Armathwaite Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Armathwaite Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Armathwaite sits in a prime spot for exploring both the Lake District and Eden Valley. The village itself has the Fox and Pheasant Inn, a 16th-century pub with excellent food and local ales - perfect after a day of walking.

Just 8 miles away is Hutton-in-the-Forest (CA11 9TH, open Wed-Sun 11am-5pm, April-October), a historic house with gardens scoring 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The medieval pele tower and walled garden make it worth the short drive.

Nearby Penrith (15 minutes by car) offers Penrith Castle ruins, Rheged Centre and excellent independent shops. Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, is just 20 minutes away with its famous steamers rated 5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Don't miss Lowther Castle (CA10 2HH) with its fascinating ruins and adventure playground - TripAdvisor users give it 4.5/5. The gardens are spectacular and there's a great café for lunch.

Pet Friendly

I've found Armathwaite is brilliant for dog holidays. The village sits on the River Eden with miles of riverside walks where dogs can splash about. The local pub, Fox and Pheasant, welcomes dogs in the bar area and even offers water bowls and treats.

Many cottages here have enclosed gardens - essential if your dog likes to wander. Ask about dog-specific facilities when booking as some places provide dog beds, bowls and even welcome treats.

For longer walks, head to Coombs Wood (CA4 9SX) just outside the village. It's a Forestry England site with marked trails and plenty of sniffing opportunities. Dogs love the varied terrain and woodland scents.

The Duke's Head in Armathwaite allows dogs both inside and in their beer garden. They serve food all day and have water bowls available - perfect for post-walk refreshments without leaving your four-legged friend in the cottage.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Armathwaite

Armathwaite Castle (private residence but visible from the river walk) dates back to the 15th century. The best view is from the riverside path where you can see this impressive stone fortress. We recommend the circular walk from the village that takes you past it - about 3 miles in total and relatively flat.

St Mary's Church contains the famous Armathwaite Carved Stones - six 10th century Viking crosses discovered built into the church walls. They show fascinating carvings of animals and Celtic patterns. The church is usually open during daylight hours. One visitor called them "an unexpected historical treasure" on TripAdvisor.

Eden Gorge and River Eden offer some of the best wild swimming spots in Cumbria. The river has crystal clear pools perfect for a dip on warm days. The Drybeck Farm swimming hole is particularly good with a small beach area. After swimming, nothing beats getting back to your hot tub to warm up!

Is Armathwaite good for families with young children?

Yes! The village is quiet and safe with several child-friendly walks. The Settle-Carlisle railway runs through Armathwaite station making train spotting popular. Nearby Penrith has Rheged Centre with indoor play areas for rainy days and many cottages have games and DVDs for evenings.

How far is Armathwaite from the Lake District?

Armathwaite sits about 20 minutes from Ullswater, the nearest major lake. Keswick is approximately 30 minutes drive and Windermere about 45 minutes. This makes it perfect for day trips into the busier Lake District while staying somewhere quieter.

Are there any good restaurants in Armathwaite?

The Fox and Pheasant pub serves excellent food focusing on local ingredients. For more options, Penrith (15 minutes away) has several great restaurants including Grants of Castlegate and Four and Twenty. Carlisle (20 minutes) offers even more choice.

What's the best time of year to visit?

Spring and autumn are lovely with fewer tourists than summer. May sees the bluebells in Coombs Wood, while October brings stunning autumn colours. Winter can be magical with frosty mornings and the hot tub experience is even better when it's cold outside!

Is there public transport to Armathwaite?

Yes, Armathwaite has its own station on the Settle-Carlisle railway line with several services daily. However, a car is recommended for exploring the area fully as local bus services are limited.

Can I get groceries delivered to my cottage?

Yes, all major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda deliver to Armathwaite postcodes. There's also a small village shop for essentials and Penrith has several supermarkets just 15 minutes drive away.

1. Visit Cumbria - Armathwaite Guide
2. Eden District Council Tourism Information
3. Settle-Carlisle Railway