Pudding Cottage

Pudding Cottage recently won the award for ‘Cumbria’s Best Cottage’ and, with its combination of pretty exterior, stylish interior, complimentary access to a luxury leisure club with indoor pool, and setting just a few hundred yards from the shore of Lake Windermere, it is easy to see why. But for pre-school families, the handy supply of nursery gear and toys, along with the fact there’s an excellent indoor and outdoor kids play centre just a few steps away makes it even more special.

As if that’s not enough, the cottage is so atmospherically set, in the heart of Beatrix Potter’s Lake District with the lovely town of Ambleside within a few minutes drive, that guests would be forgiven for thinking that they might spy resident Jemima Puddle-ducks waiting for breakfast at the back door or Peter Rabbits hopping across the lawns!

Tucked up a lane, just a few hundred yards from the shores of Lake Windermere, the Lakeland stone cottage was built in the 18^th century by the Earl of Lonsdale and boasts views of the Lake from the front and of the landscaped gardens to the rear.

The spacious family cottage for six has been tastefully decorated with warm colours, furnished to the highest standards and equipped with high spec mod cons to offer luxurious yet homely 5-star accommodation. Cooking and eating together as a family is a pleasure in the traditional farmhouse-style dining kitchen and a wide window seat overlooking the lawn provides a comfy spot for a quiet cuppa. The bright and spacious living room offers plenty of space for children to play with the toys, games and craft box provided, plus there’s the bonus of a games console, in addition to the TV, DVD, video and CD players, should any dramatic Cumbrian weather roll in.

Whatever the weather, families staying at Pudding Cottage can also take full advantage of facilities at the private Low Wood Leisure Club which includes a fabulous pool and toddler pool, gym, squash courts, a sauna, steam room and beauty salon.

Each of the three bedrooms at Pudding Cottage has its own welcoming style with close attention to detail. The master ensuite bedroom is in warm pinks and oranges with a chunky pine bed, one of the twin rooms has a New England twist and the cheery twin-bedded ‘Yellow room’ features delicately hand-painted headboards and chest of drawers. In the ensuite and house bathroom, hand-made soaps and luxurious toiletries are provided to soothe frazzled parents in a relaxing bath or shower.

For playing outside, Pudding Cottage has a large, mostly, enclosed garden with a trike, ride-on and play tent among the outdoor toys, plus a fab adventure play area is just across the road at Brockhole – the Lake District Visitor Centre. Pudding Cottage also has a large patio terrace and BBQ, with outdoor dining table and chairs where parents can keep an eye on the kids at play while relaxing with a glass of wine.

Accommodation Overview:

Pudding Cottage sleeps up to six plus babies three bedrooms comprising: one ensuite bedroom with a king-size bed, and two twin bedrooms (two singles in each). Two travel cots are provided for junior guests. The kitchen is well equipped with the basics plus a dishwasher, microwave, fridge freezer and washer/dryer. Outside, there are gardens front and rear of the cottage with the rear terrace having a lovely outdoor dining set.

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Pudding Cottage is in a prime location between the bustling Lakeland towns of Ambleside and Windermere, full of enticing shops, tempting tea rooms, family friendly pubs and superb restaurants, plus an excellent ‘Booths’ supermarket which prides itself on stocking the best local produce. Guests can buy everything they need in these two towns and much more besides!

Just across the road from the cottage, Brockhole is the main visitor centre for the Lake District set in beautiful gardens and grounds which go to the shores of Lake Windermere and featuring a fantastic adventure playground, boat trips, a shop, cafe and varied programme of family-f ocussed events and exhibitions throughout the year.

At The World of Beatrix Potter in nearby Bowness-on-Windermere, all 23 tales are brought to life in a magical indoor recreation, complete with sounds and smells. Other things to do here include hiring a rowing a boat to play Swallows and Amazons, boarding one the famous Lake Windermere steamers or visiting the Aquarium of the Lakes. Throughout The Lakes, of course, there are quaint villages to discover and breathtaking scenery to enjoy, whether walking, mountain biking, boating or tootling around in the car.

For an evening out, don't miss a trip to Zaffirelli's restaurant, cinema and jazz bar in Windermere. Its great quality Italian cuisine comes with sophisiticated interiors and child potions, plus live jazz three nights a week from 8pm (under 12s permitted til 9pm). Or, for a really special night, sample one of the many world famous restaurants in the area including the Samling, and Michelin-starred Holbeck Ghyll and L'Enclume, as featured in Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon's 'The Trip' series.

testimonial scores:5:5:5:0

Wonderful cottage. Fabulously equipped and situated. Highly recommended....

Wonderful cottage. Fabulously equipped and situated. Highly recommended.
Overall Experience Rating: 100%

I can honestly say this is one of the best self catering places I have stayed in...

I can honestly say this is one of the best self catering places I have stayed in with my children, it was so well equipped for them and the baby that it made me feel like I was actually having a holiday, and I felt rested and happy. The kids loved it, we loved it, the local area is breathtaking and there are tons of lovely walks, cafes, and things to do. We can't wait to go back!
Overall Experience Rating: 100%

We had a lovely time. The cottage is gorgeous and so well equipped, all home com...

We had a lovely time. The cottage is gorgeous and so well equipped, all home comforts and more. Our 9 month old and 2 year old had a great time, we didn't even need to get more than half the toys out. The garden and walks from it are lovely and the soft play and outdoor play area at Brockhole are a real bonus. We have stayed at quite a few cottages in the Lakes and this, without doubt, is the best we have found.
Overall Experience Rating: 100%

It's hard to sum up this fantastic family friendly cottage in a single quote - g...

It's hard to sum up this fantastic family friendly cottage in a single quote - great value for money with so much to do for children of all ages, no matter what the weather. Lovely welcoming touches from the owners including biscuits, chocolates and toiletries make this feel more like a luxury hotel than a self catering cottage. We will definitely book again!

Owner Profile

Pudding Cottage is owned by Jacky and Bill Morrison (and their three children!!). We first holidayed in the Lakes after we were married and in subsequent years rented a very eclectic mix of holiday homes. There always seemed to be something missing or something that we felt would have made life easier and more comfortable wherever we stayed. On occasion we actually left early and came home as we felt that home was more comfortable! I have a very strong belief that if you are using hard earned money to pay for a holiday - it has to be at least as good and preferably better than home! We therefore decided to put our money where our mouth was and try set up our own holiday home with an understanding of what families would need. Most 5 star properties do not allow children but we wanted Pudding to be different and to have a bit of personality - unlike my pet hate ...timeshares... which I always feel are identikit and very sterile! We provide equipment and toys for children at the cottage and also membership to a private leisure club which we chose for its children's facilities and friendliness. Pudding achieved a 5 star rating by the English Tourist Board on its first inspection and every one since. We have hugely loyal guests who return year after year and their feedback has gained us a number of awards for which we are enormously grateful .

We love it because... Its position - opposite the Lake and the Visitor Centre at Brockhole with its amazing adventure play area - if you have kids - you will understand! You walk in and it is like coming home! It's surrounded by wildlife which the kids go bananas over ! It's peaceful and yet incredibly central between Windermere and Ambleside Our guests love it!

Toys! Swimming! Garden! Ducks, deer, rabbits and birds. DVDs Games Crafts Mum and Dad love it and they all get to be together in one room.