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
Stay in the heart of Grasmere in this character Lake District holiday cottage. With excellent self-catering amenities, a layout that suits couples and families, and a 4-Star rating from Visit England, it's easy to see why this holiday home is a year-round favourite. April Cottage sleeps four people in three bedrooms and enjoys spectacular views of some of the finest fells in the national park. It is within easy reach of Windermere, Scafell Pike, Keswick, and Aira Force, with walks to Rydal Water, Alcock Tarn, Easdale Tarn, and Loughrigg Fell. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Alice Howe, part of the Terrace Windermere a private row of 5 holiday houses in the heart of The Lake District National Park. The property benefits from a 7-seat covered hot tub in the garden and a 15-seat cinema complete with Smart TV in the cellar. There are 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms and a beautifully appointed lounge and dining room. We welcome all kinds of gatherings from Milestone birthdays to girls’ getaways.
Bannerrigg is located at the heart of in Windermere Village. This 4 star property sleeps 16 all in single beds. Bannerriggs stand out features are its hot tub in its own building in the garden and an 18 seat cinema in the cellar. Whether you're looking to book a family break, a milestone birthday party or a girls getaway Bannerrigg is a fabulous choice.
Boston House is one of 5 houses to rent on the Terrace Windermere, a private row of holiday homes in the heart of The Lake district. The property’s stand-out features are its 7-seat hot tub in the rear garden and a secret 15-seat cinema with Smart TV in the cellar. Boston house has 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, a comfortable lounge, elegant dining room and large sociable kitchen. Whatever you reason to visit be it a Milestone birthday, 3 generation family gathering or girls’ getaway Boston House is the perfect choice.
Number One sleeps 14 in 6 bedrooms. Located in Windermere village at the centre of The Lake District National Park, this luxury house is the perfect venue for milestone birthdays,3 generation family gatherings and girls' weekends. The property features a large lounge and dining room, hand-built kitchen with AGA and second range cooker, 6 lovely bedrooms and 4 bath/shower rooms. Number One's stand out features are its 7 seat hot tub and 15 seat cinema in the cellar.
Orrest Head House sleeps 12 in 5-star luxury. This majestic house is located a couple of minutes’ walk from Windermere village. The property can be hired with Orrest Head Cottage to increase your party numbers to 18. The House has many stand-out features including its very own bar. All of the bedrooms are ensuite, 2 have in bedroom baths which overlook the extensive garden. We welcome all kinds of parties including, milestone birthdays, family gatherings and girls getaways.
White Moss is part of The Terrace Windermere a private row of houses all to rent in at the heart of The Lake District. The property sleeps 12 and features a 7 seat hot tub in the rear courtyard and a private 12 seat cinema with 75inch Smart TV. The lounge and dining room both have woodburning stoves to keep you warm and cosy in the winter. We welcome milestone birthdays, family gatherings and girls’ weekends.
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.
Orrest Head Cottage's superpower is its location. The property is situated on the famous Orrest Head Walk. It features a very contemporary lounge, some amazing views, 3 bedrooms and 2 bath/shower rooms. Within a couple of minutes walk you can be in Windermere village with all of its pubs, restaurants and independent shops - what's not to like!
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
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
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.
If you’re looking for a romantic holiday retreat for two people, then head down the little lane to Howe Foot and step into the beautifully crafted cottage of Otley Beck. Set over two floors, with an AGA cooker in the kitchen and a log burner in the snug, the cottage stands in an acre of grounds beside a beck. With Coniston Water a few miles to the north, the festival town of Ulverston close by and the southern tip of Windermere only a few miles away, this is a delightful base from which to explore unforgettable countryside.
Welcome the Lakeland spring by staying in this magical retreat for two people, a few miles from both Coniston Water and the southern end of Windermere. What makes Garden Cottage special is the love and care that’s devoted to it by the owners, and the striking craftsmanship that’s gone into its creation. The cottage is also close to the festival town of Ulverston, the log burner and Rayburn cooker warm and welcoming sights after a day exploring the beautiful countryside which lies all around.
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.
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.
Exceptional both inside and out, this stylish well presented lodge sits in one of the most enviable positions in the Lake District, with a rural location close to Lake Windermere. Enjoy an alfresco meal on the terrace watching the sun set in the evening, and by day discover the many attractions of nearby Bowness and Windermere.
4 Mell Fell View is a beautiful holiday cottage with fantastic views of Little Mell Fell, Great Mell Fell and Helton Fell that surround Lake Ullswater. The owners have carefully restored the 17th Century property to provide very comfortable accommodation for four people with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is in the quiet Lake District village of Penruddock, close to Ullswater, Keswick and Penrith and within walking distance of the excellent Herdwick Inn. The cottage is dog-friendly and available all year round, providing a lovely holiday home for families, friends and couples.
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.
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.
