Dog-friendly Cumbria

Set in 18 acres of beautiful natural grounds and woodland, this charming wooden holiday lodge has its own private outdoor space along with shared use of an indoor heated plunge pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and table tennis table. Extended and refurbished in 2021, there is a double bedroom, a twin bedroom, a new kitchen, and a large veranda with seating and an external heater.
Right on the doorstep of the magnificent Langdales, 2½ miles from Ambleside and 8 miles from Coniston. It is a perfect base for touring and exploring the footpaths in the area with numerous woodland and hill walks straight from the door. Great for wildlife lovers, with deer and other animals freely wandering through this small, select woodland retreat. The Lake District Visitor Centre near Windermere is worth a visit (activities include high ropes, horse riding etc), as is the nearby water sports centre on Windermere. Pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

If you love visiting the lakes and rambling around National Parks, then Tebay is the place for you. Ramshead Cottage is detached and has a wealth of original features, it’s characterful and welcoming with a cosy country style, and on the doorstep of both the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. The views of the surrounding fields and fells are divine for those beautiful summer mornings, fast forward to winter and you can cosy up in front of the wood burner. The main bedroom has a double bed and the second bedroom is a twin bedroom allowing the option to have double or separate beds. Comfortable seating around the television and wood burner on the ground floor will help you unwind after a long day walking or cycling. There is a large kitchen offering all the amenities you would expect to be able to cook for you and your guests. Wines are available in the property which guests can buy, and the owner will donate £1 per bottle purchased to the Air Ambulance and Cumbrian Mountain Rescue. There is even an outdoor shed ideal for bicycles, canoes or even motorbikes. The local pub is ideal for a hearty Sunday roast after your afternoon ramble and Ramshead Cottage is within easy reach of Kendal, Penrith, Lancaster or Carlisle, making this quaint village a great commuter’s location. Shop, pub and restaurant 200 yards.

This delightful cottage has seen considerable renovation work in 2019, combining modern fittings with original features to provide a cosy and well-equipped holiday home. Situated in a rural position and adjoining the owners’ property, it is just 1½ miles from the attractive, ancient, market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland, in the beautiful Eden Valley.

This is an ideal retreat for couples and small families. It is centrally located in a peaceful position in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, and has a pretty outlook. It is also close to the Scottish Borders and Hadrian’s Wall. Excellent walking, cycling, golf and fishing are all available nearby. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

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.

Solway Marsh view is a delightful rural cottage attached to the owner’s farmhouse, yet is completely private. It boasts a cosy sitting room with a lovely wood burner, a spacious kitchen/dining room perfect for enjoying a home cooked meal in after a day spent exploring. Upstairs is a spacious master bedroom, a twin room with custom made bunk beds and a modern bathroom. Outside, Solway Marsh View has a secluded garden with the most delightful views over the River Eden onto the Lake District fells.
Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this lovely riverside cottage provides a comfortable, warm and cosy stay for people looking for a countryside retreat to relax and unwind in. From the garden you can walk out of the garden gate and straight onto the river side with access to walks not publicly available. Or take a 15-minute walk to the village pub which serves delicious food!
The Lake District, Solway Coast, historic Carlisle and the Scottish Borders with Gretna Green are within easy reach, and Carlisle train station is 15 minutes away. There are lots of beautiful walks on the doorstep, including Hadrian’s Wall a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can explore the history of the wall and its dramatic landscape at over 20 fascinating sites, as well as the coastal path (routes and directions can be provided). Due to its location on the banks of the River Eden and Solway Firth, it is a birdwatchers’ and animal enthusiasts’ paradise. From the garden or your bed you will both see and hear ducks, geese, swans and many other breeds of birds flying up and down the river onto the Solway Firth. Whilst you have the tranquillity at the property you are only minutes by car from the M6 thereby ideally placed to enjoy one of the most beautiful regions in the UK. From here you can not only enjoy the beauty of this area but also a quick drive will take you over the border into Scotland with its miles of dramatic coastline.
Whilst staying at Solway Marsh View explore the many delights of Cumbria, a must is a visit is the beauty of the Lake District National Park with its stunning mountains and lakes. Close by, of course, is the beautiful border city of Carlisle with its 12th-century cathedral and 11th-century castle, it’s a lovely city to explore and of course, great for a spot of retail therapy. Pub and restaurant 1¼ miles.
Capricorn Cottage can be booked together with The Eden Hideaway (ref UK1554) to accommodate up to 8 guests.

