The image 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 providing an exciting and varied experience for all those who visit Cumbrian cottages.
The third largest county in England, Cumbria, can be found on the northwest 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 National Park and its landscapes consist of scenic lakes and green lowlands. Read more
Magnificent detached & spacious cottage for up to 10 persons, with 5 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms. Large dining room with a wood burning stove, situated next to the well equipped high specification kitchen with a utility room with an old maid for drying & the washing machine. The huge living space is on the first floor with four of the five bedrooms & two bathrooms. Bathroom 3 & bedroom 5 are ground floor.
Dandelion Cottage is a dreamy rural holiday cottage where couples can relax in luxury against the beauty of the Cumbrian countryside. It's four miles from Carlisle and a short drive from the Lake District National Park, Solway Coast, Hadrian's Wall and the Scottish border. This quiet area is the perfect place for fell walking, climbing, mountain biking and road cycling, with historic houses, gardens and lakes for variety. The spacious one-bedroom barn conversion has a super-kingsized bed, a huge ensuite, and a private landscaped garden with a covered hot tub.
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.
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
Why limit yourself to the Lake District when you can also explore the Forest of Bowland and Yorkshire Dales? Milo's Retreat is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty between Arnside and Milnthorpe. It's perfect for a romantic retreat or a solo escape, sleeping two people in one sublimely comfortable superking bed. Your day can include scaling mountains, hiking through fells, sailing over lakes or cycling around the coast. Throw in a region renowned for its fantastic food and all the comfort and charm of this wonderful self-catering holiday cottage, and you have a holiday you won't forget.
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
If you are looking for a large venue to celebrate a special occasion then take a look at this impressive country house. Underley Grange exudes classic charm and is just perfect for a milestone event, wedding or simply spending time with special people. The flagship of the Underley Estate, guests can enjoy a true taste of country life when they stay at Underley Grange with miles of wonderful walks, fly fishing and clay pigeon shooting on the doorstep, as well as golf and a host of attractions in the nearby Lake District National and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Why visit somewhere as breathtaking as the Nent Valley only to shut yourself away from the views? At Sunrise Cottage you can wake up to spectacular scenery every day, and immerse yourself in the clean air and vast landscape of one of Englands most unspoilt places. Located on the edge of Cumbria, near the border with Northumberland and Durham, the cottage sits above Nenthead, England's highest village, which is a pleasant 20 minute walk away. There are plenty of footpaths and bridleways right outside the door, leading to lakes, waterfalls, historic ruins, and endless vistas. The small market town of Alston is just four miles away and has all the essential shops, pubs, and garages, and the Nenthall hotel and bar is about a mile and a half. Comfortably sleeping four people in two bedrooms with the potential for a cot or small folding bed, this well equipped, dog-friendly holiday cottage is ideal for couples and families looking for a self-catering break.
Chapel Cottage is a wonderful holiday home in a beautiful location on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines and within easy reach of the Lake District. It sleeps six people in three bedrooms and is furnished to a very high standard to be welcoming for families and friends, including those with children and dogs. Winton Common and the village pub are 100 metres from the door, with more amenities just over a mile away in the market town of Kirkby Stephen. It's a fantastic area for walking, cycling and mountain biking, with lots of sights and attractions to enjoy all year round.
Warton is the Clarke Kent of holiday locations. On the surface, it's a seemingly normal village with excellent pubs, cafes and shops, but its location makes it a holiday superhero. Within an easy drive, you can be strolling around the coast of Morecambe Bay, sailing on Windermere, hiking through the fells or climbing a mountain. The Stables is a delightful stone holiday cottage on a quiet street in the village, a short walk from all the action with a walled courtyard garden and space to sleep six people in three bedrooms (plus one additional person on a sofabed in the sunroom). Families, couples and friends love it here because it's relaxed without being boring, with lots to see and do throughout the year.
