ABOUT FORNSIDE FARM

The setting is truly idyllic; a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of modern life.  The farmhouse and cottages are surrounded by fields and fells (which our guests are welcome to explore).  Listen to the sounds of nature; woodpeckers, Spring lambs bleating, hens clucking as they lay eggs, trees rustling in the wind and streams tumbling over rocks.  Look closely at the beauty of the range of wildflowers nestling between rocks and amongst the grasses.

We are just 20 minutes from the M6, yet nestled deeply into the fells of Cumbria.  Our location is within very handy reach of Keswick, Grasmere, Ambleside and all the other attractions of the English Lake District National Park.  For the hill-walkers, Wainwright-baggers and fell-runners amongst you, St. John’s-in-the-Vale divides the Eastern, Central and Northern Fells and is tucked right underneath the Helvellyn range (we even named our dog after it).

The mountains directly behind the farm and the valley with all its animals and meandering river in front will keep you captivated for hours, truly beautiful.  You can start exploring the hills from your doorstep; witness Wainwright’s description of the route to Great Dodd from Fornside!  In fact there are many trails to be enjoyed directly from the farm (see our blog for a few of our favourites).   A short drive will take you to Whinlatter Forest, where adrenaline junkies of all ages can test their mountain biking skills, hunt Gruffalos, or even if they are lucky spot an Osprey.  If you fancy messing about on the water, the nearby shores of Derwentwater offer kayaking, paddleboarding and all sorts of other wild wet fun!  Check out our adventure page if you’d like recommendations for activities guides, especially if you are trying something for the first time.

There is a private farm trail to help you enjoy our woods, fields, streams, wildlife and fantastic views … not to mention plenty of picnic opportunties!  We will leave a hand-drawn map of this in your cottage when you arrive.

All of the cottages offer spectacular views; simply look out of any window and you get a picture-postcard view.  Each cottage has its own outdoor eating area and BBQ offering views across the vale or up the fell, and there are more picnic tables further from the cottage, should a sun-downer somewhere different take your fancy one evening.

Your own wood-burning stove (and plenty of wood), beautifully decorated and spacious rooms with underfloor heating.  The cottages are all spotlessly clean and well equipped with everything you could possibly need.

Warm and friendly hosts, Joanna & Matt Butler, will be on hand to offer advice on activities and places to eat, should you wish.  Equally, having welcomed you to your cottage, you can enjoy your break undisturbed if that is your preference!

Ample parking right outside the holiday cottages.  Plans for an electric car charging point soon (watch this space…), meanwhile we can usually figure out a way for your car to be charged, just let us know in advance.

The ducks, geese and hens all lay delicious eggs and you will be given a box of fresh eggs as part of your welcome.  More fresh eggs are usually available to buy.

Visitors are welcome to meet our animals and roam the whole farm.  We keep a supply of hen treats, if you want to encourage them to come up close to you!