Dog-friendly Cumbria

Barton Hall Farm can be found just outside Pooley Bridge, the village at the outfall of Lake Ullswater. Set in the countryside on a traditional working farm, this area offers some of the most wonderful landscapes in the region from the privacy of a secluded rural setting. It is minutes from Lake Ullswater, with its walking, water sports and ponderous steamers making their regal-like journeys up and down the lake in the shadow of the majestic fells. This area offers many forms of recreation, whatever season you choose to visit. All three cottages have been tastefully converted from original old stone farm buildings; and wherever possible the original features have been retained. Old pitch pine beams stretch unhindered through bedrooms and across stairways and the local slate and sandstone are in evidence throughout. Guests are welcomed with fresh flowers, along with well furnished comfortable holiday accommodation, wood-burning stoves and well-equipped kitchens. For good walking, fells nearby include High Street range, 1 mile, and Helvellyn, 10 miles. The market town of Penrith, 5 miles; whilst the attractions of Keswick are 14 miles. Shops, pubs and restaurants ½ mile.

Nestled near Pooley Bridge in the Lake District, this delightful holiday home is a detached bungalow, offering a serene retreat with its large living room heated by a modern electric fire. The property features a twin bedroom and a luxurious double room with a kingsize bed. The bathroom is equipped with a bath and a shower overhead, providing both comfort and convenience. A garage with a washer/dryer and ample space for bikes, paddle boards, and canoes adds to the convenience, and a large, enclosed garden invites relaxation surrounded by nature.
There is a wealth of places to visit within a half hour drive, so whether you choose to immerse yourself in history with a visit to Dalemain Mansion, an elegant historic home surrounded by stunning gardens. Or discover the medieval ruins of Penrith Castle, situated in the heart of the town. Explore the grounds and learn about the castle’s fascinating history. Rheged Centre is an arts and cultural venue offering exhibitions, shops, and a cinema, providing a perfect indoor option for a day out. Otherwise enjoy a relaxing walk along the picturesque shoreline of Lake Ullswater, soaking in the breathtaking views without venturing too far from the holiday home.
For more natural beauty visit Hutton in the Forest, a historic house with beautiful gardens and woodland. Explore the charming surroundings and perhaps enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. Take a short drive to Aira Force Waterfall, an enchanting natural attraction surrounded by woodlands. Enjoy a peaceful walk to the waterfall and relish the serenity of the area. For those seeking adventure, Rookin House offers a variety of outdoor activities such as horse riding, quad biking, and archery, providing a thrilling day out. After a busy days adventures why not discover the charm of Pooley Bridge by exploring its local pubs and restaurants, offering a taste of the region’s culinary delights. This holiday home near Pooley Bridge provides not only a comfortable retreat, but also easy access to a variety of local attractions and activities for a memorable Lake District experience.

Located within the heart of the Lake District, Helm View is situated in the secluded tree-lined district of Annisgarth, a short walk from the centre of both Windermere and Bowness and five minutes on foot from the open countryside with views over Windermere and beyond. This modernised Lakeland slate house is a spacious retreat combining tradition with modern facilities and the chance to relax in front of the log fire or on the patio. There are numerous attractions nearby with outdoor activities, sightseeing, shops, restaurants, Lake Windermere and the Beatrix Potter visitor attractions. Ambleside and Hawkshead are within five miles. Shops 1 mile.

Mark Close Farmhouse, which accommodates 20, 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 house 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 a large garden bordered by mature trees with panoramic views over green fields and wild fells. In the paddock next door to the Farmhouse, 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.
There is additional accommodation for two adjacent to the Farmhouse - a small fully equipped one bedroom cottage called Mark Close Milking Parlour (ref 25137). Ideal for a couple who would prefer peace and quiet, the Milking Parlour also has a small hot tub suitable for four people at once.
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 and eat together with family or friends in the farmhouse kitchen

This charming, detached, wood-fronted holiday cottage is set in the beautiful Eden Valley down a long private stone track, in quiet idyll. Cosy and comfortable, it lies adjacent to the owner’s home and has two well-furnished living rooms to provide flexible family living arrangements whether you are lounging in front of the wood burner watching the birds on the feeder or watching a DVD from the selection in the cottage. With various breeds of birds in the woodland overlooked by the decking, this is a little nature haven. Nestled between the Pennines, Scottish Borders, the Lake District and North Yorkshire National Parks, this is the ideal touring base for a wide range of activities. Nearer home is a range of pretty villages, stunning surroundings, great farmers’ markets and traditional village shows. Cumbria is a fantastic place for the cycling, walking and climbing, whether out on the natural crags or the climbing walls at Penrith and Kendal. There is also horse riding and go-karting nearby. The ancient market town, Appleby is a 5-minute drive away and the Lake District is 30 minutes. Shop and restaurant 1½ miles, pub 1 mile.

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.

Down a quiet leafy lane in beautiful countryside just 2 miles from the shores of Coniston Water, this very spacious and attractive, traditional Lakeland house is set in its own private garden. Built in 1767, it enjoys superb views over Lakeland fells, and has been carefully restored whilst retaining many original features to offer comfortably furnished and well equipped family accommodation. The famous town of Coniston, nestling in the Coniston range of mountains, is just 20 minutes’ drive away. The hamlet of Lowick has a cosy and friendly inn serving excellent food only 500 yards from The Vicarage, with many country inns and excellent restaurants in the surrounding area.
The market town of Ulverston, 5 miles, offers a choice of shops, inns and restaurants, a championship golf course with superb views over Morecambe Bay, an excellent sports complex with swimming-pool and a Laurel and Hardy museum, Stan Laurel was born in the town. Many activities can be enjoyed in the immediate vicinity, including walking on fell, lakeside or mountain, sailing, wind-surfing and canoeing. The shores of Morecambe Bay are just 2½ miles away, where sea fishing is available. At the Grizedale Forest Enterprise Centre, 4 miles, mountain bikes can be hired to cycle along the many forest trails which link the majority of the numerous stone and wood sculptures scattered among the trees. Kendal, the ‘Gateway to the Lakes’, is well worth a visit for its museums, art galleries and pretty cafés and tearooms. The nearby Levens Hall boasts beautifully trimmed topiary gardens as well as a steam-engine collection and café. Lake Windermere 20 minutes’ drive with Bowness a further 10 minutes. Village shop 2 miles.

This charming holiday cottage is attractively presented and offers an immaculate home from home. All at ground floor and adjoining the owner’s home, it has spectacular country views and a private small garden and patio area. The property is surrounded by good walking country and there is a network of footpaths from the doorstep. The picturesque, unspoilt village of Kirkoswald, with its cobbled market place, is a frequent winner of the best-kept village competition and is located in the beautiful Eden Valley, a tranquil part of Cumbria. The village church has a unique feature, a 19th-century bell tower perched on a hilltop 200 yards from the church itself. Situated between Carlisle and Penrith, there is easy access to Hadrian’s Wall, the Northern Pennines, the western fringe of the Yorkshire Dales, the Scottish Border and Northumberland. Access to the shore side of the lake, Ullswater, at Pooley Bridge is only a short drive away, with Keswick and Derwent Water, along with Lake Buttermere, being only a little further. The Cumbrian Cycle Route passes near the village and there is good fishing on the River Eden close by. Shop and pubs within ¾ mile.

Just 1 mile to a sandy beach this holiday home is one of a small row in the hamlet of Newtown. Dated 1769 the property has been refurbished with extensive views towards Skiddaw (Lakeland fells) and towards the Solway Firth from the rear. Excellent coastal walking, golf, wind surfing, fishing and cycling. Cockermouth, 15 miles. Keswick, 25 miles. Shops and pub 1 mile.

Situated right in the heart of St Bees, these expertly designed holiday apartments are housed in a lovingly restored barn, each with its own unique style. Each apartment has been finished to a very good standard with quality fixtures and fittings throughout and they are situated at the entrance to a working farm. This beautiful part of Western Cumbria gives you the best of both worlds, access to St Bees Head Heritage Coast, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is also the starting point of the Alfred Wainwrights famous Coast to Coast walk, as well as access to the Lake District National Park with an abundance of fells and lakes within a short drive. These modern apartments feature all the design elements you would expect from a 21st century holiday cottage. A lot of thought and care has gone into creating the perfect holiday experience with guest comfort top of the list of priorities.
The Byres Tan is a ground floor apartment, the largest of the four, and has the flexibility to be able to sleep up to three guests in two comfortable bedrooms, so it is great for couples and families alike. The first features a kingsize bed, and TV and offers plenty of storage. The second is a single room with TV and a good level of free space. The apartment has been decorated and furnished beautifully throughout and being all on one level makes it ideal for guests who are less mobile or those with small children. The underfloor heating throughout gives a warm and cosy feel which is just what you need after a long day of sightseeing. The bathroom is contemporary and features a large shower cubicle, while the open plan feel of the living, dining and kitchen area give a feeling of space and a very convenient layout.
The properties benefit from being only ¾ mile from a beautiful sandy beach which is perfect for a breath of fresh air and also good for exercising your four-legged friends. Dogs are welcome to come and stay and there is plenty of good walks locally. The centre of St Bees has an excellent selection of local pubs and restaurants and if you want to leave the car behind you can take the train to many local towns. St Bees station, a number of pubs, restaurants and the local convenience store are all within 200 yards of the property. The famous St Bees priory, dating back to the 11th century is well worth a visit and can be reached within a 5-minute walk. If you like outdoor adventure, including walking, cycling and climbing, you are surrounded by some amazing scenery and you are only a 10-mile drive from the Lake District National Park, your nearest lake is Ennerdale which is regarded as one of the most unspoilt and natural parts of the Lake District. It is teaming with wildlife including buzzards, red squirrels and osprey to name a few. If you want to climb the highest mountain in England you can reach Wasdale Head in just 18 miles, which gives you the shortest route to the summit of Scafell Pike. Or why not take a trip on the La’al Ratty which is a miniature steam railway along the South West Coast. For golfers, St Bees offers an excellent 9-hole links course. Beach ¾ mile. Shop 160 yards, pub 50 yards and restaurant 100 yards.
The Byres Tan can be booked together with The Byres Tethera (ref UK1373) and The Byres Methera (ref UK1374) to accommodate up to 7 guests.