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.

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!

A modern house with a vine covered 1st floor balcony overlooks a shrub-filled front garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Nutwood is a delightful detached cottage perched near Lake Windermere in Lakeside. The pet-friendly cottage is well-positioned for a holiday in Cumbria and the Lake District. It features a spacious furnished deck, lovely grounds, an interior with modern furnishings, an open fire, and ample light.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
  • Waterside Cottages
Exterior of a stone-built holiday cottage in the Lake District.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Enjoy a peaceful, relaxing Lake District holiday in Mill Cottage, a dog-friendly home just a few minutes walk to Lake Windermere on the 5000-acre Graythwaite country estate. This cosy, well-equipped cottage sleeps 4—shared use of the indoor heated pool and other leisure facilities.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages With Games Rooms
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Remote Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
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.

  • Accessible By Train
  • Agency Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
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.

  • Active Holidays
  • Agency Cottages
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Luxury Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays

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!