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
In a truly spectacular position with views over Wast Water, this holiday apartment is ideal for lovers of the 'great outdoors' and provides a comfortable retreat from which to explore the Lake District's many attractions. Superb for walkers and those who want to relax amongst stunning Lakeland scenery.
Sitting in large gardens (with tennis court!), this welcoming bright and airy holiday apartment is perfectly placed in a tranquil location overlooking lake Windermere, yet within just a mile of Bowness-on-Windermere with its shops and eating establishments. The Loft offers the best of both worlds for those who want to relax and unwind whilst being within easy reach of the areas many attractions.
Ideally placed with views over Lake Windermere, this modern stylish holiday apartment sits in extensive grounds where guests can enjoy peace and tranquility, along with an all-weather tennis court, putting area and croquet lawn. The many amenities of Bowness-on-Windermere are just a mile away. A perfect retreat to enjoy the many attractions of the Lake District.
A beautifully restored white washed terraced holiday cottage on the High Street in the pretty village of Dent in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Croft Cottage is just a two-minute walk to two fantastic pubs, the village shop and a choice of cafes, whilst the surrounding countryside is a haven for walkers, bikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Sleeping five guests in three bedrooms, and with a log burner for cosy nights in, this is the perfect self-catering retreat for families and friends at any time of the year. The master bedroom has a king size 5' wide double bed, bedroom 2 has two single beds, bedroom 3 has a single bed.
Beech Hill Cottage is located in the beautiful and tranquil village of Dent in Dentdale. It accommodates seven people in three comfortable bedrooms and spacious open plan living room with wood burner, an ideal for relaxing. This grade II listed property has been recently renovated and decorated to a high standard, providing all of the essentials required for a self catering break. It is the ideal accommodation for families and friends who wish to explore the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales.
Full of character and traditional charm, this cosy Lakeland holiday cottage is furnished and equipped to a very high standard of comfort and style and is one of Keswick's oldest buildings dating back to the 1700's. Perfectly located, Woolstore Cottage allows guests to enjoy the many amenities of this popular vibrant market town on its doorstep.
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
Meadow View is positioned in a tranquil setting on the edge of the National Park, between Keswick and Penrith, within a small group of similar lodges. It is four miles from the village of Greystoke, with a traditional country pub and shop. This very comfortable Scandinavian style lodge, with a wood burning stove, has floor-to-ceiling windows providing extensive open views over the countryside with Blencathra in the distance. It is a haven for wildlife, including red squirrels, rabbits and many species of birds.
This pretty stone cottage is set in an enviable position on the edge of the market town Sedbergh in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Surrounded by stunning countryside and wonderful walks, yet just minutes from all the shops and restaurants in Sedbergh, Loftus Cottage perfectly combines rural bliss with modern day conveniences. Sleeping four guests in two bedrooms it is the ideal self-catering holiday cottage for families or couples wanting to explore this beautiful part of Cumbria.
Modern and comfy, Coldgill View is perfectly placed between the Solway Coast and fells of the Lake District National Park, providing an excellent base for those who want to walk, explore or simply relax. Popular with families, friends and dog owners, this well presented holiday home sleeps up to seven guests in four bedrooms and sits in the Cumbrian village of Great Broughton close to Cockermouth (five minutes drive), Keswick, Bassenthwaite Lake and the coastal town of Maryport.
This charming cottage sits in an enviable location in the Troutbeck Valley located in between the popular towns of Ambleside and Windermere in the Lake District National Park. Dating back to the 1800s, Beck Cottage has been recently renovated to provide modern and comfortable accommodation for up to four guests in two bedrooms. Spend your days exploring the footpaths from the doorstep or try your hand at mountain biking, sailing, paddleboarding and canoeing. Other nearby attractions include The World of Beatrix Potter, The Lakes Aquarium and Go Ape in Grizedale Forest. Holiday bookings are available all year round. There is no EV charging point at the cottage and EV charging via the domestic supply constitutes a fire hazard and therefore is not allowed. There are charging points in the locality - please message the host if you require details. Storage of e-bikes and e-scooters is not allowed in the property as this constitutes a fire hazard. A shed in our garden area can be made available for this purpose on request and at no extra charge.
