Located within a mile (2 km) of Grasmere Lake & Rydal Water, this cottage is within 2 miles (3 km) of The Herdy Shop. The cottage includes a kitchen, a patio, and a refrigerator.
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
No.2 Town Head Cottages
Welcome to No. 2 Town Head Cottages, an historic and characterful Grade II listed building in the Vale of Grasmere at the heart of the English Lake District. Dating back to 1688, the cottage is an excellent base for walkers, hikers, bikers, and all those looking to explore the majestic Lakeland fells.
This property is full of character, with a simple, rustic style that reflects its age and original features. Due to the cottage's age, heating is provided by storage heaters, which can take up to 24 hours to fully warm up. Guests may also notice a few quirks - part of the charm of a historic home! While it's not a modern space, the cottage offers a cosy, authentic experience in a beautiful location.
Upon returning from a day of adventure, there is ample space available for storing those muddy boots and damp coats in case the weather is unfavorable. Head into the living area, a lovely spacious room full of character with exposed timbers, comfortable sofa and armchairs, with TV and Wi-Fi included during your stay. Enjoy a meal around the dining table and cook up a feast in the fully fitted kitchen with oven/hob and microwave, with a washing machine to freshen up any muddy clothes to complete a simple, self-catered stay.
2 Town Head Cottages can sleep up to six across three well-presented first floor bedrooms: one king size bedroom and two additional twin rooms; there is a separate family bathroom.
Situated within walking distance of Grasmere Village, famously once the home of William and Dorothy Wordsworth, you will find a wide range of shops, pubs and cafes. There are some very good restaurants in the area, one of them within about ten minutes' walk, and a great family style pub just a few yards further.
Popular walks from here include following Red Bank Road and then the footpath along the west shore of the lake towards Rydal Water, or along quiet Greenburn just across the valley from the cottage. With no motorboats allowed, the lake at Grasmere is great for swimming, rowing and paddle boarding.
The Lakeland Fells provide some of the best high-level walks in England. You will find the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike (978 meters), a few miles west in the heart of the mountains, and many other well-known fells like Skiddaw, Helvellyn and the Old Man of Coniston. For those wishing to minimise the use of their car during the stay there are day hikes from the front door (from easy to challenging) to easily fill a week's worth of walking.
For more information and bookings please contact Finest Retreats.
The cottage is heated and features a kitchen, 1.5 bathrooms, and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine and an electric kettle.
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
General
Garden
Unit size: 861 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Checkin 16:00-20:00
Pets
This property welcomes pets for GBP 25
2 total pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Note from host: Dangerous animals not allowed.
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 3-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
Optional extras
These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.
Pet fee: GBP 25
Service animals are exempt from fees
This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Property is also known as
451622
Frequently asked questions
What can I see within easy reach of this cottage?
This cottage is located in Ambleside, close to Grasmere Lake & Rydal Water, Dove Cottage, and Rydal Mount. You'll also find Hellvellyn and Grasmere Garden Village within a short drive.
Will I be able to park at No.2 Town Head Cottages?
No, there isn't parking at this cottage.
Is this cottage adjacent to a casino?
No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this cottage?
No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.
Is No.2 Town Head Cottages good for couples?
Couples staying at this cottage will value amenities like a kitchen, a mountain view in some cottage, as well as a garden.
Does No.2 Town Head Cottages have a hot tub?
No, this cottage doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this cottage provide breakfast?
No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this cottage allow pets to stay for free?
Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at this cottage for a fee of GBP 25.
Does No.2 Town Head Cottages have connecting rooms available?
No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this cottage.
Can I book a room with a balcony at No.2 Town Head Cottages?
Yes, every cottage at No.2 Town Head Cottages comes with a patio and some offer mountain views.
