Resting in this quaint village of Elterwater, in the heart of the Lake District, is this fabulous stone-built cottage, St Giles. This interesting cottage is a conversion of stables belonging to the former 19th century gunpowder works, but now offers an ideal base for families looking to explore the wonderful walking opportunities in the surrounding Langdale area. Climb a series of steps up to the entrance and be welcomed into the traditionally styled open-plan living area where two sofas are situated around the TV and fireplace and the south-facing windows offer pretty views over the village. Within this area, the kitchen, which is certain to encourage some home-cooking, is appointed with an electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer and dishwasher. The kitchen also comes with a washer/dryer, so that you can easily wash and dry your clothes after an action-packed day. Once the evening draws to a close, catch your rest within the double bedroom and look forward to waking up to the glorious valley views each morning, followed by a refreshing shower in the bathroom. Completing the interior of St Giles are the two ground-floor twin bedrooms, ideal for those younger guests, along with a useful shower room so there is plenty of space to get ready for the day. Enjoy some fresh air in the patio garden, where a picnic bench offers a spot for admiring your surroundings, whilst enjoying a spot of alfresco dining. There is much to challenge the serious walkers with some of the finest high fell walks easily accessible in the centre fells and for easier days you can enjoy riverside rambles, two good pubs and various tea shops within walking distance, or simply relax in the pool at the nearby Langdale Club. Chapel Stile is about 1 mile away and offers a well-stocked shop for your essentials, or head into Ambleside and shop in two supermarkets and a range of gift shops and boutiques. Further afield the attractions of Bowness-on-Windermere and Coniston are worth visiting, including the family-friendly World of Beatrix Potter and the Old Man of Coniston, which provides a stunning route for walkers, plus the diverse woods of Grizedale Forest is not far either. With so much to see and do, return to St Giles for a holiday of relaxation with your loved ones.

Lying at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, Ambleside makes a superb base for touring the central Lakes, with Grasmere and the Langdale Valley just a short drive away. There is plenty to do here - cruises, boat trips and watersports on Lake Windermere itself and numerous shops, restaurants and pubs in the village to suit all tastes. On the lakeside at Waterhead, the parkland offers lovely views down the lake and a short stretch of beach, whilst a walk in the other direction, following Stock Ghyll through woodland, will bring you to the entrancing waterfall of Stock Ghyll Force. Along with the Lake and the great walking on offer, Ambleside is also famous for its annual rushbearing ceremony and the diminutive 17th century “Bridge House” - one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District and now the National Trust Information Centre.

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