Family holidays are meant to be relaxing, but they’re often not. Fixed meal times, cramped hotel rooms, too-late bedtimes for children and nowhere for adults to unwind (without the kids!) make things stressful pretty quickly.
So, what’s the key to a low-stress break with kids?
Read on to find out how Lake District self catering holidays help you say hello to more freedom over your schedule, extra space to spread out with all the comforts of home, and say goodbye to friction-filled family time.
Why Lake District self catering holidays are less stressful
The biggest stress reducer of choosing self-catering accommodation is the freedom to enjoy your holiday on your own terms.
Instead of planning your day around hotel meal times, worrying about disturbing neighbouring guests, or the kids running wild around shared spaces, you can settle into a home-from-home where family life feels easy and normal. Let’s unpick this in more detail:
More flexibility and less rushing
Every family has its own routine. Self-catering holiday cottages let you keep the routine you need while embracing the adventure. Such as:
- Enjoying breakfast whenever everyone wakes up.
- Return for lunch at a time that suits you.
- Eat dinner when everyone needs it – not when the restaurant has availability.
- Not worrying about kids getting up and moving about during meal times.
Space for everyone
After a day exploring the fells, lakes and villages of the Lake District, it’s good to have room to relax. Self catering cottages win here.
There’s room for relaxed meal prep, parents can unwind with a drink after the kids hit the hay, siblings can have their own bedrooms, and there’s no squeezing everyone into a single hotel room.
Bed and bathtimes can also be relaxed with separate bathrooms, and outside space can be enjoyed when kids are full of energy, but heading out isn’t on the agenda.
Good to know: Many of the cottages available through Fernwood Cottages are designed with comfort and practicality in mind, so family stays feel effortless.
Why Lake District Holiday cottages work so well for families with young children
Travelling with babies or younger children often means packing half the house and preparing for every eventuality. Staying in a holiday cottage can reduce the need for this. Here’s how:
Familiar routines can continue
- Bedtimes can stay the same
- Meals can be prepared that your kids will actually eat
- Bottle prep and warming are easy
- Young kids aren’t woken by hotel noise
Handle muddy adventures easily
The Lake District is made for exploring, whatever the weather. Self-catering accommodation makes it much easier to deal with:
- Muddy footwear
- Wet waterproofs and/or swimwear
- Extra changes of clothes
- Lots of laundry
Instead of worrying about making a mess and where everything will go in a cramped hotel room, a holiday cottage has designated spaces for everything.
Lake District self catering holidays vs hotels for families
If you’re deciding between a Lake District hotel and a holiday cottage, here’s how the two compare for family travel.
| Self-catering holiday cottage | Hotel stay |
| Flexible meal times | Fixed breakfast and dining hours |
| Separate bedrooms, living rooms, kitchen, and bathrooms | Often, one shared room |
| Homecooked, familiar meals | Eating out for most meals |
| Space to relax after bedtime | Limited evening space |
| More privacy and independence | Shared facilities and communal areas |
Small everyday conveniences make the biggest difference in reducing stress levels over the course of a holiday.
Making the most of family holidays in the Lake District
Staying somewhere comfortable makes it much easier to enjoy everything the Lake District has to offer without feeling like you’re constantly on the go. Here’s how to maximise your time in a holiday cottage whilst keeping things low stress.
- Enjoy slow mornings. There’s no pressure to rush out the door, so take your time over breakfast, plan the day’s adventure together and enjoy the slower pace that holidays should be about.
- Plan flexible days. One day, climb a fell. Next, discover family-friendly activities in the Lake District. Then explore charming villages and enjoy an ice cream by the lake on another. Mixing laid-back with more active time keeps everyone happy.
- Savour cosy evenings. Some of the best holiday memories happen in the low-key moments, such as family games, hot chocolate by the fire, and cooking together while enjoying a glass of wine.
Top tip: Don’t pressure yourself to fill every day with activities. The Lake District is just as enjoyable when you slow down and simply enjoy spending time together in nature.
How to choose the right Lake District holiday cottage for your family
Every family is different, so it’s worth considering what will make your stay feel as relaxing as possible.
Look for features such as:
- Plenty of living space for large families
- Family-sized kitchens with ample dining space
- Private parking or an allocated space
- Access to walking routes
- Nearby cafés, shops and attractions
- Outdoor seating or space
It’s provisions like these that can elevate your time away. Choosing accommodation that fits your family’s lifestyle makes the whole holiday feel a little easier.
Enjoy a relaxed Lake District self-catering holiday with Fernwood Cottages
The best family holidays in the Lake District mean making the most of quality time together. Choosing self-catering accommodation gives your family the space, flexibility and freedom to create a holiday that works around you.
If you’re ready to start planning your next escape, browse our Lake District self-catering properties or get in touch with our team to help find the perfect cottage for your family.
