Details for Rainbow Cottage Ref 2022

Location: Situated on the banks of the longest river in Cumbria, the appropriately named River Eden, Soulby is a picturesque hamlet comprising of a few traditional cottages surrounded by rolling countryside. Just two miles away you will find Kirkby Stephen, a small town in the Upper Eden Valley that was formerly in the old county of Westmorland, now Cumbria. This is an area of Cumbria much less well-known than the Lake District, but equally appealing. A traditional market town comprising of historic buildings, cobbled yards, quaint corners and interesting shops, Kirkby Stephen has a station on the famous scenic Settle/Carlisle line and is an ideal centre from which to travel the line. The surrounding area boasts many sites of historic interest including parish churches and castles such as Brougham, Brough, Pendragon and Lammerside.

Impressive mountains, open fells and clear-water lakes; the Lake District landscape has inspired several literary greats, including William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Walking is one of the best ways of exploring the Lake District. The mountains of Skiddaw, Scafell and Helvellyn provide enjoyable challenges, whilst at lower levels there are hundreds of routes among the lakes and stone-walled fields. If bustling lakeside towns and exhilarating watersports take your fancy, then Windermere and Coniston Water, where you can cruise the lake on a steam-powered yacht, could be for you.

If its peace and tranquillity you seek then the secluded lakes of Buttermere and Wastwater are not to be missed. Cumbria offers much more just lakes. Explore the National Nature Reserve on Walney Island or visit the picturesque Duddon Valley. With award-winning gardens and the Lakeland Motor Museum, Holker Hall is a great day out. In northern Cumbria the peaceful villages of Caldbeck and Ireby offer a haven of solitude and tranquillity. To the east lies the green and sheltered Eden Valley. Its dramatic landscape provides a range of activities including walking, cycling and water sports and is home to the Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre and Lowther Wildlife Park.