Dog-friendly Cumbria

Castle Hill Cottage is surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the North Lake District National Park. Located in Bassenthwaite near Keswick, this delightful, detached holiday cottage has been traditionally constructed, providing comfortable accommodation in a peaceful location. It has enviable views across the surrounding pastureland towards the Lakeland Fells with excellent walking and cycling from the doorstep.

Bassenthwaite Lake is a short stroll away, whilst the market towns of Keswick and Cockermouth are just 7 miles away. There is a leisure centre with a pool within 200 yards. Regular visitors to the Keswick area will know that this popular market town has everything from fine dining and wine bars to traditional Lakeland pubs and restaurants, excellent shopping experiences, tourist attractions and some of the most stunning scenery around.

Whether you’re looking for a rugged mountainous adventure, leisurely walking or cycle routes, water sports and picturesque scenery, or just some much needed rest and relaxation, this area has it all, and Castle Hill Cottage gives you the perfect holiday base.

The detached property comprises of a living room with wood burner and antique furnishings, alongside a dining room with electric fire in traditional wood surround. Step down to the well-equipped kitchen with Aga (for cooking), breakfast area and French doors to garden. Also on the ground floor is a boiler/drying room and a separate toilet.

Up a flight of steep stairs is the first floor, where you’ll find three comfortable bedrooms, comprising a double bedroom with views across lake to the Lakeland Fells, a double bedroom with views of Binsey, and a twin bedroom. There are also two bathrooms, one with shower over corner bath, and the other featuring a roll-top bath and shower attachment, and separate shower cubicle. Shop 7 miles, pub 1 mile.

Situated in the beautiful village of Bassenthwaite you will find this wonderful, traditional holiday cottage nestled down a small lane. Jemima’s Cottage is a very comfortable, two-bedroom property which has a spacious open plan living/dining room with an open fire. There is a small, well-equipped kitchen. On the first floor there is a double bedroom, a bedroom with double bed and single bed and a family bathroom and an area on the landing with Beatrix Potter books and toys ideal for children.

Jemima’s Cottage is located in the heart of the village of Bassenthwaite in the northern region of the Lake District National Park, approximately a 15-minute drive from the towns of Keswick and Cockermouth. This is an excellent base to explore some of the quieter corners of the Lake District near a stream where puddle ducks wander to and fro and swings in a small, wooded area it is only a couple of minutes’ walk to the village pub serving local ales and meals and the village green which is ideal for playing ball games.

Bassenthwaite is 2 miles from the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake (an ideal walk to the only official lake in the Lake District!) and 2 miles from the foot of Skiddaw, the fourth highest mountain in the Lake District. There are excellent walks for all abilities straight from the cottage door or a short drive away. There is a wildlife park in Bassenthwaite, a 5-minute drive from the cottage, and Mirehouse and Gardens is under a 10-minute drive towards Keswick. The Lakes Distillery is under a 10-minute drive towards Cockermouth and offers guided tours.

There are many activities for all ages and abilities in the Lake District and Cumbria, as well as great places to visit and enjoy. Bassenthwaite is almost mid-way between Keswick and Cockermouth, so going either direction has its own benefits. Keswick is a magnet for the Lake District visitor with Derwentwater, several parks including crazy golf, mini golf and putting, shops, cafés, restaurants, galleries, a museum, cinema, theatre, brewery and more. Cockermouth is much more of a local’s town first and a visitor centre second, though still has more than its fair share of things to see and do. These include several antique shops, Mitchell’s livestock auction market where you can watch sheep and cattle being sold, Jennings Brewery, Wordsworth House (the birthplace of the poet William Wordsworth), the annual food festival in September attracting 30,000 people, and a good selection of unique owner-run shops and eateries. Beach 17 miles. Nearest shops in Keswick or Cockermouth, 15 minutes’ drive or many supermarkets do on-line deliveries, pub, and restaurant 200 yards.

Brook House 1 is a beautiful 17th century, beamed cottage overlooking a stream, with a wood burner, its own enclosed garden and just a couple of minutes’ stroll to the pub serving food and local ales. There is a fitted open plan kitchen/dining room well equipped for a family holiday. There is a spacious living room with a wood burner and a ground floor wet room. On the first floor there are four bedrooms, with the master benefiting from an en-suite, the other bedrooms are serviced by an additional bath/shower room with toilet. Three of the bedrooms overlook the stream where the puddle ducks swim and waddle to and fro. Outside the property has an enclosed walled garden with garden furniture.
Brook House Holiday Cottages are located in the heart of Bassenthwaite village in the northern region of The Lake District National Park, Cumbria, approximately 15-minute drive from the towns of Keswick and Cockermouth. This is an excellent base to explore some of the quieter corners of the Lake District. Bassenthwaite village is 2 miles from the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake (an ideal walk to the only official lake in the Lake District) and 2 miles from the foot of Skiddaw, the fourth highest mountain in the Lake District. There are excellent walks for all abilities straight from the cottage door or after a short drive away.
The Lake District Wildlife Park is just a 5-minute drive from the cottage, while Mirehouse historic house and adventure playgrounds is under 10 minutes drive towards Keswick.
The Lakes Distillery is under 10 minutes drive towards Cockermouth offering guided tours, or for those wanting to treat themselves with some pampering, there is a spa just 5 minutes drive from the cottage. Keswick is a magnet for the Lake District visitor with Lake Derwentwater, several parks including crazy golf, mini golf and putting, all its outdoor shops, cafés, restaurants, galleries, museum, cinema, theatre, brewery and more. Cockermouth has a visitor centre, antique shops, Jennings Brewery, Wordsworth House (the birthplace of the poet William Wordsworth), the annual food festival in September and a good selection of unique independent shops and eateries. Nearest shops in Keswick or Cockermouth, 15 minutes drive or many supermarkets do on-line deliveries, pub and restaurant 200 yards.

