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.

Exteriorof a large stone-built hall in Cumbria with a large lawn and parking spaces.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

This Cumbrian longhouse, listed as Grade II, was not used for domestic purposes for several centuries until it was recently restored and won a 5-Star Gold Award. Its historical significance is reflected in its thick sandstone walls, ship beams, timbers, and traditional oak window shutters.

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The Gable end of a single-storey barn conversion overlooks a country garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Fellside Barn is a gorgeous rural barn conversion offering panoramic views of the hills of Cumbria. The light and airy pet-friendly property in Broughton Beck boasts generous gardens with a large furnished deck and an interior blending reminders of yesteryear with open-plan, contemporary comforts.

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A 2-storey, stone-built holiday cottage in Cumbria overlooking a sunny courtyard
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Old Cottage lies in the quaint rural village of Nateby near Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria between The Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. The two bedrooms sit downstairs, while the kitchen and sitting room enjoy rural views from the first floor of this dog-friendly cottage.

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Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Elk Cottage is a charming rural cottage located next to Glassonby Hall in Glassonby, Cumbria. This award-winning pet-friendly cottage accommodates up to four people and boasts a delightful terraced garden, oak floors, a well-equipped kitchen, stunning beams and stone walls, antique furnishings, and an elegant atmosphere. To add to its charm, there is also a log fire nestled in a traditional fireplace.

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A large 2-storey holiday cottage with an extensive deck overlooks a garden.
Sleeps
25
Bedrooms
13

Eden Lodge is a large holiday cottage in Bardsea with a hot tub overlooking Morecambe Bay. It is close to the Cumbrian coastal town of Ulverston in the Lake District. It has a well-equipped kitchen, a games room, and a hot tub. This large, Edwardian rural holiday home sleeps 25, making it excellent for large group holidays and celebrations all year round.

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A stone-built,single storey holiday cottage with vine covered walls and a front garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Dove Cottage is a traditional 2-bedroom Lake District holiday cottage sleeping four on a 5,000-acre country estate near Hawkshead in a scenic rural spot by Lake Windermere. Guests enjoy the use of a communal indoor heated swimming pool, games room, gym, and kids' play area.

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A Large stone-built Lake District lodge overlook a drive and large lawn.
Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

Located in a 5000-acre country estate in the Lake District, Cunsey Lodge is a large and impressive holiday cottage near Hawkshead in Cumbria, sleeping eight guests in four bedrooms. Guests can access a communal pool, games room, fitness centre, and kids' play area - and walk from the doorstep.

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Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
4

Becks Fold is a large Lake District holiday cottage with exquisite decor and a modern style. Double-height ceilings, original vaulted beams, and underfloor heating create a sense of charm at this genuinely warming and inviting secluded rural retreat close to Lake Coniston in Cumbria. It sleeps 10.

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Exterior of a large holiaday home in Penrith overlooking a spacious lawn surrounded by a wooden fence.
Sleeps
12
Bedrooms
5

Chimney Gill is a modern rural retreat near Sebergham in Cumbria and The Lake District. The large and beautiful holiday cottage on a working farm blends contemporary style with a country character, including exposed beams and a farmhouse kitchen. Guests enjoy complimentary access to a leisure club.

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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!