A holiday cottage overlooks a large lake in front of tall Lake District Fells. Lakeside Holiday Cottages in Cumbria

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 semi-detached cottage with enclosed front porch and a front garden behind a low stone wall.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

The charming countryside Beech Cottage in Scales, Cumbria, sits in the heart of the Cumbrian peninsula, providing families on holiday boundless opportunities to enjoy the coastline of the Furness Estuary or the splendid beauty of Lake District National Park from a dog-friendly welcoming home base.

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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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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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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.

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Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
4

Becks Fold is a large Lake District holiday cottage with grandiose 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. Sleeps 10.

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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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A white-rendered 2-tory, semidetached holiday cottage in Cumbbria overlooks a quiet lane.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Kings Cottage in the historic market town of Alston, Cumbria, makes the perfect dog-friendly holiday cottage for couples planning a romantic holiday in the Pennines. This recently refurbished character cottage lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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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 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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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 amazing 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, and 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!