Fido Family Friendly Places

Located in the small hamlet of Hartley, approximately 1 mile from the popular Cumbrian town of Kirkby Stephen, this charming cottage, originally a brewery and inn, offers welcoming, comfortable accommodation ideal for couples or a small family who enjoy exploring, walking or cycling in stunning countryside. The Yorkshire Dales National Park, Upper Eden Valley and North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are all right on the doorstep, and it is also within easy reach of the Lake District National Park. Dating back to the 1700s, the cottage, which is attached to the main house, has retained lots of lovely character features, which include exposed stone work on the stairs and a fantastic spacious bedroom with beams and galleried area. These traditional features are combined with all the contemporary comforts one expects from a holiday home, such as Wi-Fi, a well-equipped kitchen and contemporary bathroom with bath and separate shower cubicle. There is also a useful vestibule area where you can store outdoor clothing and boots.
Once a traditional farming and quarrying village, Hartley is a quiet place to stay, and the main sound you will hear is the babbling beck which runs through the village to the front of the cottage. The remains of the 12th-century castle can be seen on the hill which overlooks the village and on the summit of Hartley Fell are the mysterious ’Nine Standards’, a line of nine standing stones. Situated on the Coast to Coast footpath, the cottage is perfect for walkers. There is a variety of walks on offer to suit all abilities from a quiet riverside walk or a stroll along the railway lines to more challenging fell walks. The Eden Viaducts footpath starts in Hartley and the Howgill Fells are within easy reach, as are the North Pennines. The area is also great for cycling, with Kirkby Stephen on the C2C (Sea to Sea) Cycle Route. Other routes nearby include the W2W (Walney to Wear) coast to coast route and the Lakes and Dales Loop. There is an electric bike hire shop in the village and normal bike hire in Kirkby Stephen, or should you wish to bring your own bikes, storage is available on-site. Other popular activities available locally include golf and fishing. The popular ’Walkers are Welcome’ town of Kirkby Stephen is just 1 mile away and there is a footpath which will take just over 5 minutes to walk into town. Here you will find a good selection of shops, pubs, cafés and eateries as well as a couple of supermarkets, and there is a weekly market held on Mondays. The town also has a heritage centre and train station which is on the famous Settle-Carlisle line. In addition to its stunning scenery the area is also rich in culture and heritage and there are castles at Brough and Pendragon, both of which are free to visit. Shops and restaurants 1½ miles, pub 1 mile.

Nestled in the quiet village of Little Musgrave in the heart of the Eden Valley and just a short journey from the neighbouring towns of Kirkby Stephen and Appleby, sits Country Lodge. Just a short walk away is the very popular Eden Wedding Barn, meaning you could easily enjoy a relaxing holiday with the convenience of the venue just up the road.
This large detached house comfortably accomodates up to 10 guests across 5 bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities. The main part of the property has 3 excellent sized bedrooms with the main kitchen, utility area, large living room, dining area for twelve people and games room with table football and games console. The adjoining annex at the rear of the property houses 2 of the bedrooms and an open plan living/dining/kitchen space, making this property ideal for two families looking for a property with private space.
Wrapped around Country lodge to the rear is a raised patio area accessed directly from the annex. At the front of the property is an outside dining area and the semi-enclosed hot tub area with BBQ to enjoy, even during the Cumbrian winter months. There are many walking and cycling opportunities in the area, plus the famous and scenic Settle to Carlisle railway line that runs through Kirkby Stephen. The Eden Valley is perfectly placed for touring the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Teasdale and Durham, Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish border.

