Dog-friendly Cumbria

These three, 18th century barn conversions, (refs 80043, 28645, 28646) are located just 1 mile from the market town of Alston, one of the highest towns in the country and a charming backdrop to many a period film and TV series. Situated behind the owner’s home, these holiday cottages offer comfortable accommodation with their own sitting-out areas.
Guests have shared use of the hot tub where views can be enjoyed towards Mount Hooley and over the South Tyne Valley. The changing landscape throughout the seasons makes for picturesque views all year round. After a day out exploring this delightful area, what better way to soak those tired limbs and relax.
This is a good base for exploring Tynedale and the North Pennines by foot, bicycle or car, with many places of interest to visit, including Alston’s narrow gauge railway, Pennine Pottery and local crafts. The Pennine Way runs past the door, with walks in all directions. Alston, with its quaint cobbled main street, has a range of individual shops, character inns, restaurants and tea rooms. Within the area is an historical Roman fort and tourists will enjoy the museums, exhibitions and sites along Hadrian’s Wall. The Lake District, Beamish Museum, Newcastle, the Metro Centre, Carlisle and the Scottish Borders are all within driving distance. Ideal for families or friends to get together, these properties (red 80043, 28645 and 28646) can be booked together to accommodate up to 10 guests. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Converted from the old milking parlour, this single-storey cottage has been comfortably furnished to provide a delightful holiday home just for two. The property boasts its own hot tub, and the owners provide dressing gowns and slippers. Situated alongside Mark Close Farmhouse (ref 13314), The Milking Parlour is within a 15-20 minute walk from beautiful Alston, with its great pubs, cafés and shops. The town is central in the North Pennines and lies on the borders of Northumberland, Durham and Cumbria, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, referred to as ’England’s last wilderness’, and is also said to be the ’Highest Market Town in England’. The cottage occupies a fantastic position, central to the Lakes, Yorkshire Dales, Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish borders and Northumberland’s coast and castles.
The property is set in an enclosed garden with panoramic views over green fields and wild fells. In the paddock next door to the cottage, there are five very friendly Alpacas. The area remains unspoiled by large traffic queues or intrusive tourism. The town has a beautiful cobbled street with public houses, mini markets, petrol stations, butchers and bakers.
Go for a ride on Alston’s narrow-gauge railway, follow Isaac’s Tea Trail or browse in the excellent gift shops. There’s fishing, riding and golf nearby, as well as Killhope and Nenthead Mining Centres. Follow some of the local ramblers on the Pennine Way. Walk over Crossfell (the highest point in the Pennines) or search for the sources of the four great rivers to which the North Pennines gives rise, the Tyne, the Wear, the Tees and the Eden.
The glorious coast and countryside of Northumberland are within travelling distance as are the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish Borders. There are water sports at Talkin and Keilder Water. Or perhaps some retail therapy in the Metro Centre Gateshead which is only an hour away, one of Europe’s largest shopping centres with restaurants, multi-screen cinemas, playland and bowling alley. Alternatively, just stay at home and relax in front of the fire or relax in the gardens hot-tub whilst enjoying the surrounding views.

Formerly part of the village mill, this atmospheric barn conversion stands on the banks of the Lowther, approached by a 50 metre track attached to the owner’s 18th-century cottage. Boasting original beams, river views, fishing on river next to property (fishing licence and permit required) and walking from the door, it is ideally situated within the Lake District National Park. Windermere, Penrith and Ullswater are all within easy driving distance. A perfect holiday retreat. Shop and pubs 1km.

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.

Welcome to The Cowshed, a charming holiday retreat nestled in the heart of the picturesque Cumbrian countryside near Penrith. This idyllic setting offers guests the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, inviting you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the region.
Penrith, a historic market town just a stone’s throw away from The Cowshed, boasts a plethora of activities and attractions for every type of traveller. Begin your exploration by wandering through the cobbled streets of the town centre, where a blend of traditional shops and modern boutiques awaits. Indulge in a spot of retail therapy or savour the flavours of local cuisine in one of Penrith’s charming cafes or pubs.
For those seeking a dose of history, Penrith Castle provides a fascinating glimpse into the town’s medieval past. The castle’s imposing ruins and well-preserved dungeons are sure to transport you back in time. Meanwhile, nature enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to explore the nearby Lake District National Park, a haven for hiking, boating, and wildlife spotting. Cumbria’s enchanting landscapes are also dotted with historic sites such as Lowther Castle and Gardens, where meticulously manicured grounds and architectural marvels offer a delightful day out. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the region’s literary history with a visit to the childhood home of William Wordsworth in Cockermouth.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural discoveries, or simply a peaceful retreat surrounded by breathtaking scenery, The Cowshed in Cumbria provides the ideal base for creating lasting memories in this enchanting corner of England. Come and experience the warmth of Cumbrian hospitality and the endless possibilities that await you in and around Penrith.