No.2 Town Head Cottages Reviews
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 8 out of 13 reviews
10 - Excellent
8
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 13 reviews
8 - Good
5
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 13 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Andrew
Jul 23, 2025
Excellent cottage for exploring the lakes, very quiet yet walking distance to Grassmere
Fantastic location
Andrew
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Carine
Dec 30, 2025
A very cozy cottage and beautiful surroundings!
Because of the cold, keeping the fireplace going was necessary, but it was also cozy.
Carine
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Tracey
Mar 30, 2025
Beautiful location staying in a very old cute cottage with lovely large bedrooms and cozy fireplace
The location, lovely fireplaces and really comfy beds with 360 views of the mountains.
Tracey
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Bruce
Nov 18, 2025
Great location, great house
Great location, great house. Nice and quiet, yet close enough to towns for visits. Had all the facilities we needed.
Nothing really..
Bruce
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Georgina
Jan 5, 2026
Lovely, cosy time away
Perfect location, we went for Christmas and it was a lovely stay. To our surprise the host had put up a tree for us which was so special as we have to little ones so having somewhere to place the gifts made it that more magical. Also welcomed with tea, coffee, bread and mince pies didn't go unnoticed.
Georgina
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Luke
Feb 25, 2025
We really enjoyed our stay here, the location was great and the views were amazing.
The host was also very responsive and helpful. Would recommend to anyone looking for a place to stay with great access to walks. 30 min walk to Grasmere if you need suppliesa bite to eat!
Luke
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Gill
Jul 23, 2025
We loved our stay - the house is old and characterful and it's wonderfully positioned to be able to
We loved our stay - the house is old and characterful and it's wonderfully positioned to be able to walk straight up into the fellsdown the lane into Grasmere. We would definitely come back.
Gill
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Paul
Jan 19, 2024
Excellent
Excellent. Really enjoyed the cottage, great location, good company to book with. Would visit again.
Paul
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Harrison
Oct 17, 2024
Characterful old cottage in a great location.
the fire is great and it is a perfect base to get out and explore the surrounding areas. Just make sure you get the heaters on!
Needs a bit of TLC and updating. Has quite a hostel/bunkhouse feel
Harrison
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Catherine
Dec 14, 2024
The location of the cottage was excellent short drive walk into Grassmere or drive to Ambleside and
We loved the location walking straight out of the door
You could improve the guestbook as all it says is do this do that don’t do this don’t do that. You could make it more welcoming.
Catherine
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Simone
Jul 23, 2024
Beautiful location, perfect to go for walks right on your doorstep and we also got to enjoy some aft
Beautiful location, perfect to go for walks right on your doorstep and we also got to enjoy some afternoon sun in the cottage garden. Would definitely recommend the location though if you’re out for walks a lot and don’t mind a more basic base.
It is quite pricey given the interior is very dated and equipped with basics only (no dishwasher, no BBQ, no firewood included etc.). It also got quite cold due to this being an old stone cottage, so definitely keep this in mind when booking.
Simone
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Philippa
Sep 6, 2024
Half term break
Really fast WiFi that kids loved, great walks from cottage.
Welcome booklet really good and lots of useful information.
Well equipped kitchen and lots of storage space
Good value for money and lovely view from garden
Scourer would have been helpful.
Reminder on the checkin instructions no freezer so people don’t buy frozen items.
Some mattresses maybe a little tired or base need renewing as some squeaked, hard to work but were comfortable.
Philippa
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Victoria
Dec 2, 2024
The cottage was exactly what we were expecting
A very old cottage in a peaceful setting the views were even better than expected we went for a walk up to easedale tarn in the snow amazing but got very cold and wet in the cottage that’s the only thing that let the cottage down nothing in there to make the fire I think for the price we paid some logs should have been left for us especially with the weather being so cold but that’s the only thing I can find fault with everything else was spot on there was milk and a fresh loaf and tea and coffee which was a lovely touch and we went and bought logs for the fire in Ambleside We ate in grassmere a few times and would highly recommend the jumble room and the yan amazing food and service