Fido Family Friendly Places

Converted from the old milking parlour, this single-storey cottage has been comfortably furnished to provide a delightful holiday home just for two. The property boasts its own hot tub, and the owners provide dressing gowns and slippers. Situated alongside Mark Close Farmhouse (ref 13314), The Milking Parlour 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 cottage 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 an enclosed garden with panoramic views over green fields and wild fells. In the paddock next door to the cottage, 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.
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 or relax in the gardens hot-tub whilst enjoying the surrounding views.

This very spacious, detached property is the ultimate getaway, with both a games room and an outdoor play area for children. It also has superb living, kitchen and dining areas for the rest of the family. Meadow View is perfect for families coming together, or for large groups needing somewhere to meet as a base and enjoy fun and time together. With the Roanhead Beach just over 3 miles away, and only a short drive into the South Lakes, this is superbly positioned accommodation for any occasion. Equally, you could just remain on site for a relaxing time away, parked behind the electric gates, and enjoy the on-site gymnasium, hot tub and games areas without the need to drive anywhere else. For those bringing infants and toddlers, the property provides ample equipment such as a baby bath with a seat insert for the main bath too, bottle maker, bottle warmer, steriliser, baby bouncer, electronic swing chair, a few toys, highchair, travel cot and a wooden cot which can be placed in any room. Beach 3½ miles. Shop 1 mile, pub ¾ mile and restaurant 1½ miles.

Shore Meadow is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Set just 150 yards from a beautiful, secluded sandy beach and enjoying an idyllic position in this tranquil, south-western corner of the Lakes where the mountains almost meet the sea. This semi-detached cottage is a short walk from the peaceful village centre of Silecroft. It has stunning westerly views over the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man and easterly views to Black Combe Fell. The beach extends for miles in both directions and is perfect for dog walking, lazy days building sandcastles or taking to the sea for fishing.

Shore Meadow has two double bedrooms and has been furnished and equipped to provide a really comfortable stay. There is a spacious breakfast kitchen which opens to a patio area with outside furniture, a large living room with two sofas and a wood burner, plus a separate dining room with French doors to the garden. There is also a large, enclosed, lawned garden, ideal for young children and dogs, and private parking for two cars.

Black Combe, the closest of the Lake District Fells, is only 2 miles away, and all of the westerly fells, including Scafell and Scafell Pike, are within easy reach, offering great walking for all abilities. Nearby attractions include Cumbria Heavy Horses, a BHS approved riding centre offering fell and beach rides on Clydesdale and Shire horses; water sports centre at Port Haverigg; South Lakeland Wild Animal Park, home to tigers, lions, white rhino, giraffes and lots of monkeys; historic Muncaster Castle, with stunning gardens and many seasonal events, also home of the World Owl Trust, and Ravenglass and Eskdale Narrow Gauge Railway, where you can ride a steam train through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lake District. A farm shop and gallery at nearby Bootle also offers breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas. Short, beautiful drives take you to Coniston, with the Ruskin Museum which houses geology and copper mining exhibits; the boating centre and Bluebird Café, or Whitehaven, Cumbria’s oldest harbour, where the Rum Story exhibition gives a fresh view on the town, and The Beacon Museum, with five floors of interactive exhibits, powerful telescopes and seafaring displays, providing a fun family day out. Beach 150 yards. Shop 50 yards, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.

Visit England ROSE award winner 2018

Bruno’s Bothy is detached and set in a peaceful location on a working farm in the heart of beautiful Cumbria. Renovated to an exacting standard and beautifully decorated with beamed high ceilings, wood burner, a delightful sun room overlooking the garden, not to mention the hot tub - you just might not want to venture further afield. If you can tear yourself away, Cumbria and the Lake District National Park is one of the most beautiful regions in the UK. The area has something to offer all visitors, from those seeking adventure, to those seeking peace and quiet. Not only is the Lake District National Park a short drive away, but from here it’s also easy to explore the great border city of Carlisle, Hadrian’s Wall and Scotland. Shop 4 miles, pub with restaurant 100 yards.