Eskdale
‘One of the loveliest of Lakelands valleys, descends from the highest and wildest mountains in the district, to the sands of Ravenglass in a swift transition from grandeur to beauty, from bleak and craggy ridges to verdant wood lands and pastures watered by a charming river. It is a place of many delights, the finest of all valleys for those whose special joy is to travel on foot and a paradise for artists. Unspoilt by commercial and industrial activity it remains today little changed since the first settlers discovered and cultivated with loving care this perfect arcadia in the hills’.
Eskdale as seen by A Wainwright
Though there are many holiday cottages in the Lake District, The Chalets are renowned as being some of the best self-catering cottages in the Lake District National Park. Their unique presentation and set within stunning grounds, has earned a 4 star rating from Enjoy England for self-catering cottages within the Lake District National Park. Many of our customers are repeat visitors, continually enjoying the tranquil surrounds of Eskdale…
You can access all areas of the Lake District from these popular self-catering holiday cottages.
Local Attractions
Eskdale is a beautiful valley in the heart of the Lake District National park. The Chalets are set in a stunning riverside
location close to the village of Boot.
Boot village offers traditional Inns, one of the oldest working watermills, a local crafts shop and a village shop. Eskdale is surrounded by the biggest, deepest and steepest in England. Sca Fell, England’s highest Mountain, can be
conquered in a day from The Chalets.
A Dramatic View of Eskdale - Click the image to view the full size.
Wast water, England’s deepest lake is a beautiful place to spend the day and is just 10 minutes drive away. Also voted Britain’s Favourite view by ITV viewers.
Looking towards Sca Fell, England's highest mountain - Click the image to view full size.
At the top of the valley you will find England’s steepest road, The Hard Knott pass. Here you will also find the Roman Fort.
The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, Locally known as La’al Ratty, winds it’s way down through the valley to the sea, from Eskdale to Ravenglass, perhaps England’s prettiest train journey.
Scenic train journeys in the area - Click the image to view the full size.
Eskdale can provide you with a new mountain to climb each day and just as many gentle riverside strolls and valley walks. Discover the secret tarn, the quaint church or the Stunning waterfalls at Stanley Ghyll.
Stanley Ghyll Waterfalls - Click the image to view the full size.
Many of our guests park their car when they arrive and don’t use it again until they leave!
A Short Ride Away
You can access all areas of the Lake District from these popular self-catering holiday cottages. Most of the areas can be reached within an hours drive.
Boats on Coniston Lake - Click the image to view full size.
Hawkshead
Visit Beatrix Potter’s cottage; Mountain bike on the forest tracks at Grizedale, sample their fantastic coffee and cakes at the Forest Café before going ‘Ape’ on the high ropes course through the trees.
The kids will love going "Ape"! - Click the image to view full size.
Ambleside
A great place for a day of retail therapy. An abundance of shops and just as many places to eat and drink. Why not treat yourself to a Spa day at The Salutation Hotel?
Grasmere
Visit Wordsworth House and grave or walk in The Langdales.
Keswick
Offers a leisure centre, good shopping, numerous walks and boating on Derwent Water. From here you could also visit the beautiful valley of Buttermere.
Derwent Water - Click the image to view full size.
For the children among us South Lakeland Wild Animal park can be found just outside Barrow in Furness, 50 minutes away.
It shouldn’t be forgotten that we are just 15 minutes away from the beautiful sandy beaches of Cumbria’s West Coast.
Cumbria's beautiful west coast - Click the image to view full size.
A year in Eskdale
January – Cold, crisp mornings. Enjoy deserted fells, discover frozen tarns and then spend the cold winter evenings in one of the three warm and cosy pubs within walking distance, all serving good food and even better beer.
A fresh, clear day in Eskdale - Click the image to view the full size.
February – Why not spend a romantic weekend away for Valentines Day this year?
A cold, crisp day in Eskdale - Click the image to view the full size.
March – Visit the Hard Knott Roman fort, climb to the summit of Sca Fell or amble along the river.
April – See the start of spring. Lambs in the fields, daffodils lining the roads and maybe even hear a Cuckoo.
The La'al Ratty Steam train - Click the image to view the full size.
May – This month the woodland floors are full of bluebells. Our 100 year old rhododendrons in the garden will be in full bloom during this month as will those at Muncaster Castle. Their gardens make a spectacular day out, just 15 minutes away. For children Postman Pat arrives on The La’al Ratty Steam train the weekend after the first May bank holiday. The Second May Bank holiday brings the Local Art Festival to the Village School. In mid-May Keswick hosts it’s Mountain Festival and Muncaster Castle have the Festival of Fools.
Muncaster Castle - Click the image to view the full size.
June – The village of Boot hosts its annual Beer Festival this month. Enjoy lush green fells, peppered with Herdwick sheep and their new lambs. Enjoy The Lakes in the long, warm days and before the summer crowds arrive.
Herdwick sheep in the area - Click the image view full size.
July – Wednesday’s throughout June, July and August The Steam Railway host ‘Steam and Romans’ guided History Tours. Whitehaven hosts it’s annual Maritime Festival with air shows, live music, celebrity Chefs and much more.
Whitehaven Fireworks Show - Click the image to view full size.
August – Many of the Lakeland Villages host their Local Show or Annual Sports Days in this month. Eskdale Fete is held on the August Bank holiday weekend. Muncaster Country Fair and Sheep Dog Trials also take place this month.
Summer cycling in the hills - Click the image to view full size.
September – Schools go back… Come and enjoy The Lakes in the warm, late summer days! Egremont hosts the Crab Fair celebrating the Crab apple season (mid-September). Eskdale Show, is held on the last Saturday in September.
The Eskdale Show - Click the image to view full size.
October – Early in the month Thomas the Tank Engine weekends are organised. Halloween Week at Muncaster Castle and The Ghost Train to Eskdale all happen in the last week of this month. Not to mention the spectacular Autumn colours.
The falls in Autumn - Click the image to view full size.
November – Bonfires and Fireworks displays are held at the Local Pubs. Also great month to come and Star gaze in skies unaffected by light pollution.
December – Treat the children or Grand children to a magical train ride with Santa. The Eskdale and Ravenglass Steam Railway- La’al Ratty have Special Santa Express trains every weekend through December. Spend Christmas with us! We had a white one in December 2009! Why not see in the New Year at The Chalets, the local Pubs organise New Year Eve Parties!
Covering of snow in the winter at the chalets - Click the image to view full size.