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Gillhead Farm Cottage, Matterdale End

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Gillhead Farm Cottage is a traditional stone property in Cumbria, perfect for groups wanting an authentic Lake District base. The cottage sleeps up to 8 guests across three well-appointed bedrooms, making it ideal for families or friends exploring this stunning region together.

The location puts you right in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Rolling fells surround the property. Stone walls and working farms define the landscape. You're positioned perfectly for exploring both the northern and central lakes.

Inside you'll find three bedrooms sleeping eight people comfortably. There are two bathrooms for the group. The social spaces include a sitting room with original features and a separate dining kitchen where everyone can gather.

About Gillhead Farm Cottage

Gillhead Farm Cottage is a traditional stone property in Cumbria, perfect for groups wanting an authentic Lake District base. The cottage sleeps up to 8 guests across three well-appointed bedrooms, making it ideal for families or friends exploring this stunning region together.

The location puts you right in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Rolling fells surround the property. Stone walls and working farms define the landscape. You're positioned perfectly for exploring both the northern and central lakes.

Inside you'll find three bedrooms sleeping eight people comfortably. There are two bathrooms for the group. The social spaces include a sitting room with original features and a separate dining kitchen where everyone can gather. Period features throughout add character whilst modern facilities ensure comfort.

Ullswater lies 6 miles away (15 minutes drive). Penrith offers shops and amenities 4 miles distant (10 minutes). Aira Force waterfall sits 8 miles away (20 minutes). Dalemain House and Gardens is just 3 miles (8 minutes).

Gillhead Farm Cottage suits groups wanting genuine countryside living with easy access to lakes and mountains. Book here for an unspoilt Lake District experience.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: Gillhead Farm Cottage

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Matterdale End, Cumbria

Weather & Local Conditions

15Β°C

Overcast

Updated: 28 Aug 2026, 3:11am

🌑️
14.60Β°C
Temperature
πŸ’¨
3 km/h
Wind Speed
πŸ’§
95%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever August throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • βœ“ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • βœ“ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • βœ“ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • βœ“ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Gillhead Farm Cottage sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • βœ“ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • βœ“ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • βœ“ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • βœ“ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
πŸ“±
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

253m

(830 feet above sea level)

Gillhead Farm Cottage sits in a peaceful Cumbria setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

πŸ”οΈ
253m
Elevation
πŸ“
Matterdale End
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • βœ“ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • βœ“ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • βœ“ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • βœ“ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
πŸš—
Driving Note: The roads to Matterdale End are typical Cumbria lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 54.6333290Β° N | Longitude: 2.961534Β° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Matterdale End (Friday, 28 August 2026):

5:10am

Sunrise

6:16pm

Golden Hour

7:16pm

Sunset

πŸŒ…
5:10am
Sunrise
πŸŒ‡
7:16pm
Sunset
πŸ“Έ
6:16pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • βœ“ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • βœ“ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • βœ“ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • βœ“ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
πŸŒ™
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:16pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Matterdale End, you have approximately 14.10 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Gillhead Farm Cottage.

Mobile Phone Signal

πŸ“±

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

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Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

πŸš—
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Cumbria. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 28 Aug 2026 | Location: 54.6333290, -2.9615340

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Gillhead Farm Cottage

Authentic Lake District Location

Set within working farmland with direct access to fells and countryside walks perfect for groups exploring together outdoors.

Three Bedroom Layout

Sleeps six guests comfortably across three bedrooms with two bathrooms making morning routines easy for larger groups.

Traditional Stone Character

Original features and period details throughout create an atmospheric base that feels genuinely Lake District rather than modern development.

Central Lakes Position

Perfectly placed between Ullswater and Penrith giving groups access to northern lakes and central attractions within minutes.

Spacious Social Areas

Separate sitting room and dining kitchen provide proper space for groups to spread out and relax together after days exploring.

Peaceful Rural Setting

Surrounded by working farms and open countryside offering genuine peace away from tourist crowds yet close to major attractions.

Getting To Gillhead Farm Cottage

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Gillhead Farm Cottage by car, take the M6 to Junction 40 and follow the A66 towards Keswick. Turn onto the A592 heading south and follow signs for Ullswater. The cottage is accessed via minor roads through Dacre. Off-road parking is available at the property.

By Train

Penrith railway station is the nearest stop, located 4 miles from the cottage. The station has regular services on the West Coast Main Line connecting to London, Glasgow, Manchester and Edinburgh. Taxis are readily available from the station forecourt.