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.

Standing in rolling countryside, adjacent to the owner’s farm, these ground floor (W8226) and first floor (W8227) apartments are well equipped and furnished, providing excellent holiday accommodation for a quiet break. The farm, with marvellous views of the Pennines all around, is situated in the beautiful Eden Valley which lies within the triangle of the Lake District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines, making it an ideal base for touring. Eden is an outstanding area for walking, whether you enjoy a hike on the high open fells or a gentle riverside stroll. If you cycle, you’ll love the quiet country lanes full of wild flowers and birds. There are attractions for the whole family including canoeing or a steamer trip on Ullswater (20 miles). Enjoy a ride on a restored railway high in the North Pennines or catch the Settle to Carlisle railway line (5 miles), famous for its wonderful scenery and the 24 arched Ribblehead Viaduct, The unspoilt destination will inspire and refresh you at any time of the year and a lively calendar of events throughout the year includes festivals, farmers’ markets, country and craft fairs, and traditional agricultural shows. The holiday apartments are located just 5 miles from the traditional market town of Kirkby Stephen with its shops, pubs and restaurants, and the picturesque former county town of Appleby, which has a leisure centre and is 5 miles in the other direction. Shop and restaurant 5 miles, pub 3 miles.

Welcome to Borrowdale Cottage, nestled in the heart of the moors of North Stainmore in Cumbria. This charming holiday let provides an idyllic escape for those seeking a tranquil retreat amidst the stunning landscapes of the North Penines Area of Outstanding Natural Beaty.
North Stainmore is a hidden gem, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and outstanding views of the Eden Valley. Immerse yourself in the captivating scenery as you explore the nearby North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Teesdale and County Durham. Borrowdale Cottage serves as an ideal base for touring. The nearby market town of Kirkby Stephen (8 miles) is also worth a visit, boasting a charming mix of shops, cafes, and historical sites.
Brough village with its own medieval castle, shop, tearooms, and restaurants is 3 miles away. The infamous Barnard Castle is 20 minutes by car.

Just 20 minutes from Windermere, these holiday properties are set in lovely countryside and ten acres of landscaped grounds, facing south, with wonderful long distance views to the sea, and to the hills beyond. This large country house is set on a wooded knoll and has been skilfully converted into six spacious holiday houses, which are owned by the Caravan Club Ltd and situated on the edge of one of their immaculately kept small touring caravan parks. The house consists of a two storey cottage wing (W42981), a first floor apartment (W42982), a ground floor garden apartment (W42983), two ground floor apartments (W42984 and W42986) and a first floor balcony apartment (W42985).
There’s a lot to see and do in the immediate area. Close by is beautiful Cartmel Priory and the stately homes at Holker Hall, Sizergh Castle and Levens Hall. 3 miles west along the coast is the refined small seaside town of Grange-over-Sands with lots of shops, golf and fishing. The properties make an excellent touring base for the whole of the southern Lake District. Shop 3 miles, pub with food 400 yards.

Just 20 minutes from Windermere, these holiday properties are set in lovely countryside and ten acres of landscaped grounds, facing south, with wonderful long distance views to the sea, and to the hills beyond. This large country house is set on a wooded knoll and has been skilfully converted into six spacious holiday houses, which are owned by the Caravan Club Ltd and situated on the edge of one of their immaculately kept small touring caravan parks. The house consists of a two storey cottage wing (W42981), a first floor apartment (W42982), a ground floor garden apartment (W42983), two ground floor apartments (W42984 and W42986) and a first floor balcony apartment (W42985).
There’s a lot to see and do in the immediate area. Close by is beautiful Cartmel Priory and the stately homes at Holker Hall, Sizergh Castle and Levens Hall. 3 miles west along the coast is the refined small seaside town of Grange-over-Sands with lots of shops, golf and fishing. The properties make an excellent touring base for the whole of the southern Lake District. Shop 3 miles, pub with food 400 yards.