Self-Catering Cottages in the Eden Valley — Authentic Cumbria Between the Lakes and Pennines
The Eden Valley is one of Cumbria’s best-kept secrets. Stretching from the Lake District fells to the North Pennines, this beautiful region offers rolling farmland, quiet villages, and a pace of life that feels wonderfully removed from the modern world. Our three self-catering cottages sit right in the heart of the Eden Valley, giving you an authentic Cumbrian experience that the busier parts of the Lake District simply cannot match.
If you are looking for a self-catering holiday where you can explore at your own pace, cook with local produce, and discover villages that have barely changed in centuries, the Eden Valley is the place to be.
Our Eden Valley Cottages
Fern Cottage — Great Strickland
Fern Cottage sits in the heart of Great Strickland, a small village that perfectly captures the character of the Eden Valley. Stone-built cottages line a quiet lane, the Strickland Arms pub serves real ale and home-cooked food just 200 yards away, and the surrounding farmland stretches to the horizon. Sleeping five, Fern is a dog-friendly retreat with a wood-burning stove, enclosed garden, and a fully equipped kitchen where you can make the most of local produce from nearby farm shops. View Fern Cottage →
Maple Cottage — Great Strickland
Maple Cottage is a stunning 17th-century barn conversion, also in Great Strickland. The original oak beams and open fireplaces tell the story of the Eden Valley’s agricultural heritage. Sleeping six, this is our largest cottage and ideal for families or groups who want space and character. Like Fern, Maple is dog-friendly with an enclosed garden and sits within easy walking distance of the village pub. View Maple Cottage →
Rittson Cottage — Eamont Bridge
Rittson Cottage is located in Eamont Bridge, a village on the banks of the River Eamont just south of Penrith. This stylish two-bedroom cottage sleeps four and is perfect for couples or small families. Eamont Bridge has its own fascinating history — the ancient stone monuments of Mayburgh Henge and King Arthur’s Round Table are within walking distance. View Rittson Cottage →
Exploring the Eden Valley
The Eden Valley rewards those who take their time. Here are some of the highlights within easy reach of our cottages:
Villages and Market Towns
- Great Strickland — Our home village. A quintessential Eden Valley settlement with a pub, a church, and timeless charm.
- Eamont Bridge — Home to Rittson Cottage and within walking distance of Neolithic monuments.
- Appleby-in-Westmorland — The old county town of Westmorland, approximately 15 minutes south. A beautiful market town with a castle, independent shops, and the famous annual Horse Fair.
- Temple Sowerby — A pretty village with the National Trust’s Acorn Bank estate, known for its herb garden and orchards.
- Askham — One of the prettiest villages in Cumbria, with two greens, a pub, and easy access to the Lowther estate.
- Kirkby Stephen — A lively market town at the upper end of the Eden Valley, gateway to the Pennines.
Local Food and Farm Shops
Self-catering in the Eden Valley means cooking with some of the finest local produce in England. The area is rich with farm shops, butchers, and artisan producers:
- Cranstons — A family butcher and food hall near Penrith, famous for Cumberland sausage and locally reared meats.
- Rheged Centre — A food hall showcasing Cumbrian produce, from cheeses to chutneys.
- Penrith Farmers’ Market — Held on the third Tuesday of every month in the town centre.
- Local village shops — Several nearby villages have small shops selling essentials and local produce.
History and Heritage
- Mayburgh Henge — A Neolithic stone circle within walking distance of Eamont Bridge.
- Brougham Castle — Atmospheric English Heritage ruins on the banks of the River Eamont.
- Appleby Castle — A well-preserved Norman castle with a rare breeds farm.
- Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby — National Trust property with medicinal herb gardens and woodland walks.
- Long Meg and Her Daughters — One of the largest stone circles in England, near Little Salkeld.
Between Two Worlds
What makes the Eden Valley special is its position between the Lake District to the west and the North Pennines to the east. You can be on the shores of Ullswater in ten minutes or walking in the remote Pennine hills within half an hour. This dual aspect means you never run out of variety, whether you want dramatic lakes and fells or the quieter pleasures of river valleys and upland moorland.
Why Book Your Eden Valley Cottage Direct
- No booking fees — Keep your money for farm shops and pub lunches
- Best price guarantee — Direct booking is always the most affordable option
- Local knowledge — We know the Eden Valley intimately and can point you towards hidden gems that guide books miss
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the Eden Valley?
The Eden Valley runs through eastern Cumbria, between the Lake District and the North Pennines. Our cottages are near Penrith, at the northern end of the valley, giving you easy access to both the Lakes and the quieter Eden Valley countryside.
Are the cottages close to shops and restaurants?
Penrith town centre is approximately four miles away and has supermarkets, independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Strickland Arms pub is 200 yards from Fern and Maple Cottages. Several farm shops and the Rheged food hall are also nearby.
What is there to do in the Eden Valley?
The Eden Valley offers walking, cycling, historic castles, stone circles, charming market towns like Appleby, National Trust properties, farm shops, and some of the most peaceful countryside in England. It is also perfectly placed for day trips into the Lake District.
Is the Eden Valley suitable for a quiet, relaxing holiday?
Absolutely. The Eden Valley is far less crowded than the central Lake District. Our villages are genuinely peaceful, and you can walk for miles without seeing another person. If you want tranquillity, this is the place.