Weekend Cottage Breaks in Cumbria — Escape for Two or Three Nights
Sometimes you do not need a full week to recharge. A weekend break in Cumbria is the perfect antidote to a busy life — fresh air, stunning scenery, and the kind of peace you simply cannot find in a city. Our self-catering cottages near Penrith are ideally placed for short breaks, with easy access from the M6 motorway and enough to fill every hour of a two or three-night stay.
Whether you arrive on a Friday evening ready to unwind or squeeze in an extra night midweek, our cottages offer the flexibility and comfort that hotels cannot match. Cook your own meals, light the wood burner, and settle into the rhythm of the Cumbrian countryside.
Our Cottages for Weekend Breaks
Fern Cottage — Sleeps 5, Great Strickland
Fern is a popular choice for weekend breaks with friends or family. The wood-burning stove makes it instantly cosy on a Friday evening, and the enclosed garden is a lovely spot for a Saturday morning coffee. Great Strickland is a quiet, unspoilt village with the Strickland Arms pub just 200 yards away — perfect for your first evening meal without needing to cook. View Fern Cottage →
Maple Cottage — Sleeps 6, Great Strickland
Maple Cottage is our largest property, sleeping six in a beautifully converted 17th-century barn. The original oak beams and open fireplaces give it a character you will not find in modern holiday lets. For groups of friends or larger families, Maple offers plenty of space to spread out over a long weekend. View Maple Cottage →
Rittson Cottage — Sleeps 4, Eamont Bridge
Rittson is ideal for couples or small groups seeking a stylish weekend away. Two bedrooms, contemporary interiors, and a private garden with countryside views make this a refined retreat. Eamont Bridge is just minutes from Penrith town centre, so you can explore shops, cafes, and restaurants on foot if you wish. View Rittson Cottage →
Easy to Reach — Hard to Leave
Our cottages are located just off the M6 motorway at Junction 40, making them remarkably easy to reach for a weekend:
- Manchester: approximately 2 hours via the M6
- Newcastle: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes via the A69
- Leeds: approximately 2 hours via the A1(M) and M6
- Edinburgh: approximately 2 hours via the M74 and M6
- Glasgow: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes via the M74 and M6
You can leave work on a Friday afternoon and be sitting by the fire before dinner.
Your Perfect Cumbria Weekend Itinerary
Friday Evening
Arrive, unpack, and head to the Strickland Arms or the Crown at Eamont Bridge for a relaxed pub dinner. Return to the cottage, light the wood burner, and settle in.
Saturday
Start with a hearty breakfast in your cottage kitchen, then choose your adventure. A morning walk to Aira Force waterfall takes around two hours. Afterwards, drive to Pooley Bridge for lunch by the lake, or take the Ullswater Steamer for a leisurely cruise. In the afternoon, explore Lowther Castle gardens or visit Rheged for cinema and shopping. Dinner in Penrith — try the Terrace Restaurant, Passepartout, or the George and Dragon at Clifton for excellent local food.
Sunday
A more gentle start. Walk from the cottage through the village and along local footpaths. Visit Brougham Castle or drive to Appleby-in-Westmorland for a browse around this charming market town. Pack up after lunch, stopping at a local farm shop on the way home to take a taste of Cumbria with you.
Restaurants near Our Cottages
- The Strickland Arms — 200 yards from Fern and Maple. Proper pub food in a friendly village local.
- The George and Dragon, Clifton — Gastro pub with locally sourced menus, five minutes away.
- Passepartout, Penrith — Excellent French-inspired bistro in the town centre.
- Four Clocks, Penrith — A casual spot with great breakfasts and lunches.
- The Terrace at Edenhall — Fine dining in a beautiful country setting.
Why Book Your Weekend Break Direct
- No booking fees — Save money compared to third-party platforms
- Best price guarantee — You will not find a lower rate anywhere else
- Local knowledge — We can help you plan the perfect weekend, from walks to restaurants
- Short break availability — We offer Friday-to-Monday and midweek breaks, not just week-long bookings
A weekend in Cumbria is closer than you think. Browse our cottages and start planning your escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer weekend-only stays?
Yes. We offer short breaks including Friday-to-Monday weekends and midweek stays, not just full-week bookings. Minimum stay requirements may vary by season, so please check availability for your preferred dates.
How far are the cottages from the M6?
Our cottages are approximately five minutes from Junction 40 of the M6 motorway, making them very easy to reach from Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
What is there to do on a weekend break near Penrith?
Plenty. Ullswater and its steamer boats are ten minutes away. Aira Force waterfall, Lowther Castle, Rheged, Brougham Castle, and the town of Penrith itself all offer excellent options. You will not run out of things to do.
Can we bring our dog for the weekend?
Fern and Maple Cottages are both dog-friendly at £25 per stay. Rittson Cottage does not accept pets.