Dog-friendly Cumbria

The moment you walk into this rustic style timber lodge you’ll feel a sense of warmth and homeliness. The open plan living/dining/kitchen area is comfortable and has all the mod cons you need with cooker, dishwasher, microwave, and large TV, but chances are you won’t be spending time watching TV or Netflix, you’ll more than likely be trying to spot the red squirrels and deer that often roam around the grounds. There are two bedrooms, a master with a double bed and dressing table and the second has twin beds. The lodge is completed by a family bathroom with a shower. In the shed outside there are also a washer and dryer in case of those muddy fun days. The lodge is located in a park where all properties are privately owned and so has a real non-commercial feel. Guests are offered access to a small swimming pool and mixed sauna at certain times of the year, but the location of the park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with some superb walks at the edge of the park.

Neaum Crag at Skelwith Bridge is conveniently located between Coniston and Ambleside, two of the most popular locations in the Lakes. Ambleside boasts a wide selection of independent shops, pubs, restaurants and not one, but two cinemas. Waterhead Pier runs ferries which can be taken to Bowness and Lakeside pier near Newby Bridge, Wray Castle, and Brockhole Visitor Centre. Motor and rowing boats are available if you wish to take to the water. National Trust owned Stagshaw Gardens, offers eight acres of fine gardens with a wide variety of plants, trees and shrubs, and for more impressive natural features there is Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular 70-foot waterfall which may be viewed safely from a railed viewpoint. Coniston is a few minutes’ drive in the other direction and as well as the town with its shops and pubs, there is Coniston water, which is popular for activities such as canoes, paddle boards and open water swimming. Beach 25 miles. Pub ½ mile.

Overlooking unspoilt grounds, and boasting stunning views over towards Scotland and the Solway, Robin’s Lodge is perfectly furnished for a couple or young family, with spacious open-plan living space, contemporary shower room and shared coin operated laundry room on-site. The lodge comes with a little bit of added comfort included with a warming wood burner, and outside a wonderful hot tub, perfect for a relaxing soak any time of the day.

Located on the northern fringes of the Lake District National Park, with clear dark skies, you may find yourself sat out on the decked area stargazing, or on warmer evenings, catching the stunning sunsets over the Solway Coast. Set within 23-acres of grounds, home to an array of wildlife, you are well placed to explore the quieter Northern Fells, unspoilt coastline, and the historic city of Carlisle, 13 miles away. Hadrian’s Wall can be reached in around an hour’s drive, so you are sure to be kept well occupied. The nearby village of Caldbeck, 3 miles away, is a pretty little area to visit, with its local pub serving an excellent menu of freshly cooked food, tea rooms and shops to visit too. Beach 16¾ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2½ miles.

Robin’s Lodge can be booked together with Woodpecker Cottage (CC119136), Nuthatch Cottage (CC119138), Treehouse Cabin (UK1087), Osprey Lodge (UK11317), Kestrel Cabin (UK1246), Farmhouse Cottage (UK1285), Safari Tent (UK1286), Curlew (UK1389), Lapwing (UK1390), Merlins Cabin (UK1391) and Starling Lodge (UK31071) to accommodate up to 53 guests.

Set on the edge of the Blaithwaite Estate, this is the perfect getaway for couples or a small family looking to explore the many wonderful sights and attractions that can be discovered nearby.

Overlooking woodlands and fields, Blaithwaite Cottage is nestled in 80-acres grounds. The patio doors from the living room open out onto a patio area, the perfect place to sit, watch and listen as you take in the many sounds of the neighbouring wildlife. South facing, you will find it hard to pull yourself away from here on a sunny day. The well-equipped kitchen has everything you need to make a hearty breakfast. Let the dishwasher do all the hard work for you as you head out to start you day. The utility room can take care of those wet, muddy clothes on damper days, and for a good night’s sleep, upstairs there are two comfortable bedrooms, one double and one twin, with sumptuous beds. No need for awkward queues in the morning as there are two shower rooms, one on each floor complete with heated towel rails for cosy warm towels.
Outside is a large mature garden, ideal for your children or the dog to play in, alongside parking for two cars and a bike store. You don’t have to go too far to explore, as the estate grounds offer a wealth of activities, available (at cost) are laser tag, or bushcraft, and seasonal event days. For something a little gentler (at no cost), play crazy golf, play on the play areas, and footie fields, take a walk around the woodland including a specialist arboretum and wetlands that you can explore, you can even grab the estate nature passport to assist with your exploring!
Set midway between the popular Lake District market town of Keswick, 18 miles and the historic city of Carlisle, 16 miles, steeped with Roman history from neighbouring Hadrian’s Wall and the prominent castle that has played garrison to soldiers for hundreds of years. The Solway Coast, 10 miles, forms a border between England and Scotland, and is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, considered to be one of the most scenic stretches of English coastline. Shop 1½ miles, pub 2 miles and restaurant 5 miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate larger groups.

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.

