Complement your stay with one of the bespoke services on offer* (*see Visitors' Notes). Please contact us to discuss your personal needs, availability and prices.
Five Star opulence on Ullswater, Waternook Estate is quite simply outstanding and luxurious in every way. Recently rated ‘Top 3 in England’ by VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, Waternook is probably the most prestigious self-catering experience with luxury concierge services in the British Isles.
Exclusively yours, this magnificent private estate comprises two luxury 17th Century properties: Waternook, sleeping 12, and The Great Barn, sleeping six.
The residences occupy a sublime, secluded setting within 26 acres of private grounds with ½ mile of lake shoreline, commanding simply breathtaking uninterrupted panoramic views of Ullswater and the surrounding mountains.
Both properties have been rated ‘Top 3 in England’ by VisitEngland Awards for Excellence’ in 2017, Top 50 Best Cottages in the UK and No.1 in The Lake District’ by The Times and ‘Top 12 party pads’ by The Sunday Times. Rated Visit England 5 Star Gold, they won the 2016 Cumbria Tourism Awards as well as being featured on ITV’s This Morning and Lorraine.
Exclusive use of the estate includes these highlights: boathouse and jetty; private cinema; Spa and Wellness Sanctuary featuring a Laconium and bar leading out onto an infinity terrace with hot tub and views over Ullswater; function suite with minstrel’s gallery in The Lake Room, perfect to indulge your special celebration, intimate wedding reception or luxury conference; and fully fitted outdoor kitchen and barbecue terrace.
Now leave aside the ‘million dollar views and setting’ for a moment and stroll through Waternook and The Great Barn – their sleek sophisticated interior styling and perfectionist attention to detail ensures that these luxury self-catering homes will inspire even the most discerning guest.
Whether you are celebrating a happy event, searching for the perfect setting for an intimate wedding reception or just spending time with your favourite people, here is a magical treat delivering sheer luxury and matching your high expectations.
To complement your stay, the luxury self-catering accommodation offers an array of luxury concierge services. These range from private chefs and butlers to beauty treatments, personalised yoga lessons, sailing lessons and helicopter tours. In fact, Waternook is only too happy to help source your perfect activity or interest.
Your four legged friends are well catered for too – two extremely well-behaved dogs are allowed in each property and dog beds can also be provided upon request.
Surrounded by stunning Lakeland fells, which are ideal for walking, Waternook Estate is set amongst some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll find in England. It is the perfect retreat for a relaxing get away and, for those thrill seekers looking for the next adrenalin rush, the perfect playground for adventure!
Nestled on the side of Hallin Fell there is an abundance of stunning walks to enjoy direct from your front door. If you would rather embark on your own Swallows and Amazons adventure there is a lot of Ullswater to explore and kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, motor boats and RYA sailing lessons can be arranged at the Ullswater Yacht Club. Waternook Estate are also only too happy to arrange for private fishing tuition from one of the local qualified instructors.
For a day out with a difference, board one of the Ullswater Steamers which sail all year round and experience Ullswater in a completely different light. You can hop on at Howtown (just a short walk from Waternook) and trip around the lake jumping on and off at various locations including Glenridding, Aira Force and Pooley Bridge. From Glenridding you can take on the challenging trek leading up Helvellyn to Striding and Swirral Edges. Aira Force Waterfall boasts spectacular walks through the woodlands trailing alongside the rushing rapids.
Ullswater is one of many wonderful places in the Lake District offering visitors an experience that will be truly memorable. Unspoilt, untamed and bursting with everything the Lake District has to offer, it is a place that is relatively untouched by tourism and a place that offers a complete escape from our daily lives.
However you decide to enjoy your stay, you are certainly spoilt for choice, and there is certainly no finer place to escape to than Waternook Estate for a memorable experience.
OUR TOP 12 ULLSWATER ACTIVITIES
Ullswater is much more than scenic views and tasty teas around the lake – it’s all-action! You can click here to read our blog post ’Top 12 Ullswater Activities’.
