Reviews

Lovely place to stay, beautiful scenery, easily accessible to the lakes, would highly recommend. One slight issue to flag for future visitors – Power is run on solar batteries, which is fine (particularly in sunnier months), but suggest taking torch, battery packs etc in winter in case it drops out for a little bit (hosts will happily replace the batteries when it does 🙂

We had a wonderful 3-night stay at the Hawthorn Retreat for my partner’s 30th birthday at the end of October this year, and can’t recommend it highly enough. The shepherd’s hut is in a beautiful, secluded location nestled among the the tree tops and just beside the river – a perfect spot to unwind, with easy access to Penrith and the lakes if you want to get out and about. We enjoyed lovely local walks as well as trips to Ullswater, Ambleside, and Grasmere, but I think our favourite moments were spent in the cabin relaxing with steaming morning coffees, and enjoying the autumn sunshine on the terrace. We’ve always loved the idea of ‘tiny’ homes and were completely sold on how well finished and equipped the cabin was, it felt spacious and light whilst staying very warm and cosy on a chilly night. We had everything we needed during our stay, as well as lots of little luxuries that were thrown in as a bonus – Christine and her team were so welcoming and provided a gorgeous breakfast hamper with local goodies and homemade jam, and the bathroom was kitted out with Rowley Estate soaps, shampoos, and lotions. The check-in was smooth and easy, as Christine had provided very thorough arrival information.

The Hawthorn Retreat is a perfect getaway in a beautiful, peaceful landscape. We wished we could’ve stayed longer, and can’t wait to be back again for a return visit.

Lovely place and location! Would recommend for a quiet weekend

We had a wonderful 3-night stay at the Hawthorn Retreat for my partner’s 30th birthday at the end of October this year, and can’t recommend it highly enough. The shepherd’s hut is in a beautiful, secluded location nestled among the the tree tops and just beside the river – a perfect spot to unwind, with easy access to Penrith and the lakes if you want to get out and about. We’ve always loved the idea of ‘tiny’ homes and were completely sold on how well finished and equipped the cabin was, it felt spacious and light whilst staying very warm and cosy at night. Christine and her team were so welcoming and provided a gorgeous breakfast hamper with local goodies and homemade jam, and the bathroom was kitted out with Rowley Estate soaps, shampoos, and lotions. The check-in was smooth and easy, as Christine had provided very thorough arrival information. The Hawthorn Retreat is a perfect getaway in a beautiful, peaceful landscape. We wished we could’ve stayed longer, and can’t wait to return.

Just wanted to send you a message to say how much we enjoyed our stay at the Hawthorn retreat this weekend, we can’t thank you enough for our stay, the little hamper of local treats, and the recommendations – It was so generous of you! It was our first time visiting the lakes and we absolutely loved it. We hope to be back again very soon.

We loved the space and the view out to the sunrise and opening the window and doors evoked such a sense of being outside while doing anything inside. The gifts on arrival were lovely and generous and the area is so beautiful to explore.

I spent 4 nights staying at Hawthorn Retreat during September 2024. It was thoroughly enjoyable experience. The location is completely secluded, quiet and rural but only 6 miles from the M6 at Penrith. In the other direction, it’s only 6 miles to Pooley Bridge at the north end of Ullswater … and from there on you are properly immersed in the Lake District. The hut itself is cosy, warm and very well appointed and presented …. plus the bed is very comfortable, albeit that one literally has to climb into it. On arrival there was a lovely “goodies” hamper with essentials (bread, butter, eggs, milk, jam, tea and coffee) also being provided. Additionally, the hut has a very compressive folder with information on how to work everything plus extensive guides to local facilities, walks and cycle rides. All the administration of the booking, payment and the practicalities of arriving and checking in and out were very efficiently handled, giving one confidence that one is dealing with a competent and professional organisation. I’d DEFINITELY recommend a stay in Hawthorn Retreat and hope to return myself sometime soon 😊 ! John Pinfold, Cheltenham, UK.

Really happy that we chose to stay at Hawthorn Retreat. The place is secluded and a great getaway to chill out and relax. The surroundings are beautiful and the sound of the river was so relaxing. The kitchen was well equipped and had every utensil you will need and also has oil, salt, pepper, sugar etc . We were really impressed with the Welcome Hamper that we received upon arrival. It includes homemade bread, butter, homemade jam, tea, coffee, eggs, milk, apple juice and muesli. The bathroom had everything you need you don’t need to bring toilet roll, body wash, hand wash, shampoo and conditioner. The shower is hot too. The whole place was absolutely immaculate and the bed is really comfortable. The Wi-Fi speed is brilliant considering we were in the middle of nowhere. The electrics all worked fine. Outside we were delighted to find a bbq and a fire pit. The coals and the wood were also supplied.free of charge which was a really nice touch. 100% recommend this place.

Had an absolutely wonderful time at the Hawthorn Retreat. Very clear communication from Christine, very clean, and overall a beautiful place to stay. Could not reccomend anymore!

Beautiful place that made us feel right at home, the place was spotless and everything was as described. Christine was very responsive and had left us clear instructions on how to find the accommodation and check in. Beautiful hamper of breakfast items along with a booklet full of local recommendations which we found very helpful for getting around. 10/10 would definitely go back!