Nothing to do with chickens (the name comes from the wickerwork baskets once used to catch salmon in the River Esk beside it), this gothic pavilion was designed in the 18th century, possibly as a summerhouse for enjoying the water, or for a bailiff to watch for poachers... Photograph: Landmark Trust
It was used until the 1930s as a shepherd's cottage, lying empty until restoration in the mid-1990s. Now sleeping three in two bedrooms, its simple, largely wood-lined interior includes some clever nods to its history, from a fish net-design balustrade to fishtail door hinges.
• 01628 825925, landmarktrust.org.uk. From £561 a week Photograph: Landmark Trust
For a big celebration, this immaculately renovated Georgian manor house is a showstopper. Sleeping 16 (and two more in an adjacent cottage), it has killer views of the lake and the manor's extensive grounds include a private jetty...
Photograph: Mark Mercer Photograph: Mark Mercer /PR
Designer wallpapers, log fires and antiques make it a very stylish place for a get-together. Beatrix Potter's Hill Top farmhouse is just up the road and all manner of add-ons, from campfire cookouts to private chefs, can be arranged.
• 01539 531178, graythwaite.com. From £3,087 for three nights
Photograph: Mark Mercer Photograph: Mark Mercer/PR
If you want solitude, this cottage near the head of Eskdale certainly promises peace. Sleeping four in two bedrooms, it's on a fellside close to the steepest road in England... Photograph: John Miller/NTPL
While it's within striking distance of the sea at Seascale and St Bees Head, it's also great for exploring the quieter, western Lake District, and for taking the "back way" up Scafell Pike. It's cheap, but there is a catch: you bring your own sheets, and there's no bathroom, just a toilet and a kitchen sink for washing.
• 0844 800 2070, nationaltrustcottages. co.uk. From £300 a week Photograph: PR
The quintessential honeymoon hideaway, this tiny but luxurious perch is a former boathouse on the western side ofUllswater. Sleeping two, it comes with a Nespresso machine, Aromatherapy Associates smellies and its own private lakeshore... Photograph: PR
Sip rioja on the balcony, wander out for breakfast on the terrace, have dinner on a picnic table among the trees or snuggle up with hot chocolateand a game of Scrabble or a DVD in front of the woodburner.
• 0117 946 7072, i-escape.com. From £185 a night Photograph: PR
Built in the mid-1800s, this cottage for two was opened for holiday lettings by Prince Charles, following a restoration by the Vivat Trust, the interior was originally built without a kitchen, bathroom or bedroom but now has all three... Photograph: PR
LonsdaleArched windows give it a gothic look but the setting is its best feature – the cottage and its dazzling garden enjoy "Ruskin's view" across the Lune river – it was described by him as "one of the loveliest scenes in England". There is walking in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, and it's also within stumbling distance of the Sun Inn for homemade local food.
• 0845 163 8815, holidaycottagecompare.com. From £697 a week Photograph: PR
