Mill Race House

Mill Race House is a spacious, stone-built cottage situated in the heart of Alston in Cumbria. Hosting five bedrooms and three bathrooms, this cottage can sleep up to fourteen guests. On the first floor are three doubles, one with en-suite bathroom, whilst on the second floor is a family room with double and two singles, plus a twin bedded. There is also a sitting/ dining area with a woodburning stove, a sun room, kitchen and a utility. To the outside is a decked area with a private hot tub. Parking on the road is available on a first come, first served basis, Mill Race House is a superb cottage for those memorable family escapes. Note: Good Housekeeping Bond 500 GBP

Alston is set in the North Pennines in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounded by a unique landscape of moorland, hills, rivers and waterfalls, and is England's highest market town. This intriguing town, with its cobbled streets and fascinating nooks and crannies, was the location for ITV's productions of Jane Eyre and Oliver Twist. Alston and the North Pennines have long inspired artists and writers; the poet and writer W H Auden loved the area and today Alston is an inspiration to the craftspeople who live and work there. There is a host of unusual shops in the town including quality crafts and galleries. Take a ride on one of the lovingly-restored steam and diesel engines through the beautiful scenery of the South Tyne valley on the South Tynedale Railway which runs from Alston through to Slaggyford. The River Tyne is also noted as one of the finest salmon rivers in England and day-ticket fishing is available locally. The North Pennines used to be one of the wealthiest lead mining centres in Europe, and the Killhope Lead Mining Museum offers a great family day out with interactive exhibitions. With the drive along the A686 recognised by the AA as one of the world's best drives, and northern Cumbria, County Durham and Northumberland, all within easy reach, this makes a superb base.

Impressive mountains, open fells and clear-water lakes, the Lake District has it all. From walking in the mountains to exhilarating watersports or just a gentle cruise on a steam-powered yacht, Cumbria is the perfect holiday destination.