Buttermere cottages

Self-catering holiday cottages in Buttermere

With a lake of the same name, Buttermere is a small village hidden in a valley in the northern lakes part of the Lake District, in Cumbria. The picturesque village takes its name from the nearby lake, and sits between the high peaks of Grasmoor to the north and High Stile to the south. It is a gloriously peaceful part of the Lake District and the perfect starting point for the many walks around the surrounding peaks and lakes.

A walker’s heaven, the village is set between Crummock Water and Buttermere Lake, so for those looking to tick off all the water in the Lake District, Buttermere is a wonderful stop off point. The village’s history dates to the 11th century when The Bridge Hotel traces its history back as an armoury and bakery.

There is a wonderful walk from the village car park to Buttermere Lake, which either takes you on a circuit of the lake, or across to see Scale Force Waterfall, a stunning three-heighted waterfall, which is the tallest fall in the Lake District. At the far end of the Buttermere Valley you will be able to reach Haystacks, a popular walking fell, well known as Alfred Wainwright’s favourite fell, where his ashes were scattered. For those that like a scenic drive Buttermere does not disappoint, although fell driving is probably not for the faint-hearted as some roads around the village can be quite narrow with sheer cliff drops to one side. The views from the top will make up for the roads below with fantastic vistas across the Lakes.

Nearby visitors are well placed to explore the northern Lakes. Places such as Keswick (10 miles), Cockermouth (11.5 miles), and Bassenthwaite (12.5 miles) are all within driving distance, and also walkers attempting Scafell Pike are just a 20-minute drive away up Honister Pass (2.5 miles) to Borrowdale (5.5 miles), where you can start on the most popular route up England’s highest mountain. For things to do and great walks in the Lake District, why not visit some of our blogs?

Stay at one of our holiday cottages in Buttermere. Browse our collection above to find the perfect holiday retreat for you and your loved ones