Swallows Nest in Armathwaite, Cumbria | Must-See Cumbria Hot Tub Cottage

About Swallows Nest

Swallows Nest is a single-storey stone cottage in rural Armathwaite, Cumbria. This converted farm building combines rustic flagstone flooring and exposed beams with modern comforts. Perfect for countryside lovers with its enclosed garden and secure dog field - ideal for your four-legged companions who aren't allowed upstairs but are definitely welcome!

Located just 10 miles from Carlisle and 11 miles from Penrith, you're perfectly positioned to explore the Lake District National Park. The River Eden flows nearby and Armathwaite Castle is worth a visit. Two local pubs mean you won't go thirsty after a day of walking. The area offers stunning walks without the Lake District crowds - your legs will thank you until they don't.

The accommodation features an open-plan living area with kitchen, dining and sitting areas. There's one double bedroom and one twin bedroom, plus a shower room with basin and WC. Entertainment includes Freeview TV and a selection of books and games for when the British weather does its thing.

Nearby attractions include the Lake District National Park (easy day trip), Solway Firth (great coastal walks), River Eden (fishing paradise) and Armathwaite Castle (historical landmark). The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is just 11.3 miles away - perfect for hikers and photographers.

Swallows Nest is ideal for small families or couples seeking countryside peace. The wood-fired hot tub is a unique feature - yes, you'll need to stir it like a witch's cauldron, but after a few drinks, that's half the fun! Electric vehicle charging available too - countryside living with modern perks.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

✓Gas central heating
✓Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tv with freeview, wifi, selection of books and games
✓Wood-fired hot tub available sunday to friday not saturday
✓Fuel and power included in rent
✓Bed linen and towels included in rent
✓Stairgate available
✓Ample off-road parking
✓Enclosed lawn and patio with furniture
✓Two well-behaved pets welcome but are not allowed upstairs
✓Sorry, no smoking
✓Shop and pub 1 mile
✓Note: sloping ceilings in bedrooms
✓No stag/hen or similar parties allowed
✓Family-orientated site
✓Note: should you wish to use doggy day care, then advanced booking is required note: this property has a shared ev charging point

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Swallows Nest

North of England, Cumbria

Sleeps 4 2 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

Stone-built cottage with bags of character nestled in the heart of the Eden Valley, on the fringes of Armathwaite. Pet-friendly. Open-plan. Off-road parking. Shop and pub 1 mile.

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Hot Tub

Stackgarth at Halls Bank Cottages

England, Cumbria

Sleeps 6 3 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

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Local Insights: Stackgarth at Halls Bank Cottages

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Armathwaite, Cumbria

Weather & Hot Tub Conditions

14°C

Light drizzle

Updated: 3 Aug 2026, 2:48am

🌡️

13.70°C

Temperature

💨

8 km/h

Wind Speed

💧

80%

Humidity

♨️

Hot Tub Tip: The contrast between cool August air and warm hot tub water creates the perfect relaxation experience. Many guests say cooler evenings make hot tub sessions even more enjoyable.

Best Months for Hot Tub Evenings

✓ May - September: Warmest evenings (12-16°C), longest daylight for twilight sessions
✓ October - November: Crisp autumn air, stunning starry skies, perfect contrast with hot water
✓ December - February: Cold air intensifies the experience, possible snow-dusted surroundings
✓ March - April: Spring awakening, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active

🌧️

Rainy Day Tip: Don't let rain stop you! Hot tubbing in light rain is a uniquely peaceful experience. The sound of raindrops while you're warm in the bubbling water is surprisingly relaxing.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Stackgarth at Halls Bank Cottages is located in one of England's darkest sky areas, making it exceptional for stargazing from the hot tub.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

🌌

Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition

This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From The Hot Tub

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

✓ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
✓ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
✓ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
✓ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up

📱

Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline.

Location & Elevation

100m

(328 feet above sea level)

Stackgarth at Halls Bank Cottages sits in a peaceful Cumbria setting, perfect for a relaxing hot tub getaway.

