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.
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.
With the village shop a short stroll away, an excellent bus service in to The Lake District, Carnforth & Lancaster with excellent footpaths leading from the village, it's no surprise that Hutton House Cottage is popular with couples, families and friends. The two-bedroom holiday home is in the quiet community of Burton-in-Kendal and close to the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Forest of Bowland, and Arnside and Silverdale AONB. You're only five miles from beautiful Morecambe Bay and 20 miles from Windermere, with Kendal, Keswick, Ullswater and Scafell Pike all nearby for days of climbing, walking, mountain biking and sightseeing.
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
Stable Cottage is a pretty 17th century detached holiday cottage in the heart of the market town of Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria. With the town centre just a short stroll away you have everything on your doorstep including shops, galleries, pubs, restaurants and cafes. Sandwiched between the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and two National Parks, walkers, cyclists and adventure seekers will be spoilt for choice with the huge number of things to do. Sleeping four guests in two bedrooms Stable Cottage is the perfect self-catering retreat for families, friends or even couples looking to explore this magical part of the country. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A delightful dog friendly holiday cottage with wonderful views perfectly placed near to the historic market town of Kirkby Lonsdale where the stunning Lake District meets the rolling Yorkshire Dales. Ideal for walkers or anyone wanting to discover the many attractions of Lancashire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
This lovely house is in Ambleside, within walking distance of shops, restaurants and pubs. It has beautiful views of Wansfell Pike, Ambleside and Pavey Ark, and there are fantastic footpaths and cycling routes from the door, including to Fairfield Horseshoe and Stock Ghyll Force. Ambleside is in the heart of the Lake District National Park, close to favourite sights and attractions like Windermere and Grasmere. Holly Howe Cottage sleeps up to six guests over three floors, with a layout that makes it ideal for couples as well as families and friends.
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
Beech Hill Cottage is located in the beautiful and tranquil village of Dent in Dentdale. It accommodates seven people in three comfortable bedrooms and spacious open plan living room with wood burner, an ideal for relaxing. This grade II listed property has been recently renovated and decorated to a very high standard, providing all of the essentials required for a self catering break. It is the ideal accommodation for families and friends who wish to explore the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales.
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.
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 beautifully restored white washed terraced holiday cottage on the High Street in the pretty village of Dent in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Croft Cottage is just a two-minute walk to two fantastic pubs, the village shop and a choice of cafes, whilst the surrounding countryside is a haven for walkers, bikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Sleeping five guests in three bedrooms, and with a log burner for cosy nights in, this is the perfect self-catering retreat for families and friends at any time of the year. The master bedroom has a king size 5' wide double bed, bedroom 2 has two single beds, bedroom 3 has a single bed.
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.
Lingmell is in a superb location at the southern end of Coniston Water, within a short walk from Lake Bank Jetty. It's a lovely holiday home ideal for extended families or friends, consisting of two self-contained floors that sleep up to seven people in three bedrooms. Guests have shared use of six acres of grounds with access to the lake and the owner's Canadian canoe and four kayaks. There's secure storage if you want to bring your SUP, mountain bike or other sports equipment. Child and dog-friendly, the holiday cottage is available for bookings all year round, with short breaks possible depending on availability.
A delightful converted chapel providing a great base from which to explore the Lake District, Hadrians Wall and even the Scottish Borders. Located in the pretty peaceful Cumbrian village of Talkin, The Old Chapel is within walking distance of the village pub and close to Talking Tarn with lovely walks, fishing and boating.
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.
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.
Luxuriate in elegant surroundings with stunning views in this Windermere lakeside holiday home. North Highfield was built as a gentleman's residence and boasts beautiful Victorian details with modern comforts. It sleeps 12 people in six well-appointed bedrooms, with four reception rooms, five bathrooms, and extensive grounds. It's a fantastic location for your next family reunion or get together with friends. Windermere village and Bowness-on-Windermere are both within easy reach, as are places like Scafell Pike and Orrest Head.
Popular towns in and around The Lake District:
AlstonAmblesideApplebyArnsideBaggrowBarrow in FurnessBootleBowness on WindermereBowness-on-WindermereBramptonBurton-in-KendalCaldbeckCarlisleCarnforthCartmelCleatorCockermouthConistonConiston WaterDeepdaleDentEskdale GreenEskdale ValleyGosforthGrasmereGrizebeckHawksheadIrebyKendalKeswickKirkby LonsdaleKirkby StephenKirksantonLoweswaterMilnthorpeNewby BridgePenrithRavenglassSedberghUllswaterUlverstonWasdaleWhittingtonWigtonWindermereSearch 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.
