Kays CottageWindermere, Lake District Call to Book
4-Star Family-Run Guest House

Kays Cottage, Windermere

A cosy 1880s cottage in the very heart of Windermere village, run by hosts Jean and Dave. Four individually decorated rooms, a proper cooked breakfast, and the station, shops and lake walks all on your doorstep.

Call +44 1539 444146 to Book See the Rooms

Rated by Real Guests

TripAdvisor
4.8 / 5
Based on 59 reviews, as of 2026-10
KAYAK
9.6 / 10
Based on 126 verified ratings, as of 2026-10

Rooms

Four guest rooms, each decorated and furnished differently so every room has its own character. All rooms are en suite with electric showers, and come with a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and free toiletries. Room names below are descriptive, as the cottage does not publish official room names.

Double room at Kays Cottage with wooden bed, floral wallpaper and red cushions

Double Room

Comfortable double rooms with traditional wooden beds, floral wallpaper and warm bedside lighting. Ensuite shower room.

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Twin room at Kays Cottage with two single beds

Twin Room

Two single beds in a calm, light room, ideal for friends or family travelling together. Ensuite shower room.

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Family room at Kays Cottage with a double bed and a single bed

Family Room

A double bed plus a single bed, giving families room to spread out. Ensuite shower room.

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Current rates are shown when you call. To book direct with the hosts, use the booking card below.

Breakfast, Done Properly

An extensive breakfast menu with cooked, vegetarian and continental options, included in the room rate. Served in the dining room with its bay windows looking onto Broad Street.

Dining room at Kays Cottage with tables set for breakfast
  • Full cooked breakfast, made to order
  • Vegetarian options every morning
  • Continental choices: cereals, fruit, toast and preserves
  • Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, a house favourite
  • Special diet menus available on request
Cooked English breakfast with fried egg, beans, sausage, bacon and tomato

Your Hosts: Jean & Dave

Kays Cottage is a small family-run guest house, and it shows in the details. Jean and Dave have welcomed guests to their 1880s cottage for years, and the little touches are everywhere: a choice of teas and coffees in every room, biscuits and sweets, a sewing kit and scissors if you need them, and a parking permit sorted before you arrive.

The cottage itself has a gentle Beatrix Potter theme, a nod to the World of Beatrix Potter attraction just down the road in Bowness. Children tend to spot the Peter Rabbit touches before the grown-ups do.

Local Guide: Windermere & the Lakes

Written for guests of Kays Cottage at 7 Broad Street. Distances are from the front door.

Windermere village street in winter, near Kays Cottage

Windermere village in winter, a short walk from the cottage. Photo from the property gallery.

Free

Orrest Head Viewpoint

  • What: the famous short fell walk above Windermere, with a sweeping view over the lake and the fells.
  • Time: about 20 minutes on foot each way from the cottage, then 30 to 45 minutes round trip on the fell.
  • Best time: early morning or late afternoon for the light; avoid in low cloud, when there is no view.
Paid

Windermere Jetty Museum

  • What: historic boats, conservation workshops and lake heritage, by the water at Bowness.
  • Time: about 2.1 km away; allow 2 to 3 hours. Mornings are quietest.
  • Best time: dry days, so you can also enjoy the jetty and cafe terrace.
Paid

World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness

  • What: the tales brought to life, 20 to 30 minutes on foot from the cottage.
  • Time: allow 1.5 to 2 hours. Book ahead in school holidays.
  • Best time: weekday mornings outside peak season.
Paid

Lake Windermere Cruise

  • What: boats from Bowness piers to Ambleside and Lakeside, with fell views all the way.
  • Time: 45 minutes to a few hours depending on the route; book ahead in summer.
  • Best time: the first sailing of the day is usually the calmest.
Free grounds

Brockhole on Windermere

  • What: the Lake District visitor centre, 3.5 km away, with gardens, lake shore and paid activities.
  • Time: half a day easily; combine with a lakeside walk.
  • Best time: any dry day; check the events calendar before you go.
Paid

Hill Top & Grasmere

  • What: Beatrix Potter's farmhouse (timed entry, book ahead) and Grasmere village, home of gingerbread and Wordsworth's Dove Cottage.
  • Time: bus 599 from near the cottage; allow a full day.
  • Best time: start early; Hill Top tickets sell out.

Eating Nearby

  • Francine's (1 min walk): French bistro, consistently busy. Book ahead at weekends.
  • Hooked (5 min walk): fish and chips, a local favourite mentioned by many guests.
  • Bandito Burrito (3 min walk): quick, good-value Mexican.
  • Homeground Coffee + Kitchen (1 min walk): specialty coffee and brunch.
  • The Mission Cafe (11 min walk): small cafe with excellent ratings.
  • Watch out: village restaurants fill up on summer weekends and bank holidays. Book dinner when you book your room, not when you arrive.

Good to Know Before You Walk

  • Parking: the pay-and-display car park is right opposite the cottage. From April to October ask Jean and Dave for a free parking pass when you book.
  • Stairs: guest rooms are on the first and second floors, and the stairs to the top floor are steep. Ask for a lower room if stairs are a problem; the cottage is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Sun: some rooms catch the afternoon sun and can get warm. Ask the hosts about a fan in summer.
  • Fell weather: conditions change fast. Check the forecast, carry layers and water, and tell someone your route.
  • The lake: Windermere water is cold year round. Swim only in designated areas and never alone.

Getting Here

  • Train: Windermere station is about 5 minutes on foot. Direct trains to Oxenholme Lake District, with connections to London, Manchester and Glasgow.
  • Bus: the 599 runs to Bowness and Grasmere; the 555 runs to Keswick. Stops are a couple of minutes away.
  • Air: Carlisle Lake District Airport is about 39 miles away; most visitors come via Manchester Airport and the train.

Good to Know

  • Check-in: 14:00 to 21:00. Please call to confirm your arrival time.
  • Check-out: 07:00 to 10:00.
  • Breakfast: included in the room rate. Serving times: please call to confirm.
  • Deposit and cancellation: please call to confirm.
  • Non-smoking: the cottage is entirely non-smoking.
  • Access: guest rooms are on the first and second floors; the cottage is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Wi-Fi: free throughout the cottage.
  • Address: 7 Broad Street, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 2AB.

Questions, Answered

Is breakfast included at Kays Cottage?

Yes. An extensive breakfast menu with cooked, vegetarian and continental options is included in the room rate.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 14:00 to 21:00 and check-out is from 07:00 to 10:00. The hosts aim to be flexible, so please call to confirm your arrival time.

Is there parking?

Yes. From April to October free parking passes are available for the pay-and-display car park opposite the cottage; please ask to reserve one when you book. In quieter months free parking is usually available on the road opposite.

How do I book a room directly?

Call +44 1539 444146 to book direct with the hosts, with no middlemen involved.

Book Direct with Jean & Dave

No middlemen, no booking fees. Call the cottage directly and the hosts will sort your room, your breakfast and your parking pass.

+44 1539 444146

7 Broad Street, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 2AB
Please call to confirm availability, rates and arrival time.