Back Overview Features Reviews Days out

The Gardener's Retreat, Hutton John

Visitor Rating
Rating
Exceptional
2
1
1
1

The Gardener's Retreat is a romantic one-bedroom lodge in Cumbria that sleeps two guests. This peaceful countryside escape features a private hot tub where you can soak under the stars after exploring the Lake District. The property welcomes pets so your dog can join the adventure.

Located in the Eden Valley near Penrith, this area offers rolling hills and easy access to both the Lake District National Park and the North Pennines. You're perfectly positioned for fell walking and exploring traditional Cumbrian villages.

The accommodation comprises one double bedroom, one bathroom and an open-plan living space with kitchen and dining area. The lodge has everything you need for a cosy break including heating and a well-equipped kitchen.

About The Gardener's Retreat

The Gardener's Retreat is a romantic one-bedroom lodge in Cumbria that sleeps two guests. This peaceful countryside escape features a private hot tub where you can soak under the stars after exploring the Lake District. The property welcomes pets so your dog can join the adventure.

Located in the Eden Valley near Penrith, this area offers rolling hills and easy access to both the Lake District National Park and the North Pennines. You're perfectly positioned for fell walking and exploring traditional Cumbrian villages.

The accommodation comprises one double bedroom, one bathroom and an open-plan living space with kitchen and dining area. The lodge has everything you need for a cosy break including heating and a well-equipped kitchen. Outside you'll find the hot tub plus outdoor seating for alfresco dining.

Ullswater lake sits 8 miles away (20 minutes) for water sports and lakeside walks. Penrith town centre is 4 miles away (10 minutes) with shops and restaurants. Aira Force waterfall lies 10 miles away (25 minutes) for spectacular woodland walks. Lowther Castle and Gardens is 6 miles away (15 minutes).

The Gardener's Retreat suits couples wanting a quiet countryside base with hot tub relaxation and Lake District adventures on the doorstep.

Check Prices & Availability »
At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

More Glamping With Hot Tubs You May Like

Local Insights: The Gardener's Retreat

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Hutton John, Cumbria

Weather & Local Conditions

9°C

Overcast

Updated: 22 Aug 2026, 2:53am

🌡️
9.20°C
Temperature
💨
5 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
89%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever August throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for long days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A cosy glamping stay comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film beats a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Gardener's Retreat sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Property

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share of an evening.

Location & Elevation

210m

(689 feet above sea level)

The Gardener's Retreat sits in a peaceful Cumbria setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a glamping escape.

🏔️
210m
Elevation
📍
Hutton John
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Hutton John are typical Cumbria lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 54.6318459° N | Longitude: 2.876598° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Hutton John (Saturday, 22 August 2026):

4:58am

Sunrise

6:30pm

Golden Hour

7:30pm

Sunset

🌅
4:58am
Sunrise
🌇
7:30pm
Sunset
📸
6:30pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:30pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Hutton John, you have approximately 14.53 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the property.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Gardener's Retreat.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Cumbria. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 22 Aug 2026 | Location: 54.6318459, -2.8765980

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their stay at The Gardener's Retreat

Private Hot Tub

Soak away your aches after fell walking in your own private hot tub with countryside views across the Eden Valley.

Pet-Friendly Escape

Bring your dog along to enjoy the Cumbrian countryside with walks straight from the door and pet-welcome accommodation throughout.

Peaceful Rural Setting

Wake up to birdsong and countryside views in this quiet Eden Valley location away from busy tourist areas.

Lake District Access

Drive to Ullswater in 20 minutes or reach Penrith town centre in 10 minutes for shops and restaurants.

Cosy Lodge Living

Enjoy open-plan living with everything you need for a comfortable stay including heating and a well-equipped kitchen.

Romantic Retreat

Perfect couples' hideaway with one double bedroom and intimate spaces designed for two guests to relax together.

