Tucked away in the lovely village of Staveley, Mulberry Cottage is the perfect retreat for a couple or small family who prefer to be away from the busier Lake District hot spots. Staveley itself is known for its eclectic mix of cafés, restaurants and shops. A haven for those interested in local art and crafts, and one of the most popular stop-offs for walkers (The Dales Way runs past) and cyclists. The award winning Hawkshead Brewery is based nearby, often with live music playing in the evenings.

Mulberry Cottage has been planned to perfection. Two comfortable leather sofas piled high with cushions and arranged round a cosy stove make the perfect spot for snuggling up after a busy day outdoors. A glass of wine or local beer, a film or good book, and the dog snoozing on the rug, what could be better? The kitchen is generous in size and wonderfully well-equipped, with guests having the choice of dining at the breakfast bar or around a wooden dining table.

Upstairs are two pretty bedrooms, a spacious king size and a generous single, both tastefully furnished with wall to wall carpets and plenty of storage. The shared shower room is modern, bright and tiled from floor to ceiling.

With the lively resorts of Windermere and Ambleside only a few miles down the road (also reachable by train from the village station), Bowness and Lakeside in striking distance and so many interesting walks to enjoy, Mulberry Cottage is a wonderful Lakeland retreat.

A historic market town with a fine reputation for shopping, Kendal nestles on the banks of the River Kent and is known as the Southern Gateway to the Lakes. Its old cobbled lanes and byways branch off the attractive main street, and the stone ruins of 12th century Kendal Castle sit perched on a hill with views over the town. Visit The Abbot Hall Art Gallery, its regular collection holding portraits by Kendal born George Romney and works by Turner and Ruskin, with other exhibitions through its links with the Tate. Both Sizergh Castle and Levens Hall with its superb Topiary Garden are nearby, as are limestone escarpments for easy walking, offering thrilling views of the Lakeland Mountains, the Howgills and Morecambe Bay. Kendal itself is ideally placed for exploring South Lakeland, the Yorkshire Dales and beyond. With other attractions such as Kendal Museum and the Museum of Lakeland Life, the fascinating Quaker Tapestry, Lake Windermere and the wider National Park within easy reach, Kendal provides a superb base for a relaxing break.

Accommodation