Swallow's Nest

Braithwaite 2.3 miles. Swallows Nest is a beautifully restored retreat tucked into the rural hamlet of Thornthwaite, sitting proudly at the foot of Lord’s Seat and Barf. Fully renovated and redecorated in 2026, this characterful cottage makes an ideal base for families or groups of friends who want space, comfort, and instant access to some of the Lake District’s finest scenery.

Step inside and you’ll find three inviting bedrooms: one double, one twin and one snug bunk room, all thoughtfully styled for proper post-adventure sleep with comfy ‘Premier Inn’ mattresses. The cottage has both a family bathroom with bath—ideal for long soaks after a day on the fells—and a separate shower room (en suite to the double room) with a high pressure, generous walk-in shower for brisk morning starts.

The heart of Swallows Nest is the main living space. Settle in by the log burner, put your feet up, and plan tomorrow’s exploits, or unwind in front of the smart TV. FreeSat satellite TV is included and guests are welcome to use their own Netflix, Prime Video, or Disney+ accounts.

The kitchen is fully equipped with an oven, induction hob, microwave, and toaster, making self-catering easy and enjoyable. Meals are shared around the dining table, which comfortably seats six.

The main living area has sweeping views across Skiddaw, Dodd, Latrigg, and the Helvellyn range—awe-inspiring views that quietly remind you why you came.

Dogs.

Dogs are warmly welcomed. There’s an enclosed exercise paddock where they can roam safely off-lead, plus a nearby stony beck and shallow ford for rinsing muddy paws—or enthusiastic splashing. A hosepipe at the cottage handles the truly committed mud lovers.

Cycling.

Cyclists are well catered for, with your own secure private storage for up to six bikes behind a metal security door with multipoint locking. E-bikes can be charged overnight at no extra cost, and Whinlatter Forest’s mountain bike trails are accessible directly from the cottage.

Walking.

With open access land right next door, walking routes begin at the doorstep. Barf rises immediately above the cottage, with easy links to classic Wainwrights including Lord’s Seat, Whinlatter, Broom Fell, Graystones, Ling Fell, and Sale Fell. Nearby Beck Wythop and Whinlatter Forest offer extensive woodland paths, bridleways, and tracks for gentler explorations.

Watersports.

Bassenthwaite Lake is just an 800-metre stroll away—perfect for a bracing pre-breakfast dip. The lake supports boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Derwentwater is only ten minutes away for an even wider range of watersports.

Swallows Nest is a true home from home: comfortable, well-equipped, and perfectly placed for making the most of everything the northern Lake District has to offer.

Large groups.
Beckstones Barn houses a collection of three holiday let properties on the same site, which could be booked together, altogether sleeping 14 guests.

Wren's Nest Ref. 1166809 – sleeps 2.

Swallow's Nest Ref.1074857 – sleeps 6.

Bramble Cottage Ref.116302 – sleeps 6.

Swallow's Nest is a delightful single-storey house situated within the Lake District National Park in Thornthwaite, Cumbria, boasting countryside views. Keswick 4.3 miles; Windermere 26.1 miles.

Single-storey. Three bedrooms: 1 x double with en-suite walk-in shower, basin, and WC, 1 x twin, 1 x bunk bed. Bathroom with bath, basin, WC. Kitchen. Living/dining room with woodburning stove

Oven, induction hob, microwave, fridge with icebox, toaster, kettle. Smart TV, WiFi. Fuel, power, and starter pack for woodburning stove inc. in rent. Bed linen and towels inc. in rent. Highchair and travel cot available. Off-road parking for 2 cars. EV charging on-site. Garden with lawn, patio, and bench. One well-behaved pet welcome. Enclosed dog exercise paddock. Secure bike storage area with metal security door and multipoint locking. Power is provided free for E-bike charging. Stunning views and doorstep access to the fells. Sorry, no smoking. Shop 2 miles, pub 1.9 miles, lake 0.8 miles. Note: Few steps up to the front door. Note: Beds have Premier Inn mattresses. Note: No hen, stag, or similar parties