Gowbarrow Old Hall sits in one of those corners of the Lake District that still feels like a secret. Hidden above the western shores of Ullswater, the house looks out across ancient fellside and farmland, with not much between you and the elements – except a low stone wall and a few hundred years of history.
It’s peaceful here, but not remote. A short drive takes you to Aira Force, and you can walk straight from the door up up to join the popular walking loop known as the Ullswater Way or down to the lake’s edge. Keswick and Penrith are within easy reach if you need supplies, a pub lunch or a rainy-day wander.
You’ll find us at the end of a quiet farm track, shared with our working farm – so expect the occasional tractor, friendly dogs, and the odd wandering pig. It’s all part of the charm.
Whether you’re after wild swims and long hikes, or just a good book by the fire, this is the place to find your rhythm again. Slow, local, and grounded – just like the land that holds it.
Getting here by…
We’re around 20 minutes from the M6 (Junction 40), which makes arriving simple whether you’re coming from the north or south. Leave the motorway at Penrith and follow the A66 towards Keswick before turning off for Ullswater. From there, the landscape begins to open out, with rolling fields, stone walls and glimpses of the lake as you climb towards the fells. The final approach is along a quiet country lane that winds through farmland to our gate. We’ll send detailed directions with your booking so you can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about wrong turns. There’s off-road parking for up to three cars, and an EV charging point in the adjacent farmyard if you’re driving electric — just let us know if you’d like to use it.
For the adventurous, arriving under your own steam is a joy. The bridleways and lanes around Gowbarrow make for glorious cycling, whether you’re tackling longer rides across the fells or cruising along the lake shore. If you’re walking a section of the Ullswater Way or one of the nearby trails, we’re a natural stop-off — and we’ll have a kettle on and a warm welcome ready when you get here.
If you prefer to leave the car behind, Penrith North Lakes station is the closest stop, about 25 minutes from the house. It’s on the main West Coast line, with direct trains from London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Manchester, as well as connections from further afield. Taxis are usually available outside the station, or we can recommend a trusted local driver if you’d like to arrange a pick-up in advance. For guests travelling light, hiring a car in Penrith is also an option — perfect if you want the freedom to explore while keeping the journey easy.