The Lookouts

Perched high on Broadrayne Farm, just outside Grasmere, The Lookouts are two beautifully designed hideaways overlooking Helm Crag and the surrounding Lake District fells. Step outside, and the adventure begins - walking routes start straight from your door.

Formerly known as our luxury glamping pods, they were completely replaced and redesigned in 2025 with more space, bigger beds, bigger bathrooms and large covered decks created for one very important reason: to make the most of where we are.

Because, as it turns out, the best thing about staying here isn't actually inside.

Why We've Retired “The Pod”

Sometimes when you live somewhere every day, you stop seeing it.

You walk the same paths, open the same curtains and look out at the same fells. The day to day takes over and you forget that what has become normal to you is exactly the reason people travel hundreds of miles to visit.

This year we've been reminded of that by our guests.

As many of you know, last year, we replaced our original glamping pods with two completely redesigned accommodation units. We made them larger, gave them bigger beds, bigger bathrooms and added plenty of little touches that reflected who we are and what we wanted a stay at The Yan to feel like.

But the thing we're most proud of isn't actually inside.

It's outside.

When we designed them, we weren't trying to create another luxury pod. We were trying to create somewhere that celebrated this place. Somewhere that worked with the Lake District weather rather than against it.

That's why we built large covered decks. We added comfortable all-weather seating. We installed glass balustrades so nothing interrupted the views. We created sheltered spaces where you can watch the weather roll across the fells, spot wildlife in the fields, enjoy a summer sunset or simply sit outside with a coffee while the rain does what Lake District rain does.

The view was always the luxury.

The fells. The ever-changing weather. The feeling of being completely immersed in the landscape without giving up any comfort. The sheep wandering past in the morning. The chickens poking their heads in to say hello. The red squirrels darting through the trees. The birds of prey circling overhead. The colours of the seasons shifting around us.

And then there's the night sky.

Away from towns, streetlights and the glow of everyday life, the farm enjoys some of the darkest skies in the valley. On a clear night, the stars seem endless. Constellations appear where most people haven't seen them for years, the Milky Way stretches across the sky and, if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing above the fells.

And now, each Lookout has its own telescope, so when the sun disappears, there's still plenty to look at. Wrap up, pour a glass of something nice and spend an evening stargazing from your own covered deck.

Some of our favourite guest photos have been taken long after the sun has gone down.

Over the past year, guest after guest has told us the same thing. These don't feel like pods anymore.

And they're right.

After more than ten years since our very first glamping pod arrived on the farm, we've realised we've outgrown the term.

They're no longer just somewhere to sleep. They're somewhere to stop, sit, breathe and look up.

So we're saying goodbye to The Pods.

From today, they're called The Lookouts.

Because that's what they were designed for from the very beginning.

To celebrate the views, the landscape, the wildlife, the dark skies and the moments that make people fall in love with this place.

And perhaps, occasionally, to remind us to look up and appreciate it too.

So, what's inside a Lookout?

While the view might be the real luxury, we've made sure you don't have to rough it to enjoy it.

Each Lookout is fully insulated and heated for year-round stays, with a warm wood-clad living space, log-burning stove, comfy sofa, dining table for two and Smart LED TV.

There's a proper, well-equipped kitchenette with an oven, induction hob, fridge, kettle and toaster, along with all the crockery and utensils you'll need.

At the back is a cosy sleeping nook with a kingsize bed, crisp white linen and useful under-bed storage, alongside your own ensuite bathroom with a large rain-head hot shower, heated towel rail, fluffy towels and locally produced Pure Lakes toiletries.

You'll also have Wi-Fi, 13-amp and USB sockets and a Bluetooth radio.

In other words, all the good bits of escaping into the Lake District countryside, without sacrificing a proper bed, hot shower or somewhere warm to retreat to when the weather inevitably remembers where you are.

The best seat in the house

Step outside and you'll find your own large, covered private deck, with comfortable all-weather seating and glass balustrades overlooking Helm Crag, Steel Fell and the surrounding countryside.

