Dog-friendly Cumbria

Dolphin Cottage really does have a home from home feel as soon as you walk through the door. The stunning sea views make this property very unique whilst still being in the centre of the bustling town of Grange-Over-Sands.
A quintessentially British seaside resort, Grange-over-Sands has retained the old-fashioned feel of a time gone by, with classic tea shops, cafés, family-run shops and restaurants in the town centre. In fact, the whole town prides itself on the large number of family-run businesses in the area, giving a real sense of community spirit and offering visitors a very high standard of friendly, personal service wherever you go.
Close by the village of Cartmel is a picture postcard Lakeland village with charming winding narrow streets surround a small village square and the village’s Sticky Toffee Pudding is its very own speciality. The village is home to the Michelin starred restaurant, L’Enclume, which is acclaimed as one of the best in the country and does require forward booking.
This is the perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy local amenities, stunning seaside walks, have views all day long and for a bit of train spotting. Beach 176 yards. Shop 352 yards and pub 124 yards.

You immediately feel welcome as your step through the front door of this beautiful cottage, Off the entrance hall there is the living room with comfy sofas and welcoming open fire place , the ideal space to warm those toes after a busy day’s walking. Across the hall is a sitting room offering more comfy furniture and TV with an Xbox if you want an alternate choice of entertainment (some board games and books to read). Moving through the house you step into the family kitchen/dining room. The kitchen is well equipped with all the amenities you need to prepare anything from a picnic to family banquet. It’s the ideal space to chat over the days adventures as the drink flows and you enjoy the warmth of a wood burner. The French doors lead out to a patio area with rattan outside furniture and a firepit (initial logs included), and a large garden for those summer months with further decking and outside rattan furniture. Downstairs also features a shower room and a utility room with washing machine and tumbler dryer. Upstairs, there is the main bedroom offering a comfy, kingsize bed and en-suite toilet, in addition there are two spacious twin rooms. The upstairs is completed with a large family bathroom with a relaxing slipper bath to soak in, plus a rain shower and handheld shower.
Silecroft is a quiet peaceful idyllic village with a lovely pub; shops and supermarkets are available at Millom which is around 4 miles away. Haverigg is three miles which has a water ski centre and bar, further along from here is RSPB Nature reserve at Hodbarrow for spotting breeding terns, ringed plovers, redshanks and oystercatchers. If you enjoy beach walks there is fabulous safe sandy beach within ½ mile from the cottage, a beautiful place to watch the stunning sunsets. Silecroft also offers a splendid well maintained 9 hole links golf course with super views of the beach and Black Combe, they also offer Foot golf, visitors are always welcome to enjoy this coastal golf course. Other local attractions include Mullthwaite Green riding centre at the top of the road for hacks,beach rides or lessons. If you fancy a larger horse perhaps try the empowering Cumbrian Heavy Horses, where you can trek over the hills on one of those large, magnificent creatures or again a beach ride on Silecroft beach. Alternatively for a gentler pace -how about a leisurely walk up Black Combe to capture the spectacular views of the western Lakes coastline aswell as on a good day IOM, Wales and Scotland.
A 22 minute drive finds you at Waste Water with its impressive screes or in the other direction 30-minute drive finds you at the impressive Coniston Water or a little further on and you are at the water’s edge of Lake Windermere. If you fancy a steam train ride why not try the local "Ratty" in the stunning Eskdale valley which offers great local pubs which offer food and refreshment. A bit of History would be the impressive Muncaster Castle which entertains guests with mesmerizing "birds of prey" displays and gorgeous garden walks. However, you enjoy spending your days holidaying you’ll find something to entertain everyone - from local restaurants, museums, animal parks, aquarium, stately homes, through to paddle boarding, open water swimming in the lakes or sea, cycling, climbing, or walking, and all this is set against some of the most stunning ,unspoiled,undiscovered National Park scenery known as the Lake District and with the added benefit of a safe sandy beach. Beach ½ mile.

