The photographs don’t do Gavel Cottage justice! The cottage is cosy, without feeling cramped. Every detail is considered, including candles, a laid fire and comfy dressing gowns, making the cottage feel like home and wonderful to return to following a day of walking or exploring. We met both the housekeeper and the gardener, who were helpful, cheerful and informative. The walk into Bowness-on-Windermere alongside the lake is flat and easy, taking about 20 minutes. For us the location was excellent,as Bowness was very busy over the Bank Holiday weekend, it was a super retreat! It was also a great location to be based at, we explored the ares from the cottage north to Keswick, south to Newby Bridge, and used the ferry to experience Coniston. Our only complaint is that we didn’t have long enough to do everything we wanted so we will return, we will not hesitate to book Gavel Cottage again!