Off-road parking available
Penrith station (4 miles)
Accessible from M6 Junction 40

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Ullswater Lake
Distance: 6 miles
CA11 0US
Aira Force Waterfall
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 0JS
Dalemain House & Gardens
Distance: 3 miles
CA11 0HB
Dacre Castle Walk
Distance: 1 mile
CA11 0HJ
Ullswater Way Trail
Distance: 6 miles
CA11 0US
Helvellyn Mountain
Distance: 12 miles
CA11 0NZ
Penrith Town Centre
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 7TR
Tesco Superstore Penrith
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 9EH
Morrisons Penrith
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 8HX
Penrith Railway Station
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 0BX
Rheged Centre
Distance: 5 miles
CA11 0DQ
Pooley Bridge Village
Distance: 7 miles
CA10 2NN
Ullswater Lake
Distance: 6 miles
CA11 0US
Aira Force Waterfall
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 0JS
Dalemain House & Gardens
Distance: 3 miles
CA11 0HB
Dacre Castle Walk
Distance: 1 mile
CA11 0HJ
Ullswater Way Trail
Distance: 6 miles
CA11 0US
Helvellyn Mountain
Distance: 12 miles
CA11 0NZ
Penrith Town Centre
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 7TR
Tesco Superstore Penrith
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 9EH
Morrisons Penrith
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 8HX
Penrith Railway Station
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 0BX
Rheged Centre
Distance: 5 miles
CA11 0DQ
Pooley Bridge Village
Distance: 7 miles
CA10 2NN

Is Gillhead Farm Cottage Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The rural location provides endless outdoor adventures for children. Ullswater lake offers paddling and beach areas 6 miles away. Aira Force waterfall makes an exciting family walk with dramatic scenery. The surrounding farmland lets kids explore safely. Rheged Centre 5 miles away has indoor activities and cinema. Lowther Castle adventure playground sits 6 miles distant with climbing frames and outdoor play areas perfect for burning energy.
Groups Will Love...
The separate sitting room and dining kitchen give groups proper space to socialise together. Everyone can gather around the dining table for meals after days exploring the fells. The sitting room features original stonework and period details creating atmosphere for evening relaxation. Both spaces are generously proportioned allowing six guests to spread out comfortably. The layout works perfectly for families or friends wanting communal areas without feeling cramped during Lake District breaks.
Pet Friendly
Dogs are welcome at Gillhead Farm Cottage making it perfect for groups travelling with pets. The rural setting provides immediate access to farmland walks straight from the door. Surrounding fields and footpaths offer miles of off-lead exercise opportunities. Ullswater lake 6 miles away welcomes dogs on beaches and walking trails. The cottage location within working farmland means pets can enjoy genuine countryside freedom whilst owners explore the Lake District together.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Gillhead Farm Cottage

The Horse & Farrier Inn Dacre

Located 1 mile from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA11 0HN

The George & Dragon Clifton

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA10 2ER

Granny Dowbekin's Pooley Bridge

Located 7 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA10 2NN

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Gillhead Farm Cottage

How many people does Gillhead Farm Cottage sleep?
The cottage sleeps six guests across three bedrooms. Two bathrooms serve the group comfortably.
Is Gillhead Farm Cottage pet friendly?
Yes, pets are welcome at this property. The rural location and surrounding farmland provide excellent walking opportunities for dogs.
What sleeping arrangements are available?
The cottage has three bedrooms configured to sleep six people total. Two bathrooms are provided for guest use throughout the property.
Where is the nearest supermarket?
Penrith town centre is 4 miles away with major supermarkets including Morrisons and Tesco. The drive takes approximately 10 minutes from the cottage.
What are the best attractions nearby for groups?
Ullswater lake offers water sports and steamer trips 6 miles away. Aira Force waterfall provides spectacular walks 8 miles distant whilst Dalemain House sits just 3 miles away.
Is there parking at the property?
Off-road parking is available at the cottage. The rural location means parking is straightforward for multiple vehicles.
What facilities are in the kitchen?
The dining kitchen is fully equipped for group catering. Appliances and utensils are provided for preparing meals for six guests.
Can we walk directly from the cottage?
Yes, the property sits within working farmland with direct access to footpaths. Fell walks start literally from the door making it perfect for walking groups.

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Gillhead Farm Cottage Reviews

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