Cumbria and The Lakes

Experience poetic places, panoramic views and open skies when you rent one of our holiday cottages in the heart of Cumbria

A camera is a must when you visit Cumbria; wherever you turn, you'll find striking landscapes and beautiful views just a few moments away from your country cottage.

In between gazing, you can wander 'lonely as a cloud' across picture perfect lakes, fells and mountains, or explore one of the region's 30 castles. And when you're ready to give your walking boots a rest, you'll find pretty market towns and Lakeland villages dotted just a short distance away from your country cottage - each packed with local shops and fresh local produce.

Try delicious Cumberland Sausage, Kendal Mint cake or Grasmere Gingerbread and let the area's art, poetry, theatre, music and dance inspire you.

  • Magnificent scenery, soaring mountains and shimmering waterfalls
  • Local markets, independent shops, traditional pubs and renowned restaurants
  • Awe-inspiring walking, mountain biking and windsurfing
  • A source of inspiration for Wordsworth, Coleridge, Donald Campbell, Beatrix Potter and William Morris

Things to see and do

Step out of your luxury holiday cottage to discover the panoramic, breathtaking beauty of Cumbria.

  • Muncaster Castle: Spend a night in the historic haunted castle, explore 77 acres of 18th-Century gardens and see over 200 different species of owls.
  • World of Beatrix Potter: Join Peter Rabbit and his friends in the magical World of Beatrix Potter and see all 23 Tales brought to life in the Lakeland countryside.
  • Cars of The Stars Museum: Get closer to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, James Bond’s Aston Martin, Back to the Future’s De Lorean, the Bat mobiles and hundreds of other star cars.
  • Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum: Spend an hour in Wordsworth’s simple home and discover more about one of England’s greatest poets.
  • Vindolanda - Roman Army Museum: Unearth priceless bronzes, jewellery, pottery, weapons and clothing  at this intriguing Roman fort and experience life in 120 AD.
  • Ullswater Steamers: Combine a relaxing Lakeland cruise with some of the Lake District’s most spectacular walks on this award-winning attraction.
  • Go Ape: Swing through a giant obstacle course in the trees using ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels, plus ride the country’s longest zip lines.

Our regional team recommends

  • Walk off your breakfast with a stroll through Smardale Gill or Dufton Wood nature reserves. Stop for a picnic and the outstanding views from High Cup Nick. Then continue with a leisurely drive through the Eden Valley via Hartside Pass to catch the sun going down over the Lakeland fells, and just in time for tea and scones at the famous Melmerby Village Bakery.