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Thirlmere Cottage, Grasmere

Guest Rating
Rating
4.3
out of 5
Guest Rating
Rating
4.3
out of 5
Sleeps up to 4
Pets 1
Bedrooms: 2

Thirlmere Cottage is a traditional 2-bedroom Lake District cottage sitting at the foot of a mountain, surrounded by fells on three sides with Lake Thirlmere just ten minutes' walk away. The views from every window are genuinely spectacular mountains, fells and Herdwick sheep grazing right up to the glass. This is a proper quiet retreat, not a holiday park.

The location is central for the Lake District. Keswick and Ambleside are around 20 minutes by car. Walks start directly from the garden gate Helvellyn, 1-Bedroom Apartment in Rosthwaite, Helm Crag and Harrop Tarn are all accessible on foot. A public footpath to Thirlmere Reservoir begins in the garden. Red deer and red squirrels have been spotted nearby.

The cottage sleeps 4 across two bedrooms.

 

About Thirlmere Cottage

Thirlmere Cottage is a traditional 2-bedroom Lake District cottage sitting at the foot of a mountain, surrounded by fells on three sides with Lake Thirlmere just ten minutes' walk away. The views from every window are genuinely spectacular mountains, fells and Herdwick sheep grazing right up to the glass. This is a proper quiet retreat, not a holiday park.

The location is central for the Lake District. Keswick and Ambleside are around 20 minutes by car. Walks start directly from the garden gate Helvellyn, 1-Bedroom Apartment in Rosthwaite, Helm Crag and Harrop Tarn are all accessible on foot. A public footpath to Thirlmere Reservoir begins in the garden. Red deer and red squirrels have been spotted nearby.

The cottage sleeps 4 across two bedrooms. The double bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and garden views. The second bedroom is a zip-link room configured as twin beds or a super king with a dressing room and access to the family bathroom with shower over bath.

Grasmere Gingerbread Shop (3 miles), Wordsworth's Dove Cottage in Grasmere (3 miles/8 mins), Castlerigg Stone Circle near Keswick (8 miles/15 mins) and Theatre by the Lake in Keswick (9 miles/20 mins) are all within easy reach.

Thirlmere Cottage suits walkers, couples and families who want direct fell access, mountain views and a peaceful base for exploring the central Lake District. Two pets welcome.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

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Thirlmere Cottage Attractions & Days Out

Explore the wonderful attractions and activities surrounding Thirlmere 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.

Wordsworth's Dove Cottage, Grasmere
Distance: 3 miles (8 mins)
LA22 9SH
Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick
Distance: 8 miles (15 mins)
CA12 4RN
Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
Distance: 9 miles (20 mins)
CA12 5DJ
Helvellyn via Wythburn
Distance: From the door
CA12 4TP
Thirlmere Reservoir Footpath
Distance: From the garden
CA12 4TP
Harrop Tarn
Distance: 1.5 miles (from door)
CA12 4TP
Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
Distance: 3 miles (8 mins)
LA22 9SW
Grasmere Village Shops
Distance: 3 miles (8 mins)
LA22 9TA
Keswick Town Centre
Distance: 9 miles (20 mins)
CA12 5JD
Travellers Rest Pub
Distance: 0.5 miles
LA22 9RQ
Bus stop (to Keswick, Grasmere, Ambleside)
Distance: End of the lane
CA12 4TP
Keswick (full amenities)
Distance: 9 miles (20 mins)
CA12 5JD
Wordsworth's Dove Cottage, Grasmere
Distance: 3 miles (8 mins)
LA22 9SH
Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick
Distance: 8 miles (15 mins)
CA12 4RN
Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
Distance: 9 miles (20 mins)
CA12 5DJ
Helvellyn via Wythburn
Distance: From the door
CA12 4TP
Thirlmere Reservoir Footpath
Distance: From the garden
CA12 4TP
Harrop Tarn
Distance: 1.5 miles (from door)
CA12 4TP
Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
Distance: 3 miles (8 mins)
LA22 9SW
Grasmere Village Shops
Distance: 3 miles (8 mins)
LA22 9TA
Keswick Town Centre
Distance: 9 miles (20 mins)
CA12 5JD
Travellers Rest Pub
Distance: 0.5 miles
LA22 9RQ
Bus stop (to Keswick, Grasmere, Ambleside)
Distance: End of the lane
CA12 4TP
Keswick (full amenities)
Distance: 9 miles (20 mins)
CA12 5JD

