Dog-friendly Cumbria

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.

As soon as you drive up to the front of this spectacular 18th-century house you get a sense of the time gone by, this unique property will wow you with its charming eccentric décor combined with period features but also modern comforts and amenities. Outside the exterior of the property is equally impressive set in an extensive mature garden and has two bridges leading across a large beck to a wooded area full of wildflowers, birds, hedgehogs, and numerous insects. There are nuthatches, tree creepers, herons, an occasional woodpecker as well as all the more common birds.
Peacefully situated just off Lowick village green and with open access to Lowick Common, you can enjoy fantastic walks over the fell to the Beacon with its 360” views of the surrounding mountains and sea. Early morning is the time to spot the roe deer, birds of prey and sometimes the odd hare. The property is within a short drive to the charming village of Coniston, a popular Lake district destination, which offers a selection of independent shops, pubs and cafés, the ideal place to reward yourself with a well-earned rest and drink after conquering the peak of ‘Coniston Old Man’.
Lowick also offers easy access to the market town of Ulverston with its cobbled streets and regular selection of festivals throughout the year, including the popular Dickensian Christmas market and the comedy and music of ‘Another Fine Fest’ which is in tribute to Stan Laurel, half of the timeless comedy duo, Laurel & Hardy, who was born in Ulverston.
This is a great base to explore the South Lakes area, whether that be for walking or cycling (bike and electric bike hire is available next door to Lowick House by visiting www.lakedistrictbikes.com). The South Lakes area has something for everyone whether you’re a family looking for great days out at the Safari Zoo, Go Ape, Escape rooms, Segways, Lakes Aquarium or a group of friends looking for a day at the races, Michelin star restaurants, museums, galleries or simply some great pubs. It’s all within easy reach.

The moment you walk into this rustic style timber lodge you’ll feel a sense of warmth and homeliness. The open plan living/dining/kitchen area is comfortable and has all the mod cons you need with cooker, dishwasher, microwave, and large TV, but chances are you won’t be spending time watching TV or Netflix, you’ll more than likely be trying to spot the red squirrels and deer that often roam around the grounds. There are two bedrooms, a master with a double bed and dressing table and the second has twin beds. The lodge is completed by a family bathroom with a shower. In the shed outside there are also a washer and dryer in case of those muddy fun days. The lodge is located in a park where all properties are privately owned and so has a real non-commercial feel. Guests are offered access to a small swimming pool and mixed sauna at certain times of the year, but the location of the park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with some superb walks at the edge of the park.

Neaum Crag at Skelwith Bridge is conveniently located between Coniston and Ambleside, two of the most popular locations in the Lakes. Ambleside boasts a wide selection of independent shops, pubs, restaurants and not one, but two cinemas. Waterhead Pier runs ferries which can be taken to Bowness and Lakeside pier near Newby Bridge, Wray Castle, and Brockhole Visitor Centre. Motor and rowing boats are available if you wish to take to the water. National Trust owned Stagshaw Gardens, offers eight acres of fine gardens with a wide variety of plants, trees and shrubs, and for more impressive natural features there is Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular 70-foot waterfall which may be viewed safely from a railed viewpoint. Coniston is a few minutes’ drive in the other direction and as well as the town with its shops and pubs, there is Coniston water, which is popular for activities such as canoes, paddle boards and open water swimming. Beach 25 miles. Pub ½ mile.

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.

