Take a look at our new Inspire and Explore section for the ultimate guide to holiday activities in the Lake District.

Cumbria is one of Britain’s most loved and visited holiday locations, providing a unique combination of dramatic mountains and awesome lakes. It’s a place that attracts visitors all year round and appeals to a wide variety of holidaymakers from couples who want to stay in a cosy Lakeland cottage to families who are looking for country homes with a view.

Cumbria has a great blend and variety of contrasting landscapes, including the renowned Lake District National Park which includes all the iconic places synonymous with the Lake District such as Windermere, Keswick and Ambleside as well as famous lakes such as Lake Windermere, Derwentwater and Coniston.

The mountains and fells here are spectacular and include iconic peaks such as Blencathra, Skiddaw, Grisdale Pike and the largest mountain in England Scarfell Pike. The county extends well beyond The National Park offering great cottage holiday destinations like the tranquil Eden Valley in the east and the rugged uplands to the north around Hadrian’s Wall or the Western Lakes and Coast on the west and the Cartmel Peninsula in the south.

Because of its quite compact geography it’s easy to get around the Lake District and despite of its popularity it’s still possible to escape fellow holidaymakers to admire the wide open spaces and spectacular views with the feeling that you’re the only one there, apart from the sheep!

The great outdoors is of course one of the main reasons people visit; this is wonderful walking and cycling country as well as providing lots of opportunities to sample the watersports on the numerous lakes.

Families will find no shortage of top quality visitor attractions, those interested in National Trust properties and gardens will also not be disappointed. The region is packed with picturesque Lakeland villages to discover, specialist shops, cosy pubs and restaurants.

Those thinking about taking a cottage holiday in Cumbria are sure to find something suitable, whether it’s in the ‘hot spots’ of the central and southern lakes or the more remote and rugged areas of the northern lakes, or maybe the less well known regions to the west and east of the county.

So whether you’re looking for lots of activities and attractions or a quiet ‘away from it all’ break this region will suit.

Take a look at our selection of holiday cottages in Cumbria to find your perfect retreat.