Is Thirlmere Cottage Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families
Kids will love watching Herdwick sheep graze right up to the cottage windows. Red deer and red squirrels are spotted nearby. Keswick is 20 minutes away with a climbing wall, miniature golf, parks and the famous Pencil Museum. Walks to Thirlmere Reservoir start from the garden.
For Couples
Thirlmere Cottage is well suited to couples. The double bedroom has an en-suite and garden views. Evenings by the slate fireplace with mountain views through the picture window are genuinely special. Grasmere is 8 minutes away for dinner and the Travellers Rest pub is just up the road.
Pet Friendly
Up to two dogs are welcome. Walks start directly from the garden gate with miles of fell paths on the doorstep. The Travellers Rest pub nearby is dog-friendly. Note the garden may be unenclosed in parts so leads are advisable near the sheep that graze close to the cottage.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Thirlmere Cottage

Travellers Rest, Grasmere

Located 0.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9RQ

Grasmere Tea Rooms

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9TA

Horse and Farrier, Threlkeld

Located 7 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA12 4SQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Thirlmere Cottage

Does this cottage have a hot tub?
Thirlmere Cottage does not have a hot tub. However, the open fire with slate fireplace in the sitting room is a popular feature for cosy evenings after a day on the fells.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes up to two dogs are welcome at Thirlmere Cottage. The garden is partially unenclosed so dogs may need to be kept on a lead and sheep roam close to the cottage windows.
How far is Thirlmere Cottage from Keswick?
Keswick is approximately 9 miles away and takes around 20 minutes by car. A bus service at the end of the lane also travels to Keswick making it accessible without a car.
What walks are available from the cottage?
Walks begin directly from the garden gate with no need to drive. Routes include Helvellyn, 1-Bedroom Apartment in Rosthwaite, Helm Crag, Harrop Tarn and the shores of Thirlmere Reservoir which is around a ten-minute walk away.
How many bedrooms and bathrooms does the cottage have?
The cottage has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. There is a double bedroom with en-suite and a zip-link bedroom that can be configured as twin beds or a super king, served by the family bathroom.
Is the cottage suitable for guests with mobility issues?
The property has split-level floors and internal steps with no bannister on some sections. One bedroom is accessed via steps so guests with mobility concerns should check the layout carefully before booking.
Is there parking at the cottage?
Yes there is private off-road parking for two cars at the property. Guests have described the parking as good and there are no parking charges on site.
What is the nearest village and what amenities are available?
Grasmere is the nearest village and is reachable by a short drive. It has local shops, supermarkets, tea rooms, the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop and Wordsworth's Dove Cottage.

