FB Twitter

Hilltop

Hilltop

4.6
out of 5
Ratings from 24 reviews
92% of guests
recommend
Cleanliness
4.5
Comfort
4.7
Condition
4.3
Location
5.0
Value
4.3
Customer
Service
4.8

Visit website

Check Availability


Brimming with character features, this country cottage is set amid mature woodland and offers peace, privacy and exceptional views looking down to Lake Windermere.

Very happy. Great service and great location

Review submitted on Sun, 02 Feb 2025
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 were very glad to have booked Hilltop. Excellent service from start to finish.

The location is perfect for a secluded and private getaway.

The house is very well maintained and has well appointed dining, kitchen, living and sleeping areas. Nice wood fired hot tub too.

Where did you hear about us?
Google

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



MIchael from Treuddyn stayed at Hilltop for 7 nights in January 2025


Lovely Stay

Review submitted on Sun, 05 Jan 2025
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
Overall our stay at Hilltop was amazing! It’s a great space and great location. My only criticism (which is minor) would be that the TV is in need of an upgrade. It had limited channels and was complicated to figure out. With small kids we had relied on this for the rainy days indoors.
The hot tub was fab and the views are beautiful on a clear day. Also lots of walks nearby to do and lots of places to explore.

Where did you hear about us?
Friends

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Rosemary from Morpeth stayed at Hilltop for 8 nights in December 2024


Very expensive and needs a bit of care.

Review submitted on Mon, 16 Sep 2024
2.8
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
2.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
2.0
Location
5.0
Value
2.0
Customer
Service
3.0
Comfy beds and furniture and great location…but…!
I understand this is an old cottage in the countryside and expectations need to be realistic, however for the price I paid for 3 nights stay I was disappointed with the quality of this property. It’s the general lack of basic maintenance that you would expected from any holiday let especially one claiming to be ‘luxury’, as luxury it is not! Internally, damp and mould has been allowed to build up on (single glazed) window frames which have not seen a lick of paint for many, many years . There has been no effort to properly clean the shower to prevent mould building up, nothing luxurious about shower mould. There are cracked floor tiles in the shower room and missing grout creating dirt/mould traps in the floor - easily repaired if any effort was made. The restriction on being allowed to control the heating was irritating - it was on when we wanted it off and off when we wanted it on. I am realistic with what to expect from an old property but when claiming to be luxury and charging £400 per night I would expect basic levels of maintenance and comfort. Finally, the garden was uncared for, the lawn had not been recently mowed and it was all a little unkempt, not something I’d usually worry about, but for a luxury property, perhaps something one should expect.
I am disappointed as the location was ideal for an event I was taking part in, but I’m afraid I will not be rebooking next year as this certainly did not at all represent good value for money.

Where did you hear about us?
‘The Lap’ website.

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No

Matthew from Maidenhead stayed at Hilltop for 3 nights in September 2024


Family stay.

Review submitted on Sat, 24 Aug 2024
3.8
out of 5
Guest doesn't recommend this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
2.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The house is in a fantastic location, close to the ferry across to Bowness as well as National Trust properties - Hilltop, Wray Castle and Claife viewing station, all worth a visit. Hawkshead and Ambleside are not far by car, and both worth a visit. Great walks and views also close.
The hot tub was a great asset and easy to use; matches and fire wood were provided, but it would have been great to have some kindling too. The garden was large and private with partial views of the lake through the tree tops.
The house was spacious and comfortable and adequately equipped. however the interior was quite dated (we knew this when we booked - but it was disappointing to see the standard of some maintenance, for example some of the grouting in the shower was very discoloured/mouldy. Window frames also needed some maintenance). As such the house didn’t really feel value for money.
During our stay we used the pool on the estate. The booking system was well organised and you have exclusive use. The pool was a good size for an indoor pool and heated well, but again the standard of maintenance let it down, so we only used it once.
All that said, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay, the location was perfect.

Where did you hear about us?
Searching the internet

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No

Guest from Staines-upon-Thames stayed at Hilltop for 7 nights in August 2024


June at Hilltop

Review submitted on Fri, 28 Jun 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
Another fabulous week at Hilltop . It is a great cottage and there are plenty of walks from the front door .

Where did you hear about us?
Graythwaite website

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Julie from Garstang stayed at Hilltop for 7 nights in June 2024


Peaceful

Review submitted on Thu, 16 May 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
A very peaceful stay in a beautiful location with the only neighbours being young deer and pheasants.

Where did you hear about us?
The Lap organisers.

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Guest from London stayed at Hilltop for 7 nights in May 2024


Hilltop Cottage

Review submitted on Thu, 21 Mar 2024
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The cottage was lovely and cosy we enjoyed spending time there aswell as going out. The swimming pool was just the right size and we had it to ourselves for each booking. We found the farm shop to be extremely pricey.
Would definitely book a cottage on the Graythewaite Estate again.

