Family-friendly vacation rentals in Alston

Beautiful cottage. Was perfect for us and the dogs. Fully enclosed fenced garden with a gate down to a quiet riverside walk. The hottub was huge and warm ready for our arrival. Everything we needed was available in the kitchen. We only stayed for 1 night so cannot comment on the local area as we did not do much exploring but we noticed a spar walking distance just down the road and a few cafes.

The location was amazing and the views were spectacular. This home was exactly what it said on the tin. We were all blown away by it and had beautiful weather to make the most of the outdoor area. The only thing we did notice was that there wasn’t enough wine glasses & champagne flutes. Not ideal when there was 8 women so we had to use half pint glasses. We could have also done with more dishwasher tablets to last the stay. Apart from that it was perfect. Thank you.

We had a great time at Canny Brow Barn. Everything you could possible think of or need for your stay, Ian and Anne-Marie had thought about, from a cocktail shaker to cleaning products to games. Would highly recommend!

We had a lovely weekend at Moss Side Farm, we travelled with friends, small children and dogs. The contained garden was perfect for the dogs and the farm was lovely to take the children to see the animals. The accommodation is really homely and a good size. Louise is super friendly and helpful, and arranged an extra cot for us which we really appreciated! Would totally recommend this place for a quiet weekend away.

Just wow. What a beautiful place, and even more wonderful hosts, Mark and Ruth. Staying here felt like stepping back in time, bringing back nostalgic memories of summer trips to the Lakes as a child. It’s a warm, traditional, and welcoming place, perfect for families or couples looking for a peaceful getaway. The hot tub and sauna were fantastic, properly heated and well-maintained, a cut above the lukewarm versions we’ve experienced elsewhere. The grounds are truly stunning: expansive gardens, a forest and stream for kids to explore, and even a private stretch of beach on a secluded part of Lake Windermere. It’s just far enough from Bowness to enjoy the tranquility, but close enough for an easy drive or quick taxi ride into town. Truly a special place. We couldn’t recommend it more!

What a perfect place to stay with all of the family from 11 months to 80+yrs of age. Accessibility for my mum was excellent with walk in showers and sofa chairs easy to get in and out of. A travel cot and high chair provided for the youngest member of the family. A dishwasher including the tablets along with a fully equipped kitchen, plastic glasses for use in the hot tub ideal with a glass of wine or too. Our two dogs enjoyed lots of walks and it was brilliant that the garden was fully enclosed and safe for them too. Sarah the host was lovely nothing was too much trouble, little touches like jigsaws and board games where available and the barn had been decorated for Christmas to make you feelst home. The barn was in a beautiful location with lots of walks and a local pub ( booking is essential). If your into astronomy go to Grassholme Observatory I learnt so much and the dark skies are awesome. We had a lovely New Years break and would highly recommended Sunrise Barn for families.

We spent a wonderful week in Mill Barn. Lots of small touches like flowers on arrival, brownies, milk in the fridge and the fire set up made the place really welcoming and inviting. Nice walk to the local pub but be prepared for the hill back up. Overall would highly recommend.

Our stay at Sandysike was lovely, it was everything we hoped for and more. The instructions to find the property were clear and we were met with no problems. Both Sharon and her husband are lovely. I had some car problems and they went above and beyond to help and were super accommodating. Would highly recommend if you’re looking for a peaceful, clean and welcoming stay. Thank you both for everything!

A huge thank you to Jackie, John and Cooper 🐶 for everything during our stay this week. The accommodation was perfect for us and felt like home from home. The little additional touches were most appreciated. The location was perfect for walking our dogs, getting a train, walking into Kendal or getting in / out of Kendal by car. We would love to come back when we are next up visiting family in Kendal.

A lovely quirky house as described, well equipped with everything you might need. Sandra was quick getting back with any queries and it was lovely to meet her as we were leaving. Once we had parked the car didn't use it again until we left. Lots of local info in the house, very central to Keswick. We had a great time and would definitely like to go back again 😊

The Hemmel was a really nice cottage to stay in. It's probably one of the best airbnb's we've been to. Kate was very nice and helpful. The photos don't do it justice as it's even better in the flesh. We were a family of 4 including a baby and it was super comfortable. The cottage is very private and peaceful. The lambs were out when we were there and we saw the red squirrel in garden each day. We'd would definitely return.