Situated in beautiful, picturesque countryside near Troutbeck, Red Syke is in a great location for guests wanting to really explore the local area and beyond. Ideal for those who enjoy a walking or cycling holiday, with plenty of public footpaths and cycle paths passing through some of the most magnificent countryside. There are also plenty of attractions within a close radius. Experience Lakeland at its best, with every kind of outdoor activity on hand. Red Syke is a tranquil haven away from the stresses and strains of everyday living, and ideal for anyone looking to spend some time amidst the peace and quiet of wonderful scenery. Enjoy sailing on Ullswater, or take in the magnificent views from a launch trip on the lake - this scenic region offers something for everyone. Shop 2½ miles, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Coniston, Penny Rigg Cottage is a sophisticated and refurbished mid-terraced home that exudes both style and comfort. Impeccably decorated with chic interiors, this modern village cottage offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a home from home. Centrally located, Penny Rigg Cottage is just a stone’s throw away from the enchanting amenities that Coniston has to offer. The cottage’s prime positioning allows you to conveniently leave your car in the private parking space, granting you the freedom to explore the surrounding area on foot. In just 10 minutes, you can reach the stunning Coniston Water, and from the doorstep, you have easy access to footpaths leading into the fells, including the renowned Old Man of Coniston. This charming cottage serves as an ideal base for couples, friends, and families eager to discover the beauty of Coniston and its surroundings.
The ground floor welcomes you with a Lakeland slate hallway, perfect for storing walking gear. The sitting room features a large, comfortable leather sofa positioned perfectly in front of a wood-burning stove, creating a cozy retreat after a day of exploration. The well-appointed country kitchen is a culinary haven and a dining table for four completes the kitchen, providing a delightful space for shared meals. A traditional rear porch opens into a charming courtyard, the perfect spot for morning coffees and relaxation. Ascend to the first floor, where oak-floored spaces await. The double bedroom offers scenic fell views to the rear, accompanied by a modern en-suite walk-in shower room and toilet. The super king bed room faces the front, providing views of Grizedale Forest, and features an en-suite bathroom.
Step outside to discover the delightful rear courtyard garden, complete with garden furniture and a secure anchor point for bikes. To the front, a small, gravelled garden adds to the cottage’s overall charm. Beyond the comfort of Penny Rigg Cottage, the enchanting village of Coniston beckons, offering a myriad of activities and attractions, from exploring the waters of Coniston to embarking on scenic hikes in the nearby fells.

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.

This classic detached timber lodge enjoys an elevated position providing the perfect retreat for couples or an amazing base for a family holiday. The popular Glendowlin Lodge development is a small group of privately owned lodges which offer a peaceful and comfortable stay just 4 miles from Ullswater. The accommodation is spacious, well equipped and comes with private parking for 2 cars. There are farmer’s fields adjacent to the rear garden, which is lovely in the warmer months when the sheep are out grazing. From this point, you also have far reaching views of the Lakeland fells over to the West.
The lodge can comfortably sleep up to six guests in three good-sized bedrooms. A kingsize with en-suite shower, a double, and a bedroom with bunk beds - this room has an optional trundle bed giving families flexibility for three children sharing the same room. There is also a travel cot bed provided, which can be used in this bedroom if the trundle is not in use. All bedrooms have built in wardrobes, so you have plenty of storage space. The main bathroom features a shower over a bath.
The open-plan living/dining room and fully equipped kitchen is a great space for entertaining; with a large dining table for enjoying meals together or for playing one of the provided board games. If you’re looking for some down-time after a busy day out exploring, the TV has built-in Freeview and a DVD player. On the cooler evenings the wood burner can be lit, making it a cosy place to relax.
With the M6/A66 being only 5 minute drive from Sparrow’s Nest, it is the perfect location for exploring some of the very best places that Cumbria (and the surrounding areas) has to offer. You get the best of both worlds with the Lake District to the west and The Yorkshire Dales to the east - even the Scottish border town of Gretna is only a 35 minute drive, so you really are spoilt for choice! You have the market towns of Penrith or Keswick to visit the array of shops and eateries, or the historical city of Carlisle with its castle and museum. Or being located on the fringes of the national park, adventure isn’t far away. From Pooley Bridge you can take the Ullswater Steamer to Glenridding either to relax and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings or to follow in the footsteps of Alfred Wainwright and explore the fells. All of this and so much more is easily accessible from this central location. You will find a folder containing lots of leaflets for local attractions to help plan your stay.
Alternatively, if you would rather stay local, just down the road is the Lowther Estate. This includes a gothic castle ruin, 130 acres of gardens, café, shop, exhibition and an amazing adventure playground that will keep everyone entertained for ages! There is a lovely network of walks and cycle paths with the option to hire all-terrain bikes, children’s bikes and also electric mountain bikes on site. Following all this you will have definitely deserved a visit to the cosy pub/restaurant only a mile away in the village of Tirril.