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.

Exterior of a stone built cottage overlooking a courtyard.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This semi-detached Cumbrian holiday cottage is located near Cark-in-Cartmel and can sleep four people in two bedrooms.

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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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Front exterior of a tone built barn conversion in Cumbria with a small, pave courtyard.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Hill Side Barn is a spacious Lake District barn conversion with a hot tub that sleeps six guests seeking a high-quality rural retreat in a quiet rural corner of Cumbria that’s not too far from the best bits of the Southern Lake District and the Cumbrian coast.

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A stone built, slate roofed Lake District holiday cottage surrounded by shrubs and small trees with hilly fields in the distance.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

In a secluded, peaceful rural location a mile outside Hawkshead, Hatter's Cottage is an 18th-century 2-bedroom holiday cottage in the Lake District. It is available all year round for stays of one week or more. It is a good base for those who like the outdoors. Children over 10 are welcome.

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Sleeps
10
Bedrooms
5

Hammerhole is a unique rural cottage on Lake Windemere's shores on the Graythwaite Estate near Hawkshead. The large, pet-friendly cottage features enviable views, extensive grounds, a private jetty, access to a swimming pool and sauna, and the beautiful region of Cumbria.

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A white-rendered cottage with a small porch overlooks a village street.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

This lovely, pet-friendly holiday home in Cark-in-Cartmel sleeps four people in two bedrooms. It lies within easy reach of the Lake District and beaches on the Cumbrian Coast.

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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.

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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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Sleeps
8
Bedrooms
4

The River Crake lies at the end of the garden at Sawmill Cottage, a large and charming 18th-century rural holiday cottage near Low Nibthwaite in the South Lakes. The pet-friendly cottage spoils guests with beautiful views, a generous garden, an open fire, a games room and modern comforts blended with old-world charm.

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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!