Woodpecker Cottage is a handsome two bedroom cottage with hot tub situated in the beautiful open countryside on the northern fringes of the Lake District National Park. It is nestled in 23 acres of land which guests can enjoy, and is also close to the fell villages of Caldbeck, Hesket New Market and Uldale. 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. Nearest beach 16 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2½ miles.
Woodpecker Cottage can be booked together with Nuthatch Cottage (CC119138), Treehouse Cabin (UK1087), Osprey Lodge (UK11317), Kestrel Cabin (UK1246), Farmhouse Cottage (UK1285), Safari Tent (UK1286), Barn Owl Bothy (UK1366), Skylark Lodge (UK1378), Curlew (UK1389), Lapwing (UK1390), Merlin’s Cabin (UK1391), Robins Lodge (UK13643) and Starling Lodge (UK31071) to accommodate up to 53 guests.

Cheery by name and Cheery by nature! Cheery Nook has a warm and homely ambience with attention to detail ensuring guests comfort. A converted, Grade II listed stone barn, with bedrooms and kitchen/diner on the ground floor and a lounge with cosy wood burning stove upstairs. The kitchen features Lakeland slate work surfaces, an island unit and a choice of everyday crockery, cutlery and glasses. Situated in a delightful rural location in the hamlet of Matterdale End, enjoying lovely views, easy access from the M6, three miles from Ullswater and 10 miles from the bustling town of Keswick.

This fabulous semi-detached barn conversion provides a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Set adjacent to the owner’s home and amongst farmland it is ideal for wildlife spotting with deer roaming in the front field and red squirrels being frequent visitors to the bird feeder right outside the kitchen window.
It is situated down a long farm track, on the edge of the Lake District National Park and on the recognised National Cycle Route 7, which makes up part of the famous sea to sea route. It’s five miles from Hesket New Market, in a truly tranquil location. Mere Croft was converted to a good standard, with tiled floors, gorgeous high beamed ceilings and an oak staircase. It has great facilities for two couples, including Wi-Fi and two en-suite bedrooms, one of which is a ground floor walk in shower, convenient for guests with mobility problems.
Just down the road is the beautiful, historic Hutton in the Forest which hosts regular events including Potfest (the international ceramics festival) and the local Skelton Show. The location is perfect to explore north and east Lakeland, the Eden Valley, Carlisle and the Scottish Borders. If you are looking to bring your horse on holiday, stabling and grazing can be provided onsite for an additional cost.
There are good quiet roads for hacking from the cottage, there is a riding school down the road and both Greenlands and Newton Rigg equestrian centres are a short drive away.

The Garth is a tastefully converted Grade II listed barn situated on Blakebeck Farm just 2 miles from the unspoilt Lakeland village of Mungrisdale. The property has four bedrooms, two of which enjoy en-suites. The super king size bedroom with en-suite is on the ground floor making it accessible for visitors with restricted mobility. The property enjoys lovely views of the local fells and Blencathra, and the owner’s sheep and lambs graze in the meadows around the cottages, along with alpacas and donkeys. Local walks from the doorstep are plentiful. Cyclists will enjoy the quiet country lanes and golfers will find Keswick Golf Course one and a half miles away. The popular bustling market town of Keswick with an abundance of interesting shops, eateries and a good leisure centre is seven and a half miles away. Stretch your legs along the edge of Derwentwater or through the Borrowdale Valley and pick up the Keswick Launch to cruise back again. Towards the south, Ullswater and Thirlmere are a short drive away and both offer spectacular scenery, challenging walks and plentiful activities. Fishing available nearby. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.The Garth can be booked together with Blencathra (CC112155) to accommodate up to 12 guests.

Set on a hillside in the beautiful Eden Valley, this lovely stone holiday cottage enjoys peace and privacy with panoramic views of the Pennines and Lakeland fells. Standing opposite the owners’ home, it has been tastefully converted from a former coach house. Retaining much of its original character, it is situated in a cobbled courtyard with the original restored well. All around are beautiful walks, with Cross Fell only a morning’s stroll away. Fishing is available on Blencarn Lake and River Eden. Tour the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District and Border Country, with Lake Ullswater only half an hour’s drive. The market town of Penrith with its castle ruins, nearby. The cottage itself is set in the sleepy village of Ousby, surrounded by countryside and home to a village pub, open Thursday-Monday. Shop 3 miles, pub 150 yards.

In the glorious landscape of the Lake District National Park, and ideally located for enjoying water sports or fell walking and climbing, these two spacious and comfortable properties have been created from the conversion of an 18th century barn. Allt Maen, its name derived from the Celtic ‘Old Man of Coniston’, a mountain visible from the properties, is on the first floor and Wetherlam occupies the ground floor. Coniston Water is just 2 miles, Windermere 8 miles, Blawith Fells are a short drive and Grizedale Forest tracks invite mountain bikers, whilst nearby stately homes and gardens offer more sedate pleasures. Shops are 3 miles away and a friendly pub (dogs welcome) is a short stroll.