Tucked away on the outskirts of Silverdale, this Cumbrian cottage is ideally located for walking and cycling not only through the Silverdale and Arnside Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but also the Forest of Bowland AONB and the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park. If that's not enough space for you, Morecambe Bay is only a few miles away, giving you the potential to alternate days at the seaside with fell walking, climbing mountains and exploring charming towns and villages with the odd stately home thrown in for good measure. Virginia Cottage is a beautiful Victorian cottage in a quiet location. Its spacious master bedroom is ideal for couples, while the second bedroom can accommodate a third adult, teenager, or older child.
The Farmhouse at Street Farm is perfect for large groups sleeping up to 15 guests. Stylish and beautifully presented, this luxury holiday home is ideal for catching up with friends or celebrating a special occasion with family. Sitting within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the farmhouse is a 10-minute stroll through meadows to the Fat Lamb Inn and just over half an hour's drive to the Lake District National Park. Fantastic opportunities for outdoor adventure on the doorstep and an abundance of opportunities for day trips out.
The Coach House at Street Farm accommodates groups of up to eight guests in three bedrooms. Surrounded by glorious Yorkshire countryside, this stylish holiday home sits in the Yorkshire Dales National Park but is conveniently located within half an hour drive of the Lake District, making it a great place for exploring the area and its many attractions. Whether you want to get out and about or simply stay put in the beauty that surrounds with fabulous walking and cycling, The Coach House is a popular choice for families and friends.
The versatile layout at Street Farm makes it ideal for large groups, giving guests the option of spending time socialising and celebrating together or relaxing on their own. Five luxurious properties sleep between two and thirty people, and there is also a spa suite with hot tub. The farm sits within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a 10-minute stroll through meadows to the Fat Lamb Inn and just over half an hour's drive to the Lake District National Park. With fantastic opportunities for outdoor adventure on the doorstep and a luxurious setting, Street Farm is the perfect venue if you are looking to celebrate and have fun away with friends or family.
Ready to embark on a memorable adventure? Secure your self-catering apartment today and experience the freedom and comfort of a home away from home in the beautiful South Lakes and Yorkshire Dales. Our ground floor Apartment has free onsite parking and is dog friendly. There are 2 bedrooms (king and a twin) with open plan living with a shared kitchen, dining and living space. There's an enclosed outside patio terrace which is perfect for the pooch!
Discover the perfect getaway at our spacious and welcoming group accommodation, Howgills Barn in the South Lakes and Yorkshire Dales. An 8 bedroom property sleeping up to 35 guests; an ideal choice for celebrations, milestone events, re-unions and family holidays.
57 Main Street is a Grade 2 listed building. The flat is accessed from the rear of this old building, and the recently upgraded accommodation is over two floors above the Gun Dog Coffee Shop. The accommodation comprises of a twin and double bedroom, and the bathroom, on the top floor, with the large lounge diner and kitchen on the first floor. The new bathroom and kitchen were installed in the summer of 2023. This well proportioned self-catering property is equally suitable to couples, families and those in the area for work, yet is cosy enough for solo travellers or a romantic break.
Popular towns in and around The Lake District:
AlstonAmblesideApplebyArnsideBaggrowBarrow in FurnessBootleBowness-on-WindermereBramptonBurton-in-KendalCaldbeckCarlisleCarnforthCartmelCleatorCockermouthConistonConiston WaterDeepdaleDentEskdaleEskdale GreenEskdale ValleyGosforthGrasmereGrizebeckHaverthwaiteHawksheadIrebyKendalKeswickKirkby LonsdaleKirkby StephenKirksantonLoweswaterMillomMilnthorpeNewby BridgePenrithRavenglassSedberghUllswaterUlverstonWasdaleWhittingtonWigtonWindermereSearch within North West England
The Lake District and the Lake District National Park are undoubtedly the highlights of Cumbria. They have served as an 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. There are various trails and walks around the county too.
The Pennine Way comes through Cumbria and is a 267-mile walk that starts from Kirk Yetholm in Scotland and finishes up in Derbyshire with a significant portion running through Cumbria itself. The 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-around experience of the county.
The main historical attraction in Cumbria is Hadrian's Wall, which was built by the Romans. The longest visible stretch of the wall that is still intact is found at the edge of the county. Cumbria is a Roman historian's paradise, as it hosts the tallest Roman structure in England – Ravenglass Bath House – and various museums offer a captivating glimpse into Roman Britain and how the local area changed over this period.