Solway Marsh view is a delightful rural cottage attached to the owner’s farmhouse, yet is completely private. It boasts a cosy sitting room with a lovely wood burner, a spacious kitchen/dining room perfect for enjoying a home cooked meal in after a day spent exploring. Upstairs is a spacious master bedroom, a twin room with custom made bunk beds and a modern bathroom. Outside, Solway Marsh View has a secluded garden with the most delightful views over the River Eden onto the Lake District fells.
Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this lovely riverside cottage provides a comfortable, warm and cosy stay for people looking for a countryside retreat to relax and unwind in. From the garden you can walk out of the garden gate and straight onto the river side with access to walks not publicly available. Or take a 15-minute walk to the village pub which serves delicious food!
The Lake District, Solway Coast, historic Carlisle and the Scottish Borders with Gretna Green are within easy reach, and Carlisle train station is 15 minutes away. There are lots of beautiful walks on the doorstep, including Hadrian’s Wall a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can explore the history of the wall and its dramatic landscape at over 20 fascinating sites, as well as the coastal path (routes and directions can be provided). Due to its location on the banks of the River Eden and Solway Firth, it is a birdwatchers’ and animal enthusiasts’ paradise. From the garden or your bed you will both see and hear ducks, geese, swans and many other breeds of birds flying up and down the river onto the Solway Firth. Whilst you have the tranquillity at the property you are only minutes by car from the M6 thereby ideally placed to enjoy one of the most beautiful regions in the UK. From here you can not only enjoy the beauty of this area but also a quick drive will take you over the border into Scotland with its miles of dramatic coastline.
Whilst staying at Solway Marsh View explore the many delights of Cumbria, a must is a visit is the beauty of the Lake District National Park with its stunning mountains and lakes. Close by, of course, is the beautiful border city of Carlisle with its 12th-century cathedral and 11th-century castle, it’s a lovely city to explore and of course, great for a spot of retail therapy. Pub and restaurant 1¼ miles.
Capricorn Cottage can be booked together with The Eden Hideaway (ref UK1554) to accommodate up to 8 guests.

This beautiful, three-bedroom farmhouse, renovated in 2022, is located in the delightful village of Dovenby. The pretty village has a small river running through it, which provides a nice backdrop for pleasant village walks and to the nearby pub which is 10 minutes away on foot. Sleeping up to six guests, the semi-detached farmhouse offers two good-sized double bedrooms, and a twin room on the first floor along with a good-sized family bathroom. With pleasant décor, comfortable beds and plenty of storage space you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep and pleasant views towards the village and farmland. On the ground floor is a large, well-equipped kitchen with dining table, perfect for your self-catering holiday. There is a spacious living room with easy seating and Freeview TV, and you’ll find a utility room and a study with a desk if you need to catch up on your emails. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring them along too.
The Farmhouse at Lane Foot offers an excellent base for couples and families from which to explore nearby Cockermouth, the coast and the Lake District National Park. Nearby Cockermouth is only 3 miles away and offers an abundance of speciality shops, coffee houses, restaurants, and attractions. Visit Wordsworth House for a spot of culture, or maybe Lakes Distillery in Bassenthwaite, 10 miles. Kirkgate Arts provides a cinema and theatre performances.
If you love The Lakes, you’re within easy reach of Bassenthwaite Lake to the east with its stunning scenery and an abundance of wildlife including red squirrels, buzzards and osprey. Or drive south and you’ll reach Loweswater which connects to Crummock Water and Buttermere, arguably one of the most picturesque areas of Cumbria for breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re looking for rugged adventure or just a peaceful walk taking in the flora and fauna, you have a beautiful area to explore.
If you’re looking for family fun, a great day out can be had at The Lake District Wildlife Park with over a hundred species of animals at Bassenthwaite. Or you could try Go Ape, a tree top adventure at Whinlatter Forest, also home to some brilliant cycling trails. Keswick is just a 25-minute drive along the A66 and you’ve also got some excellent coastal areas to explore. St Bees, an area off outstanding natural beauty with sandy beach and cliffside walks is 30 minutes’ drive and is also one end of the famous coast to coast walk. To the west, you’ll reach Allonby in 20 minutes with long stretches of beach, rugged coastline and great for a dog walk and a lovely coastal cycle ride too.