🏔️

100m

Elevation

📍

Armathwaite

Nearest Village

🌲

Rural

Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

✓ Cooler temperatures: Expect 1-2°C cooler than coastal areas, making hot tub sessions even more refreshing
✓ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
✓ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
✓ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to fell summits

🚗

Driving Note: The roads to Armathwaite are typical Cumbria lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. Take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Coordinates

Latitude: 54.8005378° N | Longitude: 2.7932742° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Armathwaite (Monday, 3 August 2026):

4:22am

Sunrise

7:11pm

Golden Hour

8:11pm

Sunset

🌅

4:22am

Sunrise

🌇

8:11pm

Sunset

📸

7:11pm

Golden Hour

Hot Tub Timing by Season

✓ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - enjoy the hot tub in daylight or twilight
✓ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner soak under emerging stars
✓ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - dark hot tub sessions, ideal for stargazing
✓ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day

🌙

Evening Hot Tub Session: For the best experience, start your hot tub session during golden hour (7:11pm). You'll enjoy the warm colours of sunset, then transition into twilight and stars - all without having to get out!

August Daylight

This month in Armathwaite, you have approximately 15.82 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean extended evening activities before the hot tub beckons.

Practical Essentials

Everything you need to know before you arrive at Stackgarth at Halls Bank Cottages.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡

Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗

Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Cumbria. Consider stocking up on groceries too, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

What Guests Love

Discover why our guests keep coming back to Swallows Nest

Secure Dog Field

Perfect for letting dogs run free without worry. The enclosed exercise area gives pets space to play while you relax.

Wood-Fired Hot Tub

A unique experience that guests love. The traditional wood-fired tub heats up quickly and soothes tired muscles after country walks.

Peaceful Location

Set in beautiful Cumbrian countryside with easy access to walks. Perfect balance of rural tranquility and proximity to local pubs.

Thoughtful Touches

Many guests mentioned receiving a lovely keepsake to take home, adding a personal touch to their stay.

Warm Welcome

The owner Nick gets special mentions for his friendliness and helpfulness throughout guests' stays.

Cosy Interior

The cottage's exposed beams, flagstone floors and comfortable furnishings create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that guests appreciate.

Getting To Swallows Nest

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Swallows Nest by car, take the M6 to Junction 41 and follow the A6 towards Carlisle, then take the B6413 to Armathwaite. The cottage is located just outside the village with good signage to guide you in.

By Train

For rail travelers, Armathwaite has its own station on the Settle-Carlisle line with limited services. Alternatively, Carlisle station offers more frequent connections, from where you can take a taxi for the 10-mile journey to the cottage.

Ample off-road parking available

Armathwaite station (1 mile) or Carlisle (10 miles)

Accessible from the B6413

Attractions & More Nearby

Everything you need within easy reach

Lake District National Park

Distance: 20 miles

CA11 0LP

Armathwaite Castle

Distance: 1.2 miles

CA4 9PB

River Eden

Distance: 0.8 miles

CA4 9PG

River Eden Trail

Distance: 0.8 miles

CA4 9PG

North Pennines AONB

Distance: 11.3 miles

CA9 3HG

Coombs Wood

Distance: 2.5 miles

CA4 9TB

Penrith Town Centre

Distance: 11 miles

CA11 7PE

The Lanes Shopping Centre

Distance: 10 miles

CA3 8NX

Armathwaite Village Shop

Distance: 0.8 miles

CA4 9PB

Armathwaite Railway Station

Distance: 1 mile

CA4 9PB

Carlisle Bus Station

Distance: 10 miles

CA1 1JB

Local Taxi Services

Distance: 10 miles

CA1 1HP

Lake District National Park

Distance: 20 miles

CA11 0LP

Armathwaite Castle

Distance: 1.2 miles

CA4 9PB

River Eden

Distance: 0.8 miles

CA4 9PG

River Eden Trail

Distance: 0.8 miles

CA4 9PG

North Pennines AONB

Distance: 11.3 miles

CA9 3HG

Coombs Wood

Distance: 2.5 miles

CA4 9TB

Penrith Town Centre

Distance: 11 miles

CA11 7PE

The Lanes Shopping Centre

Distance: 10 miles

CA3 8NX

Armathwaite Village Shop

Distance: 0.8 miles

CA4 9PB

Armathwaite Railway Station

Distance: 1 mile

CA4 9PB

Carlisle Bus Station

Distance: 10 miles

CA1 1JB

Local Taxi Services

Distance: 10 miles

CA1 1HP

Is Swallows Nest Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families

Swallows Nest offers a selection of books and games for indoor entertainment. The enclosed garden is safe for play and the nature pond provides wildlife spotting opportunities. Kids will love exploring nearby walks along the River Eden. The Lake District's family attractions are within day-trip distance. The secure field is perfect for ball games and running around.

