A holiday cottage overlooks a large lake in front of tall Lake District Fells.

Find My Favourite Holiday Cottages in Cumbria

This essentially wild and remote region of England is often regarded as one of the best counties in England for lovers of the great outdoors. Perhaps the best way to enjoy it is from a cosy stone-built Cumbrian self-catering holiday cottage tucked away in the heart of a Lakeland or Pennine hill village with a welcoming pub within easy walking distance. Cumbria is the home of the English Lake District National Park, a paradise for walkers, climbers, mountain bikers and those who like to mess around in a boat on the Lakes. Cumbria also appeals to literature lovers keen to follow in the footsteps of the poet William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, author of the Peter Rabbit children's books. Their homes are open to the public. You'll also discover more about the author of Mrs Tiggywinkle at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness on Windemere.

Restored Fortified Country House surrounded by open fields in Cumbria.
Sleeps
24
Bedrooms
12

Blencowe Hall is an award-winning Grade I-listed fortified manor in Blencowe dating back to the 1400s. Situated in Blencowe, Cumbria, the pet-friendly rural property boasts period features, open fires, extensive manicured grounds, activities such as trout fishing, stunning views and contemporary elegance.

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A twin-gabled house overlooks a large lawn bordered by a tall hedge.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

New Lodge promises stunning views of Lake Ullswater from its cosy sitting room. The lakeside cottage in Watermillock, Cumbria, promises seclusion and modern sophistication, architectural design, floor-to-ceiling windows, two log fires, lovely gardens and a private shoreline with a small jetty.

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Stone-built estate cottage with a hot tub on its patio and a large lawn.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Keepers Cottage is a stone-built luxury holiday cottage in the Lake District on the Bigland Estate in the village of Blackbarrow, near Newby Bridge in Cumbria. This rural cottage sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms - all ensuite with Smart TVs. With underfloor heating, it's perfect for holidays all year round.

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1st floor exterior of a stone-built Kendal holiday cottage.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

In the Lake District charming town of Kendal, you’ll find this romantic cottage built for two nestled down a short alley just a few hundred yards from the surrounding town centre. With so much to offer in all seasons, you’ll fall in love with Wood Cottage in Cumbria.

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Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

 

Birkdale House is a Victorian property near Lake Windermere in the Matson Ground Estate. It has been refurbished to a high standard and features a cinema room and games room.

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Exterior of a large country house surrounded by lawned gardens.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Kirkbridge Hall is located on a 20-acre mixed woodland estate in Cumbria called Melmerby Hall. This pet-friendly stone cottage is next to St. John's Church. The cottage offers stunning views and peaceful surroundings. It has a lovely orchard and solid oak floors, along with antique furniture and a cozy log fire.

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A white-rendered 2-tory, semidetached holiday cottage in Cumbbria overlooks a quiet lane.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Kings Cottage in the historic market town of Alston, Cumbria, makes the perfect dog-friendly holiday cottage for couples planning a romantic holiday in the Pennines. This recently refurbished character cottage lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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Exteriorof a large stone-built hall in Cumbria with a large lawn and parking spaces.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

This Cumbrian longhouse, listed as Grade II, was not used for domestic purposes for several centuries until it was recently restored and won a 5-Star Gold Award. Its historical significance is reflected in its thick sandstone walls, ship beams, timbers, and traditional oak window shutters.

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The Gable end of a single-storey barn conversion overlooks a country garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Fellside Barn is a gorgeous rural barn conversion offering panoramic views of the hills of Cumbria. The light and airy pet-friendly property in Broughton Beck boasts generous gardens with a large furnished deck and an interior blending reminders of yesteryear with open-plan, contemporary comforts.

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Everybody has their favourite lake; for some, it is Windemere, on which 'the novel Swallows and Amazons is reputedly based. You can take to the lake by hiring a rowing boat or view it from the decks of a genteel Victorian pleasure steamer. For others, it is Grasmere or Coniston Water in the south or Bassenthwaite or Buttermere in the north. Each lake has its own character, so pick one, and you'll find a suitable holiday cottage offering magnificent views of the fells close to hand.

Sharing the border with Northumberland, between England and Scotland, Cumbria draws you into its fantastic coastline, from the Solway to St.Bees, where you feel the whole world is yours to enjoy. To the north of the County, find the western end of Hadrian's Wall, built by the Romans in the 2nd century and Castle Park, known as the "Castle of the Kings". Carlisle, with its own castle and cathedral, is also home to the Museum and Art Gallery at Tullie House; check out its extensive displays of art, human history and natural sciences.

Cumbria also boasts an attractive coastline along which towns grew up during the Industrial Revolution. The coastline now offers a faded grandeur to visitors who are choosing to enjoy the impressive coastal walks along the shorelines. Visit the harbour and the Haig Colliery mining museum in Whitehaven or ride the Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway, which travels through the stunning countryside in Eskdale. You'll find plenty of industrial heritage worth exploring in addition to extensive and often deserted beaches.

And if lakes, beaches and visitor attractions aren't enough, don't forget the Fells - a Mecca for walkers at any time of year, made famous by the books of Alfred Wainwright. England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, can be found here. You don't need to be a mountaineer - just the owner of a good pair of boots, sensible clothing, and a map. With an eye on the weather, the hills and fells are yours for the day. So, spend the day in the open air in a county that offers splendid activities for all ages, then return to your holiday cottage to share a dinner of locally produced food before clambering into your comfortable cottage bed - sleep is guaranteed!