4-Day Eden Valley Itinerary for a Long Weekend

A long weekend in the Eden Valley is one of the best short breaks you can take in England. Four days gives you just enough time to slow down properly — to walk the fells, explore the villages, eat well, and come home feeling genuinely rested. Here’s our suggested itinerary for a long weekend staying at one of our holiday cottages near Penrith.

Day 1 (Thursday/Friday): Arrive and Settle In

Afternoon: Arrive and Explore Your Village

Check in to your cottage and take some time to settle in. If you’re at Fern Cottage or Maple Cottage in Great Strickland, take a stroll around the village — it’s a quiet, pretty place with farmhouses, a church, and gentle countryside views. If you’re at Rittson Cottage, walk down to the River Eamont and follow the bank for half a mile to stretch your legs after the drive.

Evening: Village Pub Supper

Head to your nearest pub for supper. The Strickland Arms in Great Strickland is a short walk from Fern and Maple Cottage, while the Beehive Inn in Eamont Bridge is practically next door to Rittson. Order a local ale, something hearty from the menu, and let the holiday feeling settle in. No need to rush — you’ve got nowhere to be.

Day 2 (Friday/Saturday): Ullswater and Pooley Bridge

Morning: Walk Along Ullswater

Drive to Pooley Bridge (about 15 minutes) and park in the village. Walk along the lakeshore path towards Howtown — this is one of the finest lakeside walks in England, with Ullswater curving away into the mountains ahead of you. Walk as far as you like; even 30 minutes along the path gives you stunning views.

For a longer walk, continue to Howtown (about 4 miles) and catch the Ullswater Steamer back to Pooley Bridge. The steamer runs several times a day in the main season and the journey back by water is glorious.

Lunch: Pooley Bridge

Back in Pooley Bridge, there are several cafes and pubs for lunch. The village sits at the foot of Ullswater where the River Eamont flows out, and it has a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. Browse the small shops and galleries if you have time.

Afternoon: Aira Force Waterfall

A short drive down the western shore of Ullswater brings you to Aira Force, a 20-metre waterfall set in a beautiful gorge surrounded by woodland. The walk from the car park takes about 20 minutes and is well worth it. The falls are dramatic after rain, and the woodland is lovely at any time of year. Managed by the National Trust; car parking charges apply.

Evening: Cook at the Cottage

Pick up some local supplies — Cranstons in Penrith or a farm shop on the way back — and cook supper at the cottage. All our cottages have well-equipped kitchens, and there’s something deeply satisfying about cooking a meal with Cumbrian ingredients after a day outdoors.

Day 3 (Saturday/Sunday): Heritage and History

Morning: Penrith Town Centre and Castle

Spend the morning exploring Penrith. Start at the castle ruins (free entry), then walk through the town centre to the market square. Visit the Giant’s Grave at St Andrew’s Church, browse the independent shops on Devonshire Street, and pick up something from the Toffee Shop on Brunswick Road — it’s been making handmade sweets since 1910.

Late Morning: Brougham Castle

Drive the short distance to Brougham Castle, a substantial ruin beside the River Eamont managed by English Heritage. Climb the keep for views along the valley and explore the exhibition about Lady Anne Clifford, who restored the castle in the 17th century. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric site.

Lunch: The George and Dragon, Clifton

Treat yourself to lunch at the George and Dragon in the nearby village of Clifton. This Lowther Estate coaching inn serves excellent food made with estate produce. Book ahead if visiting at the weekend.

Afternoon: Lowther Castle and Gardens

After lunch, continue to Lowther Castle, about 5 minutes down the road. Explore the romantic castle ruin, wander the restored gardens, and if you have children, let them loose in the Lost Castle adventure playground — it’s one of the best in the region. Allow a couple of hours.

Evening: Restaurant in Penrith

For your last evening, book a table at one of Penrith’s restaurants. Four and Twenty on King Street is a lovely choice for seasonal food, or try 1863 in the old railway station for cocktails and creative cooking.

Day 4 (Sunday/Monday): A Quiet Morning Before Home

Morning: Mayburgh Henge and a Final Walk

Before you leave, visit Mayburgh Henge — a prehistoric stone circle just outside Eamont Bridge, a few minutes from Rittson Cottage. It’s a mysterious, atmospheric place: a circular bank of river cobbles with a single standing stone in the centre, built around 3000 BC. It’s free, usually deserted, and the perfect place for a quiet moment before the drive home.

If you have time, take a final walk along the River Eamont from Eamont Bridge towards Brougham. The path follows the river through meadows and woodland, and it’s a gentle, beautiful way to spend your last hour.

Late Morning: Depart

Check out and head home. The M6 is just minutes away, and the A66 connects you to the A1(M) for destinations east. If you’re heading south, allow 3-4 hours to the Midlands or 4-5 hours to London.

Adjusting the Itinerary

This is a relaxed itinerary, deliberately so — it’s a holiday, not a schedule. Feel free to swap days around, add in extra walks, or simply stay at the cottage with a book and a cup of tea. That’s the beauty of a self-catering break: you do exactly what you want, when you want.

If you want more walking, add in Hallin Fell above Howtown (short and steep, with the best view in the Lake District) or the circuit of Haweswater (see our Haweswater guide). If the weather is against you, see our rainy day activities guide for indoor ideas.

Book Your Long Weekend

Our three cottages — Fern Cottage (sleeps 5), Maple Cottage (sleeps 6), and Rittson Cottage (sleeps 4) — are all available for short breaks of 3 nights or more. They’re perfectly placed for exploring the Eden Valley and the eastern Lake District, with Penrith, Ullswater, and the villages all within easy reach. A long weekend here is the kind of break that recharges you properly.