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 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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A long, 2-storey farm cottage overlooking a spacious lawn.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Set on the vast grounds of Melmerby Hall, Stag Cottage is an award-winning, self-contained, 17th-century, Grade II-listed sandstone cottage in Melmerby, Cumbria. The pet-friendly, 5-star Gold cottage promises 20 acres of grounds, a private garden, an open fire, mullion windows, and beams.

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Exterior of a stone-built barn conversion overlooking a field.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Linden Barn is a newly-converted barn bordering the Cumbrian countryside. The charming, pet-friendly cottage combines style with tradition and sits in a quiet corner of Orton. Spacious grounds surround the 3-bedroom cottage, and the interior features tiled floors, an open-plan design, comfort and a log fire.

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A stone, Cumbrian barn conversion in with a sheltered terrace overlooks a large parking space.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Riven Oak is situated amidst the beautiful Lake District near the village of Levens, Cumbria; a large two-storey pet-friendly holiday cottage with beamed ceilings, a master king with en-suite shower among four ground-floor bedrooms, and open-plan living space with a wood-burning stove and Freesat TV.

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Rear exterior of a terraced holiday cottage in Ulverton overlooking a garden with flowering bulbs.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Hawthorn Cottage is a delightful, pet-friendly holiday cottage in the market town of Ulverston. It offers couples a romantic escape in Cumbria and The Lake District. Oak beams and stone-flagged floor complement the open fire and add character to the cottage, which boasts a lovely patio and modern comforts.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

3 Vale View is a traditional whitewashed end-terrace cottage in the delightful hamlet of Hannakin in Cumbria and The Lake District. The charming rural cottage sleeps four and enjoys beautiful countryside views, fresh air, an upside-down design to capture the views, and a log fire.

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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!