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 stunning detached family home was converted from an original coach house serving the neighbouring property and was built around 1920. From the kitchen you can still get an appreciation of the gated opening where the coaches would have arrived almost 100 years ago. Today, replaced with glass French doors and leading to a beautiful courtyard at the entrance, the vision of horses and carts is long gone. Although you can still find the cast iron tether points in the outside walls if you look closely.
This contemporary large home features beautiful interior design that flows through every room. Each has been decorated with great care and attention to ensure a high level of guest satisfaction. Sleeping up to ten adults, this property is very well equipped, offering four double bedrooms (two with kingsize bed) and a twin bedroom, which makes it perfect for families and multiple couples. Featuring two separate living rooms, both with a huge TV and complimentary Netflix, it offers plenty of flexibility. The first, a cosy snug with an open fire, offers patio doors leading to the woodland-style garden at the rear. The second is on the first floor with plenty of easy seating and natural daylight. Serving as a great day room or perhaps a kid’s den, it leaves the adults to enjoy some peace and quiet downstairs! The house boasts three beautifully designed bathrooms, the largest offering a shower over bath, while the other two feature separate shower cubicles, so plenty of choice and privacy. The central hub of this house is a fantastic open plan kitchen/dining room which boasts high specification appliances and an Aga, perfect for those slow roasts. With a large island and dining table seating ten, it’s great for a banquet at the end of a day full of adventure, and sparks a really social atmosphere. If you like outdoor adventures such as walking, cycling and climbing, you are surrounded by some amazing scenery and routes around Latrigg, Catbells, Skiddaw, Blencathra and Helvellyn to name a few.
Situated at the base of Chestnut Hill, you can easily walk into Keswick town centre and leave the car behind. Following the River Greta past your nearest watering hole, 530 yards, alongside Fitz Park, you have just a 15-minute stroll into the town centre, ¾ mile away. Keswick is vibrant with a great outdoor market and plenty of places to eat and drink. Its bustling centre has an abundance of quality restaurants, pubs serving local cask ales, independent shops and the obligatory outdoor and fashion brands, along with plenty of delis, bakeries, coffee shops and local craft stalls. Famous for its narrow streets and courtyards, this traditional market town is one not to be missed. If you like culture, check out the Theatre by the Lake, 1½ miles, with award-winning arts and drama on the banks of Derwentwater, 1¾ miles, where you can hire a rowing boat. For family fun just over a mile away, why not try Puzzling Place, a mind boggling attraction based on optical illusions, or the Derwent Pencil Museum, home to the largest pencil in the world? Or, for a really wild day out, try The Lake District Wildlife Park at Bassenthwaite, or The Lakes Distillery, offering daily tasting and tours, both 8 miles away. If you fancy a round of golf, Keswick Golf Club is just under 4 miles.
Stop looking, start booking, you’ve found the perfect place! Beach 24 miles. Shop 700 yards, pub 500 yards and restaurant ¾ mile.