Where did you hear about us?
Booking.com

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
Yes



Elizabeth from Derby stayed at Hilltop for 7 nights in March 2024


Fantastic location

Review submitted on Sun, 17 Sep 2023
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
A very well presented cottage in a idillic location. A perfect hideaway to relax & unwind, superb view with glimpses of the lake through the trees. Approx 3 miles from the main courtyard where there is a small shop stocked with all the essentials & a pool which you can book for private 45 minute sessions. Graythwaite Adventure with 4x4, water sports, clay pigeon shooting and more is just down the road. If you want a pub on the doorstep possibly not for you, the closest, which has a lovely friendly atmosphere and great food is 1/2 hour walk or 10 minute drive away.

Where did you hear about us?
Have visited before, 1st time in 2001

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
Yes

Helen from Basingstoke stayed at Hilltop for 7 nights in September 2023


Comfortable cottage in a great location

Review submitted on Tue, 05 Sep 2023
4.5
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
5.0
This is a very comfortable cottage with good size rooms. It is in a quiet location with easy access to the lakeside path on Windermere.

Where did you hear about us?
Internet search

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Guest from Woking stayed at Hilltop for 7 nights in August 2023


A lovely family stay at Hilltop

Review submitted on Thu, 10 Aug 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 had a lovely stay at Hilltop with our young family. The location is beautiful, private and very peaceful. The accommodation was extensive, well equipped for a family and clean. Our only recommendation for the property would be to have a smart TV, as parents who stay in on an evening and children who enjoy kids tv on a morning and bedtime it comes in handy. We definitely want to come back and stay. The hot tub is a great special feature and is easy to use, we had a great view from ours.

Where did you hear about us?
Word of mouth

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No



Gemma from Burley in Wharfdale stayed at Hilltop for 8 nights in August 2023


Lovely break

Review submitted on Fri, 04 Aug 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 spent a week in Hilltop and had a lovely time. It is remote but that's what we wanted. However a short drive away you can get the ferry across to Bowness. We tended to park at this side and go over by foot. You are also a short walk away from the shores of Lake Windermere. The cottage was clean and comfortable, had everything we needed. The garden was private (but not fully enclosed). Hot tub was welcome at the end of the day and we used the pool 3 times (the pool is a 10 min drive away). Would definitely recommend.

Where did you hear about us?
Search

Did you book any activities with Graythwaite Adventure?
No

Alison from Glasgow Killearn stayed at Hilltop for 7 nights in July 2023


Hilltop

Review submitted on Fri, 30 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 second visit to Hilltop. It is a superb cottage overlooking Windermere with good parking and a lovely garden . There are great walks directly from the cottage as well. We will be back !

Julie from Garstang stayed at Hilltop for 7 nights in June 2023


Hilltop

Review submitted on Fri, 23 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
We have stayed in this cottage many times, we love it but it could do with a little tlc, the patio needs repointing, that could be dangerous, the garden and drive need attention, the kitchen needs to have more equipment and it could do with window frames inside being cleaner, the cottage is expensive and you would expect these things to be done.

Lynwen from Barton-in-the-Beans stayed at Hilltop for 14 nights in June 2023


Lovely stay in a nice little cottage

Review submitted on Thu, 25 May 2023
3.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
3.0
Comfort
3.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
3.0
Customer
Service
4.0
We enjoyed our stay in this cottage, perfectly situated on a hill with slightly obscured (trees) views overlooking Lake Windermere. It had everything we needed as a young family with toddlers. Stairs were easy for my 2 yr old to climb up and down, facilities were good with comfortable if very soft beds and two good two seater sofas. Kitchen had all the basics, washing machine was tiny but enough to keep laundry under control while away for a week. I would recommend as a place to stay for a week, lovely garden and far enough from the road as it had a private driveway up to the cottage to ensure it was safe enough for little ones or dogs, although the garden is not enclosed and they could have walked down the drive if unsupervised so care still needed.

Claire from Grazeley stayed at Hilltop for 7 nights in May 2023


Excellent cottage in phenomenal location

Review submitted on Thu, 11 May 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
Superb cottage in every way. Very comfortable & well equipped, & beautifully clean. Incredibly tranquil & relaxing. Fabulous location. We will definitely return.

Susan from stayed at Hilltop for 12 nights in April 2023


Brilliant cottage & location

Review submitted on Sun, 05 Mar 2023
4.8
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
4.0
We had a lovely week at Hilltop lovely lakeland cottage, really enjoyed the view and settling, we will definitely return to the estate.

