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Hammerhole

Hammerhole

4.6
out of 5
Ratings from 23 reviews
100% of guests
recommend
Cleanliness
4.4
Comfort
4.7
Condition
4.4
Location
5.0
Value
4.3
Customer
Service
4.6

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This exclusive cottage is hidden away in the Cumbrian fells on the shore of Lake Windermere. It is truly something special which is why many choose to return here year after year. The idyllic setup makes it perfect for large groups of friends looking for a magical lakeside retreat.

10/10

Review submitted on Sat, 12 Apr 2025
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Excellent cottage ideal for our requirements , wonderful position
Everything we could have wished for
And helped by glorious weather

Where did you hear about us?
Online

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Guest from stayed at Hammerhole for 7 nights in April 2025


Amazing location for a special occasion! Hammerhole was a perfect setting for us We will be back!

Review submitted on Tue, 11 Feb 2025
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We chose Hammerhole for a family celebration and it didn’t disappoint !!! Such a lovely location ! !

Where did you hear about us?
Stayed in other Graythwaite property

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Stuart from Moreton Morrell, Warwick stayed at Hammerhole for 9 nights in February 2025


Great location for a group break.

Review submitted on Thu, 17 Oct 2024
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Stayed for a week with a group of nine friends and had a brilliant time. The location on the water's edge is fantastic and we spent a lot of time in/on the water - swimming and paddleboarding. Lovely view across the lake from the terrace and with the hot tub - it was tempting to not go out, to make the most of the facilities. However the cottage is also well placed for any number of walks, along the lakeside and round the estate. It feels nicely remote on the quiet side of the lake, yet it's only a 15 minute drive in either direction to Lakeside/Newby Bridge, Hawkshead or the ferry to Bowness. We also enjoyed the archery and axe throwing activities on the estate. The cottage itself is very comfortable with five good-sized bedrooms and an open-plan lounge and kitchen - had everything we needed and a nice large dining table for communal meals. The outside utility room also very useful for drying wet kit. Only slight criticism is that it could do with a good deep clean. Not messy by any standards but on closer inspection quite a lot of cobwebs, streaky windows and mirrors, marks on surfaces etc; and some of the external wood (doors and windows) starting to look a bit tatty. We did report a couple of maintenance issues and the response was very quick and resolved. Overall only a couple of minor issues which didn't detract at all from us having a wonderful week together.

Where did you hear about us?
Browsing cottage websites (initially Sykes but then Graythwaite)

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
Yes

Neil from FLEETWOOD stayed at Hammerhole for 7 nights in October 2024


Fabulous location, house amenities need updating

Review submitted on Tue, 24 Sep 2024
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
We stumbled across the Graythwaite Estate and Hammerhole whilst we were looking for somewhere for a bunch of older friends and families to get together for our annual meet up. You cannot fault the location - right on the front at Lake Windermere, so much so that you can stumble out and ten or so steps later you are in the water. This was fabulous for us as enthusiastic open water swimmers / kayakers / SUPpers! It also meant the view and atmosphere was stunning - so peaceful in the mornings and evenings with just the mist; ducks and kingfishers flying past. The house is a lovely stone-built property and provides good accommodation, with most rooms having an en-suite, plus 2 additional bathrooms meaning lots of space (and hot water) for everyone, given this can sleep up to 10 people. Everyone reported the beds as being super comfortable. There are 3 double/king rooms and 2 twin rooms. Whilst the configuration cannot be changed, this worked well for us. Booking process was very clear and easy, great communication from the local team. There was a small but lovely welcome gift of tea, coffee, jam and biscuits.

The house is mostly quite comfortable, there is good seating provision in the front room with a couple of sofas and stand alone comfy chairs, and there is a big enough table for all guests to sit together - though the 'leaves' of the table kept coming apart and, once sitting, it's difficult to move around anywhere as you're squashed in against the wall on one side and sofa on the other. For the price, we would have expected a few more mod cons e.g. a coffee maker; but there was plenty of crockery and glassware and a large fridge freezer for storing food / drink. The outhouse with washer / dryer was really useful as a space to store dog stuff / swimmers / kayaks etc. This is lockable as well. A good supply of chopped logs provided - though very limited kindling so you have to buy more if you want to use the hot tub, fire pit or house wood fired stove. The heating was easy to use.