Thirlmere Cottage Reviews

What a great location. Right in the middle of the Lake District with so much to do and see. The cottage was lovely with walks on the door step. I would have given 5 stars, however, there is a lot of general maintenance that needs doing in the cottage. There is to much to list but none the less a lovely stay.
Catherine
Weve stayed in numerous cottages in the Lake District over the years, but this is our favourite! The location is breathtaking. Tranquility personified but close enough to Grasmere, Ambleside via a short car drive. Felt at home in the cottage immediately and loved returning every day after exploring the area. Definitely recommend!
I would highly recommend this property. It really is as nice as the photos look. We had an amazing week, helped by glorious weather. Was lovely and peaceful, except for a few bleating sheep and the odd rambler walking past the cottage along the public foot path. We're already looking forward to coming back.
Lovely cottage in fantastic location. Couple of small points which we also mentioned last year Washing machine only runs hot which meant we were unable to wash cycling clothing. We suggest you check the plumbing is correct Dishwasher top tray is jamming, at some point this will break. Thanks for a lovely week
Philip
Kitchen tired. In particular refrigerator door shelving broken off and dishwasher shelving runners all collapsed We had no hot water for first day because somebody had turned off switches, turning back on did not seem to alter anything. We did report and got a good response as you arranged for maintenance person to visit us. He advised that tank takes a long time to reheat as immersion heater system. Fabulous location and cottage.
Beautiful cottage in an idyllic setting it has everything needed for a perfect cosy stay and for wandering out of the garden gate to go exploring. Its my second visit and it was just as pleasant as the first time. Theres a bit of maintenance needed now with a few things for attention so as the visitors and months pass thats something to manage. We look forward to another visit soon cant wait to come back!
Had a fabulous time & house had everything you needed only thing I could fault it with being dog friendly couldnt really let dogs out with out being on a lead as garden wasnt enclosed this didnt pose a problem to us as it was winter & we didnt sit outside.
Jackie
Very clean and tidy. Warm flexible accommodation. But. After two years the fridge is still broken, despite Sykes promise to ensure a fix before our visit. There are many items in the kitchen that need replacing because they are broken scissors, in a poor state pan or just dont exist wine glasses, hi balls and juice glasses. Just a selection of pint glasses and sherrysweet wine glasses. Remote broken. No instructions for heaters or washing machine and the latter is not a simple model. All instructions are hand written and for the wrong equipment. Not enough hot water for a bath. Lots of TLC and a little more thoughtfulness needed.
Comfortable accommodation, & enjoyable stay in a very picturesque location
Kirsty
This was a lovey place to stay the views were amazing and the facilities were lovely. Would definitely recommend and will 100 be rebooking
Matthew
Nice little cottage with great views and a convenient location if you have a car. Interior was a little tired but clean and well maintained.
What a beautiful property. If this place ever came on the market I would seriously consider buying it. It was warm, comfy beds and quiet. The only downside to it was, we would have appreciated a welcome pack which we have had elsewhere and instructions for using the TV would have been great. We aren't technical so couldn't use it.. Can't wait to return and the travellers rest pub up the road serve the nicest food and dog friendly. Very restful, just what was needed. Thank you.
Emmanouil
Location is perfect if you have a car, and it is easy to access. Looking outside of the windows its like looking at the most beautiful painting ever. The fireplace makes a huge difference for relaxing in the evenings. Very hot throughout with the heating, we had to switch off most of the radiators.
Fabulous cottage, stunning location, easy access and parking. Very comfortable. Recommend taking tea and coffee for arrival as theres nothing when you arrive after a long journey,
The cottage is very clean, cosy and comfortable. There are only a few minor Housekeeping issues that need addressing. The freezer either needs replacing or defrosting as it is barely usable. The fridge needs replacing or a shelf added for milk and taller items. The washing machine appears to be broken and could do with someone to look at it. The large windows in the lounge area need a good clean. The bath in the family bathroom needs the drain cleaning as it was not draining properly and the ensuite needs a toilet brush. With a little TLC the cottage would definitely rate 5 stars. With its wonderful, peaceful location and amazing views and wildlife from its doorstep it is a rare gem of a place.
Joanna
