Cosy bolt-holes for a Christmas in the Lakes

Christmas at 900 cottages in the Lake District will start on Sunday 20 December now that Cumbrian Cottages have changed their usual Friday and Saturday change-over days to fit 2009 festive dates.

Holiday rentals will now run from 20-27 December and Christmas – and New Year – holidays can now be booked online.

Cosy bolt-holes for two include aptly-named Hidden Cottage a white-washed 18th century terraced cottage close to Coniston Water and within a short walk of two pubs. With exposed beams, a log-burning stove and double bedroom, this little gem – with a three-star rating – costs just £380 for Christmas week.

Families heading for the great outdoors will find No 2 Scales View Cottages in Threlkeld sits at the foot of Blencathra with stunning views, great walks from the doorstep and the whole of the northern Lakes within reach. The family dog is welcome (at a charge of £15), a cot can be provided and the kitchen is equipped with dishwasher and washer/dryer as well as the usual equipment. The cottage sleeps up to four with a double bedroom – own loo and basin – plus a twin room and family bathroom. Christmas week costs £490.

Extended families or groups of friends who haven’t yet made up their mind had better hurry: large houses are booking fast. Newly-converted Newlands Fell has just been added to the portfolio. Sleeping up to 16 in seven bedrooms, each with its own en-suite shower-room, and with an extra family bathroom, this former farmhouse – likely to attract a four-star tourist board rating – with attached barns is set in the Newlands Valley with spectacular views to the fells, yet only four miles from Keswick. It costs £2,500 to hire Newlands Fells for Christmas week.

For more information and bookings, visit cumbrian-cottages.co.uk.