Reviews

This place was absolutely perfect! Such beautiful surroundings, even better than the pictures show. There’s a lovely little river just at the bottom of the bank where the hut is, so nice to wake up to the sounds of running water. It’s super cosy and warm, great shower, comfortable bed and nice little kitchen. We will definitely stay again.

Beautiful location, fantastic hut! Christine was also extremely helpful and efficient. She was always there to answer any questions. We had a lovely time and will definitely be telling all our friends!

We had an lovely weekend stay at Hawthorn Retreat recently for our friends’ wedding. The hamper in the hut when we arrived was incredible, especially the Rowley jam (that and the loaf of bread barely lasted two days)! We had plenty of charcoal and wood for the barbecue and fire pit, and really enjoyed sitting outside for our dinner listening to the sound of the river in the gully below us. Super relaxing evening (only comment is that it would have been handy to have some tongs for the bbq, but we just used the spatula and literally EVERYTHING else we thought of or needed was there so no complaints here!). The cows in the field across from us deciding we needed a 4am dawn chorus on one of the days was particularly funny. We’d absolutely return if we’re back in the area. Can’t fault our stay at all!

What a beautiful stay at Hawthorn Retreat on Rowley Estates! Firstly, Christine was so accommodating and patient throughout the process of booking, particularly with all my questions. We arrived when it was dark and got a little confused about where to go but after a quick call with Christine, we were fine. The hut itself was amazing – my other half and I were so pleased with it as it felt luxurious… we kept forgetting we were on a field! The sound of the river outside was so soothing and isn’t as loud as you think. It is warm, even during the recent cold spell we’ve had. The shower worked beautifully (which I believe is important when glamping) and the kitchen has everything we needed. The welcome hamper was a lovely touch and the homemade jam is so delicious I’ve had to try not to eat it all at once. The handbook was excellent as everything was explained. The fire pit was magical! We’ve made the best memories here and I really didn’t want to leave. We do love trying new places instead of going back to the same place but we both have said we 100% need to come back again! We visited Rookin House for a horse trek which was just a short drive. There’s plenty to do in the area. Honestly you’ll regret it if you don’t book here at least once! Thank you for creating a beautiful place for us to enjoy.

Sorry for the late review, we couldn’t of pick a better time for weather if we tried but the lodge was perfect exactly what you need, waking up with the sound of the river and the trees was unreal not to mention the welcome basket. The jam wow, if you are thinking of booking this do it now 👏

A short stay for my birthday, my husband got in touch with Christine beforehand to plan for decorations as a surprise – they were amazing! The cabin is lovely, very cosy with a comfortable bed. Little hamper of supplies on arrival was a treat. Great location, nothing better than sitting on the deck with a cup of tea, listening to nothing but the river, relatively short drive for Keswick and Whinlatter. Would absolutely stay again!

Wonderful peace and quiet just outside of the Lakes. Even on a sunny bank holiday weekend, with the crowds down the road at Keswick and Ullswater, this was a pocket of calm. Lying in bed with the treetops at our feet and only the sound of the river was a wonderful antidote to the hordes elsewhere. The closeness to the A66 meant even Loweswater and Grasmere were reachable in 45 minutes, whilst Blencathra is right on the doorstep, and Penrith with its shops all 10-15 minutes drive away. The view from the field above the hut across to the Northern Pennines is truly wonderful.
The hut itself is cosy but luxurious, with just enough space for two people and five days’ luggage. If you don’t mind being at a little remove from the lakes themselves, this is a perfect place for a romantic weekend.

I heard about the Hawthorn Retreat through my aunt who lives locally, and I’m so glad she suggested it because we didn’t find anything nearly as nice on any of the sites we were looking at.

My partner and I love secluded cabins and have stayed in a few places like this in the highlands, but the Hawthorn Retreat really is a cut above the rest and we really appreciated how much thought and care had gone into everything. My partner is an architect and we were marvelling at all the details and how well built everything is. The kitchen is very well equipped, and we were delighted to find loads of wood and charcoal ready for us. Everything was perfect and we really didn’t want to leave. It is such a gem of a place and we will definitely recommend it to friends.

A stunning location and fantastic accommodation. Completely off the grid and peaceful. A 15 minute walk or so takes you into the tiny village of Greystoke – a lovely little village.

Had an amazing stay at Hawthorn Retreat, the shepherd’s hut is very secluded on the river bank and you can hear the gentle flow of the river, so relaxing. The shepherd’s hut has everything you need, was a treat to have kitchen roll, washing up liquid etc all provided and a lovely welcome hamper, which we enjoyed too..thank you! Beautiful area, nice local pub in Greystoke for evening meals. Short drive to Keswick and aira force, we did gowbarrow fell.We would definitely recommend Hawthorn Retreat and would love to return soon.