Dog-friendly Cumbria

Little Esthwaite Cottage rests on the shores of the majestic Esthwaite Water, in the village of Near Sawrey, which boasts a superb local public house and the National Trust property of Hill Top, the home of Beatrix Potter. The cottage sits in the original grounds of the house where Beatrix Potter spent her childhood summers and where Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny came into being.
The interior is very well laid out with a well-equipped kitchen/dining room. Two steps up to the separate living room with a wood burner for those cosy evenings. From the living room, doors open onto a private enclosed patio providing views across the fields to Esthwaite Water. There is also a double bedroom with an en-suite shower room. Outside is a landscaped garden with lawns and mature borders, shared with the adjoining property, where you can admire the breathtaking views towards the Langdale Pikes, Old Man of Coniston, Wetherlam and Crinkle Crags. There are walks directly from the property and it is just a short walk across the meadow to the shores of Esthwaite Water, where you can wander along the water’s edge, with trout and pike fishing available. Esthwaite Water is thought to have been Beatrix Potter’s favourite lake and inspired her creation of the character Jeremy Fisher. For bird watchers, an osprey pair have also been spotted fishing regularly at the lake in recent summers.
The cottage is well situated for Tarn Hows and the pretty village of Hawkshead, alternatively you could take the ferry across to Bowness-on-Windermere, where steamers on Lake Windermere run up to Ambleside or down to the steam railway at Lakeside.
Coniston Water, once host to the infamous speed record attempt of Donald Campbell in his craft ‘Bluebird’, is just a short drive. Beach 12 miles. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant within ¼ mile.

Orchard House, renovated in 2023, lies on the outskirts of Cockermouth in Cumbria is a large property with large gardens and ample private parking. The views from the rear garden are amazing and you will spend many an evening just soaking in the rolling countryside. Orchard House has three bedrooms on the first floor, one with en-suite facilities, and a family bathroom. Downstairs is a large family living room with views onto the garden. The kitchen has all the appliances needed to make cooking as easy and enjoyable as possible. There is also a shower room on the ground floor.
Hop in the car and you will reach the town of Cockermouth in just 2½ miles. This lovely Cumbrian town is the birthplace of William Wordsworth and offers a delightful town centre with a good mix of bars, restaurants, shops and tourist attractions, and is also home to the famous Jennings’s Brewery. You are located within the Lake District National Park with its stunning scenery and no end of walking and cycling routes. Or continue on your route another 2 miles to find Bassenthwaite Lake, one of Cumbria’s most stunning lakes with the backdrop of the imposing Skiddaw, a challenge for even the most experienced fell walkers. Maryport is 10 miles away and home to the Lake District Coast Aquarium as well as Clip ’n’ Climb, a popular climbing adventure attraction. Kids will love Cave at the Wave which features an indoor caving activity, or if you want to boost your adrenaline, you can whizz around the local go-karting track. If culture is your thing you can visit Senhouse Roman Museum.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 8 guests.

Nestled within the serene hamlet of Burrow, a mere two miles away from the quaint charm of Kirkby Lonsdale, lies Woodbine Cottage. Step into the welcoming embrace where a cosy lounge invites you to unwind by the open fire. Sink into the comfortable sofas while indulging in entertainment on the Smart TV. The kitchen/dining room boasts modern appliances and a rustic farmhouse dining table fostering a convivial atmosphere for shared meals and cherished moments. The bathroom is also on the ground floor. Access to the charming garden is via the inner hallway. Ascending to the upper level reveals two bedrooms. The spacious master bedroom, invites restful slumber with its inviting double bed and ample storage. The twin bedroom also boasts storage facilities and a picturesque view of the garden. With its timeless charm and modern comforts, this homely abode promises a relaxing retreat.
Burrow is a small hamlet to the south of Kirkby Lonsdale. It is well known for the highly popular gastropub serving delicious food and drink and is just a 2-minute walk from Woodbine Cottage. Kirkby Lonsdale, only 2 miles away, is a small and relatively unspoilt market town situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The market town is historic and quaint, with a growing reputation for high quality independent shopping, as well as excellent restaurants, cafés and bars. Ingleton, set within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is a 20-minute drive away. Join the famous waterfalls trail or explore the Whitescar Caves. There’s an abundance of pubs, cafés, bars and restaurants there too, including a cosy and quirky microbar. The Lake District National Park and Lancaster are 30 minutes away.

