The third largest county in England, Cumbria, can be found on the north-west coast bordering Scotland to the north, Northumberland and Durham to the east and Lancashire and Yorkshire to the south. It is home to the world renowned Lake District and its landscapes consist of scenic lakes and green lowlands, to windswept moors and coastal plains to the west. Because of its natural surroundings it is an ideal place for outdoor activities and the county maintains a family friendly atmosphere. Read more
A 17th Century holiday cottage located in a peaceful position amongst beautiful countryside just three miles from the Cumbrian cobbled village of Dent in the Yorkshire Dales and within easy reach of the Lake District. Ideal for walking, relaxing or visiting the areas many attractions and with a fire for winter nights and pretty garden with glorious views, it is the perfect place to escape away from it all and relax. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The Yorkshire Dales National Park, particularly the Dentdale valley, offers some of the most beautiful views in the north of England. This stone farmhouse provides self-catering holiday accommodation for seven people in four bedrooms and is two miles from Dent, offering views over the countryside towards nearby Whernside. The location makes it ideal for families and friends who want easy access to footpaths and cycling routes without feeling cut off from civilisation. The Lake District National Park, Kendal, Carlisle and Morecambe Bay are all just over half an hour's drive.
A delightful dog friendly holiday cottage with wonderful views perfectly placed near to the historic market town of Kirkby Lonsdale where the stunning Lake District meets the rolling Yorkshire Dales. Ideal for walkers or anyone wanting to discover the many attractions of Lancashire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
This charming cottage in the beautiful Eden Valley is waiting for you. The converted 18th Century coach house is in Long Marton, within walking distance of the village pub and only three miles from Appleby-in-Westmorland. It sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is a favourite with couples and families, many of whom return for a holiday every year. The Lake District National Park, Yorkshire Dales National Park and North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are all within an easy drive to provide a wide choice of walks, bike rides and sightseeing opportunities.
Nestling in a beautiful position opposite a pretty waterfall, this delightful character holiday cottage sits in the picturesque peaceful Eden Valley in Cumbria and is within easy reach of the Lake District and its many attractions. Ford Cottage is a superb choice for couples (one or two) and a tranquil haven abundant with wildlife where you can relax and unwind.
Set in an exceptional position within its very own nature reserve at the foot of a waterfall, this fabulous holiday cottage is located within the picturesque Eden Valley in Cumbria on the edge of the Lake District National Park. A tranquil haven abundant with wildlife, The Watermill is just perfect for a relaxing self-catering holiday and close to Appleby, Kirkby Stephen and the areas many attractions for day trips out.
Escape to the country with a stay in this gorgeous cottage just outside of Kirkby Lonsdale. The new one-bedroom holiday cottage has a traditional charm coupled with modern construction techniques that make it good for guests and for the environment. It is ideal for couples or individuals who love being close to fantastic walks, bike rides and bridleways, with the convenience of the historic market town with its shops, cafes, pubs and weekly market. The self-catering cottage is available for short breaks and long stays all year round.
Surrounded by breathtaking views and gorgeous countryside, this charming 17th century farmhouse is a true gem. Perfectly combining character with modern day comforts, the owners of Hill House have created a cosy and welcoming holiday cottage in the beautiful Upper Eden valley. Hill House is located in the small village of Winton, just a 30 minute walk to the traditional market town of Kirkby Stephen. Explore a new footpath each day or enjoy meandering around the picturesque towns and villages. With the North Pennines and Yorkshire Dales on your doorstep, and the Lake District just a stone's throw away, there are endless opportunities for exploring this stunning part of the world.
Cockermouth is as charming as any of England's market towns with a weekly market, an excellent array of eateries, and attractions that include Wordsworth House. It sits on the River Derwent and is the starting point for fantastic walks and bike rides, being just over the border of the Lake District National Park and close to beaches and forests. Walking, mountain biking, fishing and sailing are only a few of the many wonderful ways to have fun when you stay at Kia Ora - a lovely holiday cottage about a mile from the centre of town and within walking distance of places to eat, drink and shop. The dog-friendly cottage sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms and is perfect for couples, families and friends.
If you want a self-catering holiday cottage in the Yorkshire Dales where you can step outside and see nothing but fells and mountains, then you will love Bluecaster Side. The period property has been carefully restored and converted into a very comfortable holiday cottage that can sleep up to eight people in four bedrooms, with every room enjoying stunning views of this dramatic landscape. The cottage is private and feels secluded, yet is only a short drive from Sedburgh's excellent amenities. It is perfect for families and friends at any time of the year.
Hilltop is an idyllic cottage in a picturesque location in the Yorkshire Dales National Park with fantastic views. The owners have sympathetically updated the period cottage to make it comfortable for modern visitors while still retaining original features and character. It sleeps four people in two bedrooms, and there are lots of lovely walks and bike rides in the area. The cottage is within walking distance of the friendly village pub and just a few miles from Kirkby Lonsdale. The Lake District National Park and Bowland Forest are also easy to reach.
