The Snug in Longtown | Must-See Cumbria Hot Tub Cottage

About The Snug

The Snug is a bespoke shepherd's hut micro home in Northern Cumbria, set alongside Carwinley Beck near the Scottish border. Finished to an extremely high standard, this is one of four properties on an exclusive landscaped development with 3.5 acres of shared grounds. Very little light pollution makes this a brilliant spot for star gazing guests have spotted the Milky Way and shooting stars from the decking.

The setting is genuinely secluded. The sound of the beck runs through the whole stay. Wildlife visits regularly robins, blue tits, bats at dusk and even a hedgehog. Longtown is five minutes away with a shop, pub and restaurant. Gretna Green is six miles away and Carlisle just ten.

The Snug sleeps two. It's all on one level with an open-plan living, dining, kitchen and sleeping area with a double bed. There's a wet room with shower, basin and WC. The kitchen has a portable induction hob, Belfast sink, microwave, toaster and kettle.

Gretna Green's Famous Blacksmiths Shop (6 miles), Carlisle Castle (10 miles), Hadrian's Wall at Birdoswald (18 miles, 30 mins) and Ullswater in the North Lakes (under an hour) are all within easy reach.

The private hot tub, fire pit with free logs and decking lights make The Snug ideal for couples after a proper escape. Owners Trevor and Danielle are consistently praised across 78 reviews. Book The Snug for a genuinely private, well-equipped retreat.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

✓Kitchen with fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle, portable induction hob and belfast sink
✓Electric heating
✓Tv with dvd
✓Electricity and a welcome pack including logs
✓Bed linen and towels included in rent
✓Wifi available
✓Off-road parking
✓Private screened area beside carwinley beck, hot tub, seating area, fire pit (toasting forks and marshmallows provided)
✓Outdoor cold shower
✓Use of grounds
✓Sorry, no pets and no smoking
✓Shop, restaurant and pub 5 mins drive
✓River and countryside walks and cycling trails in the local area
✓Please note as the hot tub is emptied, cleaned and re filled between each booking it may not be at the optimum temperature for your arrival

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Local Insights: Swallows Nest

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Longtown, Cumbria

Weather & Hot Tub Conditions

10°C

Clear sky

Updated: 16 Jul 2026, 2:49am

🌡️

9.60°C

Temperature

💨

6 km/h

Wind Speed

💧

93%

Humidity

♨️

Hot Tub Tip: The contrast between cool July 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

Swallows Nest 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

40m

(131 feet above sea level)

Swallows Nest sits in a peaceful Cumbria setting, perfect for a relaxing hot tub getaway.

🏔️

40m

Elevation

📍

Longtown

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 Longtown are typical Cumbria lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. Take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Coordinates

Latitude: 55.0472861° N | Longitude: 2.9344521° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Longtown (Thursday, 16 July 2026):

3:52am

Sunrise

7:43pm

Golden Hour

8:43pm

Sunset

🌅

3:52am

Sunrise

🌇

8:43pm

Sunset

📸

7:43pm

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 (7:43pm). You'll enjoy the warm colours of sunset, then transition into twilight and stars - all without having to get out!

July Daylight

This month in Longtown, you have approximately 16.86 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 Swallows Nest.

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 The Snug

Private Hot Tub

The private hot tub is cleaned and refilled between every booking. Guests regularly use it at night listening to the beck flowing below.

Fire Pit with Free Logs

Free logs and kindling are provided along with toasting forks and marshmallows. The fire pit is a highlight for evening outdoor time.

Star Gazing

Very little light pollution here. Guests have seen the Milky Way, shooting stars and occasionally the Northern Lights from the decking.

Hosts Trevor and Danielle

Owners are repeatedly praised across reviews for being warm, helpful and thoughtful. Welcome gifts include Prosecco, homemade brownies and marshmallows.

