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Nab Cottage

Nab Cottage is between Grasmere and Ambleside, in the heart of the Lake District, with beautiful views over the lake. It stands alone near the shores of Rydal Water and is surrounded by mountains. The cottage dates from the 16 century with many original features; beams, flagged floors, spice cupboard, mullioned windows, open fire. There are 7 bedrooms, most en-suite, a dining room, sitting room and Thomas de Quincey's original opium den - now a TV room.

The atmosphere is easy going guests can enjoy spending time inside; chatting by the blazing fire, reading at the window seats which overlook the lake, playing the piano, poring over maps, or enjoying our homemade bread and a long breakfast.
And once outside, the views, and the walks, are stunning.

There are excellent low-level routes; the coffin track to Rydal waterfalls, Loughrigg terrace to Rydal caves, around Grasmere Lake, along the river at White Moss. And plenty of challenging fell walks; Fairfield horseshoe, Red Screes, Langdale Pikes, Helvellyn. We offer maps, advice and drying facilities. Guests can also use our Canadian canoe on the lake. Ambleside and Grasmere are the nearby villages, 2 miles in either direction. Both offer a range of restaurants, cinemas and shops and there are 3 theatres within 30 minutes of the cottage,

Packed lunches, dinner at weekends, or lighter snacks are available - using fresh, organic and fair-trade ingredients as far as possible.

Massage, Reiki, and Shiatsu are available on site to guests.
A beautifully converted barn adjoining the cottage can be booked for family parties and workshops.

Nab Cottage was once home to Thomas de Quincey and was often visited by William Wordsworth. It is a short walk to Wordsworth's former homes at Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount.