Dog-friendly Cumbria

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. Birkerthwaite Stable (W41477) is a single-storey converted stable with rustic charm heated by a log-burning stove. Birkerthwaite Barn (W41478) has a spacious kitchen/dining room, a galleried landing and a four poster bed. Birkerthwaite Cottage (W41479) has an upstairs open plan living area with wooden floors which opens onto a balcony overlooking gardens. 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.

For a holiday with a difference, Whitehall Pele Tower is a wonderfully atmospheric 14th-century Pele Tower providing a magnificent setting for a large family or group, perfectly placed for exploring the Lake District and Solway Coast. Grade I listed, the house has been owned by the same family for 150 years and has a long and fascinating history. An addition to the original building was made in the 16th century and the first restoration was made in 1861, after it was bought by the merchant and philanthropist George Moore.

Whitehall Pele Tower has all the benefits of modern living, whilst retaining its original character. The house stands in an acre of grounds containing the picturesque ruins of a Victorian manor house. Two of the larger lawns can be used for family games. Inside the house are spacious rooms, including a first floor sitting room with Chrome cast, giving the ability to stream from your device to the TV, and an enormous Tudor stone fireplace, looking out over tranquil pastureland. The grounds are full of birdlife and the scenery of the Northern Lakes is close at hand. Bassenthwaite Lake, 7 miles. Whinlatter Visitor Centre, Altura Mountain Bike Trail and Go Ape, 17 miles. Cockermouth, 10 miles. Hadrian’s Wall, 16 miles. Keswick, 16 miles. Ullswater, 26 miles. Shops and restaurant 4 miles, pub 2 miles.

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.

The Garth is a tastefully converted Grade II listed barn situated on Blakebeck Farm just 2 miles from the unspoilt Lakeland village of Mungrisdale. The property has four bedrooms, two of which enjoy en-suites. The super king size bedroom with en-suite is on the ground floor making it accessible for visitors with restricted mobility. The property enjoys lovely views of the local fells and Blencathra, 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. Fishing available nearby. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.The Garth can be booked together with Blencathra (CC112155) to accommodate up to 12 guests.

You will not be short of space when you stay at Greenbank House. This large, welcoming property with attached annexe is set in the hamlet of Skelwith Bridge, and only yards from the picturesque River Brathay, with some lovely walks right on your doorstep. With views over Wansfell and Loughrigg Fell, and large gardens to explore the flora and fauna, you will soon be in your own peace and tranquillity and away from it all. Let your children play hide and seek whilst you sit back and enjoy a good book, or a sip from a cup of tea whilst you thumb through a local guide for the next place to visit.
The main accommodation is set over two floors and has the benefit of its own private, attached, self contained annexe. Sit and enjoy the stunning views from the first floor living room, which also has a wood burner and plenty of comfy sofas to relax on and recall the day’s adventures. Entertain in the conservatory/dining room and absorb the surrounding private landscaped gardens and views. The TV has HDMI connection, so feel free to bring your laptop if you wish to connect to other sources. The large sun terrace is perfect to sit out on and make the most of the outlook, and with a large fully equipped kitchen, you have all the amenities to inspire any meal.
The village of Skelwith Bridge is home to the famous ’Chester’s By The River’ restaurant, which serves homemade cakes and lazy lunches, or enjoy a drink at the local bar. Nearby Skelwith Force waterfall is well worth a walk up to. A short drive and you are in Lakeland’s finest towns of Coniston, Ambleside and Windermere, or for the more adventurous, why not try some of the most acclaimed walks in the Langdale Valley? Shop 3 miles, pub and restaurant 200 yards.

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.

This eco ethos, self-built home with both solar and air sources, having underfloor heating on the ground and first floor was lovingly built by the owners using traditional stone, offering a rustic retreat with a contemporary twist. Accommodating up to 9 guests in luxury and comfort, this cosy cottage is ideal for larger families, groups of friends or couples seeking a countryside escape in the Eden Valley, close to the Lake District with the Cumbrian Hills rising to the north.
The property boasts four bedrooms, all with large TVs, some with TV feature walls, comprising one king with en-suite, two more king-size bedrooms and a fourth bedroom which can accommodate three guests. All beds have luxury firm memory foam mattresses with beautiful crisp white linen. You will find drencher showers both in the en-suite and main bathroom, which also features a large double-ended bathtub with all toiletries and towels provided. The stylish modern kitchen with an island is perfect for socialising around and features all modern appliances, including a dishwasher, washer, and dryer. The lovingly furnished living room houses a cosy wood burner, perfect for chilly nights in, and a new Samsung Qled 85” cinema screen/media wall Nintendo Switch, perfect for movie and games nights! Super-fast broadband means your digital needs are well-catered for here.
The private off-road driveway accommodates two large cars comfortably or three smaller cars and there is substantial off-street parking in the village near the play park. Their beautiful enclosed rear garden is a great space for any children or family pets to play in there is even a private hot tub and outdoor living area and a large patio where you can relax and unwind with views of the beautiful countryside. Detached from the house is a large boot/Games room facility, perfect for kicking off muddy boots and coats, and a dog bath and shower for pampering your pooch after your days exploring, a professional darts board and a retro Nintendo games console. we have large Cosy blankets for nights sat under the stars, a drinks fridge, and recycling facilities.
The wonderfully welcoming owners have furnished the property with total guest comfort in mind and will be there to meet and greet you upon arrival. You will have the personal touch of them being on hand during your stay if you require, available to tailor your visit to your total satisfaction. E-bikes can also be booked before your arrival, by direct arrangement with the owners. The local area has an abundance of pubs, cafes, and a local shop/post office all only a short drive away. Langwathby train station is close by where you can ride the Carlisle to settle route, the cottage is also on the C2C route.
For busy days of exploration walking straight from Cherry Cottage, be sure to visit Lacy’s Caves, a series of five chambers carved out of the sandstone cliff, set along a beautiful walking route with views of the river and a wonderful garden to admire. Just a short walk from the village you can find Long Meg and her daughters, one of the finest stone circles in the north of England- ask the owners for its mythical and mysterious legend! These beautiful attractions can be enjoyed doing a circular walk.
If you are looking for activities to occupy the family, in the next village of Hunsonby there is an outdoor swimming pool open from April to September, and the village of Winskill has a large playground with zip wire to entertain our younger guests.
Whether it’s fun-filled adventures in the countryside or simply enjoying time well spent together, Cherry Cottage has all you would ever need. Shop, restaurant 2 miles, pub 1 mile.

Perfect for large family get togethers and special occasions or surprise celebrations. A stunning property with two hot tubs, mature manicured gardens and woodland walks, set on its own private grounds in the heart of the picturesque Cumbrian village of Ravenstonedale. Featuring eleven spacious bedrooms and nine bathrooms, you’ll find the combination of rooms, beds and flexible sleeping arrangements ideal for a get together. The impressive building, sweeping staircase, high ceilings and panelled walls offer a glimpse to the past but with modern day living. The hallway has original Victorian tiled floor and the cloakroom an original Victorian toilet. Offering spacious bedrooms with luxurious beds, high quality furnishings, lovely interior décor and plenty of storage space, all have views to the grounds and gardens.

The ground floor offers two spacious living rooms with wood burners for cosy nights in together. During the day, the large windows flood the area with plenty of daylight and great views to the grounds and gardens. If you’re planning a special meal, there’s a stunning dining room big enough to host an amazing banquet and you can easily get everyone together in the same room. The large kitchen is well equipped and provides a social and communal hub for the house all the cooking facilities you could ever need. There is a utility and pantry as well as a boot room, ideal for walking gear and muddy boots, while the conservatory provides a quiet and relaxing area to unwind with a morning coffee. The games room comes complete with full size billiard table, perfect to while away the hours deep into the evening with a glass of wine.

Elm Lodge is set in 15 acres of beautiful private grounds with a mixture of lawns, courtyards, terraces mature gardens and woodland. There is an amazing outdoor terrace with pizza oven, plenty of garden furniture and two large hot tubs, perfect for a dip and to help ease those muscles after a day of adventure. Situated in Ravenstonedale this idyllic location has a beautiful church and a lovely play area next to a pretty river that runs through the village. A choice of three excellent pubs offering quality bar food, local ales and restaurant dining.

Ravenstonedale gives you the best of so many areas to explore and enjoy, surrounded by what is effectively three National Parks. The North Pennines with rolling hills, woodland, and picturesque surroundings. The Yorkshire Dales National Park, with caves, waterfalls, iconic and historical towns and villages and the Lake District National Park with lakes, mountains and any number of tourist hotspots. If you like walking, hiking, climbing, cycling or you just like to drive around beautiful countryside and enjoy afternoon tea and a bit of shopping, you’re spoilt for choice. But you don’t have to travel far, nearby Kirkby Stephen is steeped in history and offers a good selection of bars, restaurants, independent shops and sights to visit. It also offers several walking routes locally, plenty of wildlife and pleasant scenery. The market town of Kendal, 20 miles, is known as the ‘gateway to the southern Lake District’, and perfect for a day of shopping. From here you can easily access the popular tourist hotspots of Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere as well as take a cruise on the famous Windermere steamers.

Get ready for some fantastic memories. This magnificent Grade II listed Victorian Gothic mansion set beside Lake Windermere makes the perfect venue for large family get togethers, special occasions and surprise celebrations. Set in private grounds with lawned gardens and only a 5-minute walk to Bowness-On-Windermere, this place is simply unforgettable. High ceilings and stunning features offer a glimpse of its Victorian heritage. Following a stylish renovation, the impressive Fallbarrow Hall features the latest in interior design and contemporary fashion.

Featuring fifteen spacious en-suite bedrooms, plus two apartments with three additional bedrooms. You’ll find the combination of rooms, beds, and flexible sleeping arrangements ideal for an amazing holiday with up to 36 of your friends and loved ones. The themed bedrooms, sumptuous furnishings and luxurious surroundings are just the treat you’re looking for. Kick back in the jazzy cocktail bar or unwind while you catch the latest entertainment in the TV lounge. Enjoy some quiet time in the library or take in a movie in the cinema room. Take on your mates at pool or table tennis, while the little ones chill out in the kid’s den. Whether it’s a cosy night in or a much-needed family reunion you’re after, this place has it covered.

During the day, the large windows flood the area with plenty of daylight and great views of the grounds and gardens. If you’re planning a special meal, there’s a stunning dining room big enough to host an amazing banquet and you can easily get everyone together. The large kitchen is well equipped and provides a social and communal hub with all the cooking facilities you need. There is a utility and laundry room, ideal for walking gear and muddy boots, and plenty more to explore when you get here. Outside you can enjoy a large expanse of gardens with views of Lake Windermere.

Fallbarrow Hall is in a private and secluded area of Fallbarrow Holiday Park which features The Willow, a fine dining restaurant and cocktail bar, a marina with direct access to the lake, an adventure playground, and sports courts for the kids. Turn right from the park entrance and in 5 minutes’ you are in the popular tourist magnet of Bowness-On-Windermere with an abundance of shops, pubs, bars, and restaurants offering every type of cuisine you could wish for. Here you can ride the steamers on Lake Windermere to Ambleside or Lakeside. Grab an ice cream, feed the ducks, hire a boat, play mini golf, or play in the arcades. There’s so much to do and of course you are in the heart of The Lake District National Park, so if you love the outdoors, you’re in the right place. Walkers, cyclists, climbers will be in their element. Look no further, you’ve found the place of your dreams!

The Coach House sits privately in the grounds of Morland Hall, near Penrith in the Eden Valley. Enter the grounds through the automatic gates and follow the road up to the grand Morland Hall on your left and there is woodland to your right. When you enter this wonderful property there is a wide hallway with multiple doors to the spacious living/dining area with high ceilings, large TV and wood burning stove. There is a second lounge that comes off the kitchen with a large Smart TV and Sky. It has a multi fuel stove and the seating incorporates a double sofa bed for extra guests or the kids and an ensuite with bath and walk in shower. Leading up the stairs there is a mezzanine bedroom with a king size bed. Walk through to the games room where many an evening will be enjoyed challenging each other on one of the games consoles or board games. The kitchen area is fully equipped to create sumptuous feasts or snacks and spend quality time for your family and friends. There are four main bedrooms on the first floor: three with super kingsize beds, one with a kingsize bed, and each room has a different theme and a private en-suite bath, shower, and toilet facilities.
The outside space offers a few different areas. The patio area that traps the sun all day has seating and a large, wood-fired hot tub. The large garden offers a second patio area, has a large lawn area and a wood chipped play area, ideal for kids, with a sunken trampoline and play items, this area has multiple seating arrangements, plus a large BBQ. A fabulous place to spend time with your friends and family there is something for everyone!
Morland is positioned in the Eden Valley and just over 10 miles to the north and south Lake District to enjoy days out hiking, ferry cruises or shopping. Alternatively, you can stay closer to home and enjoy the Eden Valley that consists of lots of small villages with locally run pubs and cafés and excellent walking and cycling routes from the front door.