For Couples

The single-storey layout makes Swallows Nest perfect for couples seeking countryside peace. After days exploring Cumbrian landscapes, unwind in the wood-fired hot tub under starry skies. Two local pubs offer romantic meals without driving. The cosy sitting area with exposed beams creates an intimate atmosphere for evenings in with a glass of wine.

Pet Friendly

Swallows Nest welcomes up to two dogs with a secure, enclosed garden and dedicated dog exercise field. Numerous walks start from the doorstep, including River Eden trails. Dogs aren't allowed upstairs but have plenty of space in the open-plan living area. The flagstone floors are practical for muddy paws after countryside adventures.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Swallows Nest

Fox and Pheasant Inn

Located 0.8 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA4 9PB

The Duke's Head

Located 0.9 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA4 9PG

The Lounge Restaurant

Located 10 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA1 1QS

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Swallows Nest

Does this cottage have a hot tub?

Yes, Swallows Nest features a wood-fired hot tub. You'll need to light the fire several hours before use and stir occasionally with the provided paddle to maintain temperature.

Is it pet friendly?

Yes, Swallows Nest welcomes up to two dogs. The property has an enclosed garden and a secure dog field for exercise, but pets are not allowed upstairs in the cottage.

What's the layout of the cottage?

The cottage is single-storey with an open-plan living area (kitchen, dining and sitting areas), one double bedroom, one twin bedroom and a shower room with basin and WC. The layout makes it accessible for those who prefer no stairs.

What amenities are provided in the kitchen?

The kitchen is fully equipped with an electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. Everything you need for self-catering is provided.

Is there parking available?

Yes, there is ample off-road parking at Swallows Nest. The property also offers electric vehicle charging for guests with electric cars.

How close are local amenities?

There's a pub and shop less than a mile away in Armathwaite village. Carlisle is approximately 10 miles away and Penrith about 11 miles for more extensive shopping options.

What entertainment options are available in the cottage?

The cottage has a TV with Freeview and a selection of books and games. There's also broadband/WiFi available for guests to use during their stay.

What outdoor space does the cottage have?

Swallows Nest has an enclosed lawn and patio area with outdoor furniture. There's also a secure dog field, a nature pond and benches where you can enjoy the countryside views.

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Bowness-on-Windermere

Swallows Nest Reviews

Lovely welcome from Nick and super cottage with every need catered for and comfortable seating. The Cauldron is an added bonus. Great access to The Lakes, North Pennines, Eden Valley. Highly recommend if youre bringing your dog or without a dog. The accessibility to hiking is fantastic as is Hadrians wall. Food in the village is great and beautiful view of the Eden River. Fabulous break and we would return in the future.

Loved our stay here it had every convenience needed and for us the use of the field was a massive bonus. The owner nick could not be nicer and we will definitely be back to stay again.

Lovely cottage ,very clean ,great secure garden , hot tub amazing but not in the ... Lovely cottage ,very clean ,great secure garden , hot tub amazing but not in the garden, secure dog field fantastic BUT the cow shed is literally adjoining the garden and the noise and smells are bad I had to spray perfume constantly to try and mute the smell this was at Christmas so the cows were locked in the shed and one day it sounded like the farmer had locked his dog in there as there was a whimpering sound which upset me so much I wouldnt go in the garden , such a shame as the cottage really was very warm and cosy not sure if the other cottages on the site had the same problem as the smell only hit you when you approached our gate

Kirsty

Lovely cottage. Like home from home. Everything we needed. Very dog friendly didnt have to worry about a thing. Thank you.

