A mid-week group break at Orrest Head House, Windermere — and one of the most creative uses of an outdoor space we've seen.

We've had some creative guests over the years. But this one made us smile.

A group of ten women booked Orrest Head House in Windermere for a mid-week Lake District break. No big announcement. No special requests. Just ten friends, a few bags, and apparently a stack of yoga mats in the boot.

By day two, they'd slid the verandah furniture to one side, unrolled their mats in a neat row, and were moving through a sunrise session with the Cumbrian hills in the background. Self-organised. No instructor. No booking. Just ten women who decided they were doing a yoga retreat in the Lake District — and did exactly that.

We love this.

The Verandah at Orrest Head House

The verandah at Orrest Head House is a proper sheltered outdoor space. South-facing. Big enough to actually do something in. Most guests use it for morning coffees and evening wine. These lot used it for downward dogs at 7am.

Fair enough.

What the Group Got Up To

Between sessions, they walked the Orrest Head footpath — one of Wainwright's favourite short walks in the Lake District, and it starts literally at the gate. They came back for breakfasts at Homeground in Windermere village. The bar at Josiah Brown's — Orrest Head House's own private bar — saw some action in the evenings too. Mornings sorted. Evenings sorted.

The Lake District is the UK's adventure playground. But it's also a place to reset. To breathe. To slow down and actually feel like yourself again. A self-catering group retreat in the Lake District doesn't need to be complicated. These ten proved that.

Orrest Head House: Group Holiday Let in Windermere

Orrest Head House sleeps up to 14 guests across six en-suite bedrooms in over two acres of private grounds just above Windermere village. It's a Grade II listed building dating back to 1672, with its own private bar, a sheltered verandah, direct access to the Orrest Head walk, and parking for up to 15 cars. Pet friendly. EV charging on site.

It's one of the most characterful large group holiday lets in the Lake District — and it's available for mid-week breaks, weekend breaks, and full week stays.

Mid-Week Group Breaks at Orrest Head House from £1,100

Mid-week breaks at Orrest Head House start from £1,100 for four nights, for up to 14 guests. Monday to Friday. All year round.

That's a Grade II listed house with a private bar, a sheltered verandah, direct Orrest Head walk access, six en-suite bedrooms, and 2+ acres of private grounds — from £1,100 for the whole house.

They left saying it was the best thing they'd done in years. We believe them.

The verandah is waiting. Whatever you decide to do with it.

Andy and Barbara (owners) Orrest Head House, Windermere, The Lake District

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orrest Head House? Orrest Head House is a Grade II listed large group holiday let in Windermere, Cumbria, in the heart of the Lake District National Park. It sleeps up to 14 guests across six en-suite bedrooms and sits in over two acres of private grounds.

How much does a mid-week break at Orrest Head House cost? Mid-week breaks at Orrest Head House start from £1,100 for four nights for the whole house — that's up to 14 guests. Available all year round, Monday to Friday.

Is Orrest Head House good for a group yoga retreat? Yes. The sheltered verandah provides a private outdoor space suitable for yoga and wellness activities. The Orrest Head walk starts at the gate for morning walks, and the house has a private bar and large kitchen for self-catering groups.

What walks are near Orrest Head House? The Orrest Head walk — one of Alfred Wainwright's favourite short walks in the Lake District — starts directly from the property gate. No roads to cross.

Is Orrest Head House pet friendly? Yes. Orrest Head House welcomes up to four dogs. A small charge applies per dog.

Can you combine Orrest Head House with another property? Yes. Orrest Head Cottage sits within the same grounds and can be booked alongside the house to accommodate up to 19–20 guests in total.