About Cygnet Cottage

Cygnet Cottage is a four-guest holiday cottage in Thornthwaite, a quiet village on the edge of the northern Lake District, just 3 miles from Keswick. A brand-new glass balcony fitted in 2025 gives panoramic views across to Skiddaw. The cottage sits next to the former Swan Hotel, now converted to exclusive properties, with shared landscaped gardens to the rear.

Bassenthwaite Lake is a half-mile walk through the woods. Forest tracks lead directly to 3-Bedroom Barn in Bassenthwaite Forest Park. The bus stop is literally outside the front door for easy access to Keswick. Little light pollution here means excellent stargazing.

Reverse-level layout puts two ground-floor bedrooms a king-size with en-suite spa bath and a twin below a bright first-floor open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area and sitting room with electric woodburning stove. Two bathrooms and a fully fitted kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine and Nespresso machine complete the picture.

Keswick (3 miles) offers Theatre by the Lake, the Pencil Museum, Derwentwater lake cruises and twice-weekly markets. 3-Bedroom Barn in Bassenthwaite Forest Park and Castlerigg Stone Circle are both close by.

Cygnet Cottage suits couples, families and walkers who want walks from the doorstep and fast access to Keswick. Repeat guests book year after year. It's that good.

Check Prices & Availability »

At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

✓Gas central heating with electric woodburning stove
✓Electric oven and hob, microwave, nespresso machine, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, tv with sky and dvd/blu-ray player, wifi
✓Fuel and power included in rent
✓Bed linen and towels included in rent
✓Travel cot and highchair provided
✓Off-road parking for two cars
✓Shared landscaped gardens
✓Three well-behaved pet welcome
✓Sorry, no smoking

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Cygnet Cottage Attractions & Days Out

Explore the wonderful attractions and activities surrounding Cygnet Cottage during your stay. Find the best places to visit and things to do in the local area, all conveniently organised by distance and type. Charming villages to lively and exciting attractions - there's something for everyone to enjoy. Browse through our categories including attractions, walks & outdoor activities, shopping destinations and handy tips on getting around. Plan your perfect day out. Whether you're looking for family fun, romantic experiences, or pet-friendly adventures, this cottage provides an ideal base to explore Cumbria's fantastic days out. Click on any attraction for more detailed information including address, opening times and visitor tips.

3-Bedroom Barn in Bassenthwaite Forest Park

Distance: 2 miles

CA12 5TW

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Distance: 4 miles

CA12 4RN

Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

Distance: 3 miles

CA12 5DJ

Bassenthwaite Lake shore walk

Distance: 0.5 miles

CA12 5TG

3-Bedroom Barn in Bassenthwaite Forest trails (Lords Seat & Barf)

Distance: 2 miles

CA12 5TW

Skiddaw fell walk via Keswick

Distance: 4 miles

CA12 4PQ

Keswick town centre shops

Distance: 3 miles

CA12 5JD

Keswick Market (twice weekly)

Distance: 3 miles

CA12 5JQ

Thornthwaite Art Gallery

Distance: 0.5 miles

CA12 5SA

Bus stop (Keswick service)

Distance: Outside the door

CA12 5SQ

Keswick (car or bus)

Distance: 3 miles

CA12 5JD

A66 road link

Distance: 1 mile

CA12 5SQ

3-Bedroom Barn in Bassenthwaite Forest Park

Distance: 2 miles

CA12 5TW

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Distance: 4 miles

CA12 4RN

Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

Distance: 3 miles

CA12 5DJ

Bassenthwaite Lake shore walk

Distance: 0.5 miles

CA12 5TG

3-Bedroom Barn in Bassenthwaite Forest trails (Lords Seat & Barf)

Distance: 2 miles

CA12 5TW

Skiddaw fell walk via Keswick

Distance: 4 miles

CA12 4PQ

Keswick town centre shops

Distance: 3 miles

CA12 5JD

Keswick Market (twice weekly)

Distance: 3 miles

CA12 5JQ

Thornthwaite Art Gallery

Distance: 0.5 miles

CA12 5SA

Bus stop (Keswick service)

Distance: Outside the door

CA12 5SQ

Keswick (car or bus)

Distance: 3 miles

CA12 5JD

A66 road link

Distance: 1 mile

CA12 5SQ

Is Cygnet Cottage Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families

A travel cot and highchair are provided. Guests report the cottage has more space than photos suggest. The Massive Adventure Map included shows a child-friendly route to Bassenthwaite Lake. 3-Bedroom Barn in Bassenthwaite Forest Park is 2 miles away with trails and a Go Ape site. Lake District Wildlife Park is also nearby.