Ready for a unique experience? This Canadian timber lodge gives you direct views to the beautiful Alpacas, grazing right in front of your lodge. Easy access to Ennerdale, St Bees, Loweswater and The Lake District National Park.
The Alpaca Lodge offers premium accommodation for couples and families. Situated on a small holding, you will find Alpacas, Mediterranean donkeys, hens and horses. The native red squirrels often make an appearance, roe deer and even the badgers at night-time.
From here you can enjoy direct views to the Alpacas, these curious creatures provide endless entertainment, they are playful, cute, and intriguing. The owners offer meet and greet with the animals and Alpaca Walking, which can be pre-booked.
Local facilities include Ennerdale Brewery, with its real ale tap room and restaurant, and a pub which serves good pub food, both just ¼ mile down the road, and a good shop is 2½ miles away. At the end of the drive is a footpath leading into the Marron Leys Woodlands. This is a lovely mix of managed woodland and open grassy areas, ideal for a short stroll, plus your dogs will love it. The lodge is in the village of Rowrah, on the fringe of The Lake District National Park between Cockermouth and Ennerdale. Within 2 miles is the National Park with its abundance of walks, cycle routes, wildlife, mountains, and lakes.
The property offers easy access to explore the Western Lake District and coast, and you have a couple of pubs and restaurants nearby. The nearest lake is Ennerdale Water, about 4 miles away. Widely regarded as one of the most unspoilt areas of The Lake District National Park, Ennerdale is teeming with wildlife, including indigenous red squirrels, ospreys, and buzzards. Loweswater is less than 6 miles away, leading on to Crummock Water and Buttermere. The scenery around this unspoilt part of The Lakes is stunning, and the beauty, colours and unforgettable panoramic views are magnificent.
Whether you want an easy stroll, a challenging walk, or a serious climb, this makes a great base from which to start your adventures. For outdoor lovers, you can easily access Ennerdale, one of the most unspoilt and wild parts of the Lake District, here you can tick off many of the 214 Wainwright fells, so it’s a great base for fell walking.Rowrah is home to a very popular go karting track, ¾ mile away, which is one of the best in the UK if you want an adrenaline boost. There is also good access to several coastal towns including Whitehaven, 7 miles, with good restaurants, a popular harbour and good shopping.
St Bees Head Heritage Coast is within 10 miles, offering excellent coastal walks and sandy beaches, whilst the lively market town of Cockermouth, 9 miles, has an abundance of speciality shops, coffee houses, restaurants, and attractions. Visit Wordsworth House for a spot of culture, or maybe Jennings Brewery beneath the castle walls offering tasting tours.

Set back from a quiet, shared private lane, this solid Cumbrian stone, mid-link barn conversion enjoys open views over the Solway coast and towards Scotland. Relax on the landscaped front seating area, with seating for all, and watch the breathtaking sunsets and open views as you enjoy good company and a glass of wine. In warmer months, the outside dining area and charcoal/wood barbecue/fire pit makes al fresco dining a must.

Move into the large living space with original stone and brick walls, complimented sympathetically with additional Cumbrian brick walls and Cumbrian sandstone headers. The large seating area faces the feature Cumbrian stone fireplace and 75" TV above, perfect for those movie nights in with popcorn and nibbles. Located just off the living area is a walk-through cloakroom leading to the generously sized downstairs toilet, both also featuring original stone walls. Continuing through the ground floor is the fully equipped kitchen and dining area, featuring another large 65" TV and American-style diner seating, making it perfect for mealtimes and as an additional seating area to make the most of this spacious accommodation.

On the first floor are the sumptuous bedrooms; a master with a stunning super kingsize bed and en-suite shower room with rainfall shower, a quadruple bunk room for the teenagers of the group with their own en-suite toilet, and a further kingsize room. There is also a family bathroom on this floor.

The area is brimming with activities and open coastline, and is ideal for exploring Hadrian’s Wall, Carlisle and the northern Lake District and Scottish borders. Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the adjacent nature reserve is home to a variety of native wildlife.

