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.

A white-rendered cottage with a small porch overlooks a village street.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This lovely, pet-friendly holiday home in Cark-in-Cartmel sleeps four people in two bedrooms. It lies within easy reach of the Lake District and beaches on the Cumbrian Coast.

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A Coniston holiday bungalow with a lawn and large tarmac space for guest's cars
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

With glorious views looking down onto Coniston Water, Underwood is a beautifully presented single-story Lake District holiday cottage with a private hot tub for families of friends wishing to spend time in this Cumbrian Walkers paradise. Sleeps 6. Pets welcome.

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Entrance to a stone-built Cumbrian coottage with a porch and small lawn.
Sleeps
Bedrooms
1

Enjoy a romantic holiday amidst the splendour of Northern England with a stay at Cow Byre, a stone-built small holiday cottage in the Cumbrian hamlet of Barras. It is situated within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales, featuring a split-level open-plan living area, a feature wall, and a loft bedroom with a four-poster bed.

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An extended 2-storey Scottish barn conversion with one wall lined by roses
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Knott View sits within a 17th-century Grade II listed barn conversion on a working farm near Sedburgh in Cumbria. It lies between the Yorkshire Dales and The Lake District, offering guests outstanding views and tranquillity within a remote rural location. Sleeps 4.

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A single storey stone cottage sits behind a low stone wall.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Rowan Cottage is a superb and large rural holiday cottage near Newby Bridge, sleeping eight on the Bigland Hall Estate in the Lake District. It has fantastic rural views, a private hot tub and a large wrap-around patio courtyard garden on two levels with a lawn.

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A large Cumbrian with spacious sunroom with a raised, flower-filled terrace.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Elegance permeates Briarcliffe Cottage, a stone-built semi-detached Lake District holiday cottage in Lindale. Nestled in a traditional village with quaint narrow streets, the rural cottage possesses country charm, a gorgeous garden, modern comforts, a summer room and a cosy open fire. It sleeps six in three bedrooms.

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Sleeps
16
Bedrooms
7

View this large Roa Island holiday cottage for rent with a hot tub, observation tower and sea views across Morecambe Bay. This Cumbrian holiday cottage near Ulverston is within easy reach of the Lake District. Roa Island House sleeps 17 in 7 bedrooms on the Barrow Peninsula.

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Exterior  of a country house in the Lake District with a lake in the background.
Sleeps
18
Bedrooms
9

An elegant Georgian Manor House on the shores of Lake Windermere in the Lake District, Silverholme is a large, pet-friendly Cumbrian holiday cottage that sleeps 18 in 9 bedrooms (8 ensuite). It offers luxury accommodation with an indoor heated swimming pool and cinema room with surround sound!

Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

La’l Tethera is a cosy and welcoming modern apartment offering couples an ideal base for a holiday in Ambleside. The romantic cottage lies close to the main attractions of Ambleside and promises contemporary comforts, open-plan design and proximity to the delights of Cumbria and The Lakes District.

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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!