The cottage was very clean, warm, well equipped and comfortable. The freezer works but needs replacing and the dishwasher needs some attention. Also need wine glasses for 4 not 2. Non had a negative impact on our stay We had a wonderful 3 days
Tracey
Absolutely perfect setting, cottage traditional and so peaceful. Kitchen well equipped and views amazing. If there had to be a negative, maybe a little tlc in some areas but to be honest that had no impact on our holiday. We loved every minute
Trevor
What absolute beautiful area! We loved the views and the wildlife. The cottage is lovely but unfortunately a few things let it down...minor issues but would make things more relaxing, like...no bin bags to put rubbish in, no welcome pack just to make a coffee or tea on arrival the bottle container in the fridge is missing, no soap in the bathrooms, the tiled floors were wet and dangerously slippery on arrival. Also if you don't like spiders this is definitely not the place for you...there were loads of them! One main issue is lack of contact with Sykes or the vendor we tried phoning and emailing Sykes to see if we could extend our stay, as there an extra day available but they only returned our call at 10.15 am as we were on our way home! The beautiful scenery makes up these issues but it does leave a sour taste.
THE GOOD Great location, loved being able to walk to the lake, plenty of other walks direct from the cottage and WHAT A VIEW! !!! Living room, bedroom and kitchendiner were cosy and spacious. Plenty of utensils and dishes for cooking. Clean Good Parking Quiet, only reason noise is the sheep which our dog loved watching from the living room window THE BAD Nothing was bad per se but there are things that could be better Would have been good if a multipurpose spray had been provided to clean up TLC was needed, main bathroom was tired looking, the skirting board in hall needs caulking, some kitchen cupboards had melted from heat of cooker dishwasher. It could do with being updatedrefreshed.
We love this cottage, its really quiet. The neighbours sheep kept coming to say hello. The property is very well kept, with everything that you could possibly need. Lovely kitchen. We will be back xxx
William
Great location, fair price, let down by small issues The cottage is in a fantastic spot, surrounded by fells with walks from the door, and only 20 minutes from both Keswick and Ambleside. Its well priced and has real potential. However, a few small issues bring it down, especially as some have been mentioned in previous reviews. The ensuite shower head holder is broken and there were dead flies in the bath and a bit of black mould on the ceiling, and the bed in the main room has an old, slipping mattress topper and loose sheets that bunch up overnight. The kitchen has two lights out, dated equipment, and a washing machine that rocks during use. More seriously, there was no key for the large lounge window, which would likely be a fire escape if needed. Not a deal breaker, but an EV charger would also be a useful addition.
The cottage is in the perfect location for walking and catching the bus to local attractions The cottage is tired but comfortable Lack of basic facilities and small mataince jobs ie small sharp knife, shower head broken in the en suite. Did not not spoil out stay but did effect it Anyone staying with a fog needs to be aware that the garden is not enclosed and sheep roam right up to the full length lounge windows We had a lovely stay with different generations enjoying the cottage and it's surroundings, looking to book for next year
Sheila
Lovely cottage. We stayed for 4 nights. Very quiet, and beautiful views from the dining area and lounge. The beds were really comfortable and both bathrooms were lovely. Perhaps the owner could think about replacing the fridge at some point, as the milk bottle storage in the door was missing. There was no washing up liquid left. We didnt need to use the dishwasher as we only had breakfast at the property. Unfortunately no welcome pack, so prospective guests need to come prepared. We always bring our own bread, milk etc., just in case. There are supermarkets at Keswick and a small Coop at Ambleside. However we had a lovely stay and would recommend Thirlmere Cottage for a stay in the Lake District. It has easy access to the road leading to Keswick, Grasmere, Ambleside, Windermere and Coniston. There is a Public Footpath to Thirlmere Reservoir from the cottage garden. We would love to return to the cottage when we next visit the Lake District.
Perfect retreat, would definitely go back a welcome pack would be so beneficial after a long journey & finding no milk etc for a brew. One of the mattresses was very stained when stripped the bed linen on our last day, it was such a shock would be better if cleaned or replaced
Tiffany
We had the most wonderful time at Thirlmere Cottage. So much so that weve booked again for next year! The cottage is situated in a beautiful spot, at the bottom of a very impressive mountain and on the very edge of lake. The views from every window are stunning and you have hiking routes on your door step! The cottage has everything you need, including a washerdryer. After a long day on the fells the living room is so cosy and the beds are lovely and comfortable.