You immediately feel welcome as your step through the front door of this beautiful cottage, Off the entrance hall there is the living room with comfy sofas and welcoming open fire place , the ideal space to warm those toes after a busy day’s walking. Across the hall is a sitting room offering more comfy furniture and TV with an Xbox if you want an alternate choice of entertainment (some board games and books to read). Moving through the house you step into the family kitchen/dining room. The kitchen is well equipped with all the amenities you need to prepare anything from a picnic to family banquet. It’s the ideal space to chat over the days adventures as the drink flows and you enjoy the warmth of a wood burner. The French doors lead out to a patio area with rattan outside furniture and a firepit (initial logs included), and a large garden for those summer months with further decking and outside rattan furniture. Downstairs also features a shower room and a utility room with washing machine and tumbler dryer. Upstairs, there is the main bedroom offering a comfy, kingsize bed and en-suite toilet, in addition there are two spacious twin rooms. The upstairs is completed with a large family bathroom with a relaxing slipper bath to soak in, plus a rain shower and handheld shower.
Silecroft is a quiet peaceful idyllic village with a lovely pub; shops and supermarkets are available at Millom which is around 4 miles away. Haverigg is three miles which has a water ski centre and bar, further along from here is RSPB Nature reserve at Hodbarrow for spotting breeding terns, ringed plovers, redshanks and oystercatchers. If you enjoy beach walks there is fabulous safe sandy beach within ½ mile from the cottage, a beautiful place to watch the stunning sunsets. Silecroft also offers a splendid well maintained 9 hole links golf course with super views of the beach and Black Combe, they also offer Foot golf, visitors are always welcome to enjoy this coastal golf course. Other local attractions include Mullthwaite Green riding centre at the top of the road for hacks,beach rides or lessons. If you fancy a larger horse perhaps try the empowering Cumbrian Heavy Horses, where you can trek over the hills on one of those large, magnificent creatures or again a beach ride on Silecroft beach. Alternatively for a gentler pace -how about a leisurely walk up Black Combe to capture the spectacular views of the western Lakes coastline aswell as on a good day IOM, Wales and Scotland.
A 22 minute drive finds you at Waste Water with its impressive screes or in the other direction 30-minute drive finds you at the impressive Coniston Water or a little further on and you are at the water’s edge of Lake Windermere. If you fancy a steam train ride why not try the local "Ratty" in the stunning Eskdale valley which offers great local pubs which offer food and refreshment. A bit of History would be the impressive Muncaster Castle which entertains guests with mesmerizing "birds of prey" displays and gorgeous garden walks. However, you enjoy spending your days holidaying you’ll find something to entertain everyone - from local restaurants, museums, animal parks, aquarium, stately homes, through to paddle boarding, open water swimming in the lakes or sea, cycling, climbing, or walking, and all this is set against some of the most stunning ,unspoiled,undiscovered National Park scenery known as the Lake District and with the added benefit of a safe sandy beach. Beach ½ mile.

This spacious, immaculately presented property is perfect for family gatherings or up to four couples that wish to enjoy some quality time together in luxury surroundings. Situated in a prestigious area of Bowness on Windermere, accessed via a private road, you will be sure to appreciate why this property has been awarded a five-star status.
The property sits on a large plot with a lawned garden to the front, a huge balcony with garden furniture, and a large driveway (on an incline) providing parking for at least four cars. The large entrance hall/sunroom is welcoming with seating, making it a perfect place to sit and relax on hotter days. The kitchen, lounge and dining area are accessed via a spacious inner hallway. The kitchen is well equipped with appliances, including a fridge freezer, electric oven and hob, dishwasher, microwave, and coffee machine. The dining room is directly off the kitchen with large dining table and chairs, ideal for entertaining and group gatherings. The dining area is open plan to the spacious modern lounge which benefits from floor to ceiling glass windows and doors, taking full advantage of the uninterrupted views. The living room has a large contemporary wood burning stove and an enormous comfy sofa you can enjoy while taking in the view with a glass of your favourite tipple whilst watching the TV with Freesat. The balcony is accessed from the lounge via a set of glass patio doors and the views from here are simply breath-taking! Full of natural beauty. The balcony does have horizontal rails so toddler beware but it does have plenty of space and seating for eight guests making it a special place to enjoy alfresco dining on warmer evenings. Built into the hill to take advantage of the lake view, the house is moderately split level, with the huge master bedroom and luxurious en-suite bathroom being situated on the lower ground floor. There is plenty of storage provided for two guests with a wardrobe and drawers. The en-suite is huge and has been finished to a high specification. There are a further two double rooms both with en-suite shower rooms and a further room with a large zip and link bed and family bathroom directly across the hallway. There’s a large garage which can be utilised for cycle storage, kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and such like. There’s a washing machine in the garage too, should you need to refresh your towels after a day at the lake.
This property is perfectly placed to enjoy all that Bownesss-on-Windermere has to offer, including some of the Lake District’s finest attractions. Take a cruise on Lake Windermere to Ambleside or across to Lakeside to enjoy a day at the aquarium, or hop on the steam train to Haverthwaite. Alternatively, try your hand at sailing and hire your own boat for a few hours. Paddle boarding is also a popular activity on the lake, so if you have one, then it’s certainly worth bringing it along. Bowness-on-Windermere is also home to Beatrix Potter World and the wonderful Art Deco Royalty Cinema. If you’re feeling energetic, so many walks can be found nearby including ’Orrest Head’ in Windermere, a relatively short walk offering spectacular views over Lake Windermere. Some of the Lake District’s fantastic fells are a mere short drive away, as well as the small ’Alpine’ like village of Grasmere, where William Wordsworth is laid to rest at St. Oswald’s Church, and if you’re a fan of Gingerbread, a visit to Grasmere Gingerbread shop is a must! Beach 17 miles. Pub/hotel 1 miles.