Heart of the Lakes is one of the Lake District's longest-established self-catering holiday companies, with roots going back to 1975. Based in Ambleside on Old Lake Road, the company built a handpicked portfolio of around 300 properties spanning the full breadth of the Lake District National Park. From cosy two-person stone cottages in Langdale Valley to large holiday houses sleeping twenty near the shores of Windermere, the range was designed to suit couples, families, and groups seeking an authentic Lakeland escape. The company was known for its knowledgeable, locally based team and for the care taken in selecting each property in its collection.
The Heart of the Lakes collection covered a broad spectrum of accommodation styles. Guests could choose from traditional Lakeland stone cottages with open log fires and king-sized beds, contemporary apartments with lake views, and spacious holiday houses suited to large family gatherings. Many properties welcomed dogs, and a dedicated selection of luxury retreats offered features such as private hot tubs, private jetties, and direct access to the fells. The portfolio reached across popular destinations including Ambleside, Grasmere, Keswick, Coniston, Bowness-on-Windermere, and Ullswater, as well as quieter spots such as Troutbeck and Pullwood Bay.
Heart of the Lakes positioned itself as more than a booking agent – it acted as a guide to the region's landscapes and attractions. From a base in Langdale Valley, guests could follow well-worn paths through the fells and along mountain ridges. Keswick-based properties gave easy access to rowing boats and lake cruises on Derwentwater, as well as events at the Carnegie Theatre. Families found appeal in attractions such as the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness, while walkers and cyclists could explore hundreds of miles of signed routes across the National Park.
A notable part of the Heart of the Lakes offer was its curated selection of romantic and luxury retreats. Hideaways in Ambleside and Troutbeck placed couples within walking distance of the northern shores of Windermere and the surrounding mountains. Properties featuring king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves, and private gardens were grouped together to make searching for a special-occasion break straightforward. The company's local knowledge meant recommendations for restaurants, local walks, and seasonal events were a regular part of the booking experience.
Heart of the Lakes traded independently as a Lake District specialist from 1975 until around 2017, when it became part of Pure Cottages Group alongside fellow Cumbrian agency Lakelovers. Pure Cottages Group was subsequently acquired by Sykes Holiday Cottages in January 2020. By 2023 Heart of the Lakes had merged its listings fully into the Lakelovers platform, marking the end of the brand as a standalone booking entity. During its independent years it was widely regarded as one of the most trusted cottage agencies in the Lake District.
No. Heart of the Lakes operated as an independent Lake District cottage agency from 1975 until it became part of Pure Cottages Group around 2017. Pure Cottages Group was then acquired by Sykes Holiday Cottages in January 2020. By 2023 the Heart of the Lakes brand had merged fully into Lakelovers, a sister agency within the same group. The standalone Heart of the Lakes brand no longer operates independently.
Following the Sykes Holiday Cottages acquisition of Pure Cottages Group in 2020, Heart of the Lakes continued to be listed as a regional brand for a period. By 2023 its properties and inventory were consolidated into the Lakelovers platform, which remains part of the Sykes group and continues to offer self-catering properties across the Lake District.
Heart of the Lakes was headquartered in Ambleside, Cumbria, at Old Lake Road, LA22 0DH. Ambleside sits near the northern tip of Windermere and served as a practical base for managing properties spread across the Lake District National Park.
The company offered traditional stone cottages, contemporary holiday apartments, detached holiday houses, and lodges. Properties ranged from intimate retreats for two to large houses sleeping up to twenty guests. Many were dog-friendly, and a premium tier included features such as hot tubs, log fires, lake views, and private jetties.
The portfolio spanned the full Lake District National Park, with properties in Ambleside, Grasmere, Keswick, Coniston, Bowness-on-Windermere, Ullswater, Troutbeck, Langdale Valley, and Pullwood Bay, among other locations. This gave guests a choice between busy market towns, lakeside villages, and remote fell-side settings.
During its years as an independent agency, Heart of the Lakes was generally well regarded for its locally based team and personally vetted properties. Customer reviews highlighted helpful staff and well-equipped, comfortable cottages. Reviews after the Sykes acquisition in 2020 were more mixed, with some guests noting changes in service standards and pricing.
This brochure is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes Heart of the Lakes. For current details, visit the company's official website.
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