Dog-friendly Cumbria

A breathtaking barn conversion on the outskirts of Ulverston. Woodburning stove. Pet-friendly. Private garden. Barbecue, Smart TV. Barrow-in-Furness 10.3 miles; Coniston 11 miles; Windermere 16.8 miles

Riverside Mill is a real gem of a traditional cottage, enjoying the peace and tranquillity of a riverside location yet just 4 miles from lively and bustling Kendal and the Lake District National Park. Beautifully renovated, Riverside Mill offers superb accommodation and is perfect for a family or group of friends who want to explore this picturesque corner of the country, whatever the time of year. The first thing that strikes you about this beautiful single-storey cottage, built from the local stone, is the stunning location, right on the banks of the River Mint.
Step inside and there’s a large and character filled open-plan living and formal dining area, split over two levels, with original exposed cruick beams and a magnificent inglenook fireplace with wood burner. Sumptuous sofas are ideal for curling up in front of the fire on a cool evening. There are huge glazed doors with access to the balcony, making this room not only light and airy, but making the most of those fabulous riverbank views. The breakfast-kitchen is fully equipped and the cosy cottage atmosphere and lovely views make this the perfect place to start the day. All the accommodation is on the same level with a magnificent master bedroom, a twin bedroom and a single with lovely river views. The bathroom has a bath, separate shower cubicle, wash basin and toilet.
But it’s outside where you’ll want to spend as much time as possible at this fabulous holiday destination, listening to the babbling of the river as it flows through the mill race in the garden. Outside you will find the private hot tub that accommodates 6 guests, and also the Glamping Pod that sits nestled next to the river and the waterfall, offering an extra bathroom and sleeping up to four, this cosy addition has underfloor heating and is sure to delight any guests looking for a memorable location and stay. There’s a courtyard garden to make the most of the views, and a fabulous decked balcony that gives you incredible views of the mill race and waterfall - it’s the perfect spot to relax with a drink after a busy day in the Lakes. There’s also 500 yards of fishing rights, so keen fisherman need to pack their licences! Riverside Mill & Glamping Pod also provides off-road parking for four cars. With a public footpath skirting the edge of the property, you’re soon out in magnificent open countryside.
All amenities can be found at Kendal, just 4 miles away, which is the gateway to the Southern Lakes. Take a trip to the Abbot Hall Art Gallery, the Kendal Museum and the Museum of Lakeland Life, or explore some of the country’s finest heritage buildings in nearby Sizergh Castle and Levens Hall. There’s plenty for families to explore on the shores of Lake Windermere or take a picnic to the beach. And if you love the rolling beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, the Dalesway trans Pennine walk is within easy reach. With so much to see and do on the doorstep, and the tranquillity of its setting, this is the ideal holiday destination for an exploration of this magnificent part of the world, whatever the time of year. Beach 17½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 4 miles.

Charming semi-detached cottage nestled in Satterthwaite, close to Grizedale Forest. Relaxing rooms. Wood burning stove. WiFi. Spacious gardens. Off road parking. Hawkshead 4 miles.

This beautiful detached property is located in the South Lakeland village of Cartmel. Extensive walled garden. Pet-friendly. WiFi. Grange-over-Sands 2.3 miles; Windermere 14 miles.

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.

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.

This beautiful first floor apartment at Swan House has spectacular views across the valley to the Skiddaw Fells. A former 17th century coaching inn, Swan House was converted in 2006 into exclusive apartments and cottages. Set in delightful grounds, close to Bassenthwaite Lake and the village of Thornthwaite, the apartment is tastefully furnished with a contemporary touch. The living area has superb views to the front as well as a small balcony to the side with fell views. There is a pond in the garden (young children will require supervision) which provides a natural habitat for newts and frogs, there is also an abundance of birdlife, deer and red squirrels.  If you are lucky you may catch sight of the ospreys which nest within 500 yards of Swan House and regularly fly over the grounds.
Lords Seat and Whinlatter Forest rise up directly from Swan House, with a variety of walks and mountain biking possibilities.

Bram Cragg Barn is a stunning conversion created from the former 19th-century byre and barn to a holiday home with a wonderful mix of oak beams and slate features combined with stylish modern fittings. The spacious open plan living room is at first floor level to take advantage of the views across the valley, and the dining area has a large oak table with eight upholstered chairs. The barn stands detached, adjacent to the owners’ home and two holiday lodges, in an idyllic and peaceful setting. There are unspoilt views in every direction towards Helvellyn and Castle Rock, Blencathra, Skiddaw and High and Low Rigg. The location is delightful, farm animals graze close to the barn and footpaths directly from the house give access not only to the more challenging walking routes but to gentle strolls. The scenery is spectacular and walkers, cyclists and drivers will find the immediate surroundings breathtaking. Central for exploring the Lake District National Park. Shop 4½ miles, pub and restaurant 2½miles.

This detached sandstone cottage rests in Dufton, near Appleby-in-Westmorland in Cumbria. Spacious. Woodburning stove. Large garden. Penrith 14.3 miles; Middleton-in-Teesdale 25.4 miles.

In the small village of Grizebeck, set in the Lake District National Park with spectacular panoramic views of the Duddon Estuary, Furness Fells and the Coniston mountains, an ideal location for an all action holiday or a quiet place to relax in the country. The area is pretty much unspoilt, leisurely and a welcoming option from the busier tourist towns. Grizebeck is great for exploring South Cumbria and the Lakes. Visit the remains of stone hut circles dating from the Bronze Age, the South Lakes Animal Park near Dalton and Coniston is a 20 minute drive, while Windermere is just a 25 minute drive for Lakeland activities. Shop 500 yards, pub 250 yards and restaurant 6 miles.