Dog-friendly Cumbria

Welcome to Fenham Barn, your gateway to a tranquil and unforgettable holiday experience in the heart of Soulby, Cumbria. Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District National Park, this charming hamlet offers an array of activities and attractions that will leave you enchanted and rejuvenated.
Soulby, a hidden gem in Cumbria, beckons with its unspoiled natural beauty and a wealth of outdoor adventures. For nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers, this area is a paradise waiting to be explored. Wander through ancient woodlands, such as Smardale Gill, or take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Pennine Way. The rolling hills and dales are perfect for hikers, cyclists, and anyone seeking serenity.
For those with a penchant for history and culture, Soulby is steeped in tradition. The historic St. Luke’s Church, a Grade II listed building, is a must-visit. Its timeless architecture and peaceful surroundings offer a glimpse into the area’s rich heritage. Alternatively, explore the nearby town of Kirkby Stephen, where you’ll find quaint shops, cozy pubs, and even a heritage railway station. Soulby’s culinary scene is equally enticing. Sample local fare at charming tearooms and traditional pubs, offering hearty Cumbrian dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. And don’t forget to indulge in a slice of Cumberland sausage or a taste of the renowned Cumbrian cheese.
As night falls, stargazers will be mesmerized by the clarity of the night sky, making Soulby an exceptional destination for astronomy enthusiasts. With minimal light pollution, you’ll have the opportunity to witness a celestial display like no other. Fenham Barn in Soulby, Cumbria, is your gateway to all of these remarkable experiences and more. Whether you seek outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, or simply the serenity of the countryside, this charming hamlet has something for everyone. Discover the magic of Soulby, where tranquillity and natural beauty await your arrival.

Tucked away in the Eden Valley hamlet of Soulby, this semi-detached cottage offers guests a comfortable and well equipped cottage adjacent to the owner’s working farm. An ideal spot to immerse yourself in rural life, with the glorious countryside literally on your doorstep. The cosy living room offers a wood burner for cooler evenings, and the addition of a good sized porch to the front elevation of the cottage offers extra space to be used as required. Upstairs, the bedrooms are well presented and comfortable with care and attention to detail evident in the owner’s desire to provide a welcoming home from home.

Just a short drive from both Kirkby Stephen and Appleby, Soulby is an ideal base for exploring the area. Walkers can find routes for all abilities, gentle strolls through the village or a heartier ramble to make the most of the stunning landscape. Cyclists too head to the area for its variety of routes, where both challenging and novice rides will offer scenery worth the effort whatever the season. Both bustling market towns, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen remain thriving communities, with an eclectic mix of history, independent retailers, local cafés and restaurants, and traditional inns well worth a visit.

Outlying villages enjoy award-winning inns with local produce and local ale to be enjoyed, perhaps after a days exploring. Close at hand to the picturesque Eden Valley, are both the North Pennines and the northern Lake District. A short journey to Penrith takes you on the edge of the Lake District National Park, with Lake Ullswater and its fells and villages dotting the shore, well worth a day trip. Shop, pub and restaurant 2½ miles.

This old, stone barn, surrounded by 20 acres of unspoilt pasture land, with the owner’s living next door, dates back to the mid 1800s, and has been lovingly converted into a holiday home, combining charm and rustic features alongside all the contemporary comforts and amenities. Entering at ground floor level, there is a spacious hallway with underfloor heating, and plenty of room for coats and muddy boots. There are two beautifully presented bedrooms, both of which have flatscreen TVs, as well as a spacious wet room. An oak and glass staircase leads up to the first floor where you will find the light and airy open plan living space. At one end of the room is a well-equipped kitchen and dining area, and at the other end is a welcoming living area with plenty of comfy seating and a cosy wood burner, perfect for those cooler evenings. Outside there is an enclosed patio with table, chairs and barbecue - perfect for al fresco dining.
Lying close to the foot of the Howgill Fells, Brow View Cottage is surrounded by open countryside, and there are plenty of walking and cycling routes direct from the front door. The nearest village is Ravenstonedale, just 1½ miles away, which has award winning pubs as well as a 9-hole golf course and tennis courts. A wider range of amenities can be found in the nearby market town of Kirkby Stephen, including independent shops, cafés and pubs, as well as a couple of supermarkets and a tourist/visitor centre. Kirkby Stephen also has a Heritage railway station and a weekly market which is held in the town square every Monday. The first ’Walkers are Welcome’ town, Kirkby Stephen is surrounded by spectacular countryside with miles of footpaths, bridleways and open land, making this the ideal base for those who love the outdoors. Apart from the fantastic walking and cycling opportunities, there is also a pony trekking centre just 1 mile away. Alternatively why not take a scenic rail journey on the historic Settle-Carlisle line, or travel vintage style with Cumbria Classic Coaches from Kirkby Stephen to Hawes, where you can visit the Wensleydale Creamery, Barnard Castle and Bowes museum.
Brow View Cottage is ideally situated for exploring the Eden Valley, as well as popular days out including the Rheged Visitor Centre, National Trust’s Acorn Bank and the historic market town of Appleby. The town of Kendal, which is regarded as the southern gateway to the Lake District, is just 20 miles away and makes for a great day out. Sedbergh, which is located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is just 9 miles away. This cosy cottage is ideal for those who might feel torn between the Lake District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales. Shop and restaurant 5 miles, pub 1½ miles.

