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 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.
Dent is arguably the most picturesque of all of the villages in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, boasting a village centre with cobbled streets free from traffic. Dene Cottage is a traditional period property that has been sympathetically updated to be comfortable for 21st Century guests. The village is surrounded by stunning countryside with fantastic walking and cycling paths, and this welcoming holiday cottage is within walking distance of two excellent pubs, The Rising Sun and the George and Dragon, both of which serve local ales and delicious home cooked food if you feel like a night off from cooking.
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.
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.
Enjoy the wonderful year-round hospitality of this recently 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Ellen Brow is a spacious, single-storey property on a quiet cut de sac in Bowness-on-Windermere, ideal for families or groups of friends. It accommodates six guests across three bedrooms, with two bathrooms. The property enjoys a large communal garden at the front, a tiered terrace at the rear with garden furniture and private parking for three cars, two on the drive & one in the garage. The convenient village location means you can easily explore without a car. A ten-minute walk takes you to the shores of Lake Windermere and the pier for Windermere Lake Cruises. Nearby, you'll find plenty of cafés, restaurants, and bars, including the popular Bodega Tapas and The Angel Inn is a 2 minute walk away, perfect for dining out.
If you can't imagine a better time than a self-catering holiday in the Lake District, you'll love this Watermill Cottage in Ings. Recently refurbished and redecorated to a high standard with space for four people in two bedrooms, it's ten minutes from Windermere and Kendal and a stone's throw from the Windermere Brewery and Watermill Inn. Features include an enclosed garden, a balcony stretching the width of the cottage, and stunning Lake District views. The welcoming holiday home is ideal for couples, friends or families, including those with dogs.
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.
Waterside Retreat is a welcoming holiday home with views over Morecambe Bay to the mountains of the Lake District. It is in the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and within easy reach of the southern shore of Windermere, the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The property sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is ideal for couples or families, being just across the road from the water and enjoying spectacular views. The owners have recently refurbished the house, decorating it with a subtle nautical theme to suit the environment.
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
Exceptional both inside and out, this stylish well presented lodge sits in one of the most enviable positions in the Lake District with lovely views over Lake Windermere. Enjoy an alfresco meal on the terrace watching the sun set over the lake by night, and by day discover the many attractions of nearby Bowness and Windermere.
This fabulous holiday home, with its own private jetty, affords an exceptional position overlooking Lake Windermere in the very heart of the Lake District National Park. Enjoying a truly magical setting overlooking Lake Windermere, this exceptional holiday home offers guests the chance to enjoy an abundance of attractions, superb lakeland walks and plenty of opportunity to relax and unwind. Just a short drive from Bowness with excellent amenities close to hand and perfect for boaters with its own private jetty for mooring (you can launch just half a mile away).
A luxurious holiday lodge ideally positioned in Loughrigg within the Langdale Valley under three miles from Ambleside in the Lake District National Park. With Coniston, Grasmere and Lake Windermere nearby, and the many amenities of Ambleside close to hand, this is a good base for exploring the areas many attractions, walking or simply relaxing in stunning scenery.
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.
Popular towns in and around The Lake District:
AlstonAmblesideApplebyArnsideBaggrowBarrow in FurnessBarrow-in-FurnessBassenthwaiteBoltonBootleBordering Yorkshire DalesBowness on WindermereBowness-on-WindermereBraithwaiteBramptonBroughton-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.
