Come and enjoy a pleasant self-catering break in a holiday cottage in Eskdale. Eskdale is a Cumbrian parish and valley within the Lake District National Park. Its villages include Boot, Eskdale Green and Ravenglass. It’s a popular area with hill walkers, offering access to well known fells.

Hints and Tips on Cottage Holidays in Eskdale

Families will be fascinated by the castle, which is said to be haunted, at Muncaster Castle, Gardens and Owl Centre near Ravenglass. Children will love the challenge of the maze and the birds on display at the World Owl Centre. Countless plants grow in the Himalayan Gardens Experience and the grand stately home is noted for its art and antiques, the splendid Dining Room and Library and the Tapestry Room.

Board a steam train, called La’al Ratty from the village of Ravenglass to Dalegarth, which is a seven-mile trip full of gorgeous scenery. You can break up your journey and explore destinations along the way.

Ravenglass is the sole coastal village to be part of the Lake District National Park and much of it is a conservation area. It’s historically significant as the start of Hadrian’s Wall and you can see the remains of a Roman bath house.

The village of Boot contains Eskdale Mill, on the banks of a beck. With machinery that still works today, this mill is one of England’s oldest corn mills powered by water and is the Lake District’s last working mill. You can join a tour of this historic Grade II listed landmark and hear local tales concerning the mill and the area whilst learning about the milling process through photographs and memorabilia.

Boot Beer Festival is a family friendly affair, with a ride on La’al Ratty followed by sampling local beers at popular inns, including one at Boot. This means anyone not interested in the beer can see Eskdale Mill and the kids can enjoy the play area at the inn. More than 120 beers are available at different venues during the festival.

For a great family day out that attracts the wider community, the annual Eskdale Show is a traditional country show with something for everyone, including old farm equipment, home baked produce, a craft tent and a beer tent. Foxhounds, terriers and sheep are judged and there are fell races and activities for the children.

Eskdale is more than history and scenery, although they are reasons enough to spend time here. Family attractions and events make a holiday here even more memorable and families won’t want to leave.

Explore many more self-catering cottages in the Lake District, Cumbria. All kinds of self-catering accommodation is available to rent for anything from a few days upwards although full weeks are preferred during school holidays. There are cottages to sleep 2 in the Lake District, dog owners will be pleased to find a selection of pet-friendly cottages in the Lakes. And the accommodation is not only cottages, there are also log cabins, apartments, farmhouses and even mansions to rent for various purposes and private events. How about celebrating your birthday in the Lake District with a group of friends in a big Lakeland cottage with a roaring fire?