Kirkby Stephen: Where Walkers are Welcome. For ramblers, hikers and walkers of virtually every persuasion, Kirkby Stephen is something of a pilgrimage. The pretty market town supports a population of just 1,800 yet is the starting point for many of the most beautiful walks not only in the Upper Eden Valley but also the Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Pennines, and the Lake District, all of which are within easy reach. In addition to an exciting array of footpaths and way-marked routes, visitors can enjoy excellent amenities that include shops, places to eat and drink and a good selection of cottages to rent. Read more
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
For refined elegance and relaxed luxury, Elm Lodge is the cream of the crop of Cumbrian country houses. The Victorian villa is in the traditional English village of Ravenstonedale, less than half a mile from three excellent pubs and a nine-hole golf course. As the perfect holiday home for your group holiday, it comfortably sleeps up to 26 guests in 11 gorgeous bedrooms and boasts 15 acres of private grounds. The rural location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts as you're close to the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines, and a wide variety of footpaths, bridleways and cycling routes cover the area.
Luxurious rural barn conversion nestled at the foot of the fells in Cumbria, perfectly positioned at the edge of the Lake District. Impeccable styling, cosy retreat, log-burner, fabulous local walks from the door, dogs welcome, enclosed garden & two great pubs within walking distance. This fantastic holiday home sleeps 6 and is ideal for larger families or friends catching up. An additional single bed can be made up in the first floor super-king room for a child by arrangement. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Perfectly positioned at the foot of the unspoilt Howgill Fells, within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and with easy access to the Lake District, The Haystore at The Green Cumbria is a sanctuary for those seeking peace, luxury, and connection with nature. This stunning Victorian stone barn conversion is a destination in itself, offering easy access to a multitude of country walks, award winning local pubs, nearby nature reserves, and the rare delight of spotting native red squirrels right in the grounds. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Perfectly positioned at the foot of the unspoilt Howgill Fells, within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and with easy access to the Lake District, The Byre at The Green Cumbria is a sanctuary for those seeking peace, luxury, and connection with nature. This stunning Victorian stone barn conversion is a destination in itself, offering easy access to a multitude of country walks, award winning local pubs, nearby nature reserves, and the rare delight of spotting native red squirrels right in the grounds. Tourist board rating: 5 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
The Farmhouse at Street Farm is perfect for large groups sleeping up to 14 guests. Stylish and beautifully presented, this luxury holiday home is ideal for catching up with friends or celebrating a special occasion with family. Sitting within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the farmhouse is a 10-minute stroll through meadows to the Fat Lamb Inn and just over half an hour's drive to the Lake District National Park. Fantastic opportunities for outdoor adventure on the doorstep and an abundance of opportunities for day trips out.
The Coach House at Street Farm accommodates groups of up to eight guests in three bedrooms. Surrounded by glorious Yorkshire countryside, this stylish holiday home sits in the Yorkshire Dales National Park but is conveniently located within half an hour drive of the Lake District, making it a great place for exploring the area and its many attractions. Whether you want to get out and about or simply stay put in the beauty that surrounds with fabulous walking and cycling, The Coach House is a popular choice for families and friends.
Sleeping two guests, Stone End is just perfect for couples who want to explore this beautiful part of the UK sitting within the Yorkshire Dales and being just half an hour away from the Lake District. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, the area is perfect for those who enjoy walking, cycling and horse riding with a stylish holiday cottage to return home to at the end of the day (and The Fat Lamb Inn just a short walk away!).
Stoneheights is just perfect for couples with a king-size bedroom. Enjoying an idyllic position nestling amongst the glorious countryside of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the cottage is one of a collection of five and just perfect for those who enjoy outdoor adventure with endless opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding. The Lake District National Park is only half an hour away by car and The Fat Lamb Inn is a ten minute stroll away through the meadows. Plenty of attractions, beautiful scenery and an abundance of fresh air await!
The versatile layout at Street Farm makes it ideal for large groups, giving guests the option of spending time socialising and celebrating together or relaxing on their own. Five luxurious properties sleep between two and thirty people, and there is also a spa suite with hot tub. The farm sits within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a 10-minute stroll through meadows to the Fat Lamb Inn and just over half an hour's drive to the Lake District National Park. With fantastic opportunities for outdoor adventure on the doorstep and a luxurious setting, Street Farm is the perfect venue if you are looking to celebrate and have fun away with friends or family.
Located amongst beautiful countryside within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Stoneyard is the perfect choice for couples and small families. Within easy driving distance of the Lake District National Park, the location could not be better for outdoorsy types with endless opportunities for adventure and a multitude of attractions for day trips out. The Fat Lamb Inn is just a 10-minute stroll through meadows.