AROUND WATERNOOK
The most popular pastime whilst at Waternook Estate is simply gazing out across the lake at the stunning Lakeland scenery, as William Wordsworth may have once enjoyed while composing the famous romantic poem, Daffodils. You might also like to stroll through the beautiful Lake District countryside that inspired Beatrix Potter to write her children’s books.
Waternook estate boasts a private jetty and boathouse and there are 26 acres of gardens and grounds with half a mile of lake shore where you may wander at leisure.
Ullswater is thought by many to be the most beautiful of all the lakes in the English Lake District, a serpentine body of water snaking a nine mile course under the lea of magnificent fells, woodland and mountain. Much of the lake, its shore and surrounding fells are accessible for visitors to explore, where you will find some of the finest walks and water activities, along with the amenities of the lakeside villages.
The area is excellent for either touring or relaxing and there are many walks from Waternook including Hallin Fell, towering above and behind Waternook. One of the best walks in the National Park is the trail that runs along the eastern shores of Ullswater. Experience this inspirational walk straight from Waternook, dominated by Place Fell, St Sunday Cragg, and Fairfield. (distance 7 miles).You will be able to ramble all day with a magnificent view always in your sight. For the return journey, board the steamboat from Glenridding to Howtown.
At the southern end of the Lake you will find Glenridding, a popular little village and an excellent base to explore plentiful challenging peaks but especially Helvellyn via Striding Edge – a long ambitious walk (8 miles + elevation change).
A gentler walk is Aira Force, probably the most famous of the Lake District waterfalls. The main force falls some 70ft below a stone footbridge – so don’t forget your camera. There are many walks of varying length here, the link following the 1 mile circular route up to the waterfall and back.
Pooley Bridge is a picturesque village at the northern most point of the lake and only 4 miles from Waternook; from here you can visit the wonderful market towns of Penrith and Keswick.
Getting on the water is easy especially from Waternook, with over half a mile of your very own Lake frontage! You can take a boat cruise on one of the five beautiful steamers in the Ullswater Steamer fleet. They run the boats from Glenridding, with piers also at Pooley Bridge, Aira Force and Howtown. It’s a great way to see the lake from a different perspective and well worth taking a camera.
Boat hire is readily available, where you have a varied selection of craft on offer including kayaks, sailing boats and little motorboats, along with hire of fishing tackle and licenses.
Further afield you have Keswick, the main town of the north lakes – a bustling market town set between the peaks of Skiddaw and the gentle beauty of Derwentwater. An all year round town there are good shops, a host of restaurants and cafes, along with museums, a theatre, cinema and leisure centre. The market towns of Penrith and Alston lie to the North West on the edge of the Eden Valley and are well worth a visit.
Back south, leaving Patterdale, you take the Kirkstone Pass which winds its way through high fell and brings you down to the south lakes and Windermere.
All in all there is a much to see and do, both around the lake and nearby areas, towns and villages where to get the best from your visit it is well worth investing in a few good guides and maps.
DRIVES
Kirkstone Pass from Patterdale to Ambleside is justifiably famous as a driving route and the Lakeland’s highest pass open to motor traffic.
The Honister Pass is a beautiful journey linking Keswick and Derwentwater with Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater.
ACTIVITIES
For the more adventurous guest there are a variety of outdoor activities to try out including pony trekking, mountain biking, sailing, paragliding and many more. Waternook’s concierge service is able to make arrangements for all of these activities.
CASTLES, HOUSES & GARDENS
Acorn Bank, National Trust Garden and Watermill (14.5 miles).
Hutton in the Forest House and gardens (15.5 miles).
Dalemain House, Gardens and Estate & Tea Room (6.5 miles).
Lowther Castle & Gardens and Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre (8.3 miles).
Appleby Castle, Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland (21 miles) dates back to the 11th century with an impressive Norman Keep and earthworks. The Great Hall has some fine paintings. The walled gardens, children’s play area and tea rooms cater to a variety of interests. Open 10am – 5pm from April – October.
Levens Hall historic house and gardens (41 miles) – a bit farther afield, but definitely worth the journey.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
The Rheged Centre, Penrith (8.5 miles) – indoor soft play area, pottery painting, castle themed outdoor playground, large 3D cinema screen, collection of shops featuring local crafts, produce & restaurants.
