The Old Boathouse Lodge in Ulverston and Lakeland Peninsula | Stunning Group Escape LargeHolidayCottages.com

About The Old Boathouse Lodge

The Old Boathouse Lodge sits at the southern tip of Walney Island in Cumbria within the South Walney Nature Reserve. This split-level property sleeps up to eight guests across two separate living spaces. Perfect for multi-generational groups who want both togetherness and privacy. The main house and The Hide annexe mean everyone gets their own space.

The reserve surrounds you with wildlife. Grey seals swim past at high tide. Bird species fill the skies. Windswept dunes stretch in every direction. Sunrises and sunsets paint the panoramic sea views.

The main cottage has sleeping accommodation downstairs. The master features a king-sized bed with luxury en-suite and double shower. The White Room offers another king-size bed. The Red Room has zip-link twins that convert to a king-size double. A family bathroom includes a large shower over bath. Upstairs holds the open-plan kitchen and living area with log burner. The Hide provides ground-floor living with a king-sized bedroom, walk-in shower en-suite and separate kitchen.

Barrow-in-Furness town centre (4 miles, 10 minutes) offers shops and restaurants. South Lakes Safari Zoo (12 miles, 25 minutes) entertains all ages. Furness Abbey (5 miles, 12 minutes) showcases medieval history. Piel Island (6 miles, 15 minutes by car then ferry) provides adventure.

The Old Boathouse Lodge works brilliantly for nature-loving groups wanting seclusion and spectacular views. Book here for an unforgettable wildlife experience where seals and rare birds become your neighbours.

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Need To Know

✓Four bedrooms total: three bedrooms in the main house and one bedroom in the separate annexe called The Hide
✓Master bedroom in main house with king-sized bed and luxury en-suite featuring a double shower
✓Second bedroom ("The White Room") with comfortable king-size bed and wall-mounted TV visible from the bed
✓Third bedroom ("The Red Room") with zip-link twin beds configurable as a king-size double on request
✓The Hide annexe has one bedroom with a king-sized bed and luxury en-suite with walk-in shower
✓Main house family bathroom with large shower over bath in contemporary style
✓Utility room in main house with washing machine and tumble dryer
✓Main house upper floor living quarters with beautiful log burner for colder months
✓Binoculars and bird-watching guidebooks provided for wildlife spotting from upper floor windows
✓Fully-fitted kitchen in main house including Krups coffee machine and integrated dishwasher
✓The Hide annexe has its own separate open-plan kitchen and living space on the ground floor with double aspect windows flooded with natural light
✓Furnished to a high standard with contemporary feel and many thoughtful touches throughout
✓Mounted TV in master bedroom and wall-mounted TV in second bedroom, both viewable from the beds
✓Electricity included in utilities
✓Bed linen and towels provided
✓No smoking allowed anywhere on the property
✓No pets allowed, including no dogs anywhere on the reserve, even on a lead
✓£300 security deposit required
✓Access to property via a bumpy track; vehicle with high clearance recommended for comfortable arrival
✓Car registration details required prior to arrival to access the lane to the property
✓Ample off-road parking available on site for several cars
✓Property located at southern tip of Cumbria in the heart of South Walney Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest managed by Cumbria Wildlife Trust
✓Strict nature reserve rules apply with restrictions on where guests can wander
✓No access to the beach at this south tip of Walney Island
✓No fireworks or drones allowed on the property or reserve
✓Nature reserve is closely monitored by a warden
✓Panoramic sea views and surrounded by wildlife including diverse bird species and grey seals visible at high tide
✓Nearby outdoor features include dunes and plenty of trails to explore across the dunes
✓Check-in after 16:00 and check-out before 10:00
✓Suitable for multi-generational families, with The Hide annexe providing separate living and kitchen space for privacy
✓Living quarters upstairs in main house maximize wonderful views of the surrounding nature reserve
✓Typical wildlife includes birds such as eider ducks, willow warbler, sandwich terns in spring; nesting gulls, oystercatchers, ringed plovers in summer; waders and wildfowl in autumn and winter
✓Stunning sunrises and sunsets visible from the property

