Planning a 70th birthday in the Lake District? Our large holiday houses in Windermere sleep 12 to 16, so the whole family can stay under one roof. Number One and Bannerrigg both seat 20 for dinner, every house has its own parking, and midweek breaks suit a mostly retired party. One honest note up front: all the bedrooms are upstairs.
A 70th is rarely just a party for the birthday girl or boy. It’s the weekend the kids organise, the grandchildren come up, and someone flies in from abroad. The guest list runs from nine months to ninety.
That’s the challenge. The venue has to suit a toddler, a teenager and someone who’d rather not climb a mountain. Here’s how to plan it.
Start with the honest bit: stairs
None of our houses has a ground-floor bedroom. They’re tall, Grade II listed houses with stairs throughout, and they’re unlikely to suit wheelchair users. We’d rather tell you now than have you find out on arrival.
Every house has its own parking, so nobody has to walk far from the car. The Terrace houses are a couple of minutes from Windermere station. The village is downhill, which is lovely on the way down and less lovely on the way back. Local taxis are easy: Lakeside Taxis on 015394 88888.
Get everyone round one table
The moment that matters at a 70th is the big dinner. So look at the dining room first.
Number One has a dining table that seats up to 20 and a lounge with Chesterfields for 20. That’s rare: the whole family in one room, for the meal and for the speeches afterwards. It sleeps 14 plus two infants, with a 15-seat cinema for the grandchildren and a bar in the hallway.
Bannerrigg‘s oak dining table also seats 20, and the house sleeps 16. Every bed there is a single, so it suits a family with lots of teenagers and grown-up grandchildren better than a house full of couples.
Orrest Head House seats 18 in the dining room, with a kitchen table for 12 as well. It has two acres of grounds, part gated off, where children can run about. The snug off the kitchen is ideal for younger ones who want their own space but still feel part of things.
Keep the days gentle
Not everyone wants a fell walk. Plenty of the best things in Windermere need no boots at all:
- Windermere Lake Cruises. A few hours on the water with a coffee. Works for every age.
- Sunday lunch at The Lamplighter, about two minutes’ walk from the Terrace. It also does private dining.
- Orrest Head, for the energetic half. About 20 minutes to the top, starting across the road from the Terrace, or from the back of Orrest Head House.
Those who stay behind get a warm house. The heating is set to 21°C by day, and a Boost button gives 22.5°C for two hours. Houses with fires get a basket of logs from October to April.
Think about midweek
Weekends suit families with jobs and school. But if the birthday group is mostly retired, a midweek break is quieter and usually better value. Midweek stays start on a Monday and run for four nights.
The practical bits
- Babies: two travel cots and two high chairs in each house. Bring infant bedding.
- Allergies: our bedding is duck and goose feather. Non-allergenic alternatives are available with 7 days’ notice.
- Hot tubs (Terrace houses only): 20 minutes per person per session, children supervised at all times. Anyone pregnant or with a medical condition should check with their doctor first.
- Dogs: up to four per house, £30 each.
Your 70th birthday questions, answered
Do any of your houses have a ground-floor bedroom?
No. All bedrooms are upstairs, and the houses have stairs throughout.
Which house has the fewest steps to the front door?
Alice Howe, with two.
Which house can seat 20 for dinner?
Number One and Bannerrigg both have dining tables for 20.
What if we need more than 16 guests?
Book two neighbouring Terrace houses. Number One and White Moss together sleep 26, and can dine together for up to 22 at Number One.
Is there parking at the houses?
Yes, at every house. Number One, White Moss and Alice Howe each have space for 6 cars, and Boston House and Bannerrigg for 8. Orrest Head House has a large private car park.
How far is Windermere station?
A couple of minutes’ walk from any of the Terrace houses.
Will the house be warm enough?
The heating is set to 21°C by day, and a Boost button gives 22.5°C for two hours. Houses with open fires or woodburners get a basket of logs per fire from October to April.
Can we bring in a caterer for the birthday meal?
Yes. Yhangry private chefs cook at the house, and Lucy’s Inside Out also caters. Drop-off meals are available too. You arrange them direct.
Can we bring babies and toddlers?
Yes. Every house has two travel cots and two high chairs. Please bring your own infant bedding.
Happy 70th. Enjoy the Lakes.
Andy and Barbara (owners)
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