10 cool places to stay in Cumbria
Don’t want to follow the crowd? Looking for cool places to stay in Cumbria which are out of the ordinary?
From railways carriages to shepherd’s huts, glamping to an (almost) tree-house, check out our recommendations. And the best bit? You won’t have to lose any of the creature comforts of home!
1. Ravenglass Railway Accomodation – Ravenglass
Planning a day out on Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway , England’s oldest narrow-gauge railway? Why not carry on your train-themed day by staying in a carriage at the Ravenglass stop?
Relax in your own self-catering Pullman carriages for the night. There’s en-suite facilities, a kitchenette and a private patio area. The next day, return to everyday life by taking the train back over Muncaster Fell.
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2. Shepherds Hut – Thirlmere
This quirky shepherd’s hut is nestled in the Thirlmere valley, below the Wainwright peak of Helvellyn. Surrounded by an amazing choice of footpaths, it’s also conveniently located for the bustling North Lake District town of Keswick.
The hut itself is cosy and warm, with everything you need to cook supper After a long day on the fells, you can curl up with a book. Or just relax as you watch the twilight fade.
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3. Cabin 1 – Ambleside
Take a step to the simpler things in life by staying in this hillside cabin near Ambleside.
Cosy up together in this open-plan solar-powered cabin, surrounded by the Great Outdoors.
The site’s breath-taking views of Lake Windermere once inspired the poet William Wordsworth. His home Rydal Mount is just 200 yards away!
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4. Yurt 2 – Rydal
With so many adventures to be had here, booking this yurt is a popular choice for families with kids. It’s packed with home comforts and the wood log burner to make things extra cosy and warm. You can even bring your dog.
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5. Orchard Hideaways – Penrith
Within walking distance of the historic market town of Penrith lies an ancient apple tree orchard filled with 16 pods. They’re a great option for families, as there’s also an awesome play area on site.
Penrith once endured attacks from marauding Scots. Why not visit the ruined castle, designed to keep the enemy at bay? Also, nearby Brougham Castle and Brougham Hall are worth a look. You’re also very close to the Lake District National Park.
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6. Inglewood Shepherd Huts – Penrith
Not far from Whinfell Forest and Ullswater; these luxurious shepherds’ huts are complete with a hot tub, bbq and private garden area. When you aren’t exploring the area you can sit back and relax, grab a provided robe and gaze out to the fells with your feet up.
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7. Highside Glamping Pods – Keswick
If camping is too extreme why not opt for glamping? These Glamping Pods are the perfect indoor-outdoor blend, with ‘proper’ beds, a BBQ and even a firepit. It’s a stunning location in which to relax and watch the sun go down.
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8. Muncaster Castle Coachman’s Quarters – Ravenglass
If you’re looking for a cozy place to stay in the Lake District, look no further than the Coachman’s Quarters at Muncaster Castle. These self-catering accommodations offer all the comforts of home, with communal areas where you can relax and unwind after a day of exploring the surrounding countryside.
With free Wi-Fi and grab-and-go breakfast bags included with your booking, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your stay. Each bedroom is equipped with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities, so you can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep and wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.
In addition to these great amenities, your booking also includes entrance to Muncaster Gardens and the Hawk and Owl Centre, so you can experience the beauty and majesty of the local flora and fauna up close. And with free parking available, you won’t have to worry about finding a spot for your car. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the Coachman’s Quarters at Muncaster Castle are the perfect choice for your next trip.
So why wait? Book your stay today and start exploring all that the Lake District has to offer!
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9. Syke Farm Campsite – Buttermere
Want to glamp in style with some superb views and walks on your doorstep? This campsite is sandwiched between the beautiful Lake Buttermere and Crummock Water, next to the babbling Sail Beck. The spacious yurts come with comfy beds and decking areas from which you can take in the breath-taking countryside vistas.
We recommend heading off for the round-Buttermere-lake walk, which is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. You can then treat yourself to delicious ice cream at Sykes Farm. Kid paddle in the beck and learn about the countryside and nature on this working farm.
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10. The Tree House – Nr St Bees
The Tree House in Beckermet is the perfect conjunction of outside and in. Graceful, raw wood beams soar through the generous, lofty rooms, making this contemporary and comfortable space feel like the ultimate treehouse. This dog-friendly locale is open plan, so you can all do as you wish – cook, sit at the dining table, or lounge in front of the open fire – whilst remaining able to comfortably converse.
This stunning wooden retreat is modern and stylish, and sleeps up to six – with one bedroom offering an extra-large double plus a futon bed, another bedroom offering bunk beds, and a sofa bed in the living room. Retreat to the cabin room in the garden to bask in even more moments of tranquil calm in connection to nature.
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Where’s the coolest place you’ve stayed in Cumbria?
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Disclaimer: We’ve tried to be as accurate as possible when writing this article, but information can change. Please check for yourself before making any decisions based on this blog.