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Local Insights: The Old Boathouse Lodge

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Ulverston, Cumbria

Weather & Local Conditions

17°C

Overcast

Updated: 13 Oct 2026, 3:13am

🌡️

16.70°C

Temperature

💨

28 km/h

Wind Speed

💧

89%

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 October 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 Old Boathouse Lodge 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):

🌌

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

(26 feet above sea level)

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

🏔️

Elevation

📍

Ulverston

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 Ulverston 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: 54.0652000° N | Longitude: 3.1745° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Ulverston (Tuesday, 13 October 2026):

6:35am

Sunrise

4:22pm

Golden Hour

5:22pm

Sunset

🌅

6:35am

Sunrise

🌇

5:22pm

Sunset

📸

4:22pm

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 (4:22pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

October Daylight

This month in Ulverston, you have approximately 10.79 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 Old Boathouse Lodge.

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

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Old Boathouse Lodge

Split accommodation for privacy

The Hide annexe gives grandparents or parents their own kitchen and living space while staying close to the main house.

Incredible wildlife watching

Grey seals swim past at high tide and rare bird species nest throughout the seasons in this protected nature reserve.

Panoramic sea views

Floor-to-ceiling windows upstairs capture stunning sunrises and sunsets across the Irish Sea from the open-plan living area.

Contemporary luxury interiors

High-standard furnishings include wall-mounted TVs in bedrooms, luxury en-suites with walk-in showers and a cosy log burner.

Perfect for larger families

Four bedrooms across two buildings sleep eight guests comfortably with three bathrooms and separate living spaces for everyone.

Remote peaceful location

Complete seclusion at the tip of Walney Island means no neighbours, just miles of protected dunes and wildlife.

Getting To The Old Boathouse Lodge

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Old Boathouse Lodge by car, take the A590 towards Barrow-in-Furness, then follow signs to Walney Island via Jubilee Bridge. Continue south along Ocean Road to the reserve entrance. A vehicle with high clearance is recommended as the final access track is bumpy.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Barrow-in-Furness, approximately 4 miles away. From there, take a taxi to the southern tip of Walney Island where the lodge sits within the nature reserve.

Ample off-road parking for several cars

Barrow-in-Furness station (4 miles)

Accessible via A590 and Jubilee Bridge to Walney Island

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

South Lakes Safari Zoo

Distance: 12 miles

LA12 0LU

Furness Abbey

Distance: 5 miles

LA13 0TJ

Piel Island

Distance: 6 miles

LA13 0RL

Walney Island Nature Reserve Trails

Distance: On-site

LA13 0QG

Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve

Distance: 8 miles

LA14 4QJ

Bardsea Country Park

Distance: 11 miles

LA12 9QX

Barrow-in-Furness Town Centre

Distance: 4 miles

LA14 1HU

Portland Walk Shopping Centre

Distance: 4 miles

LA14 1SB

Tesco Superstore Barrow

Distance: 3.5 miles

LA14 2PW

Barrow-in-Furness Railway Station

Distance: 4 miles

LA14 2BX

Barrow Marina

Distance: 4 miles

LA14 1AQ

Dock Museum

Distance: 4 miles

LA14 2PW

South Lakes Safari Zoo

Distance: 12 miles

LA12 0LU

Furness Abbey

Distance: 5 miles

LA13 0TJ

Piel Island

Distance: 6 miles

LA13 0RL

Walney Island Nature Reserve Trails

Distance: On-site

LA13 0QG

Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve

Distance: 8 miles

LA14 4QJ

Bardsea Country Park

Distance: 11 miles

LA12 9QX

Barrow-in-Furness Town Centre

Distance: 4 miles

LA14 1HU

Portland Walk Shopping Centre

Distance: 4 miles

LA14 1SB

Tesco Superstore Barrow

Distance: 3.5 miles

LA14 2PW

Barrow-in-Furness Railway Station

Distance: 4 miles

LA14 2BX

Barrow Marina

Distance: 4 miles

LA14 1AQ

Dock Museum

Distance: 4 miles

LA14 2PW

Is The Old Boathouse Lodge Right For Your Group

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

For Families

Children will love spotting grey seals swimming past at high tide and watching rare birds through the provided binoculars. The nature reserve offers miles of dunes to explore safely. Wall-mounted TVs in bedrooms keep them entertained during downtime. South Lakes Safari Zoo sits just 25 minutes away for a fantastic day out with animals from around the world.