Riverside Setting

The Snug sits right alongside Carwinley Beck. The sound of the water and the visiting wildlife bats, birds and hedgehogs make it feel genuinely away from it all.

Decking Lights and BBQ

The private screened decking has atmospheric lighting, a parasol, outdoor cold shower and a BBQ. Guests consistently mention how good it looks at night.

Getting To The Snug

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Snug by car, head towards Longtown in Northern Cumbria and follow signs towards Carwinley. The development sits alongside Carwinley Beck and there is communal off-road parking on site when you arrive.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Carlisle, approximately ten miles away. From Carlisle you can take a taxi directly to the property. Carlisle is well connected on the West Coast Main Line from both London and Glasgow.

Communal off-road parking on site

Carlisle station (approx. 10 miles)

Near Longtown, Northern Cumbria, CA6 5PE

Attractions & More Nearby

Everything you need within easy reach

Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop

Distance: 6 miles

DG16 5EA

Carlisle Castle

Distance: 10 miles

CA3 8UR

Birdoswald Roman Fort (Hadrian's Wall)

Distance: 18 miles

CA8 7DD

Solway Coast AONB

Distance: 14 miles

CA7 4QU

Carwinley Beck Riverside Walk

Distance: On site

CA6 5PE

River Esk Walks near Longtown

Distance: 2 miles

CA6 5NP

Longtown Town Centre

Distance: 5 mins drive

CA6 5UE

Carlisle City Centre Shops

Distance: 10 miles

CA3 8JH

Gretna Gateway Outlet Village

Distance: 6 miles

DG16 5GG

Longtown Pub and Restaurant

Distance: 5 mins drive

CA6 5UE

Carlisle Bus and Rail Links

Distance: 10 miles

CA1 1JB

Taxi Services from Carlisle

Distance: 10 miles

CA1 1JB

Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop

Distance: 6 miles

DG16 5EA

Carlisle Castle

Distance: 10 miles

CA3 8UR

Birdoswald Roman Fort (Hadrian's Wall)

Distance: 18 miles

CA8 7DD

Solway Coast AONB

Distance: 14 miles

CA7 4QU

Carwinley Beck Riverside Walk

Distance: On site

CA6 5PE

River Esk Walks near Longtown

Distance: 2 miles

CA6 5NP

Longtown Town Centre

Distance: 5 mins drive

CA6 5UE

Carlisle City Centre Shops

Distance: 10 miles

CA3 8JH

Gretna Gateway Outlet Village

Distance: 6 miles

DG16 5GG

Longtown Pub and Restaurant

Distance: 5 mins drive

CA6 5UE

Carlisle Bus and Rail Links

Distance: 10 miles

CA1 1JB

Taxi Services from Carlisle

Distance: 10 miles

CA1 1JB

Is The Snug Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families

The Snug is designed for couples only and sleeps just two adults. There are steps to the entrance, no child-specific facilities and no pets are allowed on site. Families with children would be better suited to a larger, family-oriented property in the Cumbria area.

For Couples

The Snug was built for couples. A private hot tub, fire pit with free logs, decking lights alongside Carwinley Beck and almost zero light pollution for star gazing set the scene. Owners leave Prosecco and homemade brownies on arrival. Gretna Green is just six miles away.

Pet Friendly

Pets are not permitted at The Snug. The property has a strict no-pets policy. Guests who want to bring a dog should look for an alternative pet-friendly property in Cumbria. There are resident animals on the wider site but guests cannot bring their own.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Snug

The Graham Arms, Longtown

Located 5 mins drive from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA6 5SE

The Sands Centre Restaurant, Carlisle

Located 10 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA1 1JQ

Gretna Hall Hotel Restaurant

Located 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DG16 5DY

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Snug

Does The Snug have a hot tub?

Yes, The Snug has a private hot tub on the screened outdoor decking area. It is emptied, cleaned and refilled between every booking and hot tub towels are provided.

Is The Snug pet friendly?

