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.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
On-site 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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
About the area
Ambleside
Located in Ambleside, this cottage is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Windermere and Ullswater. The Herdy Shop and Cocoa Hearts are also worth visiting. Make sure you don't miss outdoor adventures like hiking/biking trails and mountain biking.
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total). There's a fee of GBP 25. Service animals are exempt from fees.
How much does it cost to stay at No.2 Town Head Cottages?
As of 7 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at No.2 Town Head Cottages on 25 Apr 2026 start from £231, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at No.2 Town Head Cottages?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at No.2 Town Head Cottages?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is No.2 Town Head Cottages located?
Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 2 miles (3 km) of Grasmere Lake & Rydal Water, The Herdy Shop and Easdale Tarn. Grasmere Garden Village and St Oswald's Church are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Because of the cold, keeping the fireplace going was necessary, but it was also cozy.
Carine
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jan 2026
Thank you for your review following your recent stay. We are delighted to hear that you had a lovely time and enjoyed the cosiness of the fire. We hope to welcome you back again soon.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Andrew
23 Jul 2025
Excellent cottage for exploring the lakes, very quiet yet walking distance to Grassmere
Fantastic location
Andrew
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Georgina
5 Jan 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
Bruce
18 Nov 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
8/10 Good
Tracey
30 Mar 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
Gill
23 Jul 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
Luke
25 Feb 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
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Apr 2025
Hi Luke, I am so happy to hear that you really enjoyed your stay here. Thankyou so much for your kind words and lovely review!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Paul
19 Jan 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
17 Oct 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
14 Dec 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
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jan 2025
Hello Catherine,
Thank you for your feedback. I am glad you had a lovely stay and enjoyed the beautiful location. Thank you for your feedback.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Simone
23 Jul 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
6 Sept 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
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2024
Hi Philippa, I am glad you had a good stay and were able to partake in some beautiful walks, I am sure this gave you a chance to explore the beautiful scenery. Thank you for your feedback, I will share your comments with the rest of the team.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Victoria
2 Dec 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
Victoria
About the host
Hosted by Finest Retreats
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests