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
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.
The Smithy is a quiet cottage on the Furness peninsula, close to Morecambe Bay and Lake District National Park. The former barn now offers comfortable accommodation for up to four people in two bedrooms, and is within walking distance of the centre of Newton-in-Furness where there are welcoming real-ale pubs and good amenities. There are lovely walks and cycling routes from the front door and the cottage is within easy reach of favourite attractions including Windermere, Piel Island and Furness Abbey.
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.
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.
This smartly presented holiday cottage is convenient for shops, cafes and a fantastic pub in the market town of Milnthorpe, just 20 minutes from Windermere and Kirkby Lonsdale. With two national parks and two designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty all within easy reach, it's no wonder The Printers Mews is a favourite with walkers, who can use the regular bus system to get from place to place if they don't want to drive to the start of their walk. The charming cottage sleeps six people in three bedrooms and has an open plan living area. It suits families, friends, or couples who like the extra space.
Kirkby Lonsdale is a favourite market town with superb amenities and what John Ruskin called "...one of the loveliest views in England, therefore the world". No. 6 Rowan Garth is a spacious townhouse accommodating six people in three bedrooms with a layout that suits families and friends. It's a short stroll from shops, cafes, pubs, and the beautiful River Lune with its medieval Devil's Bridge. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a stone's throw from Kirkby Lonsdale, while the Lake District, Forest of Bowland, and Arnside and Silverdale AONB are all within a 20-minute drive. It's a fantastic location for a holiday in all seasons as there is always somewhere beautiful to see and fun things to do.
A pretty well presented stone cottage sitting in an idyllic peaceful position in a little hamlet close to Kirkby Lonsdale on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The Lake District's many attractions are within easy driving distance, making this perfect for touring, walking, cycling or simply relaxing amongst stunning scenery.
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.
A lovely couple's retreat in the peaceful Cumbrian hamlet of Leasgill, within easy reach of the Lake District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The pet-friendly holiday home has fantastic walks from the front door - including one to a nearby pub - and less than a 20-minute drive from both Kendal and Windermere. It is available for short breaks (3 night minimum or 4 over the festive season) or longer stays all year round, providing a welcoming place where couples or solo travellers can escape and unwind in beautiful surroundings. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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.
Located in the Cumbrian countryside, within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this stylish barn conversion is the perfect rural retreat for couples seeking peace and privacy. With the Lake District National Park and Yorkshire Dales also within easy reach, you will be spoilt for choice for things to do. Go boating on Lake Ullswater, visit historic sites and castles, or enjoy browsing the cobbled streets of Alston, the highest town in England. You would also be forgiven for simply relaxing in the tranquil surroundings as you enjoy walks from the front door and leisurely pub lunches. Barnside sleeps two people in a stunning four poster bed and there is also room for a cot.
Luxuriate in the surroundings of this wonderful holiday cottage. Shepherd's View is in the Pennine village of Dufton, three miles from Appleby-in-Westmorland and close to Ullswater and the northern Lake District. The studio-style barn conversion, set on two floors, is perfect for a romantic self-catering holiday. It's beautifully furnished with a superking-sized bed, indulgent velvet seating, and a log burner. There is a separate kitchen/diner and a bathroom with a deep jacuzzi bath. Top all of this off with spectacular mountain views, and you'll never want to leave! Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
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
Affording a quiet position sitting on a country lane, Tosca Farmhouse offers the perfect blend of luxury and country living and is a fabulous retreat for the discerning guest. Close to the The Lake District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales and also the Trough of Bowland, this stunning property offers glorious scenery, outdoor pursuits on the doorstep and an abundance of attractions within easy reach. A popular choice for a family holiday, few nights away with friends or celebrating a special occasion in a wonderfully relaxing setting. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
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
Popular towns in and around The Lake District:
AlstonAmblesideApplebyBowness-on-WindermereBramptonCartmelCockermouthConistonGrasmereGrizebeckHawksheadKeswickKirkby 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.