Blue Heron Lodge is a fully renovated modern barn conversion caught in the middle of very large grounds with a summerhouse and hot tub, the noise of Swindale Beck bubbling away at the bottom of the large private garden and all this shadowed by the amazing elevated views of Brough Castle in the next field.
It is ideally located close to the much loved Cumbrian towns of Kirkby Stephen and Appleby, both so full of character with a wealth of history, evident in the many historic buildings. The towns offer a selection of independent retailers, cafés, traditional inns and restaurants. Further afield the town of Bowes (with its stately home), High Force and Barnard Castle are in easy reach.
A multitude of villages dot this picturesque corner of the Eden Valley, and easy access to routes for walkers and cyclists make the area ideal for lovers of the great outdoors. You enjoy a secluded location between the Yorkshire Dales, North Pennines and the Lake District. Situated in the east of the county in a rural location, the property is ideally placed for exploring the highlights of the north of England.

Orrest Howe is situated up the famous Orrest Head walk in Windermere, set in a beautiful woodland garden. You can enjoy sitting out on one of the many seating areas or end your day relaxing in the hot tub whilst taking in the local scenery.
This detached five bedroom property is a mixture of modern living combined with the period features of a Lakeland house, with two living rooms, plus plenty of room for dining, and a big modern fitted kitchen, including a large wine chiller, perfect for your party of up to ten. With three of the bedrooms en-suite, a family bathroom with a shower over the bath, plus an extra two separate toilets, your comfort levels are really catered for. There are views onto the front garden from four of the bedrooms which also look out over the tree tops onto Windermere.
With bars, restaurants and shops within an easy walk from the front door you will find your stay very relaxing. Alternatively just a few steps and you can head on up Orrest Head for a bracing walk and take in even more of what the Lake District has to show you! Shop, pub and restaurant 250 yards.

Riverside Mill is a real gem of a traditional cottage, enjoying the peace and tranquillity of a riverside location yet just 4 miles from lively and bustling Kendal and the Lake District National Park. Beautifully renovated, Riverside Mill offers superb accommodation and is perfect for a family or group of friends who want to explore this picturesque corner of the country, whatever the time of year. The first thing that strikes you about this beautiful single-storey cottage, built from the local stone, is the stunning location, right on the banks of the River Mint.
Step inside and there’s a large and character filled open-plan living and formal dining area, split over two levels, with original exposed cruick beams and a magnificent inglenook fireplace with wood burner. Sumptuous sofas are ideal for curling up in front of the fire on a cool evening. There are huge glazed doors with access to the balcony, making this room not only light and airy, but making the most of those fabulous riverbank views. The breakfast-kitchen is fully equipped and the cosy cottage atmosphere and lovely views make this the perfect place to start the day. All the accommodation is on the same level with a magnificent master bedroom, a twin bedroom and a single with lovely river views. The bathroom has a bath, separate shower cubicle, wash basin and toilet.
But it’s outside where you’ll want to spend as much time as possible at this fabulous holiday destination, listening to the babbling of the river as it flows through the mill race in the garden. Outside you will find the private hot tub that accommodates 6 guests, and also the Glamping Pod that sits nestled next to the river and the waterfall, offering an extra bathroom and sleeping up to four, this cosy addition has underfloor heating and is sure to delight any guests looking for a memorable location and stay. There’s a courtyard garden to make the most of the views, and a fabulous decked balcony that gives you incredible views of the mill race and waterfall - it’s the perfect spot to relax with a drink after a busy day in the Lakes. There’s also 500 yards of fishing rights, so keen fisherman need to pack their licences! Riverside Mill & Glamping Pod also provides off-road parking for four cars. With a public footpath skirting the edge of the property, you’re soon out in magnificent open countryside.
All amenities can be found at Kendal, just 4 miles away, which is the gateway to the Southern Lakes. Take a trip to the Abbot Hall Art Gallery, the Kendal Museum and the Museum of Lakeland Life, or explore some of the country’s finest heritage buildings in nearby Sizergh Castle and Levens Hall. There’s plenty for families to explore on the shores of Lake Windermere or take a picnic to the beach. And if you love the rolling beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, the Dalesway trans Pennine walk is within easy reach. With so much to see and do on the doorstep, and the tranquillity of its setting, this is the ideal holiday destination for an exploration of this magnificent part of the world, whatever the time of year. Beach 17½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 4 miles.