Getting To The Gardener's Retreat

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Gardener's Retreat by car, take the M6 to Junction 40 and follow the A66 towards Keswick. Turn onto the A592 heading south and follow local signs to the property near Pooley Bridge. You'll have convenient off-road parking upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Penrith, just 4 miles from the accommodation. From there, it's a short taxi ride to your countryside retreat in the Eden Valley.

Off-road parking at the property
Penrith station (4 miles)
Accessible from M6 Junction 40

Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff to see & do on your glamping break!

Ullswater Lake
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 0US
Lowther Castle and Gardens
Distance: 6 miles
CA10 2HG
Aira Force Waterfall
Distance: 10 miles
CA11 0JS
Pooley Bridge Lakeside Walk
Distance: 3 miles
CA10 2NN
Helvellyn Mountain
Distance: 12 miles
CA11 0NZ
Dalemain Estate Walks
Distance: 5 miles
CA11 0HB
Penrith Town Centre
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 7TR
Booths Supermarket Penrith
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 7EH
Rheged Centre
Distance: 5 miles
CA11 0DQ
Penrith Railway Station
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 8HF
Penrith Bus Station
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 7TY
Ullswater Steamers
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 0US
Ullswater Lake
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 0US
Lowther Castle and Gardens
Distance: 6 miles
CA10 2HG
Aira Force Waterfall
Distance: 10 miles
CA11 0JS
Pooley Bridge Lakeside Walk
Distance: 3 miles
CA10 2NN
Helvellyn Mountain
Distance: 12 miles
CA11 0NZ
Dalemain Estate Walks
Distance: 5 miles
CA11 0HB
Penrith Town Centre
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 7TR
Booths Supermarket Penrith
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 7EH
Rheged Centre
Distance: 5 miles
CA11 0DQ
Penrith Railway Station
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 8HF
Penrith Bus Station
Distance: 4 miles
CA11 7TY
Ullswater Steamers
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 0US

Is The Gardener's Retreat Right For You?

Is this hot tub glamping retreat best suited to couples or families? What standout glamping features and private hot tub can you look forward to? And is it a dog-friendly getaway? Discover if this short break is the right for you.

For Families
The Gardener's Retreat is designed as a romantic couples' retreat sleeping just two guests in one bedroom. This makes it unsuitable for families with children. The property works best for adults wanting a peaceful countryside escape with hot tub relaxation and Lake District exploration. Nearby Ullswater offers family-friendly activities if visiting the area with children staying elsewhere.
Glamping Features
The standout glamping feature here is the private hot tub positioned outside with countryside views across the Eden Valley. After a day hiking the Lake District fells, you can soak under the stars in complete privacy. The outdoor seating area provides space for alfresco dining on warmer evenings. The lodge combines modern comfort with rural tranquillity, giving you that glamping feel while enjoying proper indoor facilities.
Pet Friendly
Dogs are welcome at The Gardener's Retreat, making it perfect for pet owners wanting a Lake District break. The rural Eden Valley location provides excellent walking opportunities straight from the door, with footpaths through countryside and nearby woodland trails. Ullswater lake sits 8 miles away where dogs can enjoy lakeside walks. The enclosed outdoor space means your pet can relax safely outside while you're at the lodge.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Gardener's Retreat