Penrith Leisure Centre & Eden Climbing Wall, Penrith Leisure Centre, Penrith (9.2 miles) – Eden Climbing wall, gym, 25 meter indoor pool, 13 meter indoor learner pool, indoor bowls. Pay by activity available (no fixed membership necessary & very reasonable prices for activities). Please call to check times and activities.
Crafty Monkeys, 3 Corney Square, Penrith (10 miles). This is a welcoming pottery and crafts studio in the middle of Penrith which has a range of great activities for kids and adults including pottery wheels, pottery painting, glass painting, mosaic making, build a bear, plant pot painting.
Langwathby railway station (13 miles) is a stop on the Settle-Carlisle Railway, which is one of the most beautiful railway journeys in Britain. The line covers 70 miles of tracks with 20 major sandstone viaducts (including one 90 feet high at Ormonside) spanning various ravines and 14 tunnels. The railway offers service throughout the day with a number of small stops enroute and has periodic steam engine trips.
The Puzzling Place, Keswick (20 miles).
The Pencil Museum, Southey Works, Keswick (21 miles), home to the world’s longest colour pencil, which is nearly eight metres tall! Learn all about the history of pencil as well as taking part in creative workshops, discovering the Secret Pencil Exhibition and escape to the Kids Art Studio while the adults relax and have a cuppa and a sticky bun at the riverside location.
The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness on Windermere (26 miles).
Whinlatter Forest, near Keswick (25 miles). Attractions include a Go Ape! high ropes course, mountain bike rental from Cyclewise – there are some great cycle trails through the woods, walking trails and a woodland based playground which connects via the trees to nine different play areas including stream based play and a great low level climbing wall.
EVENTS
FEBRUARY
Keswick Film Festival, Keswick (20 miles).
MARCH
Words by the Water Festival of Words & Ideas, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick (21.5 miles).
World’s Original Marmalade Festival, Dalemain (6.5 miles).
APRIL
Pirelli Carlisle Rally, Carlisle (29 miles).
Ullswater Daff Fest.
Ullswater Yacht Club annual Daffodil Regatta.
MAY
Melmerby May Day Festival, Melmerby (17 miles).
Langwathby May Day Festival (13 miles).
JUNE
Keswick Beer Festival, Keswick (20 miles).
Appleby Horse Fair, Appleby-in-Westmorland (20 miles).
The Cumberland Show, Carlisle Racecourse (26 miles).
Ullswater Fair, Patterdale (13 miles).
JULY
Skelton Show, Old Park, Hutton-in-the Forest (15 miles).
Penrith Show, Brougham Hall Farm, Penrith (8.5 miles).
Great Musgrave Rush Bearing, Great Musgrave (28 miles).
Appleby Town Carnival, Appleby-in-Westmorland (20 miles).
Langwathby Scarecrow Festival, Langwathby (13 miles).
Derwent Water Regatta, Crow Park, Keswick (21 miles).
Kendal Calling, Lowther Deer Park (8 miles).
AUGUST
Fell Pony Breed Show, Dalemain (6.5 miles).
Appleby Show, near Appleby Golf Course (23 miles).
Lowther Show, Lowther Castle (8.3 miles).
Ravenstonedale Agricultural Show, Ravenstonedale (33 miles).
Crosby Ravensworth Show & Vintage Rally, Maulds Meaburn (19.4 miles).
Patterdale Dog Day, Patterdale (13 miles).
Great British Food Festival, Dalemain (6.5 miles).
Keswick Agricultural Show, Braithwaite, Keswick (22.5 miles).
Dufton Agricultural Show, Dufton (20.6 miles).
Ullswater Yacht Club annual August Regatta.
SEPTEMBER
Hesket Newmarket Agricultural Show, Hesket Newmarket (19 miles).
Things you need to know about Waternook Estate if you’re thinking of booking a holiday there:
*Internet access is offered at this property for recreational purposes only and is not meant for business use. Speed/service may vary depending on the package obtained by the owner which is provided to guests free of charge. Should guests experience difficulties or loss of use, neither the owner nor the agent will be held responsible.
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