Angerton Cottage is a delightful country cottage set in beautiful countryside yet close to the many and varied attractions the area has to offer. Refurbished in 2021 Angerton Cottage is lovingly decorated and furnished throughout, a particularly favourite room at Angerton Cottage is the living room with patio doors opening onto the garden where you can sit and enjoy the wildlife. In the winter the cosy wood burner in the living room is a joy.

With three comfortable bedrooms, a lovely kitchen and separate dining room it’s the perfect cottage for a family get together at any time of year and of course your four-legged friend is well catered for in the large, enclosed garden. From Angerton Cottage you can walk or cycle along quiet country lanes or jump in the car and you are in the heart of the Lake District National Park within half an hour where you can enjoy more strenuous hikes or just take in the delights of the lakes and mountains and the lovely towns like Keswick and Windermere.

Angerton Cottage is situated close to the border City of Carlisle, where you can visit a range of attractions including Tullie House and the impressive cathedral and Castle. A short drive will take you to the ruins of the famous Hadrian’s Wall, or why not take a drive over the border to the beautiful beaches of Dumfries and Galloway.

Set in beautiful surroundings at New Mills Trout Fishing Park, why not try your hand at fly fishing? The lake is home to rainbow, tiger, blue and brown trout – probably the true fisherman’s ideal holiday destination. For the novice, try your hand at the fun fishing pond and bag yourself that ’I’ve caught my first fish’ experience, with all tuition and equipment provided. Also on-site to enjoy are giant games including Connect 4 and chess alongside a Fairy Trail and pond dipping, or simply visit the children’s play park and tackle shop. Please note costs for our fishing and other activities are separate and pre-booking is advised.
Lake View Cottage has a small patio area overlooking the fishery and boasts a private 34-jet hot tub for up to five guests. Enjoy the starry night sky while the warmth of the hot tub bubbles away. Another aspect perfect for socialising is the open-plan living space, seamlessly blending dining and quality time in one wholesome space. For additional comfort, both bedrooms invite you with zip and link beds, meaning flexible arrangements are offered ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep for friends and families alike.
The cottage is situated only 1 mile away from the picturesque market town of Brampton and further afield is the lovely city of Carlisle. Ullswater and the Northern Lakes are just over half an hour’s drive away. This is the ideal base for a holiday full of adventure and exploring, and no visit is complete without a visit to the famous Hadrian’s Wall. There are also lovely riverside walks close by. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

Wild Duck is a well presented, end-terrace cottage in the quiet village of Swarthmoor, located on the Furness peninsula. The open plan living space provides a comfortable and airy feel, with a large comfy sofa and armchair to relax in - the wood burner is the focal point and a warming welcome on those cooler evenings. A well-equipped kitchen has everything you need to start the day with a hearty breakfast or an evening meal, but with many excellent restaurants nearby you could be very easily tempted out for the evening. Upstairs there are two double bedrooms laid out over the first and second floor, with a good-sized family bathroom with bath and separate shower on the first floor. Young children have been well catered for, too, with a wicker crib, cot, toddler bed (as well as bedding for these) and a stairgate and highchair. Outside to the rear is a private and enclosed patio garden, a perfect place to have a drink and enjoy the sunsets on those long summer evenings with friends.
Located just on the outskirts of the popular town of Ulverston, 2 miles, home to many old pubs, restaurants, shops and a regular market, explore the many cobbled streets with small and interesting shops and historical architecture, it is the birthplace of Stan Laurel and the town’s Laurel and Hardy museum is well worth a visit.
Walkers will enjoy the start of the Cumbria Way from here, a relatively low level walk that follows paths and tracks along valleys and breathtaking passes. Nearby family attractions also include the South Lakes Wild Animal Park, Windermere, Coniston and a rewarding walk up Birkrigg Common with panoramic views over Morecambe Bay. Beach 3 miles. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant ½ mile.