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.

Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Hammerhole is a unique rural cottage on Lake Windemere's shores on the Graythwaite Estate near Hawkshead. The large, pet-friendly cottage features enviable views, extensive grounds, a private jetty, access to a swimming pool and sauna, and the beautiful region of Cumbria.

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Exterior of a stone built cottage overlooking a courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This semi-detached Cumbrian holiday cottage is located near Cark-in-Cartmel and can sleep four people in two bedrooms.

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A stone-built, 2-storey cottage in Cumbria overlooks a large lawn.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Stone-built Fell Foot is a large rural holiday home in Santon Bridge dating back to 1899. The pet-friendly cottage with a hot tub is set amidst the countryside of Cumbria and the Lake District. It offers spacious grounds, antique furnishings, an open fire and panoramic views of Wast Water Fells.

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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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Exterior of a Cumbriain stone. barn conversion near surrounded by fields.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Gill Beck Barn enjoys wonderful views of the Pennines and the Lake District and promises guests character and comfort. The pet-friendly cottage sits on a large property near Melmerby in Cumbria & offers a spacious furnished garden, an Aga, a log fire in a traditional fireplace and absolute tranquillity.

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Exterior of a holiday cottage in Cark-in-Cartmell overlooking a small patio and lawn.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Lovely 18th-century holiday home near Cartmel village in the South Lakes. Off-road location, log fire, free Wi-Fi. Short breaks from £240.

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Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
6

Todd Hills Hall Farmhouse is a luxurious rural cottage boasting panoramic views of the Pennines. The pet-friendly cottage near Melmerby in Cumbria boasts seclusion and fresh air. It features log fires, exposed beams and Aga, a hot tub, a snooker table, beautiful gardens and ornate furnishings.

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A stone Penrith holiday home with a 1st floor Juliet Balcony overlook a paved courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Get swallowed up in the beauty of the remote North West Cumbrian countryside at the quieter end of The Lake District with a stay at the secluded Swallow’s Nest, a cosy, family-friendly, 5-Star Gold, barn conversion in Catterlen, near Penrith.

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Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Two Tweenways, near the Lake District village of Ambleside, is the perfect romantic holiday cottage for couples in Cumbria. It is complete with a fitted kitchen, dining area, small patio with garden furniture, and access to magnificent Lake Windermere and its nearby attractions.

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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!