Local Area

The Eden Valley is a beautiful, quiet and unspoilt corner of Cumbria.   It is surrounded by The Lake District National Park, Yorkshire Dales National Park and North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  The Eden Valley around the River Eden is a mix of lush green countryside, historical towns and picturesque villages.    The area is ideal for walkers, hikers and cyclists with plenty of open countryside to explore.

For those who prefer a bit of shopping and an afternoon tea, there are plenty of shops in the historical market town of Kirkby Stephen, just 1.5 miles from Chapel Cottage.  Here you will find pubs, restaurants and cafes (& even a Costa Coffee!), along with a good selection of independent shops.   Kirkby Stephen is steeped in history - inside the Parish Church, known locally as the "Cathedral of the Dales", is the 10th Century Loki Stone, which is one of only two such stones in the whole of Europe. Thought to date back to Viking times, legend says, it shows a carving of the Norse God of Mischief, Loki bound in chains. 

Kirkby Stephen was also Cumbria's first "Walkers are Welcome" town.  The town is an ideal base for walking locally and further afield. Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk passes right through the town and The Howgill Fells are in easy reach.   For those who prefer less strenuous walks, there are walks along the River Eden, Smardale Nature Reserve and the Northern Viaduct round, a 4 mile circular which takes in majestic viaducts and fantastic views of the Eden Valley.

Kirkby Stephen also has a Heritage Train station on the famous Settle to Carlisle line where you can take a scenic train journey and enjoy the wonderful sights of the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.  For a steam train ride, visit the Stainmore Railway Company at the historic Kirkby Stephen East Station Heritage Centre and small museum.

Many of the Lake District's attractions are within easy reach, such as Keswick, Kendal, Windermere and Ambleside.   Ullswater, around 30 minutes away by car,  is the closest of the Lakes.  Here you can take a trip out on the Ullswater Steamers or if you are feeling adventurous, have a hike up Hellvellyn, known for it's spectacular views and Striding Edge.

Also on the doorstep are the Yorkshire Dales with rolling green countryside, pretty villages, waterfalls and caves to explore.  Why not have a go at the Yorkshire Three Peak Challenge(?), or visit the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes.

The Westmorland town of Appleby is short drive away.  Famous for it's annual Horse Fair, Appleby is a quiet market town full of old world charm, with it's Castle standing guard over the town at the top of the medieval street, Boroughgate.

Locally, there are numerous small villages to explore, many with traditional pubs, as well as the larger towns of Kendal and Penrith with shops, restaurants and leisure facilities such as swimming pools, theatres, cinemas.  There is so much to explore in this beautiful area of the country, you really are spoilt for choice.

Activities available locally: Cycling, Golf, Horseriding, Fishing 

At a glance 

Kirkby Stephen 1.5 miles

Ravenstonedale - 6 miles (9 hole Golf course and Tennis court available). 

Appleby in Westmorland  - 10 miles

Barnard Castle - 20 miles

Penrith - 24 miles

Kendal - 25 miles

Lowther Castle - 23 miles

Pooley Bridge - 29 miles (Ullswater)

Leyburn - 22 miles (Yorkshire Dales Brewery)

Hawes - 18 miles (Hardraw Force, Wensleydale Creamery)

Aysgarth Falls - 30 miles