Discover a range of holiday cottages, farmhouses, barn conversions, and glamping pods, set on working farms in Cumbria. These hand-picked, self-catering farm stays are located in some of Cumbria’s most popular rural destinations including Sedbergh, Alston, Penrith, and Keswick, ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for a memorable getaway.
Much of Cumbria is covered by the Lake District National Park, England’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where pretty villages and market towns, each with their own distinctive culture and heritage, are scattered among breathtaking fells and shimmering lakes. Challenge yourself with a climb to the summit of Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak, or for a gentler introduction to fell walking, hike up Cat Bells, where you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views in the park. Windermere offers something for everyone, from watersports such as water-skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, to scenic sightseeing cruises and a museum that traces the area’s rich boating history. Alternatively, seek out quieter spots such as Buttermere’s “infinity pool” for wild swimming or Bassenthwaite Lake for fishing. Nature lovers will enjoy Grizedale Forest, where red squirrels, red and roe deer, badgers, foxes, and red kites can often be seen.
Cumbria also has a wonderful and varied coastline. Ravenglass is the only coastal village within the Lake District and is known for its Roman ruins and narrow-gauge railway. St Bees is famous for its dramatic red sandstone cliffs and nature reserve, which provides a haven for a vast colony of seabirds, and is also the starting point for the iconic Coast to Coast walk. Meanwhile, the elegant town of Grange-over-Sands still reflects its heyday as a fashionable 19th-century seaside resort, with ornamental gardens, attractive shopping arcades, and a long promenade, all benefiting from the area’s mild climate.
There is no shortage of attractions in Cumbria for memorable days out. Highlights include Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s 17th-century farmhouse and the inspiration for several of her best-known stories, including The Tale of Samuel Whiskers, where visitors can see some of her favourite possessions and wander through the charming cottage-style garden; Sizergh Estate with a beautiful medieval manor house, a working kitchen garden, apple orchards, and a mirror-like lake, all set within 1,600 acres of pasture, woodland, and farmland; and Muncaster Castle, famed for its ghostly legends, where visitors can explore elegant state rooms, take part in combat skills workshops, or watch the impressive daily flying displays of birds of prey.
With its rich heritage rooted in Celtic history, sheep farming, literary and artistic inspiration, and an important industrial past, Cumbria is a rewarding destination at any time of year. Food lovers will also be spoilt for choice, with hearty local specialities such as Cumberland sausage, Herdwick hogget, Morecambe Bay shrimps, Grasmere gingerbread, and Cartmel’s sticky toffee pudding. Fortunately, there are plenty of stunning walks to help you work it all off!
A farm holiday in Cumbria is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, countryside escape, with nearby opportunities for cycling, walking, mountain-climbing, and water sports.