Groups Will Love...

The split accommodation design makes The Old Boathouse Lodge exceptional for groups. The Hide annexe provides a completely separate one-bedroom space with its own kitchen and living area. Grandparents or parents get privacy whilst staying close to the main house. Everyone enjoys their own space yet can gather together in the upstairs living area with panoramic sea views and log burner for cosy group evenings.

Pet Friendly

The Old Boathouse Lodge does not accept pets. Dogs are strictly prohibited throughout the entire South Walney Nature Reserve, even on leads. This rule protects the Site of Special Scientific Interest where rare birds nest and breed. The Cumbria Wildlife Trust enforces these restrictions to preserve the delicate ecosystem. Groups with pets should look for alternative accommodation outside the reserve boundaries.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Old Boathouse Lodge

The Harbour Inn

Located 3.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA13 0RB

The Ship Inn Barrow

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA14 1HU

Ambrose Hotel Restaurant

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA14 1JH

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Old Boathouse Lodge

Is The Old Boathouse Lodge pet friendly?

No dogs are allowed at the property or anywhere on the South Walney Nature Reserve, even on a lead. This strict rule protects the nesting birds and wildlife in this Site of Special Scientific Interest.

How many guests does the property sleep?

The Old Boathouse Lodge sleeps up to eight guests across four bedrooms in two separate buildings. The main cottage has three bedrooms and The Hide annexe has one bedroom with its own facilities.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

The main cottage has a master king with en-suite, a second king in The White Room and zip-link twins in The Red Room that convert to a king. The Hide has one king-sized bedroom with walk-in shower en-suite.

Is there parking available?

Yes, there is ample off-road parking for several cars at the property. Access is via a bumpy track so a vehicle with high clearance is recommended for a more comfortable arrival.

What facilities are in the kitchen?

The main cottage kitchen is fully fitted with integrated dishwasher, Krups coffee machine and all standard cooking equipment. The Hide has its own separate fully-equipped kitchen for independent meal preparation.

Can we access the beach from the property?

No, there is no beach access from this south tip of Walney Island. The nature reserve has strict access restrictions to protect nesting birds and wildlife habitats managed by Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

What wildlife can we see?

Grey seals swim past at high tide while bird species include eider ducks, oystercatchers, ringed plovers, sandwich terns and willow warblers depending on season. Binoculars and guidebooks are provided for watching from the windows.

Are there any property restrictions?

No fireworks or drones are permitted on the reserve. A warden monitors the area closely and car registration details are required before arrival to access the lane to the property.

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The Old Boathouse Lodge Reviews

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The Old Boathouse Lodge, Ulverston

About The Old Boathouse Lodge

Need To Know

More Group Cottages You May Like

Weather & Local Conditions

What to Expect Through the Year

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Bortle Scale Rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

Best Stargazing Conditions

Location & Elevation

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

Coordinates

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Planning Your Days by Season

October Daylight

Practical Essentials

Mobile Phone Signal

Nearest Essentials

Family & Fun

What Guests Love

Split accommodation for privacy

Incredible wildlife watching

Panoramic sea views

Contemporary luxury interiors

Perfect for larger families

Remote peaceful location

Getting To The Old Boathouse Lodge

By Car

By Train

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Is The Old Boathouse Lodge Right For Your Group

For Families

Groups Will Love...

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The Harbour Inn

The Ship Inn Barrow

Ambrose Hotel Restaurant

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

The Old Boathouse Lodge Reviews