Cobbleken is set in the pretty town of Cockermouth, perfect for extended families or couples looking to explore the surrounding area. The property is set over three floors and has been lovingly restored to a good standard.
Enter through a very useful drying room, with plenty of room to dry those walking boots, wet coats or store bikes and sports equipment. The warming wood burner here offers the perfect spot for your four legged friend to dry off before heading upstairs with you. The first floor offers plenty of space for everyone to relax. The living room has comfy sofas and a large screen TV for a movie night in, while the well-equipped kitchen has everything you need to cook up a hearty meal served around the large table in the adjacent dining room. With so many choices of restaurants and takeaways close by, you could easily be tempted away from cooking. The property features three double bedrooms and a twin room, each boasting sumptuous beds and bedding offering a good night’s sleep. Begin the day feeling revived and refreshed in either of the two bathrooms on the first or second floor. Outside is a private courtyard seating area, cold water tap and two private parking for 1 small/medium sized car in garage and 1 vehicle behind on hard-standing.
The market town of Cockermouth sits on the edge of the Lake District National Park, offering an abundance of independent shops, cafés and restaurants. The Derwent River runs alongside the town and provides pretty riverside walks along the castle walls and brewery buildings. Be sure to stop by at Wordsworth House, once home to the famous poet of the same name, which has a delightful walled garden that once served as the inspiration for his poetry. From here you are just a short drive from Keswick, and many of the popular fells including Skiddaw, Sale Fell and Ling Fell can be accessed along the way. For golfers, Cockermouth and Keswick both offer access for non-members, and mountain bikers will be keen to tackle the demanding trails at Whinlatter Forest. Stunning beaches along the west coast include St Bees, home of the coast-to-coast challenge. Families will enjoy a day out at the Lake District Wildlife Park or for a wet and rainy day the Aquarium at Maryport is a great choice. So whatever your reason is to stay here, there will be something for everyone. Beach 9 miles. Shop 50 yards, pub and restaurant 200 yards.

Set within a small hamlet of similar converted properties, this charming, detached barn conversion sits in a large enclosed garden with open views over the surrounding countryside. Once inside, you will find the spacious living/dining room is furnished with comfortable seating centred around the inviting wood burner, whilst the adjoining sun room is the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee and watch the local wildlife go by. Nature lovers will see everything from a blue tit to a pheasant and even the odd deer. The large kitchen is ideal for those home cooked meals, and there is plenty of space so more hands make light work as they say. As you head upstairs, don’t forget to take in the views as you look through the arched window running the full height of the staircase. Outside, the gardens have been carefully landscaped to blend with the rural surroundings, and the stone-flagged patio area is ideal for a little al fresco dining.
The local village pub is a nice way to sample some of Lakelands infamous ales, or try locally sourced ingredients in the adjoining restaurant. The southern Lake District is easily accessible for those wanting to explore the area. The pretty village of Cartmel is just a short drive away, or why not catch a lake cruise from Newby Bridge Pier, it really is the best way to see Windermere. There are a plethora of activities nearby including walking, cycling, fishing and outdoor pursuits for everyone right on your doorstep. Beach 4¼ miles. Shop 2½ miles, pub ¼ mile, restaurant 3½ miles.

This very spacious, detached property is the ultimate getaway, with both a games room and an outdoor play area for children. It also has superb living, kitchen and dining areas for the rest of the family. Meadow View is perfect for families coming together, or for large groups needing somewhere to meet as a base and enjoy fun and time together. With the Roanhead Beach just over 3 miles away, and only a short drive into the South Lakes, this is superbly positioned accommodation for any occasion. Equally, you could just remain on site for a relaxing time away, parked behind the electric gates, and enjoy the on-site gymnasium, hot tub and games areas without the need to drive anywhere else. For those bringing infants and toddlers, the property provides ample equipment such as a baby bath with a seat insert for the main bath too, bottle maker, bottle warmer, steriliser, baby bouncer, electronic swing chair, a few toys, highchair, travel cot and a wooden cot which can be placed in any room. Beach 3½ miles. Shop 1 mile, pub ¾ mile and restaurant 1½ miles.

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.