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The Bay Tree, Penrith

Visitor Rating
Rating
★★★★★
Exceptional
Cumbria » Penrith
8
4
3

The Bay Tree is a newly converted barn in Watermillock, Cumbria, part of a group of stone-built cottages perfect for large gatherings. This spacious property sleeps up to 8 guests and offers flexible accommodation across multiple units, making it ideal for extended families or groups of friends wanting their own space whilst staying together. The stone-built character adds authentic Lake District appeal.

Watermillock sits on the quiet eastern shore of Ullswater, surrounded by fells and woodland. The area provides peaceful countryside views with easy access to lakeside walks and water activities.

The accommodation comprises interconnected units within the converted barn complex.

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About The Bay Tree

The Bay Tree is a newly converted barn in Watermillock, Cumbria, part of a group of stone-built cottages perfect for large gatherings. This spacious property sleeps up to 8 guests and offers flexible accommodation across multiple units, making it ideal for extended families or groups of friends wanting their own space whilst staying together. The stone-built character adds authentic Lake District appeal.

Watermillock sits on the quiet eastern shore of Ullswater, surrounded by fells and woodland. The area provides peaceful countryside views with easy access to lakeside walks and water activities.

The accommodation comprises interconnected units within the converted barn complex. Expect four bedrooms spread across the property, sleeping 8 people comfortably. Three bathrooms serve the group. Open-plan living areas provide communal spaces where everyone can gather for meals and socialising.

Ullswater Steamers depart from nearby Glenridding (3 miles, 8 minutes) for lake cruises. Aira Force waterfall (2 miles, 6 minutes) offers spectacular walks. Pooley Bridge village (2 miles, 5 minutes) has shops and pubs. Penrith town centre (7 miles, 15 minutes) provides supermarkets and amenities.

The Bay Tree suits groups wanting authentic Lakeland accommodation with space for everyone. Book this converted barn for your next Lake District group break.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

The Bay Tree Video Tour

The Bay Tree video tour
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Local Insights: The Bay Tree

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Penrith, Cumbria

Weather & Local Conditions

16°C

Overcast

Updated: 7 Sep 2026, 3:19am

🌡️
15.70°C
Temperature
💨
22 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
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 September throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • ✓ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • ✓ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • ✓ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • ✓ 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

The Bay Tree 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):

1
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

  • ✓ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • ✓ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • ✓ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • ✓ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
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

242m

(794 feet above sea level)

The Bay Tree sits in a peaceful Cumbria setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
242m
Elevation
📍
Penrith
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • ✓ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • ✓ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • ✓ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • ✓ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Penrith 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: 54.5978069° N | Longitude: 2.8747985° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Penrith (Monday, 7 September 2026):

5:28am

Sunrise

5:50pm

Golden Hour

6:50pm

Sunset

🌅
5:28am
Sunrise
🌇
6:50pm
Sunset
📸
5:50pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • ✓ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • ✓ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • ✓ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • ✓ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (5:50pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

September Daylight

This month in Penrith, you have approximately 13.38 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Bay Tree.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

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

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
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: 7 Sep 2026 | Location: 54.5978069, -2.8747985

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Bay Tree

Newly Converted Barn

Fresh modern interiors meet traditional stone walls in this beautifully renovated barn conversion perfect for comfortable group living.

Sleeps 12 Guests

Generous capacity across six bedrooms means extended families and friend groups can all stay together under one roof.

Watermillock Location

Peaceful setting on Ullswater's eastern shore provides stunning fell views and easy access to lakeside walks and activities.

Stone-Built Character

Authentic Cumbrian architecture with exposed stonework creates a genuine Lake District atmosphere throughout the property.

Group Cottage Complex

Part of stone-built cottages allowing flexible arrangements where groups can spread out yet remain close together.

Multiple Living Spaces

Open-plan communal areas give everyone room to gather whilst separate zones provide quiet retreats when needed.

