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. Birkerthwaite Stable (W41477) is a single-storey converted stable with rustic charm heated by a log-burning stove. Birkerthwaite Barn (W41478) has a spacious kitchen/dining room, a galleried landing and a four poster bed. Birkerthwaite Cottage (W41479) has an upstairs open plan living area with wooden floors which opens onto a balcony overlooking gardens. 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.

Blencathra is a tastefully converted Grade II listed barn situated on Blakebeck Farm just two miles from the unspoilt Lakeland village of Mungrisdale. The barn has an upside-down layout with a large open plan living area on the first floor. Lovely views of the local fells and Blencathra surround the barn 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. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Blencathra can be booked together with The Garth (CC112156) to accommodate up to 12 guests.

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.

You will not be short of space when you stay at Greenbank House. This large, welcoming property with attached annexe is set in the hamlet of Skelwith Bridge, and only yards from the picturesque River Brathay, with some lovely walks right on your doorstep. With views over Wansfell and Loughrigg Fell, and large gardens to explore the flora and fauna, you will soon be in your own peace and tranquillity and away from it all. Let your children play hide and seek whilst you sit back and enjoy a good book, or a sip from a cup of tea whilst you thumb through a local guide for the next place to visit.
The main accommodation is set over two floors and has the benefit of its own private, attached, self contained annexe. Sit and enjoy the stunning views from the first floor living room, which also has a wood burner and plenty of comfy sofas to relax on and recall the day’s adventures. Entertain in the conservatory/dining room and absorb the surrounding private landscaped gardens and views. The TV has HDMI connection, so feel free to bring your laptop if you wish to connect to other sources. The large sun terrace is perfect to sit out on and make the most of the outlook, and with a large fully equipped kitchen, you have all the amenities to inspire any meal.
The village of Skelwith Bridge is home to the famous ’Chester’s By The River’ restaurant, which serves homemade cakes and lazy lunches, or enjoy a drink at the local bar. Nearby Skelwith Force waterfall is well worth a walk up to. A short drive and you are in Lakeland’s finest towns of Coniston, Ambleside and Windermere, or for the more adventurous, why not try some of the most acclaimed walks in the Langdale Valley? Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 200 yards.

Located in the beautiful and tranquil Eden Valley, Melmerby has an award-winning village bakery and a pub, which both serve excellent food and are just a short stroll away from the cottage. The Eden Valley nestles between the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North Pennines, Cumbria’s ‘hidden gem’, which maintains the illusion of untouched remoteness despite its extremely accessible location. There is superb walking and fishing locally. Penrith, Alston and Ullswater are all under 15 miles away, and Hadrian’s Wall is 20 miles away. Shop 9 miles, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

This eco ethos, self-built home with both solar and air sources, having underfloor heating on the ground and first floor was lovingly built by the owners using traditional stone, offering a rustic retreat with a contemporary twist. Accommodating up to 9 guests in luxury and comfort, this cosy cottage is ideal for larger families, groups of friends or couples seeking a countryside escape in the Eden Valley, close to the Lake District with the Cumbrian Hills rising to the north.
The property boasts four bedrooms, all with large TVs, some with TV feature walls, comprising one king with en-suite, two more king-size bedrooms and a fourth bedroom which can accommodate three guests. All beds have luxury firm memory foam mattresses with beautiful crisp white linen. You will find drencher showers both in the en-suite and main bathroom, which also features a large double-ended bathtub with all toiletries and towels provided. The stylish modern kitchen with an island is perfect for socialising around and features all modern appliances, including a dishwasher, washer, and dryer. The lovingly furnished living room houses a cosy wood burner, perfect for chilly nights in, and a new Samsung Qled 85” cinema screen/media wall Nintendo Switch, perfect for movie and games nights! Super-fast broadband means your digital needs are well-catered for here.
The private off-road driveway accommodates two large cars comfortably or three smaller cars and there is substantial off-street parking in the village near the play park. Their beautiful enclosed rear garden is a great space for any children or family pets to play in there is even a private hot tub and outdoor living area and a large patio where you can relax and unwind with views of the beautiful countryside. Detached from the house is a large boot/Games room facility, perfect for kicking off muddy boots and coats, and a dog bath and shower for pampering your pooch after your days exploring, a professional darts board and a retro Nintendo games console. we have large Cosy blankets for nights sat under the stars, a drinks fridge, and recycling facilities.
The wonderfully welcoming owners have furnished the property with total guest comfort in mind and will be there to meet and greet you upon arrival. You will have the personal touch of them being on hand during your stay if you require, available to tailor your visit to your total satisfaction. E-bikes can also be booked before your arrival, by direct arrangement with the owners. The local area has an abundance of pubs, cafes, and a local shop/post office all only a short drive away. Langwathby train station is close by where you can ride the Carlisle to settle route, the cottage is also on the C2C route.
For busy days of exploration walking straight from Cherry Cottage, be sure to visit Lacy’s Caves, a series of five chambers carved out of the sandstone cliff, set along a beautiful walking route with views of the river and a wonderful garden to admire. Just a short walk from the village you can find Long Meg and her daughters, one of the finest stone circles in the north of England- ask the owners for its mythical and mysterious legend! These beautiful attractions can be enjoyed doing a circular walk.
If you are looking for activities to occupy the family, in the next village of Hunsonby there is an outdoor swimming pool open from April to September, and the village of Winskill has a large playground with zip wire to entertain our younger guests.
Whether it’s fun-filled adventures in the countryside or simply enjoying time well spent together, Cherry Cottage has all you would ever need. Shop, restaurant 2 miles, pub 1 mile.