About Us

Fornside Farm is a typical 17th century family-run lakeland hill farm.  St. John’s-in-the-Vale is a beautiful and secluded valley, yet within easy reach of Keswick, Grasmere, Ambleside and all the other attractions of the English Lake District National Park.

We have four self catering holiday cottages beautifully converted from stone barns alongside the traditional farmhouse. They provide spacious accommodation of a very high standard retaining some original stone barn features. The accommodation is well equipped, warm, and welcoming with full central heating included in the price — and completely under your control.

Fornside Farm Cottages enjoy a stunning location at the foot of the Helvellyn range surrounded by dramatic Lakeland scenery.  There is a private farm trail to help you enjoy our woods, fields, streams, wildlife and fantastic views.

We are on hand to offer advice on activities and places to eat, but are just as happy to leave you to enjoy a relaxing holiday here at the farm.

The farm is set back from the road with direct private access to the fells. We have 54 acres of beautiful countryside with spectacular views. The fields surrounding the farm are home to livestock; sheep, free range hens, ducks and geese.  We plan to introduce pigs soon!  Guests are welcome to meet and feed our animals.

Many of the sheep in this area are Herdwicks, the traditional Lake District breed, famed for their hardiness. Herdwick lambs are born black and their fleeces lighten as they grow older.  Amongst other varieties, you will also see Swaledales.

Our hens are free range and we can usually provide you with the freshest eggs possible, laid by hens with probably the best views in the country.

1. The place is truly is idyllic and a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

2. The location is extremely handy with everything within easy reach of Keswick, Grasmere, Ambleside and all the other attractions of the English Lake District National Park.

3. You can start walking in the hills from the back doorstep. The mountains directly behind the farm and the valley with all its animals and meandering river in front keep you captivated for hours, truly beautiful.

4. There is a private farm trail to help you enjoy our woods, fields, streams, wildlife and fantastic views.

5. Spectacular views, simply look out of any window and you get a postcard view.

6. The cottages are spacious, spotlessly clean and well equipped with everything you could possibly need.

7. Warm and friendly hosts, Joanna & Matt Butler, on hand to offer advice on activities and places to eat should you wish.

8. Ample parking right outside the holiday cottages.

9. There are fresh eggs available to buy, some of which are enormous. And very delicious.

10. Visitors are welcome to meet and feed our animals.