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
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
Dentdale and the Yorkshire Dales National Park have what are arguably some of the best views in the UK and you can enjoy the sight of Rise Hill and Coombe Scar from this charming terraced holiday cottage. The cafes, pubs and shops in Dent are all within walking distance, and there are footpaths and cycling trails from the door. Kendal and the Lake District National Park are a short drive away, as is the Forest of Bowland AONB. Leeds and Carlise are also within easy reach either via car or on the Settle-Carlisle Railway. Sunnyside Cottage sleeps three people in two bedrooms and is perfect for couples, solo travellers or small families.
Forest Field is a delightful holiday cottage within the Rusland Valley providing the perfect self-catering base for couples to relax and explore the beautiful Lake District and its many attractions. Set within unspoilt rolling countryside, the views are simply stunning and the walks are equally as lovely. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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 delightful Lakeland cottage ideally situated in a tranquil position near the popular village of Bowness-on-Windermere within the Lake District National Park. Ferry View Cottage provides a cosy base from which to explore all this stunning area has to offer with super walking opportunities and an abundance of attractions.
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.
This smartly presented holiday cottage is convenient for shops, cafes and a excellent 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. 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.
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.
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
A delightful stone holiday cottage that offers the best of both worlds - a stunning peaceful corner of the Lake District, yet within easy reach of the more popular tourist traps and attractions. A wonderful location in the Cumbrian village of Bowland Bridge within the Lake District - perfect for relaxing in the Lakes or walking!
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
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.
Just a short walk into Dents quaint cobbled village, this large stone holiday cottage is in an enviable position with stunning views across Dentdale and is perfect for a large group of friends and family, as well as walkers and cyclists with great opportunities from the front door. Clarks Cottage sits in the Yorkshire Dales National Park in Cumbria and is within easy reach of the Lake District. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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.
Located within the Lake District National Park, this holiday cottage is less than five miles from Coniston Water and six miles from Windermere. On the fringes of a pretty village, Hill Top Farm enjoys a peaceful secluded location from which to explore the area and enjoy everything it has to offer including its many attractions and fabulous walks. Close by to local pub and shops. Facilities include chickens, field pond, greenhouse raised bed and fruit, bike shed, games room bbq, veranda, gazebo,secure large gardens and car park
In a beautiful rural setting just two miles from Dent's cobbled village, this delightful country house provides accommodation for large groups and is an ideal self-catering base for exploring both the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria, including the Lakes.
Dragon Cottage is welcoming and comfy and is a nice base to return home to after a long day exploring the Yorkshire Dales or Lake District (within driving distance). Right in the centre of Dent's picturesque cobbled village (with pubs and a shop close to hand), this is a great choice for walkers and explorers with an abundance of attractions just waiting to be discovered. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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 two and a half miles away. Situated at Skelwith Bridge, 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
Sleeping up to six guests, this Grade II listed traditional Lakeland farmhouse dates back to the 17th Century and nestles amongst peace and tranquility in the Eskdale Valley. Offering seclusion and wonderful scenery the farmhouse is perfectly placed for exploring the Western Lake District as well as the Central Fells. Excellent for walking and climbing with Scafell nearby. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Popular towns in and around The Lake District:
AlstonAmblesideApplebyArnsideBaggrowBarrow in FurnessBarrow-in-FurnessBassenthwaiteBoltonBootleBordering Yorkshire DalesBowness on WindermereBowness-on-WindermereBramptonBroughton-in-FurnessBurton-in-KendalCaldbeckCarlisleCarnforthCartmelCleatorCockermouthConistonConiston WaterDeepdaleDentEden ValleyEnnerdaleEsk ValleyEskdaleEskdale GreenEskdale ValleyGlenriddingGosforthGrange Over SandsGrange-over-SandsGrasmereGrassingtonGrizebeckHaverthwaiteHawksheadIrebyKendalKeswickKirkby LonsdaleKirkby StephenKirklintonKirksantonLake DistrictLindaleLoweswaterMillomMilnthorpeNether WasdaleNewby BridgeNewcastletonOrtonPenrithRavenglassSeascaleSedberghStaveleyTroutbeckUllswaterUlverstonWasdaleWastwater LakeWhitehavenWhittingtonWigtonWindermereSearch 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.
