Dog-friendly Cumbria

Featuring beams taken from shipwrecks on the Cumbrian Coast, this small group of holiday cottages at Birkerthwaite, a former 17th century Lakeland farmstead, lie at the end of an unmade track and are surrounded by tranquil moorland scenery and farmland. This is fantastic walking countryside and the elevated position gives views of Scafell and the Eskdale Valley, creating a unique atmosphere of tranquillity. Birkerthwaite Farmhouse (W43001) is a unique holiday property dating back to 1627 and has many original features, beamed ceilings, flagged floors and unusual oak wall cupboards built in the 1700’s. Comfortably furnished and with the benefit of an open fire and an Aga, the farmhouse is cosy and welcoming.
Nearby attractions include Muncaster Castle and Hardknott Roman Fort, whilst the Langdale Pikes and Ambleside on the northern shores of Lake Windermere can be reached via a stunning drive over the Hard Knott and Wrynose Passes. A short drive away is Wast Water; to the west are sandy beaches. Alternatively take the steam train from Ravenglass. Shop 3 miles, pub 2½ miles.

Prominently looking over the village green, and within touching distance of the Skiddaw massif, this link detached property is in the perfect location to explore the north western fells of the Lake District. Located in the heart of the village, with the village farm adjacent, the property offers access onto miles of quiet footpaths and local fells including little-known routes up Skiddaw and the back of the Blencathra massif. The beautiful beck, with its resident ducks, flows through the village and provides a great place for kids and dogs to cool off on warm days. The property is also only a few miles away from the historic market towns of Keswick and Cockermouth, which can both be easily accessed by bus, and offer a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants.
Lealholme provides spacious and comfortable, single-storey accommodation, and has the added benefit of level access and wide doors. Tastefully decorated throughout, and with an enclosed garden, with double wrought iron gates, which provides parking and makes the perfect sun trap to sit and relax, perhaps whilst enjoying a purchase from the Lakes Distillery just down the road! The well-equipped, contemporary kitchen has slate tiled floors, Denby crockery, quality cutlery and utensils and an alcove, complete with a large electric range cooker. This fully central heated home from home, offers a large comfortable living/dining room with original pitch pine panelling, stone mullioned and sash windows offers a cosy and welcoming environment, complete with a wood burner. Lealholme also boasts a large walk-in shower with a Softstone base and a double shower head.
The village is situated in the north of the Lake District National Park, and is also just a short drive to Carlisle and the Scottish borders - it couldn’t be easier to explore the area. Bassenthwaite is a real community village which hosts an annual duck race, frequent pub quizzes and a vibrant, active local church arranging village fates, sports days and even Morris dancing. This beautiful cottage is just over a mile away from Bassenthwaite Lake, where fishing and sailing are available, or for nature lovers a walk up to the osprey viewpoints is well worth the effort. The property is ideally located for cyclists, with rides including the C2C and Cumbria Way routes, along with off-road trails at nearby Whinlatter Forest. However you choose to spend your stay, this is a perfect location to make the most of the Lake District. There is a dog-friendly, village pub serving food, just a short walk away, whilst Armathwaite Hall hotel and spa, Ravenstone lodge and Castle Inn all provide alternatives within 2 miles. Beach 18 miles. Shop ½ mile (seasonal) or 7 miles (open all year), pub 200 yards, restaurant 1¾ miles.

Barton Hall Farm can be found just outside Pooley Bridge, the village at the outfall of Lake Ullswater. Set in the countryside on a traditional working farm, this area offers some of the most wonderful landscapes in the region from the privacy of a secluded rural setting. It is minutes from Lake Ullswater, with its walking, water sports and ponderous steamers making their regal-like journeys up and down the lake in the shadow of the majestic fells. This area offers many forms of recreation, whatever season you choose to visit. All three cottages have been tastefully converted from original old stone farm buildings; and wherever possible the original features have been retained. Old pitch pine beams stretch unhindered through bedrooms and across stairways and the local slate and sandstone are in evidence throughout. Guests are welcomed with fresh flowers, along with well furnished comfortable holiday accommodation, wood-burning stoves and well-equipped kitchens. For good walking, fells nearby include High Street range, 1 mile, and Helvellyn, 10 miles. The market town of Penrith, 5 miles; whilst the attractions of Keswick are 14 miles. Shops, pubs and restaurants ½ mile.