Joanna

Just returned from a 7 night stay at Swallows Nest. From the welcome upon arrival through to our last day we had a great week. Comfortable cottage with everything we could have asked for. They had thought of everything. The enclosed garden was perfect for our 2 labradors. We did use the enclosed exercise area a couple of times but with the cottage in close proximity to lots of stunning walks the dogs were too tired and didnt need much more! The hot tub was a welcome treat for achy legs at the end of the day. Plenty of logs to put on the fire for the hot tub and it heated up quickly. Thank you for a lovely week. We hope to return.

William

Perfect location for a tranquil and rural relaxing break, local shop in Armathwaite has all you need to eat and drink, and they are extremely friendly and helpful. Nic and his team at the lettings are very welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. We will certainly consider them again the future if we require a peaceful, rural relaxing break. Thank you all.

Nadine

Lovely cosy and comfortable cottage. Everything we needed was provided and we received a lovely keepsake to bring home with us. Extremely dog friendly and even had an agility course but our two had a sniff and kept on walking !! We would definitely recommend Swallows Nest and will definitely be returning.

Lovely cottage. Host was there is anything needed sorting. Lovely and clean. We had fun with our dogs with the agility course. Lovely to walk out into fields so the dogs could have a run first thing in the morning. Gate at the bottom of the stairs was a great idea so no problem keeping the dogs downstairs. Thank you.

Excellent base. Everything you may need, or may have forgotten, has been thought about. Lovely grounds and very dog friendly. Nice to see the daily visits from the peacocks. A gentle stroll to the village and there are 2 pubs if you want to eat out which both serve great food. Would definitely recommend.

Excellent friendly owner Great for dogs with large enclosed paddock. Quiet location but plenty to do within 30 minutes drive

Nicola

Great safe and secure place especially for or four legged friends. Met all our needs. Was comfortable clean and tidy.

Lovely cottage, great for a family getaway and perfect if you want to bring along your 4 legged family members with you as its got a doggy daycarekennels and agility course on site with a fully secure garden at the cottage. The owner and host Nick couldnt have been more helpful or friendly during our stay. I will definitely stay here again someday and would recommend it to anyone looking for holiday accommodation in the CarlisleCumbria area.

Elaine

Great facilities for dogs and made to feel very welcome

Christine

The cottage was absolutely fabulous. The facilities provided were beyond expectations. We will definitely book this cottage again.

Elizabeth

Coombs view is a very quiet place to stay and was a great first stay since the pandemic started. The cottage was clean with milk in the fridge and stocked with cleaning products. It was a great base for the Northern lakes and walking locally.

The property was immaculate when we arrived, the enclosed garden and enclosed fields were perfect for our 2 dogs along with the doggy assault course, the property has everything you need for a wonderful stay and the location is perfect for exploring the lakes or nipping up to Scotland, will definitely be staying again. 5 stars

HAD ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY QUIET COUNTRY ROAD EXCELLENT FACIALATES VGOOD

A wonderful dog friendly place to stay. We enjoyed every moment and so did our two dogs, particularly with seven acres of beautiful land to run around in. Nick, the owner, has put a lot of thought into providing for pet owners and their companions. We cant wait to go back.

Lesley

Very pleasant cosy cottage good value for money

The inside layout, enclosed garden, comfey bed

This was THE most dogfriendly place I have ever been to absolute heaven for my border collie and the cottage was great for me too, in a lovely location! Cottage was very clean, warm, well laid out and comfy. Everything you could need was provided, plus extras I wasnt expecting like shower gel, shampoo, biscuits, milk and even tissues. A DVD player was even provided on request couldnt have asked for more. The location was also superb ducks, geese, peafowl, and poultry wandering the grounds. For my dog always one of my top priorities when booking somewhere an enclosed private garden was part of the cottage, but there were also half a dozen enclosed fields and an exercise area that we were able to enjoy at our leisure, and the wonderful views on all sides made our walks a real pleasure. We are definitely planning a return visit!

A perfect base to explore a wonderful area. Pet lovers , dont go anywhere else. Peacocks, cows, hens and plenty more on your doorstep.