A delightful holiday cottage providing a peaceful rural retreat for couples. Surrounded by the stunning scenery of the beautiful Howgills Fells, Bluebell Cottage is close to Sedbergh in the Yorkshire Dales but also close to the Lake District National Park so plenty of attractions within easy reach. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Stylish and well presented throughout, this charming self-catering apartment for four lies in a tranquil corner of historic Alston, nestling amongst the magnificent hills of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Perfect for walkers and those who want to explore the area’s many attractions (including the nearby Lakes and Yorkshire Dales), Millstream Apartment is close to open countryside but only 5 minutes‘ walk to shops and pubs. 4 Star Gold. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Naworth Apartment is one of three holiday retreats enjoying a tranquil position within the historic Cumbrian town of Alston with a good choice of pubs and shops within strolling distance as well as open countryside. Set amidst the beauty of the North Pennines AONB, this stylish self-catering apartment is a great base for those who enjoy walking and exploring with both the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales within easy driving distance. 4 Star Gold. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Sowerberry Apartment is one of three holiday cottages sitting in a tranquil position within the historic town of Alston with pubs and interesting shops within 5 minutes walk, and open countryside just around the corner. Located in the North Pennines AONB with superb walking and within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. 4 Star Gold. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
You certainly won't be in the 'Dog House' when you book a romantic break in this gorgeous country cottage on the Underley Estate in Cumbria. Escape away from it all and enjoy walking through breathtaking scenery, fly fishing (when in season), golf or getting out and about and exploring the many attractions of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. A true gem of a cottage, packed full of character. Close to the The Lake District National Park, North Yorkshire Dales and The Trough of Bowland, this romantic retreat is set amongst breath taking countryside and a perfect hideaway for couples wanting to explore this beautiful area. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Tosca Cottage sits on the Underley Estate in Cumbria and is perfectly located with the The Lake District National Park to one side and the Yorkshire Dales to the other. This welcoming holiday cottage is also within easy reach of The Trough of Bowland and offers an abundance of outdoor activities amongst the surrounding breathtaking countryside. A great base for enjoying all the best bits of Cumbria and North Yorkshire. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Tucked away on a peaceful lane a short walk from the centre of High Casterton (with pub) and just 1.5 miles (20 minute walk) from cosmopolitan Kirkby Lonsdale with a great choice of pubs and shops, Norwood Cottage is a fantastic holiday home for couples or families who love spectacular scenery, great food and plenty of variety. There is good access to both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, with fantastic sights like Cragg Hill, Dentdale and Levens Hall all nearby. The flexible layout accommodates four people in two bedrooms, with the second bedroom being able to be configured as either a double or a twin, depending on your needs.
Camellia Cottage is in the wonderful North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, close to the border with Northumberland and within reach of the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. It's a spacious period stone holiday cottage sympathetically modernised to accommodate eight people in four bedrooms with two bathrooms. The layout works well for families and friends, including those with children and dogs. The opportunities for walking, mountain biking and cycling are endless. You can climb mountains, go caving, ride a horse, or simply sit in the garden and drink in the incredible views.
Cranmore House is a beautiful holiday cottage in Cumbria, close to the Northumberland border in the heart of the North Pennines. It dates from the 1600s and is full of period charm and wonderfully welcoming and comfortable throughout. There is space for six people to sleep in three bedrooms with a flexible layout that works well for families and friends. Children and well-behaved dogs love the huge garden and fantastic walks from the door. The cottage is in Nenthead, on the famous C2C cycle route and within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks.
Popular towns in and around The Lake District:
AlstonAmblesideApplebyBowness-on-WindermereBramptonCartmelCockermouthConistonGrange-over-SandsGrasmereGrizebeckHawksheadKeswickKirkby LonsdaleKirkby StephenPenrithUllswaterUlverstonWasdaleWindermereSearch within North West England
The Lake District and the Lake District National Park are far and away the highlight of Cumbria itself. They have served as inspiration to numerous writers, painters and artists and have been featured heavily in television and film. With an area of 885 square miles, the Lake District has a diverse range of natural sights including narrow valleys, oak woodlands which are filled with wildlife native to the area and, of course, tranquil waterways and lakes.
Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England at 978 meters and falls within the county limits. It forms a part of what is known as the Southern Fells, a dramatic range of mountains and hills, and on top of Scafell Pike you can see as far away as the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland and Snowdonia in Wales. The habitat of the area is characterised with heather, bogs, brackens and moorland to give it an altogether histrionic appearance.
There are various trails and walks around the county too. The Pennine Way comes through Cumbria and is a 267 mile walk in total that starts from Kirk Yetholm in Scotland and finishes up in Derbyshire with a significant portion running through Cumbria itself. Cumbria Way is another well-known scenic walk and goes through rolling farmlands, mountain views, old market towns as well as enchanting valleys to provide an all-round experience of the county.
The main historical site is Hadrian's Wall which was built by the Romans and Cumbria hosts the longest visible stretch of the wall that is still intact. Indeed, the county is a Roman historian's paradise as it hosts the tallest Roman structure in England – Ravenglass Bath House – and there are various museums that offer a captivating glimpse into Roman Britain and how the local area changed over this period.
Adventure lovers can take part in the multitude of outside pursuits that are on offer. The Lake District National Park offers sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking as well as rock climbing and the makeup of the environment makes Cumbria the perfect place for outdoor activities. Combined with the rural and dramatic landscapes is the urban sprawl of Carlisle with its modern shopping facilities and lively nightlife; along with the West Cumbrian coastline with its golden sands and rich industrial history. Indeed, Cumbria is home to some unique culinary delights such as sticky toffee pudding, Grasmere Gingerbread, the Cumberland sausage and, of course, Kendal Mint Cake - a county that truly caters for all tastes.
The perception of windswept and desolate moors only paints half the picture of an extensive county like Cumbria. In between the picturesque landscapes and ancient history lie bustling towns and cities to provide an exciting and varied experience for all those who visit.
