Hazelbank

Hazelbank works well for families or small groups wanting a proper countryside base with room to spread out. The cottage has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, sleeping up to six, with the whole place to yourself. A wood-burning stove in the main sitting room provides a focal point on cooler days, and the open-plan kitchen and dining area with high ceilings and exposed beams is where everyone naturally gathers. The lounge has comfortable seating and a Smart TV, while a utility room handles the practical side of things.

Everything needed for a self-catering stay is provided: electricity and heating are included, as are bed linen and towels. The kitchen is fully equipped for cooking. There's parking on site, and a pub lies within a mile. The rural setting puts you within reach of Ullswater and Keswick, while Carlisle is about 20 minutes to the north; quieter routes through the Eden Valley suit cycling and scenic drives. The house is non-smoking throughout.