Cumbria Holiday Cottages

Self-Catering Holiday Cottages Across Cumbria

Our self-catering cottages are dotted all over the county. From snug havens for two in Grasmere and large family retreats sleeping ten close to Windermere, to converted barns in the Eden Valley and seaside retreats on the Solway Firth, we have it all.

Booking directly means you are able to speak to the person who owns the property. You can ask the questions that really count: is the garden enclosed for the dog? Which bedroom has the walk-in shower? Does the village pub do a decent Sunday roast? No one is adding a booking fee on top, either. The price the owner quotes is the price you pay.

We also offer a Payment Protection plan with every booking, which means you get the value of booking direct without any of the concern.

Where to Stay in Cumbria

It's a big county, and where you set up camp really does influence the sort of week you'll have.

Keswick and the Northern Lakes are wedged between Skiddaw and Derwentwater. This is serious walking territory with Catbells, Blencathra, and the whole of Borrowdale on your doorstep. Keswick itself has a proper Thursday market that's been running for over 700 years, independent cafes, outdoor gear shops, and a cinema for the damp days.

Windermere and Bowness are the busiest part of the Lakes but also the most convenient if you're travelling by train. Cruise boats, Beatrix Potter, and cuisine ranging from fish and chips to a Michelin-starred restaurant just down the road in Cartmel.

Ambleside and Grasmere: Grasmere has Dove Cottage and the amazing gingerbread shop everyone raves about; Ambleside gets you close to Langdale, Rydal Water, and the Fairfield horseshoe.

Coniston and the Rusland Valley are much calmer than the central hubs. Coniston Water is excellent for wild swimming, and the Old Man is worth every blister for the views.

Ullswater and Penrith cover the eastern Lakes. The Ullswater Way goes around the whole lake and makes a solid two-day walk, while Penrith has the Rheged centre and castle ruins for days when the cloud hangs low.

Carlisle, Hadrian's Wall, and the Eden Valley take you beyond the national park into Cumbria's northern stretches. Hadrian's Wall has its own UNESCO World Heritage status, and the Eden Valley is rolling, lush, and peaceful.

The Solway Coast and West Cumbria have been sadly overlooked. Sandy beaches, salt marshes teeming with birdlife, and the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, a narrow-gauge steam train running through seven miles of gorgeous countryside.

Dog-Friendly Cottages in Cumbria

Cumbria is probably the most dog-friendly place in England for a holiday. There are miles of fell footpaths, lakeshores, and woodland walks from the cottage door, and most local pubs are keen to have dogs in without making a fuss about it.

There's a good selection of dog-friendly holiday cottages in Cumbria, and many have enclosed gardens. If you are seeking dog-friendly cottages in Cubria, use the filter or contact the owner directly.

If you are looking for dog friendly walks, the shores of Derwentwater, circular walks around Tarn Hows, the path along Buttermere, and the coast path near St Bees all work well. If your dog is a little nervous around crowds, the western valleys tend to be much quieter, even in summer.

Cottages with Hot Tubs in Cumbria

There is something intrinsically lovely about sinking into a hot tub as the mountains turn pink at sunset, with your legs still protesting about Helvellyn. We list Cumbria self-catering cottages with private hot tubs, from lodges near Keswick to farmhouse conversions out in the Eden Valley.

Hot tub cottages are in high demand for romantic weekends but are also hugely popular with families and groups. If it's important to you, sort the Cumbria listings by amenity, or mention it when you get in touch with the owner.

Things to Do in Cumbria

Walking and climbing: Scafell Pike is the highest point in England. Helvellyn via Striding Edge is the one everyone wants to get under their belt. Catbells above Derwentwater make an ideal family walk, and the Old Man of Coniston offers spectacular views for the effort. Both the Cumbria Way and the Pennine Way run through the county.

On the water: Windermere, Coniston Water, Derwentwater, and Ullswater are lakes that all offer a different atmosphere. Sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and wild swimming are all on offer in the right conditions.

History and heritage: Hadrian's Wall runs through northern Cumbria. The tallest surviving Roman structure in England can be seen at Ravenglass Bath House, and Castlerigg Stone Circle near Keswick is one of the oldest in Britain. Both are free to visit.

Food: Cumberland sausage is all the rage, as is sticky toffee pudding, invented at the Sharrow Bay hotel on Ullswater. You are also able to get your hands on Grasmere Gingerbread from the tiny shop next to the churchyard and Kendal Mint Cake, which is not cake at all but keeps you going up Scafell. The county is also well known for its Michelin-starred restaurants, farm shops, and farmers' markets.

Family attractions: The Lakes Aquarium at Lakeside, Wray Castle (National Trust, free entry), Keswick's Pencil Museum, and Go Ape in Grizedale Forest will keep everyone occupied on rainy days.

When to Visit Cumbria

Summer brings the longest days and temperatures averaging 19–20°C. Book well in advance for school holidays as the best cottages go quickly.

Spring is ideal for walking. Daffodils by the lakesides, lambs in every field, and temperatures of 9–15°C that are warm enough for comfort without leaving you overheated on the climbs.

Autumn paints the valleys golden. Bracken, beech woods, and that distinctive Lake District light that makes everything look like a painting. Fewer crowds, cosier pubs.

Winter gets properly cold. Snow on the summits, frost on the lakes, and short days that lend themselves to brisk walks followed by log fires. Look for a cottage with a wood burner or a hot tub, or both.

We have holiday cottages in Cumbria available all year round, including short breaks and full-week stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Cumbria and the Lake District?

Cumbria is the county, from border to coast. The Lake District is a national park within it, covering most of the mountainous western half. Cumbria also includes Carlisle, the Eden Valley, the land around Hadrian's Wall, and the Solway Coast, all outside the park boundary and all with holiday cottages well worth a visit.

Which part of Cumbria is best for a cottage holiday?

It depends what sort of holiday you're after. Keswick and Ambleside are good all-rounders offering walking, shops, pubs, and restaurants. Windermere has a train station, which helps. The Eden Valley and the Solway Coast are a little quieter and usually more affordable. Head for Wasdale, Eskdale, or Borrowdale if you're serious about fell walking.

Are there dog-friendly holiday cottages in Cumbria?

There are plenty. Many of our cottages welcome dogs, and a good number have enclosed gardens. Use the pet-friendly filter when searching, or mention it when you enquire as the owner can tell you about nearby walks and dog-friendly pubs too.

Can you find cottages with hot tubs in Cumbria?

You can. We list cottages with private hot tubs across the county. Use the amenity filter or ask the owner when you get in touch.

When is the cheapest time to book a Cumbria cottage?

If saving money is high on your list, steer clear of school breaks and the busy summer holiday period. November to mid-December and January to mid-February (excluding half-term) tend to have the lowest prices. Midweek short breaks can be excellent value.

Book Your Cumbria Cottage Direct

Browse our holiday cottages in Cumbria and contact property owners directly. No booking fees. Every owner is verified, and your booking is protected by our Payment Protection plan.

Browse Cumbria holiday cottages on Simply Owners