Rural Retreats was founded in 1985 with the aim of making the countryside more accessible for holidaymakers and giving them the best possible choice of holiday homes across the UK. Rural Retreats’ continuing success is based on excellent local knowledge and painstaking research, together with a flair for finding delightful and unusual properties. All of this has enabled us to build a portfolio of over 450 exceptionally fine holiday homes in stunningly beautiful locations, all available for you to rent. When you are looking for your own perfect holiday home, our experienced and helpful staff can help to point you to the property of your dreams. Whatever you want to ask about any of our properties, there will be someone on our staff who knows the cottage or apartment at first hand.

New Lodge was originally the gate house for Leeming House, dating back to the early 1900s and situated in a stunning location with outstanding views over Lake Ullswater.

Information correct at time of writing. Visit The English Heritage site of Hadrian's Wall. Enjoy wandering thourgh the well renowned village of Gretna Green. The Eden Valley is a must for those wishing to explore the surroundings areas. A great day out for the whole family: The Lake District Wildlife Park, Grizedale Forest or Treetop Nets. Explore the historic Wray Castle where you can even enjoy the dress up and castle building areas on a rainy day! Lowther Castle with its extensive gardens, cycle paths and children's play areas is a excellent day out. Experience a lake cruise on The Ullswater Steamer. Tennis courts are available to hire by the hour in nearby Patterdale. Numerous activities are available, including boating, golf, fishing, horse trekking, paragliding and even hot air ballooning! Sockbridge Pony Trekking Centre. Park Foot Trekking Centre. Eden Outdoor Adventures - a small family run company offering tailor made courses for small groups and families in Canoeing, Rock Climbing, Walking and Moutaineering, and other outdoor training including navigation. Tale Trails are 1-2 hour family walks in the Ullswater and Penrith area based around a fun story and a hand drawn map for kids. Distant Horizons offers high quality activities for families, groups and individuals. Activities include canyoning, cliff jumping, climbing, canoe and kayak lake tours, plus boat hire. Also available are a selection of wet weather alternatives including indoor climbing and archery in their purpose built activity barn. There are an abundance of quiet lanes and off road tracks for Cycling and Mountain Biking. Mountain bikes are allowed on the many bridle paths (see Ordnance Survey maps) but not on many of the footpaths which are narrow, environmentally sensitive, unstable or downright dangerous for cyclists. It is advisable to research your route thoroughly. Mountain Bikes can be hired from: St Patrick's Bay Boat and Bike Hire, Glenridding. ATK Lakeland will...