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
Run away to the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and this lovely stone holiday cottage. The Fold offers welcoming accommodation for couples and solo travellers with stunning views of The Pennines. The cottage is in a quiet spot on the edge of the pretty village of Crosby Garrett and just a few miles from Kirkby Stephen. Gorgeous footpaths and cycling routes lead from the village and with the Lake District National Park less than half an hour's drive away, visitors have their choice of natural playgrounds to enjoy.
Surrounded by breathtaking views and gorgeous countryside, this charming 17th century farmhouse is a true gem. Perfectly combining character with modern day comforts, the owners of Hill House have created a cosy and welcoming holiday cottage in the beautiful Upper Eden valley. Hill House is located in the small village of Winton, just a 30 minute walk to the traditional market town of Kirkby Stephen. Explore a new footpath each day or enjoy meandering around the picturesque towns and villages. With the North Pennines and Yorkshire Dales on your doorstep, and the Lake District just a stone's throw away, there are endless opportunities for exploring this stunning part of the world.
Two self catering cottages peacefully located near the Yorkshire Dales National Park at the head of the picturesque Ravenstonedale Valley. Ashley Cottage sleeps twelve and Beech Cottage sleeps up to four accommodating parties of sixteen together. Set in large wooded gardens with spectacular views over the Howgill Fells this is the perfect venue for large groups to escape to the country for a holiday together.
"The Ash UK38291" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cumbria. Its a Shepherds Hut underneath with the size and comforts of a pod on top! fantastic design with all the comforts you are looking for.. 4 steps to entrance. All on the Ground Floor: Open plan living...
"Macaw Cottages No 4" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Cumbria. Kirkby Stephen is a bustling and historical market town, resting in an ideal position in the Cumbrian countryside, surrounded by the Lake District National Park, Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North Pennines. Complemented by a wide...
"Linden Barn, Orton" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cumbria. Located in the quiet corner of Orton, a small village on the Cumbrian edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Linden Barn was renovated in 2020 and is now a cosy house offering accommodation for up to six guests. At the heart of the house is...
"Bolton Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cumbria. The historic town of Appleby-in-Westmorland lies in a loop of the River Eden and is overlooked by the North Pennines, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the Lake District Fells showing on the western horizon. Set at the heart of the...
"Lowmill" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cumbria. After a busy day exploring the local area, relax on the decked balcony overlooking the river and watch the local wildlife.. 8 steps to entrance. Lower Ground Floor: Living room 2: (No...
"High Sprintgill Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Cumbria. A small and compact village, Ravenstonedale has much to offer the visitor seeking a quieter experience than the nearby Lake District National Park provides. It is a pretty village; traditional whitewashed stone cottages and stone walls border...
"South View, Gunnerside" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in North Yorkshire. The pretty, ever-popular village of Reeth rests at the northern tip of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, where Arkengarthdale and Swaledale meet, nestled between Calver Hill, Fremington Edge and Harkerside. An Area of Outstanding Natural...
"Badgers" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Cumbria. The attractive old market town of Sedbergh (pronounced Sed-Ber), with its old-world atmosphere, is not only set in the magnificent western dales of the Yorkshire Dales National Park but is also close to the rugged eastern fells of the Lake...
"Riverside Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cumbria. Situated in a peaceful location and ideal for a groups of couples or families.. 1 step to entrance. Ground Floor: Living room: Smart TV, Woodburner Dining room: Open...
"The Gatehouse Beckfoot Hall" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cumbria. An idyllic base for outdoor enthusiasts surrounded by excellent walking and cycling opportunities, and with access to the Pennine Way.. All on the Ground Floor: Open plan living space. Living...
"Cobble Cottage" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cumbria. The historic town of Appleby-in-Westmorland lies in a loop of the River Eden and is overlooked by the North Pennines, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the Lake District Fells showing on the western horizon. Set at the heart of the...
"Marton Cottage" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cumbria. The historic town of Appleby-in-Westmorland lies in a loop of the River Eden and is overlooked by the North Pennines, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the Lake District Fells showing on the western horizon. Set at the heart of the...
"3 Eden Lodge" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cumbria. Tucked away in the beautiful English countryside, between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park, is the historical market town of Kirkby Stephen. Complemented by a good selection of cafés, pubs and restaurants, this town has all...
"Wild Boar Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cumbria. Wild Boar Cottage offers a peaceful retreat with stunning countryside views and star-filled skies. Ideal for nature lovers, walkers, stargazers, and those seeking relaxation in the Yorkshire Dales.. 2 steps to entrance. All on...
"Christine's Stable" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cumbria. Maulds Meaburn is a rural village in the Lyvennet Valley, in an ideal position for exploring the Eden Valley and Lake District. Nearby Appleby-in-Westmorland is an easy drive away and is at the heart of the beautiful Eden Valley. It is also a...