For Couples

The king-size bedroom with en-suite spa bath is a genuine treat. The new glass balcony gives private Skiddaw views perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks. Thornthwaite is quiet and peaceful. Keswick is 3 miles away for restaurants and Theatre by the Lake. Derwentwater lake cruises are a short drive.

Pet Friendly

Up to three well-behaved pets are welcome at Cygnet Cottage. There is no secure private garden but green space sits right at the door. Woodland paths lead to Bassenthwaite Lake and forest tracks head toward 3-Bedroom Barn in Bassenthwaite both excellent for dog walks of all lengths.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Cygnet Cottage

The Pheasant Inn, Bassenthwaite Lake

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA13 9YE

The Dog and Gun, Keswick

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA12 5BT

Theatre by the Lake Café, Keswick

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA12 5DJ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Cygnet Cottage

Does this cottage have a hot tub?

Cygnet Cottage does not have a hot tub. However, it does have an en-suite spa bath in the king-size bedroom, which guests have described as superb and a real highlight of the stay.

Is Cygnet Cottage pet friendly?

Yes, up to three well-behaved pets are welcome. There is no secure private garden, but green space is available at the door and nearby woodland paths and forest tracks are great for dog walks.

How many guests does Cygnet Cottage sleep?

The cottage sleeps four guests across two ground-floor bedrooms. There is a king-size bedroom with en-suite spa bath and a twin bedroom served by a separate shower room.

What is the layout of the cottage?

The cottage has a reverse-level layout. The two bedrooms are on the ground floor and the open-plan kitchen, dining area and sitting room with electric woodburning stove are on the first floor, with balcony access.

Is parking available at the cottage?

Yes, there is off-road parking for two cars directly outside the property. Guests consistently describe parking as easy and straightforward.

How close is Keswick to the cottage?

Keswick is approximately 3 miles away and is easily reached by car or by bus the bus stop is directly outside the cottage. The town has shops, restaurants, a theatre, cinema and twice-weekly markets.

What walks are available from the cottage?

Walks start directly from the front door. Forest tracks lead toward 3-Bedroom Barn in Bassenthwaite Forest Park and a half-mile woodland path takes you to Bassenthwaite Lake. Routes to Barf, Lords Seat and Skiddaw are all accessible from the village.

Is the cottage suitable for families with young children?

Yes, a travel cot and highchair are provided. The cottage has been described by guests as having more space than the photographs suggest and as having everything needed for a baby.

Cygnet Cottage Reviews

Graham

This was our fourth time of staying and it just gets better. The terracebalcony at the back is much improved with glass panels, and sky is now on the TV, much appreciated in bad weather. The house was super clean, the parking is right outside the front door, and the views are great, with woods to the side and opposite. A short distance to Keswick, Booths supermarket and excellent street markets. My only quibble is that there wasn't any cling film or foil, minor I know.

As my wife said its probably one of the most enjoyable stays in the Lakes regarding location. Its has a lovely outlook from the front door and mountainous views from the balcony. The place itself is comfortable and has everything you could need but after reading a glowing review from May 2026 we were a little disappointed upon arrival. I wouldnt say it is freshly decorated and there are areas needing attention. The shower doors do not close properly and the wheels jump out of the runner at the bottom. The water does not drain away quick enough either and would nearly rise to the top of the track. Im guessing the trap needs cleaning but i wasnt willing to do it Im not here to maintain! More detail needs to be made in the cleaning, there are many cobwebs that havent appeared overnight with many spiders around the property. One other thing was the smell upon arrival from the vacuum filter needs cleaning at a guess along with a strong greasyfatty smell from the kitchen so had to go out and purchase an air freshner. We did enjoy our stay and within the lovely area of Thornthwaite and not too far from Keswick and surrounding areas. Just thought Id leave an honest review.

Hilary

We loved our 4th stay at Cygnet cottage. We plan to return again next year. Comfortable, clean and well equipped. No enclosed garden for dogs, but a huge area of grass in front and off road paths in the immediate vicinity for on lead comfort trips. Home from home.

Its a lovely cottage and the new balcony is beautiful and perfect. We have booked up for next year which will be our 4th visit

We loved our stay at Cygnet Cottage, it was extremely clean and appeared to be well maintained and quite newly decorated. The outside patio was a bonus with the morning sunshine and beautiful views. Kitchen was well equipped with everything you could need, the lounge was cosy with comfy settees, and it was great having two bathrooms to share with plenty of hot water available. Plenty of walks available straight from the door, both at the back into the woods and from the front climbing up Barf and to Lords Seat with magnificent views and on into 3-Bedroom Barn in Bassenthwaite Forest. We loved every moment enjoying some peace and quiet. We really cant fault it in anyway and would definitely love to come back for another holiday!