Just back from a lovely peaceful week at Swallows Nest with our 2 dogs. I can't think of anywhere better to be at this time, surrounded by nature, animals, fields and beautiful little villages. An easy drive to the Lake District, and a nice walk into the local village which has a good shop, 2 pubs and a lovely river walk. For us having 2 dogs the totally enclosed garden was a huge benefit as we could open the patio doors and not have to worry about them escaping! one is a husky.....say no more. Just up a path on the farm grounds, through the lovely serene pet cemetery we had access to several large fenced in paddocks for the dogs to play in the morning and evening. We were out all day exploring so it was good to have somewhere close for them before we went and when we got back. The cottage itself is a charm, lovely open space downstairs with everything we needed and 2 good bedrooms and large bathroom upstairs. I would recommend this cottage to anybody wanting to get away from it all.

Wonderful little cottage to stay in! Excellent standard of clean and tidyness. Facilities were top notch, even came with shampoo and shower gel as well as other toiletries! Good quality towels, comfy bed! Complex is perfect for dogs and so pet friendly! Excellent location, was wonderful seeing the water fowl on a morning and listening to to the dairy farm cows next door!

This was a truly dog friendly holiday lots of facilities on site to walk the dog and to allow him to run safely in the fields. Everyone very friendly even the peacocks!!

Kirsty

Lovely setting, enjoyed feeding the chickens, geese and peacocks wandering around, lovely to see the cows and Great dog friendly accommodation, really loved it and would highly recommend. Easy access to the Lakes and Scotland, helpful and friendly owner

Audrey

Loved the variety of chickens, ducks, geese and peacocks roaming the farm. Cottage was very well equipped and we would love to return

Amabelle

Beautiful cottage. Host was fantastic and welcoming. Definitely book again

Great place if you need to take a dog with you, has a secure garden and access to well fenced fields, so very safe. Beautiful surroundings, quiet roads and friendly pubs. Good spot for touring the area, Hadrian's Wall, Penrith, Brampton and the Lakes are close by. On the way home a short diversion took us to Ribblehead Viaduct, one of the wonders of the North.

The Cottage is situated right next to a farm and this did create a bit of a problem. The barn was situated almost adjoining the cottage, and there was a problem with a cow which seemed to be in distress and constantly mood for two days which caused us a little stress and a sleepless night I don't want to sound unsympathetic to the plight of the cow. The location is quite isolated, You couldn't really go anywhere without driving, but the grounds on which the cottage was situated was very pleasant, with Peacocks, Chickens and Geese wandering freely. The cottage was fairly well equipped but certain things were missing such as bedside cabinets, which I would have found very useful The Gentleman who ran the place was very nice, and although there were a couple of problems, our stay was good.

Caroline

Beautiful cottage and surrounding, highly recommend , dog walking area a god send

Miranda

A fantastic little cottage in an absolutely stunning location. We loved what it had to offer especially for our dogs with the use of the secure paddocks!! Neil couldn't have been nicer and we would 100 reccomend to others and wont hesitate to come back again.

Robert

Lovely clean cottage situated in a quiet area in the countryside . Use of dog training compounds to let dog run free when we had enough walking.

Leave a Review

Swallows Nest, Armathwaite

About Swallows Nest

Need To Know

More Cottages With Hot Tubs You May Like

Weather & Hot Tub Conditions

Best Months for Hot Tub Evenings

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Bortle Scale Rating

What You Can See From The Hot Tub

Best Stargazing Conditions

Location & Elevation

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

Coordinates

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Hot Tub Timing by Season

August Daylight

Practical Essentials

Mobile Phone Signal

Nearest Essentials

Family & Fun

What Guests Love

Secure Dog Field

Wood-Fired Hot Tub

Peaceful Location

Thoughtful Touches

Warm Welcome

Cosy Interior

Getting To Swallows Nest

By Car

By Train

Attractions & More Nearby

Is Swallows Nest Right For You?

For Families

For Couples

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

Fox and Pheasant Inn

The Duke's Head

The Lounge Restaurant

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Swallows Nest Reviews