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 18th-century stone cottage is hidden away up a steep gravel track overlooking the wooded Tyne Valley and the North Pennine Fells. It is a secluded location adjacent to the owner’s house, and benefits from solar powered hot water. There is footpath access to the Pennine Way and local tracks with a variety of local attractions including the South Tynedale Steam Railway, lead mining heritage centres, a transport museum, hand made candle factory, and the historic charm of Alston one mile away, with its steep cobbled streets and good pubs. The area is ideal for walking and mountain biking. Both Hadrian’s Wall and the Lake District are within half an hour’s drive. Shops and pubs 1 mile.

An idyllic stone cottage set within the quaint town of Alston, Cumbria. Fantastic countryside views. Pet-friendly. Ideal for families. Stanhope 18.6 miles; Haydon Bridge 18.8 miles; Penrith 20.9 miles.

Nestled in the middle of the heather-clad hardy moorland of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, sitting at 1,500 feet is Nenthead, England’s highest village. Originally built in the 18th century to house workers for the local lead and silver mines, making Nenthead one of the earliest purpose-built industrial villages in Britain. While the mines closed in the 60’s, for the mining explorers there are still hundreds of miles of accessible mines available locally.

The nearby market town of Alston is only 4 miles and is a bustling town with a reputation for fantastic local mustards and cheeses. Alston is also the starting point for the South Tynedale Railway, England’s highest narrow-gauge railway. Ramblers Rest is a quirky barn conversion set out over three floors with a relaxing sauna on the lower ground level and the living room on the first floor offering you fantastic views onto Nenthead village. Surrounded by views of farmland for miles this untouched and quiet area of Cumbria is perfect for that get away holiday.
Ramblers Cottage can be booked together with Writers Res (ref UK33475) to accommodate up to 8 guests.

Greenrigg Cottage is a peaceful retreat for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. This former farmhouse enjoys an isolated location next to the owner’s house, high up on the Caldbeck Fells, with panoramic views in all directions. There are walks from the door immediately onto the open fells and quiet roads for cycling. The picturesque village of Caldbeck is three miles and has a pub, café and shop, or more amenities can be found in the bustling town of Keswick, 15 miles away. The cottage is both comfortably furnished in a traditional style and economically priced.