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
Holly Bush Cottage is just perfect for those who enjoy walking. Surrounded by glorious Deepdale scenery (with lovely views from the living and bedrooms), this cosy holiday retreat for two is 1.4 miles from the pretty village of Dent and within easy reach of the areas many attractions including Ingleton and Kendal (the gateway to the Lakes).
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
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.
Large groups of up to fourteen guests are sure to love the space and privacy that Cowgill Grange (sleeps 10 in 5 bedrooms) and The Coach House (sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms) provide. Both set within grounds just a few steps apart, this is a superb choice for extended families and large groups who appreciate plenty of space and privacy whilst away. Fantastic opportunities for walkers and cyclists and within walking distance of Dent Railway Station on the picturesque Settle to Carlisle line. An ideal self-catering base for exploring both the Yorkshire Dales and the nearby Lake District. Rates are reduced when Cowgill Grange (5 bedrooms sleeps 10) is booked without The Coach House. (2 bedrooms sleeps 4)
Catbells Sunrise Cottage forms one of 3 buildings set in 8 acres of private ground named Fellside in Manesty, with direct access to the mountain path leading up to Catbells summit and Maiden Moore, part of Wainwright's Newlands Round. It only takes 8 minutes to walk to the shore of Derwent Water through the pleasant Manesty Woods. Keswick is 4 miles away by car, either by following the scenic Portinscale route, or through Grange onto Borrowdale Valley. The cottage contains a well-equipped retro style kitchen, a bright and spacious lounge and a comfortable ensuite bedroom, providing an ideal base for a holiday packed with activities or a temporary home to unwind and enjoy the exceptional natural beauties the surroundings provides.
Carleton House is a spacious period holiday home two miles from Penrith and just five miles from Ullswater. It's recently been fully refurbished inside and out to provide very comfortable accommodation for families and friends. It sleeps up to eight people in four bedrooms and is child and pet friendly. The location on the edge of Clifton village is perfect for exploring the Lake District, Forest of Bowland, Yorkshire Dales and Hadrian's Wall. Carleton House is available for holidays all year round.
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.
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.
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.
A pretty well presented stone cottage sitting in an idyllic peaceful position in a little hamlet located mid way between Kirkby Lonsdale & Sedbergh in 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.
You can't beat the Lake District as a holiday destination. Just ask the 15 million people who flock to the national park every year to escape into the majesty of its mountains and lakes. While some visitors love being remote and removed, others prefer the convenience of being close to its most famous sights. Fairoak is perfect for you if you want to see as much as possible during your stay. The three-bedroom self-catering holiday cottage is on a quiet street about 100 metres from Windermere's shops, cafes and restaurants and within easy reach of the train station and ferry. It sleeps five people and is excellent for families or couples.
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.
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.
With stunning views over the fells and surrounding Eskdale Valley, this large airy holiday home sleeps five guests and is an ideal self-catering choice for those who like peace, tranquility and outdoor activities with great walks, cycling, climbing and canoeing amongst the many adventures on offer. Brantrake House is a great base for exploring the Western Lake District and Central Fells. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A cosy bolthole for two perfectly placed in a tranquil setting with amazing views up and down Dentdale within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Sitting in the tiny hamlet of Gawthrop, Ellerbank Cottage offers all the right ingredients to relax and unwind, with fabulous walking and cycling, and is just a half mile walk along the river (or across the fields) to the pretty cobbled village of Dent with real ale pubs and cafes. Great self-catering base for exploring the Dales and Cumbria (including the nearby Lake District National Park).
A late 17th Century holiday cottage offering a comfy base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales, as well as the Lake District which is within driving distance. Sitting in Yorkshire's stunning National Park (yet within the boundaries of Cumbria), attractions are plentiful and walking locally is superb. The village has pubs for a meal out and a local pint of ale - all the right ingredients for a great holiday!
If you’re looking for a holiday in a romantic 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.
A few miles from Coniston Water, Garden Cottage is a magical retreat for two people, with many guests returning time and time again. What makes it 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 close to the festival town of Ulverston and a few miles from the southern tip of Windermere, the log burner and Rayburn cooker warm and welcoming sights after a day exploring the beautiful countryside which lies all around.
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.
