Dog-friendly Cumbria

Featuring beams taken from shipwrecks on the Cumbrian Coast, this small group of holiday cottages at Birkerthwaite, a former 17th century Lakeland farmstead, lie at the end of an unmade track and are surrounded by tranquil moorland scenery and farmland. This is fantastic walking countryside and the elevated position gives views of Scafell and the Eskdale Valley, creating a unique atmosphere of tranquillity. Birkerthwaite Farmhouse (W43001) is a unique holiday property dating back to 1627 and has many original features, beamed ceilings, flagged floors and unusual oak wall cupboards built in the 1700’s. Comfortably furnished and with the benefit of an open fire and an Aga, the farmhouse is cosy and welcoming.
Nearby attractions include Muncaster Castle and Hardknott Roman Fort, whilst the Langdale Pikes and Ambleside on the northern shores of Lake Windermere can be reached via a stunning drive over the Hard Knott and Wrynose Passes. A short drive away is Wast Water; to the west are sandy beaches. Alternatively take the steam train from Ravenglass. Shop 3 miles, pub 2½ miles.

In the glorious landscape of the Lake District National Park, and ideally located for enjoying water sports or fell walking and climbing, these two spacious and comfortable properties have been created from the conversion of an 18th century barn. Allt Maen, its name derived from the Celtic ‘Old Man of Coniston’, a mountain visible from the properties, is on the first floor and Wetherlam occupies the ground floor. Coniston Water is just 2 miles, Windermere 8 miles, Blawith Fells are a short drive and Grizedale Forest tracks invite mountain bikers, whilst nearby stately homes and gardens offer more sedate pleasures. Shops are 3 miles away and a friendly pub (dogs welcome) is a short stroll.

This beautiful first floor apartment at Swan House has spectacular views across the valley to the Skiddaw Fells. A former 17th century coaching inn, Swan House was converted in 2006 into exclusive apartments and cottages. Set in delightful grounds, close to Bassenthwaite Lake and the village of Thornthwaite, the apartment is tastefully furnished with a contemporary touch. The living area has superb views to the front as well as a small balcony to the side with fell views. There is a pond in the garden (young children will require supervision) which provides a natural habitat for newts and frogs, there is also an abundance of birdlife, deer and red squirrels.  If you are lucky you may catch sight of the ospreys which nest within 500 yards of Swan House and regularly fly over the grounds.
Lords Seat and Whinlatter Forest rise up directly from Swan House, with a variety of walks and mountain biking possibilities.

Bram Cragg Barn is a stunning conversion created from the former 19th-century byre and barn to a holiday home with a wonderful mix of oak beams and slate features combined with stylish modern fittings. The spacious open plan living room is at first floor level to take advantage of the views across the valley, and the dining area has a large oak table with eight upholstered chairs. The barn stands detached, adjacent to the owners’ home and two holiday lodges, in an idyllic and peaceful setting. There are unspoilt views in every direction towards Helvellyn and Castle Rock, Blencathra, Skiddaw and High and Low Rigg. The location is delightful, farm animals graze close to the barn and footpaths directly from the house give access not only to the more challenging walking routes but to gentle strolls. The scenery is spectacular and walkers, cyclists and drivers will find the immediate surroundings breathtaking. Central for exploring the Lake District National Park. Shop 4½ miles, pub and restaurant 2½miles.

This detached sandstone cottage rests in Dufton, near Appleby-in-Westmorland in Cumbria. Spacious. Woodburning stove. Large garden. Penrith 14.3 miles; Middleton-in-Teesdale 25.4 miles.

In the small village of Grizebeck, set in the Lake District National Park with spectacular panoramic views of the Duddon Estuary, Furness Fells and the Coniston mountains, an ideal location for an all action holiday or a quiet place to relax in the country. The area is pretty much unspoilt, leisurely and a welcoming option from the busier tourist towns. Grizebeck is great for exploring South Cumbria and the Lakes. Visit the remains of stone hut circles dating from the Bronze Age, the South Lakes Animal Park near Dalton and Coniston is a 20 minute drive, while Windermere is just a 25 minute drive for Lakeland activities. Shop 500 yards, pub 250 yards and restaurant 6 miles.

This single-storey, detached holiday retreat, adjacent to the owner’s farmhouse, has a hot tub and stunning rural views. Converted from a sheep fauld and set on a family-run livestock farm, surrounded by unspoilt countryside. It is 2 miles from Birdoswald Fort on Hadrian’s Wall, and centrally located for the Lake District, Northumberland, the Yorkshire Dales and Scottish Borders. Visit Talkin Tarn, Walltown Crag, Lanercost Priory, Rheged, country shows and farmer’s markets. There are footpaths from the door along with walking and cycle routes throughout the area. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

This delightful holiday cottage adjoins the owners’ Grade II listed, 18th-century farmhouse. The original features have been combined with modern fittings to create a comfortable holiday home. Situated within a village it has direct access to Hadrian’s Wall and the coastal cycle route (72). It lies 3 miles west of Carlisle and is a short drive to the Scottish Border, Lake District and Northumberland’s National Park, and is close to the Solway Firth. Fishing can be found nearby. An excellent base for those wishing to explore this area. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.

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.

This detached, roadside 18th-century cottage is situated just outside the village of Blawith, about 1 mile from the southern end of Coniston Water. The holiday cottage is surrounded by some lovely scenery, with good views from all windows. Renovated and refurbished the cottage still imaginatively retains all its original charm with exposed beams, oak doors, stone flag floors, wooden stairs, with the upstairs living room benefiting from the views. Shop 3 miles, pub 1 mile.