The Pooley Bridge Inn

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA10 2NN

George and Dragon Clifton

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA10 2ER

Granny Dowbekin's Tearoom Pooley Bridge

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA10 2NN

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Gardener's Retreat

Is The Gardener's Retreat pet-friendly?
Yes, this property welcomes pets so you can bring your dog along. The rural setting provides excellent walking opportunities straight from the lodge.
What are the hot tub arrangements?
The private hot tub is located outside the lodge with countryside views. You can use it throughout your stay for ultimate relaxation after exploring the Lake District.
How many guests does the lodge sleep?
The Gardener's Retreat sleeps two guests in one double bedroom. This makes it an ideal romantic retreat for couples.
What facilities are in the kitchen?
The open-plan kitchen comes well-equipped with everything you need for self-catering. You'll find cooking equipment, appliances and dining space for preparing meals.
Is there parking at the property?
Yes, off-road parking is provided at the lodge. You'll have convenient space for your vehicle right by the accommodation.
What's the nearest town for shops?
Penrith lies 4 miles away with supermarkets, shops and restaurants. The market town takes around 10 minutes to reach by car.
Can I visit Ullswater from here?
Ullswater is 8 miles away taking approximately 20 minutes by car. The lake offers water sports, boat trips and stunning lakeside walking trails.
What outdoor space is available?
Outside you'll find the hot tub and outdoor seating area. The rural setting provides space for your dog and alfresco dining on sunny days.