Located in the small hamlet of Hartley, approximately 1 mile from the popular Cumbrian town of Kirkby Stephen, this charming cottage, originally a brewery and inn, offers welcoming, comfortable accommodation ideal for couples or a small family who enjoy exploring, walking or cycling in stunning countryside. The Yorkshire Dales National Park, Upper Eden Valley and North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are all right on the doorstep, and it is also within easy reach of the Lake District National Park. Dating back to the 1700s, the cottage, which is attached to the main house, has retained lots of lovely character features, which include exposed stone work on the stairs and a fantastic spacious bedroom with beams and galleried area. These traditional features are combined with all the contemporary comforts one expects from a holiday home, such as Wi-Fi, a well-equipped kitchen and contemporary bathroom with bath and separate shower cubicle. There is also a useful vestibule area where you can store outdoor clothing and boots.
Once a traditional farming and quarrying village, Hartley is a quiet place to stay, and the main sound you will hear is the babbling beck which runs through the village to the front of the cottage. The remains of the 12th-century castle can be seen on the hill which overlooks the village and on the summit of Hartley Fell are the mysterious ’Nine Standards’, a line of nine standing stones. Situated on the Coast to Coast footpath, the cottage is perfect for walkers. There is a variety of walks on offer to suit all abilities from a quiet riverside walk or a stroll along the railway lines to more challenging fell walks. The Eden Viaducts footpath starts in Hartley and the Howgill Fells are within easy reach, as are the North Pennines. The area is also great for cycling, with Kirkby Stephen on the C2C (Sea to Sea) Cycle Route. Other routes nearby include the W2W (Walney to Wear) coast to coast route and the Lakes and Dales Loop. There is an electric bike hire shop in the village and normal bike hire in Kirkby Stephen, or should you wish to bring your own bikes, storage is available on-site. Other popular activities available locally include golf and fishing. The popular ’Walkers are Welcome’ town of Kirkby Stephen is just 1 mile away and there is a footpath which will take just over 5 minutes to walk into town. Here you will find a good selection of shops, pubs, cafés and eateries as well as a couple of supermarkets, and there is a weekly market held on Mondays. The town also has a heritage centre and train station which is on the famous Settle-Carlisle line. In addition to its stunning scenery the area is also rich in culture and heritage and there are castles at Brough and Pendragon, both of which are free to visit. Shops and restaurants 1½ miles, pub 1 mile.

Smardale Cottage is truly part of the landscape in which it sits, and staying here will give you a real sense that you are a part of history!
The cottage has been lovingly renovated into a contemporary holiday home with all the quirks of the original cottage, giving a really comforting, relaxing feel. Open the front door and enter into the boot room and utility, complete with downstairs toilet. The contemporary kitchen is fully equipped for all your cooking needs. The living/dining room offers lovely views of the garden and its cosy wood burner takes centre stage. Up the steep stairs on the first floor is a modern family bathroom with shower, bath and toilet. The master bedroom is spacious and features a super kingsize bed whilst the second bedroom is a double. The lovely south facing garden is enclosed and offers the perfect place to enjoy in the warmer months. There is direct access to Smardale nature reserve at the bottom of the Garden, with beautiful flowers, wildlife (red Squirrels - often in the Garden) along with views of Smardale viaduct on the Settle/Carlisle railway.
The hamlet is within easy reach of Kirkby Stephen, a charming market town boasting quaint tea rooms, homely pubs, independent shops and a weekly market every Monday. Penrith and Kendal are both 45 minutes’ drive away and are sure to make for fun filled days out. The Coast-to-Coast footpath is half a mile away, A truly Peaceful spot to enjoy. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.

Situated in a lovely, peaceful setting beside the Lyvennet Beck in an attractive Cumbrian village, this semi-detached cottage offers comfortable, well appointed holiday accommodation with the kitchen totally refurbished in 2022 and decorated throughout. This house sleeps six people allowing families or groups of friends to use Riverside Cottage as the perfect base to explore Cumbria through the day and enjoy the comforts of home in the evening.
This ancient Eden Valley village is close to the coast to coast walk and Cumbrian cycleway and there is a wealth of pre historic settlements within the area. Situated just 7 miles east of the M6, the location is ideal for taking in all the sites and exploring the beautiful Eden Valley and the Lake District National Park, from Aira Force Waterfall to Hallin Fell and High Cup Nick walking trails or the unforgettable Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre, dont forget to bring your camera and have your breath taken away by the outstanding natural beauty the lakes has to offer. Northumberland,the Scottish borders and the Yorkshire Dales are all within an hours drive with the nearby market towns of Appleby and Penrith serving up a selection of shops, local amenities or pub lunch options you’ll be spoilt for choice. Anglers will find plenty of fishing locally and for those who like to keep busy willl likely find themselves in one of the many local leisure centres. The Eden distrct does really have something for everyone.

A mainly ground-floor accommodation, resting close to the village of South Cave. Woodburning fire. WiFi. Hot tub. Hull 13 miles; York 27 miles.