The hot tub is wood fired. It took us a while to fill it as the plug seemed to work - but think this was more a problem in my husband! We couldn't get the stove to work to heat the water so this was a wasted effort, but we weren't charged additionally so we didn't mind too much.

You have access to the swimming pool and games room - a drive away from Hammerhole, in the same place where the Farm Shop is. This is meant to be open daily (shop) but typically the one day we bimbled up there it was closed. There really needs to be some investment in the games room - it's really not worth the trip with only a ping pong table (no useable ping pongs and damaged bats). We didn't use the pool so cannot comment.

We didn't realise that we were there the weekend of The Lap - ultra running / hiking thing where participants race around the entire Lake. This wasn't too much of a problem, other than noisy runners coming past the house (which is close to the road) at 0600 in the morning, talking loudly and their headlamps bobbing along which woke a number of us up. Likewise, late on Sat / Sun, lots of cars leaving so an array of lights into bedroom windows.

Lovely lake walks very close to the house, and the ferry over to Bowness is also only a short drive (£6.45 each way for a normal sized car). We also did the walk up to the Claife viewing station, and beyond, plus there are great connections to other areas in the District. Nearest larger town is Hawkshead, though we didn't really visit there. Easy to organise a grocery delivery to the house as well. Other than this feedback request, no follow up email thanking us for visiting, which we've had from most other places we've stayed.

All in all, the location cannot be faulted and the house is great, if a little tired in places and some facilities on the Estate need improvement. We would come back again.


Where did you hear about us?
Google search

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No

Charlotte from Bracknell stayed at Hammerhole for 5 nights in September 2024


Hammerhole

Review submitted on Wed, 18 Sep 2024
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Hammerhole is set in the most beautiful surroundings with every comfort of home
The log fired hot tub was amazing
Swam in the lake every morning
A very special place and we will be back

Where did you hear about us?
Have stayed at the estate before

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Alison from Shrewsbury stayed at Hammerhole for 6 nights in September 2024


Blissful few days

Review submitted on Thu, 16 May 2024
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
This was a special birthday celebration and did not disappoint. Accomodation very comfortable, bedrooms and bathrooms excellent and good showers. Plentiful hot water. Maybe the size of the kitchen had been sacrificed for the downstairs bedroom. It was modest for the size of the house but it worked for us. We had all we needed in terms of crockery and cooking utensils.
Location outstanding. Maybe tell guests to bring their own hairdryer . I would return in a heartbeat and already planning a return to another Graythwaite property.
Go to Hammerhole, you won't be disappointed.

Where did you hear about us?
I am local

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No

Judith from Windermere stayed at Hammerhole for 3 nights in May 2024


60th birthday celebrations

Review submitted on Sun, 17 Mar 2024
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The house was perfect for a 60th birthday party by the Lake. Beautiful views from the house. The hot tub was great! All instructions very helpful and timely. My only slight quibble was that for the price of the house, should have left shampoo, conditioner and shower gel in each bathroom. There was only handwash. An upmarket house would have this and is much more ecologically friendly. Robes and towels for the pool and hot tub would’ve been a nice addition. This reflects my lower VFM score

Where did you hear about us?
Online search

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Deborah from Alderley Edge stayed at Hammerhole for 2 nights in March 2024


Memorable stay at Hammerhole for a winter break.