No, pets are not permitted at The Snug. Guests who want to bring a dog would need to look at alternative properties in the area.

How many people does The Snug sleep?

The Snug sleeps two people in one double bed. It is designed specifically for couples and is not suitable for groups or families.

What cooking facilities are available?

The kitchen has a portable induction hob, Belfast sink, microwave, toaster and kettle along with a small silent fridge. Washing up liquid is provided as part of the welcome pack.

Is there outdoor space at The Snug?

Yes, there is a private screened decking area with seating, a parasol, decking lights, fire pit, outdoor cold shower and a BBQ. Guests also have shared use of 3.5 acres of grounds including a tree house.

How far is The Snug from Carlisle and Gretna Green?

Gretna Green is approximately six miles away and Carlisle is around ten miles. Both are easily reached by car making them ideal for a day out.

What is the WiFi situation at The Snug?

WiFi is available at the property though some guests have noted the signal reaches only as far as the communal parking area. Mobile signal in the area can also be limited so it is worth checking your network coverage in advance.

Can The Snug be booked as part of a larger group stay?

Yes, The Snug is one of four properties on the same development. The other properties are Carwinley Mill House, The Heronry, Reflection and The Chard, each sleeping two. All four can be booked together to accommodate up to ten guests.

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Bowness-on-Windermere

The Snug Reviews

Sarah e

Lovely mini break away at the adorable snug, perfect for out doorsy types. . hot tub and a fire pit. nature and fresh air, peaceful and relaxing Daily visits from the resident pets too which made it even better,a cat,a dog even the four friendly chickens ..it was fabulous and refreshing. I really enjoyed it.

My partner and I stayed over Easter weekend for our birthday celebrations and from start to finish it was amazing. The owners are friendly and very helpful they picked us up when we got stuck walking back from the town which was very kind and the accommodation was delightful. Surrounded by nature and the friendly chickens who greeted us each morning! The accommodation was clean and comfortable and we made very good use of the hot tub each night which was just the relaxation we needed. We even seen a shooting star! Would highly recommend and would absolutely love to visit again. Thank you very much for such a wonderful stay.

Tiffany

The snug is beautiful in stunning surroundings. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and wish we had booked longer as we did not want to leave. Would highly recommend

The snug was beautiful! Considering it was February and very cold the snug was lovely and warm! The hot tub was ready for us when we arrived which was a great touch. Only thing I would add is there was only 4 plug sockets... 2 didn't work and one was needed for the heater so as a couple charging things was a bit of a pain. The stairs into the snug were a little old and could maybe be replaced. Overal the place was amazing and our host was so friendly, I would definitely stay here again. Thanks so much for our 3 days away from home!

Lovely property with an amazing location near the stream. Everything you need in the accommodation including added extras like hot tub towels, shampoo etc in the bathroom, washing up liquid, tea towel etc. Fantastic takeaway from local pizza takeaway near by and delivered with no issues. Resident chicken to keep you company too. Shes very friendly. Lights on the decking and towards the stream are amazing at night. The fire pit is a lovely addition too. Only issue for us is the hot tub was set to 40 degrees which was extremely hot. The jets at one side do not work. It also constantly had flies in it. Not the doing of the owners, more the trees but maybe a cover over the tub would be beneficial. All in all an amazing property in an amazing area. We headed over the boarder to Edinburgh and that was a great day out.

Adrian

Wonderful place! We stayed 3 nights in the Snug, situated by the river it was brilliant. The Snug is not designed for 4 stay but it met our needs brilliantly. we were out everyday so wasnt much more we needed The Hot tub was very clean and relaxing we used it every night. The last night we used the fire pit as well, free logs and kindling were provided thank you we brought firelighters and matches. The best bit though was tuning on the red light on the decking and then watching the bats flying around the river. Then out of the blue a rustling below and a screech.. Otters i think!! Thank you for a wonderful stay.

