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 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.
Perfect for families of up to seven (ideally five adults maximum plus children), West Barn offers self-catering of a high standard, both in terms of style and comfort. One of three holiday cottages sitting in the Cumbrian village of Skelton in the beautiful Eden Valley, the cottages offer a tranquil haven away from it all, yet within easy reach of the tourist hot spots of the Lake District.
South Byre is perfect for families, friends and also couples, and sits in the tranquil picturesque Eden Valley within Cumbria on the outskirts of the Lake District National Park. More quiet than many other parts of Cumbria, guests can enjoy wonderful walks straight from the front door, a plethora of attractions within easy reach and lots of peace and tranquility.
East Byre offers flexible self-catering to a high standard of style and comfort in the picturesque Eden Valley on the edge of the Lake District. A quieter less touristy part of Cumbria, the cottage is located in the village of Skelton with wonderful walks on the doorstep and an abundance of attractions within easy reach.
The Old Bothy is a beautiful self-catering cottage to rent close to the Cumbrian market town of Wigton, a great restaurant and a friendly pub. It's on a cattle and arable farm with fantastic views and superb access to the northern lakes and fells of the Lake District, the Solway Coast AONB, and Hadrian's Wall. The holiday home sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is finished and furnished to a high standard with original features, a wood burning stove, and lots of welcoming touches.
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.
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
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
Close to the The Lake District and Yorkshire Dales national parks, as well as The Trough of Bowland, Deansbiggin Barn is a stylish holiday retreat located amongst stunning countryside on the Underley Estate. Ideal for friends or family who want to holiday together in style with excellent outdoor activities on the doorstep including wonderful walks and the chance for fishing when in season. Experience Cumbria at its best! Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Close to the The Lake District National Park, North Yorkshire Dales and The Trough of Bowland, this self-catering holiday cottage is located in stunning countryside and ideal for exploring this beautiful area. Sleeping four guests, Bluebell Cottage is perfect for families and couples. 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
Luxuriate in the comfortable surroundings of Grange Court Mews in the historic Cumbrian village of Temple Sowerby. It's a beautifully presented sandstone holiday cottage, ideal for couples or solo travellers who appreciate the high standard of accommodation after a day of walking, cycling, fishing, golf, and sightseeing. The kitchenette is suitable for simple self-catering, and you're within a short walk of the village pub if you want to dine out. Penrith and Appleby-in-Westmoreland are only a few miles away, and you're perfectly located for exploring the north Lake District, Pennines, Scottish Borders and the Yorkshire Dales. Short breaks and extended stays are available all year round.
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.
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.