Amazing location and beautiful property for a perfect peaceful holiday which is ... Amazing location and beautiful property for a perfect peaceful holiday which is just a few miles from Grasmere
Andrew
This is our third stay here, and we absolutely love it. The cottage offers a peaceful and relaxing experience, with stunning fell views. Its central location provides easy access to walks, wildlife, and fresh air right on your doorstep, while being far enough from Grasmere to feel wonderfully remote. Whether you want to unwind, immerse yourself in nature, or explore nearby attractions by car, this property is perfect for those seeking a true escape.
Andrew
Beautiful location with great walks from the door. Nice open fire and sheep grazing up to the window entertaining our dogs
Jackie
There are a few small issues, but this would not stop us coming back and have already booked for next year just hope some of the issues will be fixed by then, particularly the fridge. Overall, this is one of the roomier properties we have stayed in, and we very much enjoyed the property and location. Positives Spacious and flexible. Clean and tidy. Quality thick curtains for keeping warmth in and light out. Linen and towels lovely, though the huge nonfitting duvet on the bed in the stepped bedroom was a bit annoying. Towels lovely with a good size bath sheet which is rare. Comfortable rooms all round. Very minimal condensation, which is great, and definitely no mould as identified by one reviewer. Very cosy property. We didnt have to have the electric heaters up high 1416 degrees to feel comfortable. Thirlmere walks from the door! Brilliant. No car park charges! Connectivity WIFI available, limited but good enough for the basics. Mobile reception EE reception 2 bar and iffy, Vodafone no reception these were the two networks we had. We didnt use the washing machine, or the cooker, or the dishwasher, as we ate out every night, so cant comment on those. We have been selfcatering cottage holidays 4 times a year for the last 15 years, so we are able to do a good compare. A few issues that need consideration 2 of the outside lights are not working as you walk to the house, dangerous in the icy darkness. We had a torch though, as advised. Fridge door lower shelf missing, the one usually used for milk. Sadly, milk cartons these days are not great at sealing, so we had lots of leaks. Ended up having to prop milk bottles up onto padding to keep them angled, reducingpreventing leaks. What is poor is that this issue was obviously reported March 2024 by another guest. This should have been fixed as a courtesy to paying guests. Shower advised to leave the heat setting as is, which is only good if you want a cold shower. Because they are electric showers, they do not offer the water mains pressure and therefore only deliver a minimal spray of warm water. Blue bathroom grouting and bath sealant need repair. Lots of handwritten instructions which were not easy to read and generally did not relate to 90 of the products in the property. For example Heating instructions for Dimplex heaters, but the heaters were all Kyros and no instructions for them. Washerdryer instructions for another appliance. No instructions regarding hot water, heater, tank? Easy to run out if you have a bath. No instructions for dishwasher. No instructions for waste and recycling. It seems there is no recycling as everything goes into one bin in sealed black bags. We also found that we had to report the fact that there was unbagged waste bottles, poop bags, and what looked like wall plasterdust in the bottom of the green bin. No instructions for TV or Sky remote. It was not easy to work out which one to use for what, onoff, volume etc. Battery cover on the back of the TV remote needs some gaffer tape its loose. Heater in the dressing room was HOT all the time, even if we set it as low as 7. The thermostat might have stopped working. So, we switched it off to save electricity. Decorating tools and paint inside an unlocked cupboard in a bedroom.
Loved our stay at Thirlmere Cottage. A comfortable, warm and peaceful place to stay. Will be back I am sure.
Philip
We had a lovely week at Thirlmere Cottage. Clean, tidy and warm, a great base for exploring the Lake District. Thank you also for the help from Heart of the Lakes when I managed to lock myself out of the house. I would visit again
A cosy cottage in a stunning location! We had a great week at the property and had all the relevant amenities. A truly lovely place if you want to get away!
Mould all over the place. I have tried to get in touch with Sykes and have been ignored via email, phone and WhatsApp's for 3 weeks now.
Thirlmere Cottage was a beautiful place to stay. Beautiful views, spacious and all appliances work. Indeed the cottage is generously stocked with all you require to run a home
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Southey Hill Industrial Estate, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5NR