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
Ivy Cottage sleeps five guests in three bedrooms with private parking & a large totally enclosed garden & terrace. One king 5' wide double, bedroom 2 is a double, bedroom 3 is a good sized single bedroom. Located in a quiet & peaceful corner of Dent with and coffee shops, pubs & Dent Stores all within a 2 minute walk. With unspoilt countryside perfect for walking, cycling and for exploring both the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. Check out the special weekly rates.
Located in the peaceful rural hamlet of Baggrow in Cumbria, this lovely holiday cottage provides a perfect base from which to explore the Lake District National Park and the Cumbrian coastline. With lovely views over the Northern Fells and Lakes, Little Byre is a popular choice for those who prefer to tuck themselves away in a tranquil spot, whilst being within easy reach of busier areas such as Keswick, Cockermouth and Whitehaven.
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.
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 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. Non-resident breakfast can be ordered in the Pub at a cost of £16.00/person.
Flintergill View Cottage is a new to market property restored to an exceptionally high standard throughout. Situated just above the village green, Flintergill View Cottage is on a quiet cut de sac that leads up to The Flintergill Nature Trail which is a footpath that climbs high out of the village. The large open ground floor is protected from the elects by a substantial stone porch with a flagged floor, leading to the ground floor living space with a modern heating system, wood burning stove, Smart television, superbly comfortable armchairs & sofa with a dining table for four next to one of the front windows. Bespoke well equipped kitchen has a dishwasher, separate fridge, freezer, electric oven with an induction hob, microwave, kettle & a washing machine. Upstairs the master bedroom is en suite with a bath & shower over, basin & toilet. The super king 6' wide bed can be prepared as a twin if preferred. Bedroom two has a 4' 6'' wide double with bathroom two alongside. There are several EV charging points on the village car park 400m away.
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
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.
Located within an acre of land with a stream running through it, 1 Swinside Cottages is a comfortable Cumbrian holiday cottage with beautiful scenery all around and wonderful forest and fell walks from the front door. Whinlatter Forest Centre is nearby and there are lovely bike rides and plenty of attractions throughout the Lake District for days out.
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
Crummock Cottage is a 5-Star Gold holiday cottage in a stunning Lake District location. It sleeps four people in two bedrooms, with guests having superb views towards Low Fell, Grasmoor and the Lorton Valley. It's ideal for couples or families who want easy access to some of the best walking and cycling the area can offer. Crummock Water and Loweswater are nearby as are Buttermere, Scale Force and dozens of other beautiful locations for which the Lake District is famous. The owner offers secure storage and bike cleaning facilities, and pets are also welcome. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
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 summer 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.
This 'away from it all' holiday cottage is off the beaten track and perfectly positioned to give access to some of Cumbria's favourite footpaths and cycling routes. Pendragon View sits between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, with good access to the North Pennines. The landscape is spectacular in all seasons, with plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure. Pendragon View is only four miles from Kirkby Stephen, is dog-friendly, and sleeps up to four guests in two bedrooms. The high standard of accommodation, incredible views and location make it perfect for couples, families or friends wanting to get away from it all. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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
Large Cumbrian Holiday Cottage sleeps 16 guests (or 20 using sofa beds), this 1794 grade 2 listed self-catering retreat is just perfect for large groups for milestone events, birthdays or anniversary celebrations & get togethers and is located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and alongside the Lake District National Park with easy access to the attractions of both . Full of country charm, Fawcett Mill beautifully combines fabulous original features such as a old style range and log burner & open fires, wooden beams, & 4 poster beds with modern comforts including a sauna, seven bedrooms and internet access ensuring the whole party can relax in comfort. In a picturesque setting with water fall and a stream running through the grounds, this welcoming holiday rental for large groups is just perfect for celebrating milestone birthday, anniversaries, family events & for walking , cycling, relaxing and catching up with friends and family.
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.
Two bedrooms sleep up to six, with parking at the door and easy self check-in. Owner-run, cleaned and personally checked on the day you arrive.
The Debonair is a nearly new luxury lodge on a secure, gated lakeside park five minutes from the M6 - the comfortable base for exploring three of the north's finest destinations. The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Morecambe Bay coast are all within easy reach, with a heated indoor pool, spa and lakeside restaurant on the park for days you'd rather stay put. Two bedrooms (master en-suite) sleep up to six.
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.
