Puddle Duck Cottages, Bassenthwaite nr Keswick

Puddle-Duck Cottages (previously known as Loft Holiday Cottages) are located by a farmyard though all of the animals are out in the fields and most of our farming happens elsewhere now apart from the ducks and chickens. We’re a few seconds away from the small stream which is home to our popular puddle ducks in the heart of the small Lake District village of Bassenthwaite.

We are just 15 minutes drive from the popular Lake District market town of Keswick, on the shores of Derwentwater, and the historic town of Cockermouth where the poet William Wordsworth was born and which has a wealth of independent shops.

Bassenthwaite Village is a gentle two mile walk from the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake (the only official ‘Lake’ in the Lake District!) and a two mile walk from the start of a climb up Skiddaw mountain, the 4th highest mountain in the Lake District . Nearby are the Lake District Wildlife Park, the Lakes Distillery, Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Dodd Wood and Mirehouse Historic House and gardens with adventure playground. See the ‘Things to Do’ page for more details

Jemima’s Cottage sleeps up to 5 in 2 bedrooms and Rebecca’s Cottage sleeps up to 2 in 1 bedroom. We are a family run business which has been providing holiday accommodation for more than 40 years and have many guests who return regularly.

Why stay with us?

• Many guests enjoy letting the puddle ducks out of their shed in the morning and collecting their eggs when laying (approx Spring to Autumn) or sitting on the benches by the stream watching the world go by.
• Children often enjoy playing in the stream, the small open wood or on the swings by the cottages and on the village green – ideal for a game of football or cricket! We recommend children bring wellington boots.
• There are walks for all abilities straight from the cottage door or after a short drive.
• Bassenthwaite has several working farms and throughout the year animals can be seen in the fields around the village.
• The Sun Inn pub serving bar meals is located in the heart of the village, a couple of minutes’ stroll along the stream from the cottages. A short walk or drive away is a small shop on a caravan park selling general supplies (open limited hours daytime April to October).

We are in an ideal location in the quieter northern Lake District for walking, hiking, climbing, fishing and sightseeing and for exploring all Cumbria has to offer including the historic border city of Carlisle, Solway Coast, Hadrian’s Wall, the lovely Eden Valley as well as the Lake District . Whether you are looking for a short break or week’s holiday our holiday cottages give you the flexibility to set your own pace and truly relax.