We were splendidly well looked after in a fantastic apartment in a beautiful location. Finding out that we could walk to some woods was just an added bonus. Strongly recommend.

Amazing overnight stay. Beautiful surroundings, the food In the pub was incredible. Especially the pies! Will be back again for sure. Hosts and everyone were so friendly, even being our 2 big dogs it was a great stay.

A lovely little place to stay! Warm, comfortable & Cosy! And such a quiet location, it was so peaceful

Great little cottage in the villages outside of Carlisle. Wetheral has a great train station for getting in and out of Carlisle without the car. There are even trains into Newcastle! The village is great with a post office, cafe, shop, pub and restaurant. The local hotel, which is a 5 min walk, has a pool and gym which you can pay to use during your stay. Although there is no designated parking, parking outside was easy and no problem. Had a maximum of a 10m walk into the property from the car. Check in was so easy and cannot fault the stay.

What can I say... Absolutely fantastic place. You couldn't ask for anything more. Really peaceful location with fantastic views of the hills etc. We had a strange issue but this was sorted out very swiftly by Malcolm 👍 We will definitely be looking to book again and have another peaceful time just watching the world go by. Thanks Bob & Chris

"We had a fantastic 1-day stay with 5 members at this place. The host was wonderful and accommodating, and the club facilities were a highlight for us. We especially enjoyed the swimming pool and had a great time there. Overall, we had a memorable experience and would highly recommend this place to other guests looking for a relaxing getaway." Ashik.

We spent 5 nights here at the end of March and start of April 2025. We were really fortunate with the weather and took full advantage of the wonderful location: scaling Slight Side and Scafell on one day, riding to Coniston via the bridleway on another and 'bagging' most of the Coniston fells on another day via Wrynose Pass. We ate in on a couple of nights and also went to the Wainwright's for some pub grub, as well as Stoves for their evening menu. Simon and Belinda's place is very well situated in Great Langdale for all kinds of walks and rides, food and decent pints. The house itself is a lovely place to return to in the evening with easy parking outside for our van and once inside, everything is spotless, well equipped and cosy. We really appreciated all the helpful information on bike routes and walking routes and spent the late evenings by the fire pouring over the Wainwright books planning the next day's adventures. 100% recommended.

Great lodge situated right at the top of the site, within 2 minutes of a small walk with panoramic views of the valleys. Bedding was super soft & so were the towels, comfy bed, great sleep. Beautiful surroundings to wake up to and sit outdoors with a coffee listening to the birds. Dog friendly! Comfortable sofa! Lots of utensils and plates.

Just as advertised: such a great cosy space in fact that our “anti-AirBnB” 7-year-old decided she loved it and felt right at home. The place has all you need and is an 8-minute walk from great food, coffee, and more in charming Bellingham. We’ll be back for sure!

We had a great stay at Whitbarrow. We have visited the resort before on many occasions. We had some minor issues in the accommodation which were swiftly resolved by Seasons staff. Kal and Anita were great to communicate with leading up to and during the stay also. Very responsive and helpful. Good facilities onsite too and helpful staff. Thank you

We had the most amazing stay over the Easter break. The lodge is strategically located for exploring the area around Ambleside. Many beautiful walks can be started without needing the car. The swimming pool on site is so good to keep the kids entertained after a day of walking. It was one of the best family holidays ever. Communication with the hosts was great, very clear directions and info pack

Our group of 7 adults and 3 kids really enjoyed our stay. The place was cozy, comfortable and had everything we needed. It provided the perfect getaway and we will definitely be back.

House was as described, beautiful setting with wonderful views of the hills and mountains. Rooms are spacious with comfy beds and bathrooms are nicely finished with good showers. Kitchen is a good size and has all required implements. A great location for exploring the central lakes and soaking up all that Ambleside has to offer.