It's there for first coffees and last glasses of wine. For summer sunsets and winter stargazing. For watching sheep wander past and storms roll across the valley. For coming back from a big walk, taking your boots off and deciding you're quite happy not to move for the rest of the evening.

And because it's covered, you can still sit outside when the Lake District weather is being particularly Lake District.

And if you don't fancy cooking...

Don't.

One of the particularly nice things about staying at The Lookouts is having our award-winning Yan Bistro right here on the farm.

Come down for a freshly cooked breakfast before heading into the fells or return for a relaxed three-course tea built around seasonal Cumbrian produce.

Prefer to stay exactly where you are? We can arrange to bring your meal to your Lookout instead. Because having dinner arrive at your door while you're sitting overlooking the fells is something we could all get used to.

Walk straight from the door

The Lookouts sit high on Broadrayne Farm, just outside Grasmere village in the heart of the Lake District, surrounded by some of Britain's finest walking country.

Walking routes begin straight from the farm, so there's no need to move the car. Wander into Grasmere, head up onto the fells or simply see where the day takes you.

Then come back, have a hot shower, light the log burner and settle in for the evening.

Simple, really.

The little extras

If you'd like something waiting when you arrive, we can arrange fresh farm eggs, logs and kindling for the wood burner or a bottle of Champagne for those stays that deserve one.

Each Lookout is designed for two adults, with the option to accommodate one child aged six or over on the sofa bed. Unfortunately, we're unable to accommodate children under six or babies.

The Lookouts are not pet-friendly, although between the sheep, chickens, red squirrels and everything else wandering around Broadrayne, you'll hardly be short of animal company.

Check-in is from 3pm and check-out is by 10am.

As proud members of the Green Tourism Scheme, here at The Yan we take sustainability seriously. From our biomass heating to our eco-friendly toiletries, we’re committed to preserving the beauty of Grasmere and the wider Lake District for future generations.

Stay longer, slow down

We offer flexible, any-day arrivals and a minimum stay of just two nights, making it easy to fit a Lookout stay around your plans.

And because we think the Lake District is much better when you're not trying to squeeze it into one hurried weekend, you can save up to 20% when you stay longer on our Dinner, Bed and Breakfast rate.

Come for the view. Stay long enough to properly enjoy it.

Got specific dates in mind? Check live availability for cottages, lookouts and rooms on The Yan's homepage - Check Availability

The Lookouts FAQ's

1. Where are The Lookouts in the Lake District?

The Lookouts are at Broadrayne Farm, just outside Grasmere in the heart of the Lake District. Set in an elevated position overlooking Helm Crag and Steel Fell, they’re surrounded by spectacular fell scenery, with walks straight from the door and Grasmere village within walking distance.

2. What is included in The Lookouts?

Each Lookout has a kingsize bed with bed linen and towels, an ensuite bathroom with hot shower, a log-burning stove, Wi-Fi, Smart TV and a well-equipped kitchenette with an oven, induction hob, fridge, kettle and toaster. Outside, you’ll also have your own covered terrace with views across the fells.

3. Can you walk into Grasmere from The Lookouts?

Yes. The Lookouts are within walking distance of Grasmere village, so you can leave the car behind and explore the village, surrounding countryside and local walking routes on foot. There are also fell walks starting directly from Broadrayne Farm.

4. Are your Lake District Lookouts open all year?

Yes. Our Grasmere Lookouts are fully insulated and heated for year-round stays. With a log-burning stove, ensuite bathroom and covered outdoor terrace, they make a cosy base for exploring the Lake District in autumn and winter as well as spring and summer.

5. Can you eat at The Yan when staying in The Lookouts?

Yes. Guests staying in The Lookouts can eat at The Yan’s on-site bistro, which serves breakfast, dinner and afternoon tea. You can dine in the restaurant or arrange to have food delivered to your Lookout.