Welcome to The Seaside House at Holme Croft, a fantastic property with a private hot tub in the coastal town of Seascale. You’re close to the sea and there’s a train station nearby, so you have easy access to the Lake District National Park and the west Cumbrian coast. It makes a perfect base for a memorable holiday with your favourite people, and is equally ideal for couples and walking or cycling groups.
This stunning property sleeps up to 16 guests and features eight double bedrooms, a total of six bathrooms, two living rooms, a private hot tub and enclosed garden. There’s so much to discover, and it provides a great place for making memories. All bedrooms are well furnished with comfortable beds, plenty of storage and hanging space, and many come with seating and vanity areas.
You’ll love the open-plan living and dining areas, an excellent place to all get-together in front of the fireplace. It’s the dream on Christmas Day to opening presents together, and it’s a great social space to see the wine flowing while you catch up with your loved-ones. At the rear you have an enclosed patio with outdoor furniture and private hot tub, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying a glass of wine or a cold beer after a day of adventure.
The Seaside House at Holme Croft is set back from the seafront in the coastal town of Seascale, close to Gosforth in the West Lakes. This delightful village near to the Eskdale and Wasdale valleys offers an excellent shop and several pubs. From here you have easy access to some of most picturesque and dramatic scenery this Cumbrian hotspot has to offer. The highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike, is a short drive through the countryside with beautiful lakes and walking routes nearby. Drigg beach and sand dunes are about a mile away, and you have an excellent links golf course at Seascale, just walking distance from Holme Croft.
Muncaster Castle is a 10-minute drive where you can tour the haunted castle, take in the birds of prey show, and enjoy the stunning gardens. Take a ride on La’al Ratty, a narrow-gauge steam railway from Dalegarth to Boot, or you can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding and gyhll scrambling with West Lakes Adventure. Whether you’re looking for scenery, adventure, climbing or just lazy days, The Seaside House at Holme Croft is a great starting point!

Waterfall Retreat is a stunning, ten-bedroom home resting in Tebay near Orton, Cumbria. Near National Park. Waterfall views. Gym. Pet-friendly. Rural. Kirkby Stephen 10.6 miles; Kendal 14.3 miles; Penrith 18.9 miles; Keswick 35.5 miles.

Bluebell Barn is nestled in the tranquil village of Newbiggin-on-Lune in the Eden Valley. Situated in the beautiful North Yorkshire Dales and only 30 minutes to the breathtaking Lake District. Giving you access to some of the most stunning scenery in the country and the choice to visit any of the 16 main lakes and over 200 fell tops that create the Lake District. This barn conversion offers more for your stay than the ordinary cottage, making the ideal rural escape for those who wish to explore the Lake District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
In nearby Ravenstonedale there are award-winning pubs as well as a 9-hole golf course. A wider range of amenities can be found in the nearby market town of Kirkby Stephen, including independent shops, cafés and pubs, as well as supermarkets and a tourist/visitor centre. Shop and restaurant 5 miles, pub 1 mile.