Vanessa

Lovely little hideaway with real comfort and all you need for a relaxing stay, hot tub added bonus and lovely private seating area with the sound of the river below, picturesque.

Isabelle

Such a nice property, ashame the WiFi doesn't reach the snug, only up to where the car is parked and theres no signal

Blossom

Shower and sink were a bit leaky but other than that it was fantastic and I would definitely come back!

A really lovely and comfortable lodge with great facilities the hot tub and bbq was put to good use and made the stay extra special. Would definitely recommend this to others and we appreciated the owners being so friendly and welcoming upon arrival. Shame about the lack of signal and connection, however this is understandable in the environment and didn't affect our stay too much at all thanks for having us!

Absolutely loved it. Great place and surroundings lovely people recommend 110

Lizzie

It was a joy to have the birds visiting the snug and we were made to feel so welcome. Everything was spotlessly clean including the hot tub. Lovely cabin, some sharper knives in the kitchen area would have been great, but can't fault anything else.

Cristina

Loved our stay, a perfect retreat. The little river at the bottom of the garden was beautiful and I enjoyed my morning cuppa sat beside it. All small details were included, there was nothing missing in the snug. Perfect. Would definitely return.

The holiday was absolutely superb. The Snug was warm and cosy. Everything was impeccably clean. And our host could not have done more to make us feel welcome. I could not recommend this venue more. First Class!

Kathryn

Had a fantastic 3 night break with my partner. Very comfortable and clean, very quiet and relaxing. Hot tub ready on arrival what more could you want.

Angela

Lovely place but the WIFI was rubbish and to have it listed as an amenity is inaccurate.

Lovely host, nice setting. Very private.

Carolynne

We had a fantastic few days staying at The Snug, such a peaceful and relaxing place. The Snug was small and simple but perfect for a romantic weekend getaway. Relaxing in the hot tub with just the sound of the birds, the stream and eventually the bats flying overhead together with star gazing was just perfect. Our only real criticism was the lack of anywhere to dry towels etc. as the weather was very changeable on our visit. We'd read this on another review so took a bungie line with pegs which we hung behind the chiminea. But it certainly didn't spoil our stay.

Eleanor

We absolutely loved this holiday! The location is lovely, being able to relax in the hot tub and listen to the river below was just amazing. We will definitely return

Steven

Lovely place, so relaxing a great place to chill out away from the hectic world. We both loved the Snug with wildlife around you, an ideal setting, not to far away for exploring either. Would definitely recommend to anyone. Hope to return soon,

We had a lovely weekend staying at The Snug. The owner was very welcoming and explained all we needed to know for our stay. The shepherds hut was perfect and we had such a relaxing time. If I was to be over critical, the outdoor space could do to be a little tidier, grass cut, fencing painted etc. However this did not spoil our stay at all and we would definitely recommend The Snug to our friends. Good luck with your wedding venue venture

Corinne

Beautiful and very warm little bit of paradise! Would definitely recommend. Spotless and theyd left a bottle of Prosecco for us. Very friendly owners and we were left to come and go as we pleased. Very peaceful location but within a few miles of pub and shops. Hot tub was lovely and the fire pit. Theyd thought of everything picnic kit to take outside and a mirror under the bathroom sink.

Lovely stay for the weekend, very private and well equipped for a shepherds hut. Hot tub great Im the cold weather but perhaps in winter a canopy over it to keep out the falling leaves

Jeanette

Loved our stay in the Snug! true to its name, if you love camping you will love this I think we did miss a little oven and stove in it though, the hot tub was the luxury to it but not our thing really but loved the fire pit and was lucky to have a couple of nights sat out with lovely blankets provided, loved the sound of the stream and birds first thing In a morning, so private and quite, visited Carlise, Gretna Green and Hadrians Wall on our stay I would recommend the snug for a break anytime

Fatima

The snug is a very cosy little place! Loved coming back to it after a long day at the Lake District. The host was very welcoming and at hand, always there to answer questions. Everything was straight forward, a few insects and flies around which is understandable as it is the outdoors, but nothing anyone can't handle. The bed was very comfortable to sleep in, everything was clean. The jacuzzi was always hot and ready to use! Wifi could have been better and also more recommendations of places to visit nearby hence the one star less, but other than that is was an amazing stay. Thank you!