Keats Barn forms part of what was the Sun Inn, situated in the picturesque village of Ireby near Caldbeck and Uldale. The building dates back to the 17th century when the inn was the focal point of the village. This stunning barn conversion sits in an enviable position, and offers a combination of period style with contemporary fittings and finishes. Here, ancient wooden beams, a cosy wood burner and original stonework blend comfortably with modern appliances, creating a rustic yet homely feel.

It is named after John Keats who visited the village of Ireby on a walking holiday, and for whom the Sun Inn was a popular local haunt, making favourable comments about the area and its people in his writing. Other visitors who favoured the inn include Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins.

Designed to provide a stunning view over the Uldale Fells, the property is arranged with the main living accommodation on the first floor. This large open plan living space with apex beamed ceiling offers a comfortable seating area around the wood burner, and a well-equipped kitchen/dining area. The entrance on the ground floor opens into a bright hallway, perfect for leaving your coats and boots to dry after a good day’s walk.

The gardens are ideal for your dogs and sitting and taking in the views. There is a firepit from where you can sit and gaze at the night sky with a mug of hot chocolate and some toasted marshmallows. Depending on the time of year, you might see red squirrels at the feeding station, bats and many species of birds including buzzards, gold finches and house martins. Chickens live in the bottom garden and will provide you with fresh eggs for your stay.

The surrounding area is ideal for walkers, surrounded by grazing sheep and an abundance of birds and wildlife. Ireby is a very friendly village with a local pub to join in with conversation, and an annual music festival attracting leading performers. The hills at the back of Skiddaw and Blencathra are within easy reach and there are many gentle walks to be had around the local Ireby and Uldale area. The village is also served by a farm shop selling fresh milk and seasonal vegetables. Beach 15 miles. Shop 6 miles, pub and restaurant 20 yards.

Totally get away from it all and truly back to nature in one of the Lake District’s most tranquil and unspoilt beauty spots. You’ll soon see why it’s a heavenly haven for wildlife. Wander from your doorstep into Dodd Woods for a spot of osprey watching, and fishing is also available nearby. Enjoy sharing your walk with red squirrels and your waterside with wildfowl, or simply pull on your boots, grab your gear and get stuck into some serious walks all from the front door. You can explore this stunning area on foot, yet you are only a few miles from Keswick, Cockermouth, and the surrounding Lakeland Fells. A well behaved dog is welcome to come along and there are plenty of dog friendly pubs and restaurants in the area.
The quiet village location means that you can escape your busy lifestyle and retreat to the countryside in no time. Whether you like walking, hiking, or cycling, you are never too far away from your next adventure. There is good access to plenty of walking and cycle routes nearby as well as more challenging fells including Skiddaw, Catbells, Latrigg and Blencathra. You can walk to Bassenthwaite Lake in under 2 miles and also to Bassenthwaite village which has an excellent village pub. Just over 2 miles away is The Lake District Wildlife Park with over hundred species of wild animals. Visit The Lakes Distillery, producers of fine whisky, gin and vodka and which offers tasting tours, always a hit. Just 6 miles away is the popular town of Keswick on the shores of Derwent Water, with an abundance of dining and shopping experiences as well as a mix of cultural hotspots and tourist attractions. Visit The Theatre by the Lake which features award-winning arts and drama on the shores of Derwent Water and the mind-boggling world of The Puzzling Place, fun for all ages.

The moment you open the front door of this charming cottage you step into a spacious living room with a log burner as the focal point, inviting you to sit down with your feet up after a busy day’s fun. The next room you encounter is the dining room which has great light and views of the enclosed garden, and off the dining room is the stylish kitchen, which is well appointed and allows you to rustle up anything from a simple sandwich to a Sunday roast dinner.
Upstairs there are two double bedrooms to ensure sweet dreams and a sound night’s sleep. Although beautifully renovated, there are still signs and features showing the age and history of this lovely property.
Ireby lies in North Cumbria and has a wealth of great scenery on the doorstep offering an ideal backdrop for walkers and cyclists alike, it also has a variety of activities and attractions within half and hours’ drive, including the charming towns of Cockermouth and Keswick which offer the chance to jump in feet first with river trips, kayaking and canoeing. Bring your trip onto dry land with gorge walking, mountain scrambling, caving, and mine-climbing. Other attractions include stately homes, wildlife parks, climbing centres or maybe the pencil museum is right up your street. Whether it’s a family break or a few days with friends, there is plenty to occupy those active members of the group or simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Bassenthwaite lake, there’s something for everyone and plenty to come back for time and time again.

A super dog-friendly, cosy country pub in the delightful village of Askham in Cumbria, ideal for foodies, with stylish rooms and fabulous walks and fells on the doorstep.