Ullswater

As of June 2026, Penrith, Keswick, Windermere, Carlisle have 1,932 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 9% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Penrith generates £28K per year. High-performing properties earn £107K/year, while low-performing properties earn £15K/year. This significant delta suggests that revenue potential is highly polarized, indicating that top earners likely capture specific niche demand that the broader market fails to address.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Penrith. Average annual revenue is £28K with 41% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to £107K/year. The gap between average and top-tier earnings points to a market where competitive advantage is concentrated rather than distributed evenly across the existing rental stock.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Penrith is 41%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of £178, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of £54 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Penrith, with annual revenue of £59K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Penrith market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Penrith area. Penrith: Moderate. Planning permission required for primary residences used as STRs. Lake District National Park Authority oversight. Moderate enforcement through complaints. Keswick: Moderate. Planning permission needed, Article 4 Direction restricts conversions. National Park planning rules apply. Enforcement via planning system. Windermere: Moderate. Planning permission required, Article 4 Direction in place since 2021. Lake District oversight. Moderate enforcement through planning complaints. Carlisle: Lenient. Standard planning rules, no specific STR restrictions. Minimal enforcement outside complaints. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Penrith Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 9% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 35%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in revenue despite lower supply suggests a shift in traveler spending power or a softening in overall regional demand.

Launch around February, 2-3 months before peak summer season (May peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 13% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (February-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Penrith listings include: Tv (87%), Washing Machine (69%), Kitchen (60%), Pets Allowed (59%), Heating (53%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Heating, Washing Machine, Parking, with Heating properties earning approximately 269% more (£125K/year vs £34K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Penrith over the last 12 months: May: £2K, June: £2K, July: £2K, August: £2K, September: £1K, October: £2K, November: £1K, December: £2K, January: £1K, February: £1K, March: £1K, April: £2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Penrith is £178, down 15% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average £118/night, 2-bedroom properties average £132/night, 3-bedroom properties average £206/night, 4+ bedroom properties average £498/night. Rates peak in May and are lowest in November.

Guests in Penrith book an average of 44 days in advance, down 17% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 41 days, 2-bedroom: 44 days, 3-bedroom: 46 days, 4+ bedroom: 53 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Penrith Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 9%, revenue per listing decreased 35%, occupancy fell 10%, average nightly rates decreased 15%, and lead time decreased 17%. These metrics collectively reflect a market experiencing reduced booking momentum and increased pressure on pricing strategies.

In Penrith, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 21% higher occupancy than weekdays.