Review submitted on Sat, 20 Jan 2024
4.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Hammerhole cottage is in a location to die for. The kirami hot tub, although takes a while to heat up on the day you arrive, really made our holiday special. A winters morning in a hot tub with the sun shining, watching pheasants strutt by, Robin’s perched on the jetty overlooking lake Windermere is quite magical. The cottage is beautiful. Stone floors, comfortable beds with a lovely efficient log burner and very comfortable sofas. The estate also provided us with an enormous amount of logs which was needed as we had the hot tub going every day as well as a fire pit at night. Another wonderful experience right next to the lake. A few minor grumbles that I would not expect for a luxury cottage and the price. Cleanliness not as expected in some places, a lot of dust under the sinks and toilet round the bottom area and some stains . The BBQ was left dirty and had mould and grease on left from previous visitors. We had to use the BBQ one night due to a power cut to cook our evening meal and it was a 20 min job to clean it off so it was suitable for use. Also the cottage definitely needed a lick of paint here and there. That said it is general feedback as asked for and would certainly not stop me booking again or recommending Hammerhole as a wonderful place to stay. I will definitely be returning. It was one very special holiday

Where did you hear about us?
Watching Poirot Dumb Witness and then researching the location of Hammerhole.

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No

Jane from Wigan stayed at Hammerhole for 3 nights in January 2024


A wonderful Christmas spent at Hammerhole

Review submitted on Fri, 05 Jan 2024
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
My extended family and I spent a wonderful Christmas at Hammerhole. The house was very comfortable, there was an adequate kitchen in which to cook Christmas dinner and the location was stunning. We enjoyed using the communal pool and walking in the estate when the rain stopped! We also enjoyed clay pigeon shooting on the estate. The staff couldn't have been helpful enough when we needed extra bedding for a change of guests half way through our stay. I would love to return in the summer months.

Where did you hear about us?
online

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
Yes



Ruth from London stayed at Hammerhole for 7 nights in December 2023


Excellent location

Review submitted on Sun, 05 Nov 2023
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
5.0
You pay for the location which is excellent and private. I've stayed in more immaculately kept places, however it was very clean but does show a little sign of wear and tear.

Where did you hear about us?
I'm familiar with the estate

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Brian from Carlisle stayed at Hammerhole for 3 nights in October 2023


October holiday with family and grandson

Review submitted on Thu, 26 Oct 2023
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
An excellent property with fantastic position on the Western shores of Windermere. Great to have the private pontoon and dinghy launching which really made the holiday. We were able to sail so easily from the house.
Highly recommended.

Where did you hear about us?
Word of mouth

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
Yes



Andrew from Sheffield stayed at Hammerhole for 7 nights in October 2023


Brilliant holiday with friends

Review submitted on Sun, 09 Jul 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We loved Hammerhole. The double bedrooms are huge and all have ensuite. The bed linen is wonderful. There is a great outside warm room with utilities and great for drying swimming costumes and storing kit. We got the hang of the hot tub, stoking it up in the morning ready for after our swim. There is plenty of great outdoors space, amazing views and it was just great to eat outdoors by the lake. We rented Kayaks and a canoe, well worth it. It's a quiet location despite it being June, and we loved every minute of it.
its a bit of a tight squeeze for 10 round the dining table, and it would be fantastic to have a spare mini fridge outside, so you can stock up for the whole stay without having to go to the shops for extra milk.
When we needed anything the Graythwaite team responded really quickly.
Thank you for an amazing stay, we will be back


Becky from Ilkley stayed at Hammerhole for 5 nights in June 2023


An outstanding place which weve returned to for many years

Review submitted on Wed, 28 Jun 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
A couple of things you might want to consider:
Back twin bedroom could do with a second bedside light & lighter shade on existing lamp. Also needs a second coffee pot; one.is inadequate for eight - ten people
To avoid a potential liability claim some of the very weak jetty planks need replacing.
It may not be possible or allowed in the National Park.but an hour with a JCB if the estate has one to dredge the lake floor on the south side of the jetty by a couple of feet would transform its usefulness for a second craft or shelter in a wind from the north easterly quarter,
Coingrats to the maintenance chap during our stay who was extremely helpful, as are the office staff.

Peter from Aberdeenshire stayed at Hammerhole for 14 nights in June 2023


A wonderful stay

Review submitted on Wed, 14 Jun 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
This was our 3rd stay at Hammerhole and we had a wonderful time, the children loved running around exploring and going out in our canoe. The new hot tub was great. The location is beautiful, and it feels very private and self contained.