Gemma from Idem Rye stayed at Hilltop for 7 nights in February 2023


Fantastic location, lovely cottage

Review submitted on Thu, 02 Mar 2023
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
My family had a lovely holiday at Hilltop. The location is remote, but that suited us perfectly! The area is so pretty, a short drive to the main estate facilities and nearby Hawkeshead and Sawrey. Private drive, spacious grounds, good sized cottage. Comfy beds, we were provided with lots of wood for fire and hot tub, good communication from the estate. My boys also loved the free access to the estate swimming pool (we got 2 x 45 minute sessions included in our 4 night stay). A couple of the kitchen appliances were a little temperamental (oven & dishwasher) but this was a small issue.

Overall excellent VFM and we would definitely return. Thank you for having us

Hannah from Stockport stayed at Hilltop for 4 nights in February 2023


Tranquil and serene

Review submitted on Mon, 05 Dec 2022
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
4.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We booked Hilltop as a means to completely switch off and have time to relax mind and body as well as explore the Lake District and it ticked all the boxes.

After booking we heard from Graythwaite Estates a few times in the lead up to arrival containing information regarding arrival info, directions, online shop to have things ready in the property, local area and services and instructions for the hot tub each time. Which was great as after a few weeks the first email containing that info gets somewhat lost.

When we arrived, we were blown away by the location. It was isolated and quiet with a lovely view of Lake Windermere. The property was already had the heating on so arriving in December it was good to get in and be nice and warm. We found a little welcome bag too which was such a perfect surprise as we weren't expecting it. Inside we found local ground coffee (big hit), tea bags, some lovely local jam, delicious cookies and some fire lighters for the hot tub and living room fires.

The building was clean and everything easy to find so we got settled in very quickly. The beds were comfy and plenty of sockets and storage for everything we brought with us. The location was just right for us, away from everything and surrounded by woodland. Shops are around 10-15 minute drive to Hawkshead for a Co-op or if you're only after a few essentials, more firelighters or some ice cream the Graythwaite Farm shop is a bit quicker around 6 minutes drive. The kitchen was a good size, with an oven, gas stovetop and microwave for cooking. Plenty of glassware, cutlery and croquery in the cupboards and a good sized fridge freezer in an adjoining utility room. Bedrooms were big and beds were comfy and clean, plenty of sockets for devices and chargers and good amount of storage if you don't want to live out of your suitcase. We did have the fire alarm in the twin room go off at 5.30am one morning, and we could find no reason for it so possibly batteries running low but for us although initially jarring, we laughed about it and has become a funny story of our trip.

The only thing to be aware of is that the listing states is contains a Smart TV, it isn't a Smart TV. Not a problem for us as we hardly used it but if your expecting to be able to play Netflix, Amazon Video, Disney+ etc. In the evenings or for little ones, unfortunately the TV doesn't have that capability, but it does have a DVD player. So if you think you'll need a little evening entertainment then bring a couple of movies with you and you'll be fine.

Overall this property is beautiful in an isolated and tranquil location, with the sound of rivers flowing and birds all around. It is comfy and cozy and feels like a home from home. We have already decided that we want to come back yearly if we can and are already looking forward to returning

Carl from Colchester stayed at Hilltop for 4 nights in November 2022


Nick & Kelly

Review submitted on Mon, 28 Nov 2022
4.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
3.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
We had another great break at Hilltop, a great location away from the hustle and bustle of Windermere.
My only comments are the mould in the en-suite needs addressing. The fantastic Hot Tub is great, but it’s needs an outside light above on the gable end and the stone flags need jet washing as they are very sloppy, and dangerous.
Had a great time as usual.

Nick from Hebden Bridge stayed at Hilltop for 2 nights in November 2022


lovely stay

Review submitted on Tue, 25 Oct 2022
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 have been staying at Hilltop Cottage for a number of years now, is located a 5 min stroll from the shore of lake Windermere, where you can slip into the water for a swim or paddle.
we always find the cottage clean on arrival and if required estate staff are great to deal with.

Graham from North Luffenham stayed at Hilltop for 7 nights in July 2022


Lovely cottage

Review submitted on Mon, 17 Oct 2022
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
This was the second time staying at the Hilltop and just like the first stay it didn’t disappoint. Such a lovely, secluded and comfortable cottage.

Guest from Manchester stayed at Hilltop for 4 nights in October 2022


Comfortable relaxing stay

Review submitted on Sat, 03 Sep 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 thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Graythwaite. Been coming to kne of the cottages on the estate for 20 years now and we never want to leave!
The cottage has all you need for a relaxing break away.

Jill from Windsor stayed at Hilltop for 7 nights in August 2022


Hilltop

Review submitted on Thu, 30 Jun 2022
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
This is the perfect cottage to stay at in the lakes. With stunning views over Windermere. Recommended

Julie from Garstang stayed at Hilltop for 7 nights in June 2022


Top Notch!

Review submitted on Mon, 19 Apr 2021
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
Top Notch! Lovely cottage in compelling locations. We could not have had a nicer time. Will certainly go again!

Andrew from stayed at Hilltop for 4 nights in April 2021