Our first time staying here,hopefully not the last. Lovely cottage in a great location with wonderful views.Very comfortable,everything works,always a plus.Good walks from door.

Thankyou once again for a lovely time in cygnet cottage, stayed here numerous times we love the area as its so peaceful with Beautiful views of skiddaw, barf and bassenthwaite lake and whinlatter are just a short walk . The cottage has recently been redecorated so it's well maintained. We are back in July so I think that says it all .

Stuart

Lovely, well equipped cottage that felt modern and homely. Easily accessible and parking right outside the door.

We had a fantastic stay. Brilliant cottage with everything you could need. Fridge is a little bit small though. Great location for walks and popping into Keswick, either by car or bus because of the bus stop literally outside the property. Gardens was particularly nice just to sit and chill. Also thornthwaite art gallery is a 10 minute walk and It is definitely worth a visit. Would highly recommend this cottage. We would definitely come and stay again.

Over all we love Cygnet cottage and we have booked again for next year. It is always lovely and clean and very well presented on the inside . However this year the balustrade on the balcony is starting to rot quite badly. We always thoroughly enjoy our holiday at Cygnet

Very well maintained cottage, with very comfortable rooms and surroundings. The one tiny issue was the remote controls were difficult to use as batteries may have been at the end of life. But that is really a minor issue. The place is lovely and will be intending to book again with just my wife and no pets next time!

Caroline

Beautiful little cottage with superb views. Bedrooms downstairs, kitchen and living room upstairs with doors that open onto the balcony for sitting and soaking up the sounds of birds and loving the peaceful rather than the hustle and bustle of humans and secluded location. Only a few miles from Keswick. Definitely would go back here again.

Spent a week here over Christmas it was amazing. Really well equipped and great location. We will be definitely be back again.

A lovely cottage. We would happily return.

Alison

Our second stay at this lovely cottage. Its very clean, super comfortable and very well appointed.

Lauren

Lovely stay, fab location and quiet. The only downfall for us which we knew before we went was that there was no secure garden for the dogs. For us we now know thats important, especially since we have had a child since last visiting the lakes. Spacious rooms which all warmed up quick. The tv was a bit temperamental but we always fetch our laptop and lead anyway. thanks for a relaxing stay!

Very clean wonderful view. very very comfortable we enjoyed it massively

Hilary

We love this cottage. Well equipped and comfortable. Our home from home. No garden, but lots of green space at the door, and nearby paths to take dog for the unavoidable walkies.

Joanne

Perfect setting and views. The cottage was comfortable although we would not use the chairs and table on the outdoor veranda. They had not been cleaned at all and definitely need replacing. I did take my own chair fortunately, also it could do with some paint and tlc on the outdoor veranda. This does let the cottage down. Having said that a great stay, great location with the walks straight from your door up to 3-Bedroom Barn in Bassenthwaite. Great for cycling too. Had a great holiday and would stay again.

Kristine

A great base from which to explore nature. Thank you.

Suzanne

Great holiday cottage. The house is warm and cosy with everything you need for a comfortable stay. The location of the property is excellent with views of Barf, Dodd and the Skiddaw range. A very short walk takes you to Bassenthwaite Lake. The proximity to Keswick is convenient. I would highly recommend Cygnet Cottage and would definitely stay there again.

We had a wonderful stay at Cygnet cottage. Very comfortable and prefect views, peaceful and quiet. We had one issue with the toilet flush but it was fixed straight away by a very helpful handy. We had the best time and hope to come back soon

Thought the place was fantastic! Minor criticism very small shower made more difficult to use as there was no shelf for toiletries. Other than that, what an amazing place and fabulous location!

Robert

The place was in great condition and everything functioned well. It has everything we could need for a baby. Plenty of space, more than the pictures suggest!

Love staying at sygnet cottage its in a lovely position looking out to beautiful views , we struggled with the lock on the front door it doesn't turn very well it took a while to get in most of the time so started to use the back door instead . The only gripe inside is that there was only 1 bin liner , and 1 cloth to clean all the surfaces in kitchen & bathrooms so we had to go out and purchase some along with antibacterial bacterial spray & toilet cleaner could also do with a light bulb outside we would have replaced it ourselves but there wasn't one . Saying all this we would still go back and stay in sygnet it's so peaceful and we love the area .