Centrally located in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, this well presented farm cottage offers peace, tranquility and superb walks (plus a pub!) on the doorstep and all the amenities of Ambleside just 2.5 miles away. The area is a walker's paradise and a great base for exploring the many attractions of this beautiful part of Cumbria. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Enjoy the wonderful year-round hospitality of this refurbished self-catering apartment in Selside, close to both the Lake District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It's dog-friendly, with a spacious bedroom that accommodates couples or individuals. Walking, mountain biking and potholing are just three of the many ways to explore the incredible landscape, with local attractions including Sizergh Castle, Lowther Castle, Ullswater and the Ullswater Steamers, while Bowness on Windermere is only 25-minutes away. Kendal is a short drive from the apartment, with an excellent variety of places to eat, drink and shop.
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, both with king size beds. There are lots of lovely walks and cycle rides in the area, both mountain biking and road. 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.
With space for up to eight people to stay in four bedrooms, The Old House is ideal for large families and friends to relax and enjoy the beauty of the western Lake District National Park. The cottage is close to the coast and only a few miles from Ravenglass, within easy reach of Scafell Pike and Munster Castle. There are excellent opportunities for walking, mountain biking and fishing in an area renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. There is the lovely Byre cafe and also a bike rental 200 metres away.
Stable Cottage is a pretty 17th century detached holiday cottage in the heart of the market town of Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria. With the town centre just a short stroll away you have everything on your doorstep including shops, galleries, pubs, restaurants and cafes. Sandwiched between the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and two National Parks, walkers, cyclists and adventure seekers will be spoilt for choice with the huge number of things to do. Sleeping four guests in two bedrooms Stable Cottage is the perfect self-catering retreat for families, friends or even couples looking to explore this magical part of the country. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
If Visit England awarded stars for views the way it does for exceptional accommodation, Loweswater Cottage would have 5 Gold Stars all around. This superb holiday cottage has panoramic views down the entire length of Crummock Water from the garden. The fantastic holiday cottage is part of Foulsyke, an old manor house, and incorporates the original carriage house elements in its design. It sleeps six people in three bedrooms, one ensuite, and suits families and extended families who appreciate the footpaths, cycling routes and beautiful sights and attractions on the doorstep. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Buttermere Cottage is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a quiet and secluded spot close to Crummock Water and Loweswater in the Lake District. The former hay barn has been sympathetically converted into a welcoming holiday home for one or two people, with accommodation all on one level. Buttermere is one of three cottages at Foulsyke, where the owner is justifiably proud of their 5-Star Gold rating. There are stunning walks and bike rides from the door, secure bicycle storage and facilities for washing and drying bikes and kit, and lots of little touches that make Buttermere Cottage an excellent place to stay in any season. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
A comfortable cosy holiday cottage in a lovely rural location within Cumbria & the Yorkshire Dales National Park near the unspoilt village of Ravenstonedale. Conveniently located for exploring the many attractions of both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, ideal for walkers and bird watching. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The Cow House is exactly as it says, only without the cows. It has been beautifully restored to its 18th Century clean self, with green oak replacement beams, blond oak floor and living space all on one level. We lie on the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales/ Westmorland Dales National Park extension and 5 miles east of the Lakes district National Park at 1000' - limestone country and fells forever.
Popular towns in and around The Lake District:
AlstonAmblesideApplebyArnsideBaggrowBarrow in FurnessBarrow-in-FurnessBassenthwaiteBoltonBootleBordering Yorkshire DalesBowness on WindermereBowness-on-WindermereBraithwaiteBramptonBroughton-in-FurnessBurton-in-KendalCaldbeckCarlisleCarnforthCartmelChapel StileCleatorCockermouthConistonConiston WaterDeepdaleDentEden ValleyElterwaterEnnerdaleEsk ValleyEskdaleEskdale GreenEskdale ValleyGlenriddingGosforthGrange Over SandsGrange-over-SandsGrasmereGrassingtonGrizebeckHaverthwaiteHawksheadIrebyKendalKeswickKirkby LonsdaleKirkby StephenKirklintonKirksantonLake DistrictLindaleLoweswaterMillomMilnthorpeNether WasdaleNewby BridgeNewcastletonOrtonPenrithPooley BridgeRavenglassSeascaleSedberghStaveleyTroutbeckUllswaterUlverstonWasdaleWastwater LakeWhitehavenWhittingtonWigtonWindermereSome local suggestions:
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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.
