Holiday cottage in Newby Bridge

Newby Bridge takes its name from the bridge over the River Leven, close to where Windermere ends at the southern tip of the lake. It is a small place with a lot going on around it, and it is one of the easiest corners of the Lake District to reach. The A590 runs straight through it, and the M6 is about 25 minutes away, so you can be unpacked and out for a walk soon after you arrive.

We are about 1.5 miles up the lane from the village, between Finsthwaite and Lakeside, next door to Stott Park Bobbin Mill. That puts you in the woods and close to the water without being in the thick of it, and about 0.6 miles (1 km), a 12 to 15 minute walk along the lane is Lakeside pier, where the cruises and the steam railway begin.

Many guests come back. It is a good base for a week of walking, a half-term with the family, or a few quiet days with the dog.

The cottage sleeps six in three bedrooms (two doubles and a king), with one bathroom that has a bath and an overhead shower. The lounge has a wood burner, and we supply wood and firelighters, so you can light the fire after a wet walk and settle in for the evening. The kitchen is well equipped, with a dishwasher and a table that seats six, and bed linen and towels are all provided.

There is full fibre wifi, a washing machine in the house and a tumble dryer in the garage, which is handy for muddy boots and wet coats. A double garage takes bikes, kayaks, paddle boards and boots, there are three parking spaces on the drive, and a 7 kW EV charger if you are touring the Lakes by electric car.

We leave a welcome pack for you, Tony is on hand by text if you need anything, and check-in is easy with a key safe by the drive. Check-in is from 4pm and check-out is by 10am. The minimum stay is three nights and you can arrive on any day.

The Swan Hotel is the heart of Newby Bridge. It has a pub and restaurant, and it is where your six spa passes are valid. From the cottage it is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and a short drive. A swim in the hotel's pool after a day on the fells, followed by supper at the Swan Inn, is how a lot of our guests finish their evenings. If a swim turns into dinner, it is worth booking a table, because the restaurant is a separate booking from the health club.

The Huntsman, at the Newby Bridge Hotel overlooking the foot of the lake, is another friendly place for a drink, and dogs are welcome. Newby Bridge also has its own stop on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, so you can join the steam train there if you would rather not drive to Haverthwaite.

A mile or so north of the village, Fell Foot is a National Trust park on the lake shore, with a café, watersports hire and a play area. It also welcomes dogs, so it is a good place for a stroll with them.

We take up to two dogs at £20 per dog per stay, and we have dog bowls available for them. The walks from the door are among the best things about staying here. High Dam and Great Knott Wood both start from the lane, and the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway lets dogs ride free. Our dog-friendly guide has the walks, the house rules and the pubs that welcome dogs.

Lakeside pier, for cruises on Windermere, is the closest, and Cartmel is about 15 minutes by car for the priory and sticky toffee pudding. Grizedale Forest, for cycling and sculpture trails, is a little further.

Bowness is about 8 miles (13 km) by road, and many guests prefer to take the boat from Lakeside at least once. For the bigger picture of the lake, see cottages near Windermere, and the things to do page has the rest.

If you are going to a wedding at Town Head Estate, our page on accommodation near Town Head Estate is for you.

Live prices and availability are on the stay page, through our booking partner Herdwick Cottages. If you would like to talk it through, contact Tony.

The location page has directions and the sat nav postcode, which is LA12 8AX.