Stephen

What a beautiful stay we had in The Snug. Its was so cosy and relaxing and more than we expected. It has everything you need to have a relaxing break and we didn't want to come home. I would highly recommend to any couples wanting a break to recharge and get away from it all. The owners Daneille and Trevor, and all the team were so accommodating and even left us a bottle of bubbly on arrival. We will certainly be coming back next year for a weekend recharge. Thank you all so much.

Steven

This little snug is heaven on wheels. Situated in an idillic secluded area, this snug was beautiful. Along with the snug was your very own veranda overlooking a stunning beck. There was also an endless supply of logs and we enjoyed the chiminea every night. The hot tub was amazing and fully set up for our arrival. The snug was comfortable and we slept well every night. There was literally everything we needed. We fully intend coming back and cant thank the owner enough.

Very private property, perfect for a couple weekend away. Owners were lovely and on hand for anything. The shepherd hut was well equipped, comfy and homely

Courtney

Perfect stay, throughly enjoyed every moment.

I couldnt recommend a better stay! ! I had the most incredible weekend for my birthday with my partner. This was 10x more incredible than I expected, the garden was huge and the surrounding was amazing. The shepherds hut was so cosy, comfortable and the interior was beautiful. There was so many little added details which thought was put into making me feel even more welcome. I will 1000 be returning to the Snug. The only small thing it is missing is somewhere to dry your clothes and towels after the hot tub. Like a washing line or even a little drying rack as I was finding it difficult to dry the clothes. I think in summer it would be fine because I could hang these over the fence but I didnt want to risk it blowing away as the weather isnt incredible at the moment. Thank you so much for the best stay!!

Andrei

We have enjoyed the stay, was peaceful and relaxing. Hot tub was best thing with stunning view!! Easy to get to other places so we found location perfect. Very lovely people

It is lovely you should be proud of it Thank you

Rebecca

What a beautiful little shepherds hut! So private and inviting. It was clean, warm and cosy. It far exceeded our expectations and was perfect for our little weekend away. Will definitely book here again.

Phyllicia

A beautiful place to stay.

Shelley

Loved the fact we was left alone to enjoy our holiday and our area was very secluded. Little bit of heaven! Had a really relaxing stay, will definitely return!

Overall we are both very pleased with our stay! And would recommend to others, however the cooking situation could be a little better or even having a bigger fridge. The information about the snug when you book needs to be more specific FOR EXAMPLE Sachets of milk not a pint of milk The description says you provide bread and there wasnt any. I just think small improvements to the description or definitely make sure you have in there exactly what it states. Also, if you are wanting to book the snug you need to take everything from food to washing up liquid. Apart from the fooddissipation malarkey we absolutely loved it & the hot tub was lush!! Thank you X

Michelle

We had a wonderful time. Very secluded, cosy and private. Danielle was friendly and explained everything. Fizz and marshmallows upon arrival. We loved it and will almost definitely return. A real little gem.

Leave a Review

The Snug, Longtown

About The Snug

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

July Daylight

Practical Essentials

Mobile Phone Signal

Nearest Essentials

Family & Fun

What Guests Love

Private Hot Tub

Fire Pit with Free Logs

Star Gazing

Hosts Trevor and Danielle

Riverside Setting

Decking Lights and BBQ

Getting To The Snug

By Car

By Train

Attractions & More Nearby

Is The Snug Right For You?

For Families

For Couples

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The Graham Arms, Longtown

The Sands Centre Restaurant, Carlisle

Gretna Hall Hotel Restaurant

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

The Snug Reviews