come and go as they please without needing to organise their day around hotel check-ins, breakfast times or dinner bookings.
Guests can prepare meals using local Cumbrian produce, enjoy breakfast with countryside views or settle in for a cosy evening meal after a long day outdoors. This can be particularly helpful for families with children or larger groups.
Stay In Real Cumbria Communities
Many holiday homes are located in traditional villages, quiet countryside settings and historic towns where daily life continues throughout the year. Instead of staying in large hotel surrounded mainly by other visitors, guests can enjoy a more authentic appearance.
Staying in a self catering property also encourages visitors to support local businesses. Guests can choose to buy food from farm shops, visit independent restaurants or speak directly with local business owners for recommendations on places to visit. This often leads to discovering hidden beauty spots, quieter walking routes and attractions that may not appear in the usual travel guides. This local experience can become a memorable part of the trip.
Discover Hidden Areas Beyond Tourist Hotspots
One of the real advantages of self catering holidays in Cumbria is the chance to explore places that sit just outside the main visitor routes. Many holiday homes are located in smaller villages and rural settings where you can easily head straight out into the countryside without dealing with busy car parks or crowded attractions. From gentle valley walks to higher fell routes, there are endless opportunities to explore landscapes that feel more secluded and untouched.
Local knowledge also plays a big part in uncovering these hidden gems. Owners and local residents often point visitors towards quieter areas and these recommendations can lead to some of the most memorable parts of a trip. It often leads to discovering parts of Cumbria that feel more authentic and less commercialised.
Better Families & Groups
Instead of booking multiple rooms and dealing with separate schedules, everyone can stay under one roof and enjoy shared living areas where the holiday naturally comes together.
Having a fully equipped kitchen is a big advantage for group stays. There’s no need to organise restaurant bookings for every meal, and it also gives the option to enjoy quiet evenings in after a full day exploring the Lake District or surrounding countryside.
Many properties offer multiple bedrooms, lounges and outdoor areas where guests can relax without feeling cramped. This is ideal where grandparents, parents and children all need a comfortable balance of shared time and personal space.
Holiday homes can also be more cost effective for groups. Rather than paying for several hotel rooms, one larger property often provides better value while offering more facilities. This leaves more of the budget available for days out, activities and dining experiences across the region.
