Dog-friendly Cumbria

Blencathra is a tastefully converted Grade II listed barn situated on Blakebeck Farm just two miles from the unspoilt Lakeland village of Mungrisdale. The barn has an upside-down layout with a large open plan living area on the first floor. Lovely views of the local fells and Blencathra surround the barn and the owner’s sheep and lambs graze in the meadows around the cottages, along with alpacas and donkeys. Local walks from the doorstep are plentiful. Cyclists will enjoy the quiet country lanes and golfers will find Keswick Golf Course one and a half miles away. The popular bustling market town of Keswick with an abundance of interesting shops, eateries and a good leisure centre is seven and a half miles away. Stretch your legs along the edge of Derwentwater or through the Borrowdale Valley and pick up the Keswick Launch to cruise back again. Towards the south, Ullswater and Thirlmere are a short drive away and both offer spectacular scenery, challenging walks and plentiful activities. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Blencathra can be booked together with The Garth (CC112156) to accommodate up to 12 guests.

Located in the beautiful and tranquil Eden Valley, Melmerby has an award-winning village bakery and a pub, which both serve excellent food and are just a short stroll away from the cottage. The Eden Valley nestles between the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North Pennines, Cumbria’s ‘hidden gem’, which maintains the illusion of untouched remoteness despite its extremely accessible location. There is superb walking and fishing locally. Penrith, Alston and Ullswater are all under 15 miles away, and Hadrian’s Wall is 20 miles away. Shop 9 miles, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

Stepping into the hallway of this lovely property, you immediately feel at home. The living room is filled with light from the large bay window and is the perfect place to relax after a busy day’s fun. The kitchen is a wonderful social space, ideal for sharing memories of the day’s events as the chef prepares an evening meal. It features an original, old range cooker (not in use). Upstairs you’ll find two double bedrooms, one with an en-suite shower, and a family bathroom.

The property is ideally situated within a few minutes’ walk of the lovely town of Windermere, offering a great range of independent shops, bars, and eateries. Alternatively, a mile away is the lakeside town of Bowness offering even more shops and attractions such as The World of Beatrix Potter attraction and cinema. A very short walk away you’ll find Queens Park, a wonderful park for children to play or walk the dog. Bowness also gives access to Lake Windermere itself. There are numerous ways to enjoy the lake from cruises and ferries to motorboat hire, or maybe paddle boarding and kayaking is more your style.

The local area has something for everyone ranging from family activities such as Go Ape, high ropes adventure, Brockhole activity centre, through to the safari zoo and aquariums. For a little more culture, there are museums, galleries and stately homes, or maybe you prefer to spoil your taste buds at a Michelin-star restaurant. The more active amongst you will enjoy walking, cycling, or climbing in amongst some of the most stunning scenery in the world. Beach 15 miles.