Drybeck Farm

You’ll be on cloud nine with the heavenly options abounding in this region, whether you want to potter about on foot, by pedal or by hoof. Four-wheelers can get in the car on a mission to see as much of Cumbria and the Lake District’s historical attractions as poss, and trainspotters can take the Carlisle-Settle railway line north to Carlisle and south to the Eden Valley, Yorkshire Dales and onto Leeds. (Armathwaite, Drybeck Farm’s nearest village, has its own station on the Carlisle-Settle railway line twenty minutes’ walk away.)

If rambling locally, the River Eden and its valley are a gorgeous corner of Cumbria to amble around: it covers part of the Lake District National Park, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the North Pennines around Alston, and the lakes and mountains around Ullswater: boating, biking, bowling, swimming and golf are all nearby, or soak up some more sedate sightseeing on an Ullswater Steamer or on the South Tynedale Railway.

Those with less modern tastes have historical highlights aplenty around to keep them busy, from the Bronze Age stone circle of Long Meg and her daughters and the Ice Age stalactites at White Star Cave to the castle and cathedral of Carlisle. Come, see and conquer Hadrian’s Wall within easy driving distance, or stick to the Eden Valley to see the rock carvings in Armathwaite’s sandstone cliffs or Lacey’s Caves and the watermill near the village of Little Salkeld – the Drybeck team can provide maps and directions for most local walks.

Otherwise, pack a picnic with some local produce from the farmers’ markets and go off to spot the local wildlife – buzzards, kingfishers and deer can all be seen here – or drive off into the upper Eden Valley for marketeering at Appleby and Kirkby Stephen. The Yorkshire Dales and Solway coast are both within easy driving distance for day trips among sand, fell and countryside.