Getting To The Bay Tree

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Bay Tree by car, take the M6 to Junction 40 and follow the A66 towards Keswick. Turn onto the A592 at Rheged and continue through Pooley Bridge to Watermillock. Off-road parking is available for multiple vehicles.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Penrith, approximately 7 miles from The Bay Tree. From Penrith station, take a taxi or local bus service to Watermillock on the eastern shore of Ullswater.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Penrith station (7 miles)
Accessible via A592 from M6 Junction 40

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Aira Force Waterfall
Distance: 2 miles
CA11 0JS
Ullswater Steamers Glenridding
Distance: 3 miles
CA11 0US
Dalemain Mansion & Gardens
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 0HB
Ullswater Shoreline Path
Distance: 0.5 miles
CA11 0LR
Hallin Fell Summit Walk
Distance: 1.5 miles
CA10 2NE
Gowbarrow Fell Trail
Distance: 2.5 miles
CA11 0JS
Pooley Bridge Village Stores
Distance: 2 miles
CA10 2NN
Penrith Town Centre
Distance: 7 miles
CA11 7EG
Rheged Centre
Distance: 6 miles
CA11 0DQ
Pooley Bridge Marina
Distance: 2 miles
CA10 2NN
Penrith Bus Station
Distance: 7 miles
CA11 7EH
Ullswater Tourist Information
Distance: 3 miles
CA11 0US
Aira Force Waterfall
Distance: 2 miles
CA11 0JS
Ullswater Steamers Glenridding
Distance: 3 miles
CA11 0US
Dalemain Mansion & Gardens
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 0HB
Ullswater Shoreline Path
Distance: 0.5 miles
CA11 0LR
Hallin Fell Summit Walk
Distance: 1.5 miles
CA10 2NE
Gowbarrow Fell Trail
Distance: 2.5 miles
CA11 0JS
Pooley Bridge Village Stores
Distance: 2 miles
CA10 2NN
Penrith Town Centre
Distance: 7 miles
CA11 7EG
Rheged Centre
Distance: 6 miles
CA11 0DQ
Pooley Bridge Marina
Distance: 2 miles
CA10 2NN
Penrith Bus Station
Distance: 7 miles
CA11 7EH
Ullswater Tourist Information
Distance: 3 miles
CA11 0US

Is The Bay Tree Right For Your Group

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

For Families
The Bay Tree provides excellent opportunities for children with Ullswater's shoreline just minutes away for paddling and stone skipping. Aira Force waterfall offers an exciting woodland adventure with bridges and viewing platforms. Pooley Bridge has a playground and ice cream shops. The surrounding fields and fells give plenty of space for outdoor games and exploration.
Groups Will Love...
The open-plan living areas at The Bay Tree create perfect communal spaces where groups of 12 can gather together. Multiple seating zones mean some guests can cook whilst others relax or play games. The stone-built barn conversion provides authentic Lake District atmosphere with modern comfort. Large dining areas accommodate everyone for group meals and celebrations together.
Pet Friendly
The Bay Tree welcomes dogs so your pets can enjoy the Lake District alongside you. Direct access to countryside walks means dogs can explore straight from the door. Ullswater's shoreline provides excellent swimming spots for water-loving dogs. The surrounding fells offer endless sniffing opportunities. Nearby Pooley Bridge has dog-friendly pubs where your pets are welcome too.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Bay Tree

The Pooley Bridge Inn

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA10 2NN

The Brackenrigg Inn

Located 1 mile from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA11 0LP

Granny Dowbekin's Tearoom Glenridding

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA11 0PD

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Bay Tree

How many guests does The Bay Tree sleep?
The Bay Tree accommodates up to 12 guests across six bedrooms, making it suitable for large families or groups. The layout provides both communal spaces and private sleeping areas.
Is The Bay Tree pet-friendly?
Yes, The Bay Tree welcomes pets so your dogs can join the Lake District adventure. Check with the property regarding the number of pets allowed and any additional charges.
What parking is available at the property?
Off-road parking is provided for multiple vehicles at The Bay Tree. This makes arrival and departure straightforward for groups travelling in several cars.
How far is The Bay Tree from Ullswater?
The property sits in Watermillock on the eastern shore of Ullswater, just minutes from the lake. You can easily walk to the waterside for activities and scenic strolls.
What shops and amenities are nearby?
Pooley Bridge village (2 miles) has local shops, pubs and cafes for essentials. Penrith town centre (7 miles) offers supermarkets, restaurants and a wider range of facilities.
Are there good walks from The Bay Tree?
Aira Force waterfall is just 2 miles away with spectacular woodland walks. The surrounding fells and Ullswater shoreline provide countless walking routes for all abilities.
What attractions are close to the property?
Ullswater Steamers at Glenridding (3 miles) offer lake cruises with mountain views. Dalemain Mansion, Lowther Castle and numerous outdoor activity centres are within easy driving distance.
Does The Bay Tree have a hot tub?
No, this property does not have a hot tub. However, the spacious accommodation and beautiful Lake District setting provide plenty of other ways to relax after days exploring.

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