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
The Beech Tree is a very welcoming traditional house located in the village of Coniston (with all its facilities) within the Lake District National park. It sleeps 8 to 16- people comfortably (giving plenty of room in communal areas) in 10 bedrooms. ( thus allowing for a few rooms to be used as single.). More than 16 people only on request. The house has large attractive gardens and plenty of parking space. The house gives views of all the local mountain scapes and hills.
Set in a rural location, just over a mile from the historic town of Alston this converted barn offers cosy self-catering accommodation for up to four people. Within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and enjoying open views to the surrounding hills, Barn End provides an excellent base in an area ideal for walking, birdwatching, cycling or simply relaxing. Alston has a range of shops, pubs and cafes to meet all day to day needs and is central for travelling further afield to the Lake District, Hadrians Wall, Durham and Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland.
Nestling in a secluded rural location, just over a mile from the historic town of Alston, Ghyll Burn Cottage offers cosy, character self-catering accommodation for up to six people. Dating back to 1680 this cottage has living accommodation upstairs and two bedrooms and bathroom on the ground floor. Set within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and enjoying views to the surrounding hills, Ghyll Burn Cottage provides an excellent base in an area ideal for walking, birdwatching, cycling or simply relaxing. Alston has a range of shops, pubs and cafes to meet all day to day needs and is central for travelling further afield to the Lake District, Hadrians Wall, Durham and Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland.
Perfect for couples or a solo traveller, Rydal is beautifully and comfortably furnished with everything you could need for a great stay.
Situated in the most desirable area of Bowness-on-Windermere, less than 200m to Lake Windermere, Richmond House is a newly refurbished 5 Star - Unique Grand Design Style Property. Nominated for Cumbria's most stylish 2 bedroom property, if you're looking for a house that is of the highest quality, compromises on nothing and has a perfect peaceful location yet is within just a few metres of the vibrant village of Bowness. Richmond House truly is an outstanding holiday retreat!
Situated in the most desirable area of Bowness-on-Windermere, Mayfair House is a newly refurbished 5 Star Luxury Lake View Property. If you're looking for a house that is of the highest quality, offers stunning lake views and a perfect peaceful location yet is within just a few metres of the vibrant village of Bowness......This is it! Less than 200m from the shores of Lake Windermere, the super stylish Mayfair House offers guests everything you would want for a perfect holiday.
57 Main Street is a Grade 2 listed building. The flat is accessed from the rear of this old building, and the recently upgraded accommodation is over two floors above the Gun Dog Coffee Shop. The accommodation comprises of a twin and double bedroom, and the bathroom, on the top floor, with the large lounge diner and kitchen on the first floor. The new bathroom and kitchen were installed in the summer of 2023. This well proportioned self-catering property is equally suitable to couples, families and those in the area for work, yet is cosy enough for solo travellers or a romantic break.
No.2 Roseville - If you would like a cosy and homely stay in the Western Lakes, look no further. No.2 Roseville is a Victorian terraced cottage in the lovely village of Gosforth in the Lake District National Park, close to the beautiful valleys of Eskdale and Wasdale, home to England's highest mountain Scafell Pike, and the amazing, unspoilt beaches of the western coastline. Offering accommodation for up to four guests in a double and a twin room, plus additional infant. It’s a great base for couples, friends and families. I work hard to meet guest needs and make each trip a special one.
Beatrix Potter adored The Lingholm Estate so much that she holidayed at the lakefront property ten times, taking inspiration from the gardens to create some of her most beloved characters. You'll love Rosetrees, a spacious Victorian house with incredible views of Derwentwater and space for 12 people to sleep in six ensuite bedrooms. Families and friends have all they could wish for, including a games room and a well positioned patio with a brick built bbq and lake views. Stroll through the private estate grounds to the jetty, adventure playground or head north for half an hour to reach the popular lakeland town of Keswick.
Grasmere is arguably the loveliest village in the Lake District, which is saying something in a place so beautiful it's protected as a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sitting quietly and tucked away in the centre of the village, Rowan at Grasmere is a luxurious self-catering holiday home sleeping six people in three ensuite bedrooms with landscaped gardens and stunning views. You can walk to shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants and other amenities and access fantastic footpaths and cycling routes from the door. William Wordsworth immortalised his love for Grasmere in his writing, calling it "...the loveliest spot that man hath ever found." We think you'll agree that Rowan at Grasmere is exceptional.
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.
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 Stables is ideally placed in the centre of Warton, a village with connections to George Washington, with two public houses serving real ale and home-cooked food, an independent micro brewery and Warton Crag which is perfect for walks and to see glorious coastal views. Within an easy drive, you can be strolling around the coast of Morecambe Bay, sailing on Windermere, hiking through the fells or climbing a mountain. The Stables is a delightful stone holiday cottage on a quiet street in the village, a short walk from all the action with a walled courtyard garden and space to sleep six people in three bedrooms (plus one additional person on a sofabed in the sunroom). Families, couples and friends love it here because of it's relaxed, community feel, with lots to see and do throughout the year.
Rivendell is a family-friendly holiday cottage in the Lake District village of Bassenthwaite, sleeping six people in three bedrooms. The recently renovated farmhouse is close to Bassenthwaite Lake and the Skiddaw range with lots of indoor and outdoor space. Guests enjoy a wide variety of activities that include fell walking and mountain biking and easy access to places like Keswick, Penrith, Ullswater and Windermere. A holiday in the Lakes can be as relaxing or adventurous as your heart desires, yet it will always leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Tucked away on the outskirts of Silverdale, this Cumbrian cottage is ideally located for walking and cycling not only through the Silverdale and Arnside Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but also the Forest of Bowland AONB and the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Park. If that's not enough space for you, Morecambe Bay is only a few miles away, giving you the potential to alternate days at the seaside with fell walking, climbing mountains and exploring charming towns and villages with the odd stately home thrown in for good measure. Virginia Cottage is a beautiful Victorian cottage in a quiet location. Its spacious master bedroom is ideal for couples, while the second bedroom can accommodate a third adult, teenager, or older child.
At the southern tip of Cumbria, in the centre of the South Walney Nature Reserve, Lighthouse Cottage is a stunning 3 bedroom, one-of-a-kind property. Encircled by untamed wildlife and with extraordinary ocean views, it's the ideal place to visit for a truly memorable stay.
At the southern tip of Cumbria, in the centre of the South Walney Nature Reserve, is Lighthouse Hide, a one bedroom en-suite cottage. This unique and tastefully decorated property is encircled by untamed wildlife and with extraordinary ocean views, it's the ideal place to visit for a truly memorable stay.
Stay within sight of the Lakeland Fells and within easy reach of the beautiful Cumbrian coast at this charming Victorian cottage in Ireby, within walking distance of the village pub with footpaths and cycling routes from the door. The holiday cottage, which sleeps up to three people in two bedrooms and is ideal for a couple or a small family, is in the grounds of Woodlands Country House, where nothing but birdsong will disturb the peace and quiet. Bassenthwaite Lake is less than five miles away, and the Solway Coast AONB, Cockermouth and Keswick are all within a half hour's drive.
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.
Stoneheights is just perfect for couples but can also accommodate small families with a king-size bedroom plus single fold-up bed. 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!
Popular towns in and around The Lake District:
AlstonAmblesideApplebyArnsideBaggrowBarrow in FurnessBarrow-in-FurnessBassenthwaiteBoltonBootleBordering Yorkshire DalesBowness on WindermereBowness-on-WindermereBramptonBroughton-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.