Set in 18 acres of beautiful natural grounds and woodland, this charming wooden holiday lodge has its own private outdoor space along with shared use of an indoor heated plunge pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and table tennis table. Extended and refurbished in 2021, there is a double bedroom, a twin bedroom, a new kitchen, and a large veranda with seating and an external heater.
Right on the doorstep of the magnificent Langdales, 2½ miles from Ambleside and 8 miles from Coniston. It is a perfect base for touring and exploring the footpaths in the area with numerous woodland and hill walks straight from the door. Great for wildlife lovers, with deer and other animals freely wandering through this small, select woodland retreat. The Lake District Visitor Centre near Windermere is worth a visit (activities include high ropes, horse riding etc), as is the nearby water sports centre on Windermere. Pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

Delightful traditional, stone-built terraced cottage, located beneath Farleton Knott in the village of Burton-in-Kendal. Stylishly presented. Character features with woodburning stove. Pet-friendly. Walks from the door. Kirby Lonsdale 7 miles.

If you love visiting the lakes and rambling around National Parks, then Tebay is the place for you. Ramshead Cottage is detached and has a wealth of original features, it’s characterful and welcoming with a cosy country style, and on the doorstep of both the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. The views of the surrounding fields and fells are divine for those beautiful summer mornings, fast forward to winter and you can cosy up in front of the wood burner. The main bedroom has a double bed and the second bedroom is a twin bedroom allowing the option to have double or separate beds. Comfortable seating around the television and wood burner on the ground floor will help you unwind after a long day walking or cycling. There is a large kitchen offering all the amenities you would expect to be able to cook for you and your guests. Wines are available in the property which guests can buy, and the owner will donate £1 per bottle purchased to the Air Ambulance and Cumbrian Mountain Rescue. There is even an outdoor shed ideal for bicycles, canoes or even motorbikes. The local pub is ideal for a hearty Sunday roast after your afternoon ramble and Ramshead Cottage is within easy reach of Kendal, Penrith, Lancaster or Carlisle, making this quaint village a great commuter’s location. Shop, pub and restaurant 200 yards.

This delightful cottage has seen considerable renovation work in 2019, combining modern fittings with original features to provide a cosy and well-equipped holiday home. Situated in a rural position and adjoining the owners’ property, it is just 1½ miles from the attractive, ancient, market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland, in the beautiful Eden Valley.

This is an ideal retreat for couples and small families. It is centrally located in a peaceful position in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, and has a pretty outlook. It is also close to the Scottish Borders and Hadrian’s Wall. Excellent walking, cycling, golf and fishing are all available nearby. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

Nuthatch Cottage is a stone built cottage with its own private hot tub situated in the beautiful open countryside on the northern fringes of the Lake District National Park close to the fell villages of Caldbeck, Hesket New Market and Uldale. Nestled in 23 acres of land which guests can enjoy, with a vast array of bird and wildlife, and the panoramic views to the sea and the Scottish hills beyond. The cottage is well placed to walk the tranquil northern fells or to visit the unspoilt Cumbrian coast, Carlisle and Hadrian’s Wall. The renowned Cumbrian village of Caldbeck with a pub, tea rooms and shop is nearby. Beach 16¾ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2½ miles.
Nuthatch Cottage can be booked together with Woodpecker Cottage (CC119136), Treehouse Cabin (UK1087), Osprey Lodge (UK11317) Kestrel Cabin (UK1246), Farmhouse Cottage (UK1285), Safari Tent (UK1286), Barn Owl Bothy (UK1366) and Skylark Lodge (UK1378), Curlew (UK1389), Lapwing (UK1390), Merlin’s Cabin (UK1391), Robins Lodge (UK13643) and Starling Lodge (UK31071) to accommodate up to 53 guests.