Before booking one of our holiday cottages in Cumbria, you can find all the information you need for your trip here. For more tips, check out our complete North West England Guide.
Every season delivers its own charm in Cumbria. The sparkle of winter frosts is accompanied by the smell of log fires providing a warm welcome in cottages and pubs. A visit in spring or summer allows for a myriad of footpaths like the Pennine Way. Autumn is also pretty special, with places like The Lake District National Park displaying stunning colours of browns and golden hues.
Summers in Cumbria typically range from mild to warm, with the occasional hotter day. The days are at their longest, making for plenty of light to explore the stunning countryside. Temperatures average around 19-20°C making for a comfortable summer climate.
Cumbria in spring provides visitors with a mix of pleasant sunny days and some cooler, wetter weather. For those aiming to get outdoors whilst staying here, spring is a great time to visit as the cooler temperatures of around 9°C to 15°C make for the perfect weather to get active. The scenery is also stunning in spring, as the flowers start to blossom and cover the countryside in colour.
Winter holidays in Cumbria can get pretty chilly. There is a high chance of snow during this time and a drop in temperature to highs of around 6°C. It’s a beautiful time to visit for those who want to see lakes frosted over and snow-capped peaks in the background. You can choose to get wrapped up and wander through the towns and villages or stay in and get cosy by the fire.
Adventure lovers can take part in a multitude of outdoor pursuits that are on offer. The Lake District National Park is home to sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking as well as rock climbing, and the makeup of the environment makes Cumbria the perfect place for outdoor activities.
Alongside the rural and dramatic landscapes is the urban sprawl of Carlisle with its modern shopping facilities and lively nightlife. There’s also the West Cumbrian coastline with its golden sands and rich industrial history.
Cumbria is also home to some unique culinary delights such as sticky toffee pudding, Grasmere Gingerbread, the Cumberland sausage and, of course, Kendal Mint Cake - it’s a county that truly caters for all tastes.
If you are travelling from one of the major cities in the UK, below shows an average distance to Cumbria, so you know what to expect when choosing to visit by car.
London: 299 miles
Birmingham: 177 miles
Glasgow: 123 miles
Liverpool: 106 miles
Bristol: 258 miles
Manchester: 102 miles
Leeds: 114 miles
Edinburgh: 127 miles
There are multiple ways to travel to Cumbria. Its excellent public transport links mean you can journey by train or bus from many major UK cities, although stations around the area are pretty scarce. If you travel by car, there are some great service stations to stop off and rest up whilst on your trip and alternative routes depending on what roads you prefer to drive on.
Scafell Pike in the Lake District is the highest mountain in England at 978 metres 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 by heather, bogs, bracken and moorland, which gives it an altogether raw appearance.
Cumbria holidays offer a vast range of things to do and incredible places to visit, so it is hard to narrow it down to one. Choosing the best area ultimately depends on what you are looking to get out of your stay here.
Those seeking the great outdoors and adventure tend to head to the stunning Lake District, for quaint towns to stroll around, Keswick, Ambleside and Kendal are popular options.
There are several other excellent places to see around Cumbria, with Lake Windermere being a popular spot for those seeking a pretty town and bustling lakeside atmosphere. For adventure seekers, Mount Helvellyn is a great place to hike, with an ascent of 950 metres and an iconic sharp edge that runs along the mountain.
If you prefer to pursue history and heritage, a trip to Hadrian’s Wall is a great option, you can walk along the ancient wall that provides stunning countryside vistas.
A place full of history, gorgeous scenery and breathtaking countryside, Cumbria really does have it all.
Cumbria is best known for being home to the Lake District National Park. Here you will find beautiful lakes, some of the country’s tallest peaks and multiple idyllic towns and villages.
When considering how expensive it is to visit Cumbria, you need to consider multiple factors. If you choose to visit the numerous towns and villages in the Lake District, expect to pay a little more as this is a tourist hot spot. For those seeking to spend their time in the countryside in more rural locations, you will find that your trip is less expensive.