Lovely cottage in a great location. Very well equipped with everything you could possibly need. The outside light at the front door was not working and there was no replacement bulb. As it was winter and dark and the cottage is in a fairly unlit area I emailed the point of contact in the information book, when the person got back to us we were advised she was out of the country on holiday, not ideal if you needed something. Bins the information sheets etc refer to the bin being next to the cottage, it is not , you have to walk beyond Swan House, not ideal with a large bag of rubbish and bottlescans for recycling. The information in the cottage needs updating to reflect this.

Stephen

We really enjoyed our holiday at the cottage. Although, in other Sykes properties we have stayed, should it be the case that we'd forgotten to pack salt, pepper etc, there would be a supply of the basics at least. Alas, at Cygnet cottage there was absolutely nothing like that.

Lesley

Very good location for walks, easily accessible. The cottage was extremely well equipped and even included residential spiders

Cathleen

Well equipped and very clean We were glad of the blankets overnight as this ... Well equipped and very clean We were glad of the blankets overnight as this July had been on the cold side Very convenient for the Lakes and Keswick and of course good parking

Sandra

The balcony a bit disappointing bit scruffy and very limited view. We were looking forward to sitting out the four of us enjoying a meal looking at some scenery balcony too narrow table too small .

Cottage was lovely and so well situated with walks right outside the front door. Loved everything about it, just one piece of feedback, the field at the back whilst it has the public footpath is not open to use by the cottage. Which we did not realise as there is no sign. There was no general waste bin and after enquiring, we were told it had gone walkabout. Whilst there is the use of the bins at the Swan Hotel, it would have been nice to have one at the cottage. Beds were very comfortable as well as the sofas. Home from home and would recommend this cottage unreservedly!

This is a lovely cottage situated in a quiet spot outside of Keswick. A lovely half mile stroll through the woods to Bassenthwaite lake which is gorgeous. One of the best equipped kitchens ever, plenty of crockery etc and most certainly the most comfortable beds ever. Only criticisms are a few minor maintenance issues and a bench or chairs out front to enjoy the afternoon sun would be really nice. We will be back.

Michael

We love Cygnet Cottage. It's our 10th or 11th time there, going back to 2007. I think this says it all! I'd suggest only a couple of things. The frig is on the small side for threefour people. Too much freezer space means not enough space in the cold part. However, we managed. But do please replace the bench at the front when you can. The front of the cottage gets the afternoon sun when the balcony is in shadow, and it's a lovely place to sit.

Kathryn

Beautiful and peaceful. View off the balcony was looking over to skidaw

Jonathan

Clean, quiet and comfortable, great views from the rear windows and balcony. Would definitely return. Had everything we required.

Sharon

Lovely cottage in a very quiet peaceful location. It had everything we needed very cosy and warm felt like home. Great walks from the doorstep. Would definitely stay again. Nothing negative to say about the place.

We had a fabulous time at sygnet cottage weather was perfect lovely sunshine & very frosty mornings, didn't stop us going up the fells . After a day out it was nice to come back to a lovely warm cottage thats got everything you need & with fabulous views of Skidaw & Barf , we went a walk into 3-Bedroom Barn in Bassenthwaite to the trail centre where there was Christmas music being played & families were picking their trees , lovely atmosphere ! We will definitely be coming back, thank you.

We really enjoyed our stay at Cygnet Cottage and hope to return soon. The cottage is warm, comfortable and very peaceful. We found the cottage to be clean and we all slept well on comfy beds, with plenty of bedding supplied. Only a short drive to the A66, convenient for Keswick or Cockermouth. The views are beautiful with short walks to waterfalls, the fells or Bassenthwaite Lake. Amazing stars as little light pollution. Just a few niggles that stopped us giving five stars. One of the toilets was difficult to flush, the plug mechanism in the jacuzzi bath was faulty, and several light bulbs need replacing. We left a short list for the cleaner to relay to the owner. We hope to return in warmer weather to take full advantage of the balcony. We highly recommend Cygnet Cottage, it really is a gem.

Lovely accommodation. Well furnished and equipped. Good location for northern lakes.

This is a lovely property. It had everything we needed, and more. It was nicely decorated and the location is great being only a short walk from the lake and conveniently situated for many local walks and attractions. Would love to stay here again on our next visit.

Leave a Review

Cygnet Cottage, Thornthwaite

About Cygnet Cottage

Need To Know

More Cottages You May Like

Cygnet Cottage Attractions & Days Out

Is Cygnet Cottage Right For You?

For Families

For Couples

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The Pheasant Inn, Bassenthwaite Lake

The Dog and Gun, Keswick

Theatre by the Lake Café, Keswick

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Cygnet Cottage Reviews