Popular Stays Near This Property

Cartmel
4 properties
Hartsop
5 properties

The Gardener's Retreat Reviews

Jordan
Absolutely beautiful accommodation, stunning picturesque garden which was the ... Absolutely beautiful accommodation, stunning picturesque garden which was the perfect place for my proposal to my girlfriend, the dog loved the garden space for running around playing and enjoyed laying by the open double doors, definitely will be staying here again, everywhere nice a clean, definitely recommend carefully reading the directions given I didnt and wished I had
Michaek
Not as accessible for disabled as thought would be, inside property ok, to get from car to inside not
Spencer
What a lovely place to go and stay been there 3 times now and I love it nice and quiet very peaceful see you next year
Fantastic place to stay. Ideallly located to easily get onto motorway. Pleanty of great places to eat wuthin easy reach. Will look to book again
Lovely secluded and quiet setting within a walled garden in a comfortable lodge that had everything we needed, hot tub was fun to use tho a little fiddly to heat with log burner , lodge was warm and cosy and well insulated tho would benefit from some air conditioning on warmer evenings perhaps, overall beautiful location and relaxing break.
Really enjoyed our stay. A lovely property and the large walled garden and setting were brilliant. The facilities in the cabin were modern and it was all very clean. The welcome pack was lovely and the whole organisation of things from start to finish with the property owner was great. The only small downside was given the property is so well insulated, it was very warm especially at night. Air con would have been amazing but appreciate this would be a significant outlay! Thank you again for such a lovely stay.
The Gardeners Retreat was a lovely little place to stay. Very well kept and clean and close to all of the places we wanted to visit on our stay. Our only disappointment was that this lovely cabin is listed as dog friendly dog but we felt it wasnt really large dog friendly it is a small cabin . We felt quite stressed about the dog not being allowed on the sofabed and spent our time in the lodge with the dog very much outside. Luckily the weather was good !
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Gardeners Retreat. The location was simply fantastic with very large walled garden only shared by one other property Gardeners Bothy Given the size of the grounds we were staying in, the privacy for a relaxing weeks holiday with husband and dog who enjoyed playing ball in garden was second to noneloved it. Would highly recommend
We had a very good holiday at the Gardeners Retreat and would definatly be booking again next year. Thanks to all, it was great.
Wonderful property, gorgeous location! Perfect for a couples holiday. Property is very well kept and clean. Lots of lovely walks close by and a great pub only 5 minutes drive away. We will definitely be coming back. Thank you Kate & team.
Natalie
Loved our stay and our dog Obi loved exploring the garden! It is enclosed, but be mindful as the cottage also shares the huge garden. Very clean and cosy. Location was ideal for getting to lots of hikes, puns and towns like Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Keswick and Grasmere. Would definitely stay again!
Danielle
Beautiful property. Had the best time. And hope to be back soon!!
This place was absolutely lovely, had such a calmness and comfort about it, fully equipped with everything we needed and wanted. The scenery topped it all off too it was just a beautiful area and felt very private.
Phillip
Me and my wife stayed at bluebell cabin in April and had the most amazing time . .so we decided to book the gardeners retreat in August. It was brilliant we felt like millionaires so much privacy and luxury Kate and her team are fantastic. If your thinking of booking DO IT you will be blown away..definitely coming back next year
We recently stayed here and we had an amazing couple of days,the cabin was spotless and extremely comfortable, the bed was super comfy and the hamper was such a lovely touch. The hot tub was fantastic and fun to use and the grounds were absolutely beautiful I highly recommend coming here you will not be disappointed and we will be definitely returning thanks for a great stay.
The retreat was in beautiful surroundings. It was modern, clean, and very spacious with everything you needed. The one thing we did not use was the hot tub due to weather which is out of anyone's control. May be for the hot tub to have a little shelter so if raining , weather not to good could still be used other wise fantastic and will be returning. Jayne , john
We absolutely loved the cabin, its facilities, Alan mowing the lawn and the garden. Such a beautiful place to stay, plus our dog absolutely loved it. Perfect for couples with a dog like us. We did have a few unwanted visitors initially flies which kept us and the dog awake on the first night. But once we sorted that it was all good. Will be returning in the future, plus have already recommended it to some friends.
What a really pleasurable experience we had at the Gardners RetreatSuch an idyllic setting, just at one with natureThe retreat has a most comfortable bed and hiend tech with instructions available We will definitely return, a most enjoyable few days. .
Sophie
5 star property! Everything about the place is beautiful, from the decor to the grounds where the retreat sits and the places you can visit which are close by. We will 100 be returning.
Samantha
The Gardener's Retreat was a perfect little piece of luxury for us and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay! Perfect for our little doggy to have a trot around the garden, fully enclosed! The garden is shared with another cottage that allows dogs so that is something to bare in mind when booking luckily both our dogs were friendly and enjoyed the space together but its worth baring in mind if you're travelling with a less friendly dog! The bed was so comfortable and the facilities top tier the hot tub is wonderful and a real treat to tend a fire before stepping in. The welcome basket was a lovely surprise and we thoroughly enjoyed all the contents. We couldn't ask for more! One tiny note we were asked to strip the beds at the end of the stay and of course we are happy to help but from experience in other places, it can ruin the luxury feel to reveal well used duvets and pillows! Everything was clean and new here though but just a thought for future!
The property is gorgeous and I cant fault a thing. We will definitely be booking it again.
Christopher
Had an absolute brilliant week on the lake district and that was partly made due to where we stayed, Gardeners retreat! ! What an absolute gem of a place, the garden is huge and spacious. Our pup had the best time, he hit the jackpot running round the garden, chasing birds. And the inside was just a dream, it was spacious and so clean. The hot tub took a while to warm as its a fire one but once it had, it was nice to get in and chill after a day hiking in the mountains. Kate was easy to contact and helped us very quickly with any questions or problems we had! Definitely be coming back to this place. LOVED it. So thankyou for making our holiday, memorable. I will add, if you do come, maybe bring like a fly trap, to hang on the ceiling as the flies are non stop lol. We went some where in wales which had alot of flies, but they had a fly trap and it made such a difference! But once again, absolutely GEM of a place!! X
Absolutely brilliant weekend. This place is outstanding. Look forward to going back.
Victoria
Me and my boyfriend stayed here over valentines, as soon as we walked in we could smell how clean it was. such a beautiful location and very private! the only small thing we realised was that there was water leaking from behind the toilet, we werent sure if it was condensation or coming from the toilet directly but it didnt make a difference to our stay
Timothy
We stayed on the 12th of February and what a lovely place to stay. The accommodation was spotless. It was the first time we used a hot tub and the weather was cold. We went from lukewarm to boiling the family jewels in an hour and a half. The location is secluded and well laid out. If you are into walking its right on your doorstep. We will book again and advise anyone thinking of staying in the area to consider The Gardners retreat.
Leave a Review
Been to The Gardener's Retreat? Please leave a review and share your holiday experiences.
Name
Month of stay
Year of stay
Review