Dog-friendly Cumbria

Mark Close Farmhouse, which accommodates 20, 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 house 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 a large garden bordered by mature trees with panoramic views over green fields and wild fells. In the paddock next door to the Farmhouse, 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.
There is additional accommodation for two adjacent to the Farmhouse - a small fully equipped one bedroom cottage called Mark Close Milking Parlour (ref 25137). Ideal for a couple who would prefer peace and quiet, the Milking Parlour also has a small hot tub suitable for four people at once.
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 and eat together with family or friends in the farmhouse kitchen

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.

This modern, spacious property has a stunning interior design and a fantastic range of leisure facilities that will keep everybody happy in this amazing family home. This wonderful detached property is in a quiet setting and is spacious, warm and perfect for a holiday to remember. West Fells Cottage has been thoughtfully decorated and furnished throughout, and offers fun for all the family.

Sleeping up to eight guests, upstairs you’ll find four very comfortable bedrooms, the master with a kingsize bed and an en-suite bathroom, two further double bedrooms and bunk room suitable for children. There’s also a vanity room which is perfect for getting ready for a night out and a contemporary family bathroom with spa bath and steam shower cubicle. The ground floor features a comfortable living room with plenty of easy seating, leading to the kitchen with modern appliances and fittings, and a utility room with washer and dryer. Through the patio doors is a large conservatory which doubles up as an excellent dining room with additional easy seating and views of the lawned garden and patio.

Now the fun begins… Downstairs is home to an amazing cinema room with four leather effect, electric massage chairs with cup holders and additional bean bags which are great for the kids. In the conservatory you have access to a steam room, whilst in the garden you’ll find a hot tub, large timber outhouse with pool table and darts, as well as a Finnish timber hobbit house with firepit.

West Fells Cottage is situated in the village of Rowrah which is located on the fringe of the Lake District National Park between Cockermouth and Ennerdale. In less than 2 miles you’ll reach the National Park where you have an abundance of walks, cycle routes, wildlife, mountains and lakes. It offers easy access to explore the Western Lake District and coast, and has a couple of pubs and restaurants nearby. Your nearest lake is Ennerdale Water which is less than 4 miles away. Ennerdale is widely regarded as one of the most unspoilt areas of the Lake District National Park, and thanks to this it is teaming with wildlife including indigenous red squirrels, ospreys and buzzards. If that’s not enough, Loweswater is less than 6 miles away which leads to Crummock Water and then Buttermere. The scenery around this unspoilt part of the Lakes is stunning, and the beauty, colours and unforgettable panoramic views are a sight to behold. Whether you want an easy stroll, a challenging walk or a serious climb, you’ve got a great base to start your adventures.

Rowrah is home to a very popular go karting track, ¾ mile, one of the best in the UK if you want an adrenaline boost. You’ve also got good access to a number of coastal towns including Whitehaven, 7 miles, with good restaurants, a popular harbour and good shopping. You’re less than 10 miles from St Bees Head Heritage Coast, offering excellent coastal walks and golden sandy beaches. Of course if you’re looking for a traditional Cumbrian market town, you’ll love Cockermouth, 9 miles, with 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. Kirkgate Arts provides a cinema and theatre performances. Overall this is a fantastic house and fun for all ages, perfect for a family get together or a special occasion. Book now, before someone else does! Beach 9 miles. Shop ¾ miles, pub 175 yards and restaurant ¼ mile.