Situated right in the heart of St Bees, these expertly designed holiday apartments are housed in a lovingly restored barn, each with its own unique style. Each apartment has been finished to a very good standard with quality fixtures and fittings throughout and they are situated at the entrance to a working farm. This beautiful part of Western Cumbria gives you the best of both worlds, access to St Bees Head Heritage Coast, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is also the starting point of the Alfred Wainwrights famous Coast to Coast walk, as well as access to the Lake District National Park with an abundance of fells and lakes within a short drive. These modern apartments feature all the design elements you would expect from a 21st century holiday cottage. A lot of thought and care has gone into creating the perfect holiday experience with guest comfort top of the list of priorities.
The Byres Tan is a ground floor apartment, the largest of the four, and has the flexibility to be able to sleep up to three guests in two comfortable bedrooms, so it is great for couples and families alike. The first features a kingsize bed, and TV and offers plenty of storage. The second is a single room with TV and a good level of free space. The apartment has been decorated and furnished beautifully throughout and being all on one level makes it ideal for guests who are less mobile or those with small children. The underfloor heating throughout gives a warm and cosy feel which is just what you need after a long day of sightseeing. The bathroom is contemporary and features a large shower cubicle, while the open plan feel of the living, dining and kitchen area give a feeling of space and a very convenient layout.
The properties benefit from being only ¾ mile from a beautiful sandy beach which is perfect for a breath of fresh air and also good for exercising your four-legged friends. Dogs are welcome to come and stay and there is plenty of good walks locally. The centre of St Bees has an excellent selection of local pubs and restaurants and if you want to leave the car behind you can take the train to many local towns. St Bees station, a number of pubs, restaurants and the local convenience store are all within 200 yards of the property. The famous St Bees priory, dating back to the 11th century is well worth a visit and can be reached within a 5-minute walk. If you like outdoor adventure, including walking, cycling and climbing, you are surrounded by some amazing scenery and you are only a 10-mile drive from the Lake District National Park, your nearest lake is Ennerdale which is regarded as one of the most unspoilt and natural parts of the Lake District. It is teaming with wildlife including buzzards, red squirrels and osprey to name a few. If you want to climb the highest mountain in England you can reach Wasdale Head in just 18 miles, which gives you the shortest route to the summit of Scafell Pike. Or why not take a trip on the La’al Ratty which is a miniature steam railway along the South West Coast. For golfers, St Bees offers an excellent 9-hole links course. Beach ¾ mile. Shop 160 yards, pub 50 yards and restaurant 100 yards.
The Byres Tan can be booked together with The Byres Tethera (ref UK1373) and The Byres Methera (ref UK1374) to accommodate up to 7 guests.

Grey Walls is an impressive and quite outstanding detached country house, standing in an elevated position within extensive grounds. Its superb Lakeland location, in the village of Patterdale, lies at the southern end of Ullswater. Architect designed, it incorporates fascinating features such as oriel windows with views to Striding Edge and Helvellyn, all set in dressed stone. Internally the accommodation has a unique character, with oak panelling and a 17th-century court cupboard. The house manages to incorporate cottage charm, with the majority of rooms taking advantage of the exquisite outlooks. The grounds are delightful; they are all south facing and include extensive terracing, with water features, fish pond and broad areas of lawn with rhododendron bushes. There are magnificent fell views in all directions. Kirkstone Pass rises up to the south of the village dropping down into Ambleside and Windermere, so the location is central to both the North and South Lakes, and therefore excellent for touring the National Park. Above the valley behind Patterdale is the famous Striding Edge, a knife edge ridge, leading onto Helvellyn and is popular among more serious walkers. For a less strenuous walk you will find Aira Force, a short drive north, which is the Lake District’s most famous waterfall. There are watersports available on the lake and the steamer is a beautiful way to enjoy the scenery.

Situated in a peaceful, rural location on the fringe of the Lake District National Park, these delightful holiday properties (refs 27273, UKC64 and UKC2221) have lots of character, comfort, charm and original features. The Coach House (ref UKC64) has been carefully renovated into a lovely cottage with an open plan living space on the first floor, to take advantage of the views across the Solway Firth, famous for its fantastic sunsets. Semi-detached with Grooms Cottage (ref UKC2221), this property has been restored in to a wonderful cottage, adjacent to Holly Lodge (ref 27273), off the large shared parking area.

Holly Lodge (27273) is a detached, spacious, 18th-century country house, and has been thoughtfully furnished to a good standard with a profusion of original features, which have been retained and restored. Whilst all three properties are set in substantial wooded gardens, with formal lawns, an orchard and patio areas, each property has their own private sitting-out area. The whole garden is surrounded by countryside and is very private and secure.
Cockermouth, 8 miles, has coffee shops, restaurants, gastro pubs, shops, cycle hire and art galleries. There are theatres in Keswick, Cockermouth and Whitehaven, all within easy reach and hosting musical and theatrical events all year. The small rural village of Aspatria, 2 miles, also has a small selection of shops. There is a public swimming pool in Cockermouth or you can have your own personal indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and steam room (rented by the hour locally, it is recommended to book early), just 500 yards away from the properties. Fly fishing is available with a trout pond in Gilcrux, 2 miles, and the rivers Ellen in Aspatria, and Derwent in Cockermouth. The beach, lakes and fells are just a 15-minute drive away. Horse riding is also available locally. Shops, pubs and restaurants within 2 miles.