Picture a summer evening in the Lake District: families stroll along Windermere’s shores, couples sip coffee in Ambleside’s cosy cafes, and hikers refuel in Keswick’s bustling pubs.
Tourism is the lifeblood of these Cumbrian towns and villages, and holiday lets are at its heart.
They attract visitors who keep local businesses thriving, boosting the local economy and creating jobs.
But how often are these cottages actually booked? Occupancy rates tell the story.
They reveal how companies like Laik help sustain the Lakes’ vibrant spirit, even in quieter months.
Let’s dig into the data and see why occupied cottages mean full villages.
Related: Thinking of Buying a Holiday Property in the Lake District?
Snapshot of Holiday Cottage Occupancy Trends in the Lake District
Holiday let occupancy rates show how often properties are booked, reflecting demand and economic impact.
Based on Cumbria Tourism’s long-term data, self-catering units average around 53% occupancy annually in the Lake District (2011–2022).
Summer months shine, with July and August hitting 70–75% occupancy, and school-holiday weeks often reaching 95% or more.
However, winter dips to 30–35% in February, while spring (55%) and autumn (45–50%) bridge the gap.
The Lakes perform strongly compared to the national average for short-term rentals (STRs).
VisitBritain’s data shows England’s STRs at 60% in August 2023 and 36% in February 2024, underscoring the Lake District’s year-round appeal.
The Sykes Holiday Letting Outlook Report 2025 further highlights Cumbria’s strength, with an average turnover of £27,000—third-highest in the UK—driven by robust shoulder-season demand.
Related: Lake District Holiday Let Income Potential
Table 1: Lake District vs. National Occupancy Rates
| Metric | Lake District/Cumbria | England (All STRs) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Occupancy | ~53% (2011–2022) | N/A | Cumbria Tourism/University of Cumbria |
| Peak Summer (Jul–Aug) | 70–75% (95%+ school holidays) | ~60% (Aug 2023) | VisitBritain/Lighthouse |
| Mid-Winter (Feb) | 30–35% | 36% (Feb 2024) | VisitBritain/Lighthouse |
How Laik Cottages Shine
At Laik, we’re proud to contribute to the Lake District’s vitality by keeping our cottages booked more often than the local average.
While the region’s self-catering units sit at ~53% occupancy yearly, Laik’s cottages achieve 70–80%.
Our approach—thoughtful marketing, flexible stay options, pet-friendly policies, and design-led interiors—draws guests year-round, from families in summer to couples seeking winter retreats.
Take our Windermere cottage, which hit 100% occupancy last August, filling local boat trips and cafes with happy visitors.
This higher occupancy doesn’t just benefit us.
It means more guests spending at village shops, restaurants, and attractions, keeping the region lively even in quieter months.
Related: Costs When Buying a Lake District Cottage to Rent Out
Table 2: Laik vs. Local Market Occupancy
| Season | Laik Average Occupancy | Local Market Average |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | ~50% | 30–35% |
| Spring (Mar–May) | ~75% | 55% |
| Summer (Jun–Aug, excl. school hols) | ~85% | 70–75% |
| School Holidays | ~100% | 95%+ |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | ~70% | 45–50% |
| Full Year | 70–80% | ~53% |
Related: Where to Buy a Holiday Home in the Lake District
Greater Occupancy Means Better ROI for Owners
Higher occupancy in holiday cottages ensures consistent bookings throughout the year, from bustling summer months to quieter winter and shoulder seasons.
Owners can maximise rental income by leveraging smart marketing, flexible stay options, pet-friendly policies, and appealing interiors.
This steady stream of guests translates to a more substantial, reliable return on investment over the long term.
Why Occupancy Matters for the Lake District
Higher occupancy rates mean more than just booked cottages; they fuel the Lake District’s economy.
Every guest staying in a holiday let is a visitor buying coffee, hiring bikes, or exploring attractions like Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top.
Laik’s 70–80% occupancy helps sustain this cycle, bringing more footfall to villages in spring and autumn when tourism typically slows.
Unlike some regions where empty holiday homes create “ghost towns,” well-managed lets like ours balance tourism with community needs, ensuring the Lakes stay vibrant year-round.
You are supporting this ecosystem by choosing a holiday let, whether as a guest or an investor.
More bookings mean fuller villages, from Grasmere’s tearooms to Keswick’s adventure hubs.
Join Laik’s Team Of Cumbrian Holiday Let Owners
Laik’s holiday cottages outperform the Lake District’s average, achieving 70–80% annual occupancy compared to the local 53%.
With 50% in winter (vs. 30–35%), 75% in spring (vs. 55%), 85% in summer (vs. 70–75%), and 70% in autumn (vs. 45–50%), our smart marketing, flexible stays, pet-friendly policies, and stylish interiors keep guests coming year-round.
This means more bookings for owners and visitors, boosting local cafes and shops.
Let Laik manage your holiday let to maximise returns and support thriving Lake District villages.
Contact us to learn more today!
Data Footnotes
Cumbria Tourism Occupancy Survey (2022: 51.1% self-catering occupancy).
University of Cumbria baseline study (2011–2022 data).
VisitBritain/Lighthouse UK STR Monitor (Feb 2024: 36%, Aug 2023: 60%).
Sykes Holiday Letting Outlook Report 2025 (Cumbria: £27k turnover).