"Needle House" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 10 guests in Cumbria. An oasis of peace and quiet, this modernised traditional farmhouse is surrounded by a large enclosed garden and woodland. Perfect for families.. 3 steps to entrance. Ground Floor: Kitchen/dining room:...
"Burn Bank" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 3 guests in Cumbria. Warcop is nestled in the scenic Eden Valley in the wonderful province of Cumbria and offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by rolling countryside. Known for its historic connections and traditional character, Warcop is home to St. Columba’s...
"Stable Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 3 guests in Cumbria. The old market town of Kirkby Stephen lies at the foot of the Howgill Fells in the upper Eden Valley, between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. The traditional market town hosts a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and...
"Olive Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 3 guests in Cumbria. The old market town of Kirkby Stephen lies at the foot of the Howgill Fells in the upper Eden Valley, between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. The traditional market town hosts a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and...
"Ashtree Barn" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Cumbria. Appleby-in-Westmorland is a market town resting at the heart of Eden Valley, resting near the River Eden, and overlooking the North Pennines. Found between two National Parks, Appleby has plenty of walking and cycling opportunities, as well as...
"Carwood" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cumbria. The attractive, unspoilt rural village of Dufton is ideally situated for exploring the Lake District and Eden Valley. The village has a delightful pub, an Agricultural Show held on the last Saturday in August, and is just three miles from the...
"Clove Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cumbria. The historic town of Appleby, set at the heart of the lush Eden Valley, is one of the loveliest towns in the north of England and was originally the county town of Westmorland. The picturesque street of Boroughgate, with some interesting old...
"Larimar" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cumbria. The old market town of Kirkby Stephen lies at the foot of the Howgill Fells in the upper Eden Valley, between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. The traditional market town hosts a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and...
"The Smithy" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in North Yorkshire. Muker, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, hosts a village shop, a pub, as well as an art gallery, craft shop and a café. Encompassed by astounding countryside, this is a heavenly location for walkers and cyclists. There are also a wealth of...
Popular towns in and around The Lake District:
AmblesideBowness-on-WindermereCartmelCockermouthConistonGrasmereGrizebeckHawksheadKendalKeswickKirkby StephenPenrithRavenglassSilverdaleUllswaterUlverstonWasdaleWindermereSome local suggestions:
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Walking in Kirkby Stephen & the Eden Valley - There’s a view for every season in Kirkby Stephen and the surrounding area. The town was the first in Cumbria to embrace the Walkers are Welcome (WaW) ethos and local groups are happy to share their knowledge with visitors who respect the environment. There is a wealth of information available on the Walk Eden website. Popular trails include the Northern Viaduct Round, Poetry Path, and the Hartley Circular, while other routes lead to Smardale Gill, Howgill Fells and Cautley Spout. Kirkby Stephen is also a popular point along long-distance footpaths such as Lady Anne’s Way, the Pennine Journey, Alfred Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Path, The Eden Way and the Yoredale Way.
To get the most out of their holiday, some visitors choose to take advantage of local knowledge by people such as Richard Tolley, who knows the area as if it was his back garden, and mountaineer Graham Uney.
Cycling in Kirkby Stephen - Mile after glorious mile of breathtaking scenery awaits cyclists who come for a cycling holiday in the North Pennines, Eden Valley and the north of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and there is no better place to stay than Kirkby Stephen. The Pennine Cycleway and Walney to Wear (W2W) routes both pass nearby, with local loops including the Eden Valley Ride, Orton Fells Ride, and Mallerstang and Pendragon circuits. Those who need to can hire bikes at Coast to Coast Cycles in the centre of town, while the Coast to Coast Packhorse provide guided tours.
Mountain bikers can access bridleways and paths across fells and through woodland, as well as the dedicated mountain bike trails at Whinlatter Forest.
Things to Do in Kirkby Stephen - While walking and cycling are two of the more popular activities in Kirkby Stephen, they are far from the only choice. Fishing and horse riding are two more delightful ways to spend time in this beautiful landscape, with the River Eden being especially suitable for wild brown trout and grayling. Water babies will appreciate that Windermere, the biggest body of water in the Lake District National Park, is only 30-miles away, with boat trips and sailing possible all year round.
Enjoy a journey on the Stainmore Railway, marvel at the beauty of Aira Force, or take time to explore the Dales Countryside Museum in nearby Wensleydale. Kirkby Stephen has a good variety of shops selling everything from teabags to vintage tea sets.
Day trips can include exploring Hadrian’s Wall and the Birdoswald Roman Fort, shopping for mint cake in Kendal, enjoying Carlisle’s shops and museums, or taking in the sights of historic Appleby-in-Westmoreland.
Everyone deserves the chance to spend time in such a beautiful environment. Choosing to stay in Kirkby Stephen puts you in the heart of some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK so even if you only stay for a weekend you can make the most of your time.