Lesley from Harrogate stayed at Hammerhole for 5 nights in June 2023


Miced

Review submitted on Sun, 11 Jun 2023
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Location is unbeatable. We have been renting this property since 2005 and we love it. The cost has, however , had increased significantly and in order to attract continuing business there is room for improvement. The kitchen is woefully under equipped and very dated. Most people who visit will want to eat in so need good facilities. All interior decor needs a refresh - the outside space might not always compensate.

Guest from Haywards Heath stayed at Hammerhole for 7 nights in May 2023


Ladies on tour

Review submitted on Fri, 28 Apr 2023
4.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
Hammerhole is in a fantastic location with superb views over the mere.
Booked to enjoy celebrating special birthdays and making memories, the house and location definitely helped
The only things we felt where missing are reusable plastic cups for the hot tub and binoculars for bird watching

Amanda from stayed at Hammerhole for 3 nights in April 2023


February 2023

Review submitted on Sat, 04 Mar 2023
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Hammerhole is beautiful and we really enjoyed our stay. The house was very clean, comfortable and warm with plenty of hot water for lovely showers and baths. The location was amazing although the lake was a bit cold for us in February! We used the swimming pool at the main estate twice and the kids loved it. We also did the 4 x 4 driving adventure for my son's 17th birthday which he enjoyed.
We hope to come back another time as it was so lovely.

Rebecca from West Kirby stayed at Hammerhole for 7 nights in February 2023


Hammerhole

Review submitted on Thu, 17 Nov 2022
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We absolutely adore Hammerhole it is a fabulous place and we have been almost every year for the past 17 years.

Julie from Garstang stayed at Hammerhole for 7 nights in November 2022


Wonderful location, you can not beat it but the cottage needs some TLC & a good clean.

Review submitted on Fri, 02 Sep 2022
3.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
2.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
2.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
2.0
We were very impressed when we arrived, the location is stunning. Cottage is a great size, bathrooms are wonderful & having 5 makes a huge difference.

Unfortunately the cottage does need a very deep clean, there are flys all over the cottage no matter how much we try & get rid of them, although there are non outside, the fridge has leaked all holiday causing water to always be flooding on the kitchen floor, the dishwasher is falling apart. We feel for the amount of money it has cost to book the cottage paddle boards & kayaks should be included during the stay, logs should also be included - the hot tub is heated by logs but we were told we must buy them this is very insulting after spending thousands to book the cottage in the first instance.

Guest from Kidderminster stayed at Hammerhole for 7 nights in August 2022


Hammerhole

Review submitted on Thu, 21 Apr 2022
3.3
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
3.0
We have been staying in this house for many, many years and absolutely love it. The location is unique and cannot be bettered. The cost is now very high so expectations are likewise very high. It wasn’t as clean as it should be and the plumbing is not effective. Maintenance came out and said would return but didn’t. The kitchen emails inadequate for 10 people.

jane from Hayward Heath stayed at Hammerhole for 7 nights in April 2022


AN EXCITING TIME IN STORMY LAKES

Review submitted on Mon, 14 Mar 2022
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
EXCEPTIONAL LOCATION, LOVELY PLACE TO STAY WITH FRIENDS.. GREAT WALKS NEARBY AND PLENTY TO DO AND SEE. OR JUST PUT ANOTHER LOG ON THE FIRE AND SIT BACK AND RELAX

Guest from Chalfont St Peter stayed at Hammerhole for 7 nights in February 2022


Location location location

Review submitted on Sun, 06 Mar 2022
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Beautiful property in an idyllic location, perfect place to recharge batteries and enjoy the best of the lakes.
We’ve stayed twice now and will certainly return.

Robbie from Whitley Bay stayed at Hammerhole for 3 nights in March 2022


Fabulously well appointed cottage, spotlessly clean in a phenomenal location

Review submitted on Fri, 11 Feb 2022
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We’ve had a superb week in this beautiful cottage. We enjoyed every moment. The location is amazing and the cottage is superbly well appointed with gorgeous rooms & bathrooms. We will definitely return. Thank you

Susan from stayed at Hammerhole for 8 nights in February 2022