Pet friendly holiday cottage, sleeps 6 - Eskdale, Cumbria

Experience the true beauty of Eskdale and the Lake District when you retreat to this rustic hideaway. Sleeping six guests, the three-bedroom, stone cottage offers homely accommodation at Birkerthwaite, near Birker Moor. Welcoming pets, the property, which is 4 miles from Eskdale Green, is ideal for families and friends eager to set out on foot to explore their surroundings.

It has a beautiful garden that children and pets will adore and a wood burner for winter evenings. Tear yourselves away from the views of Scafell to enter the cottage, which dates back to the 1600s. Discover a lounge/diner with beams and the wood burner.

Lay a fire in here on chilly days then settle down to play games or watch the Smart TV or a DVD. Head through to the country kitchen to prepare hearty meals on the oil-fired Aga. Pause at the table in here with a cup of tea as supper roasts then call everyone through to dine in the main room.

When eyelids begin to droop make your way up to the first floor of the cottage. Here your bedrooms include a twin, a bunk bedroom and a king-size with a four-poster bed. The family bathroom is also at this level.

Make the most of the gorgeous lawned garden on sunny days. Fire up the BBQ out here and dine in the fresh air. Play family games then sit out under the stars with a bottle of wine after the children have gone to bed.

Keep your eyes peeled for an array of birds and possibly the odd red squirrel. Venture 9 miles from your base to the shores of picturesque Wast Water. Head 10 miles to Ravenglass to walk along the beach or take a trip on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.

Visit Muncaster Castle, 7 miles away.