Top Lodge Cottage
Longtown, Lake District & Cumbria
Check rates and dates
Why we love it
There’s endless walking from the door, a cosy woodburner to come home to and an outdoor bath island that dogs might not like, but humans will love
What you'll love
Dogs will love
- Exploring the woods and walks along the River Esk
- The cosy spot in front of the woodburner (and probably right under your feet)
- Getting completely away from the noise of the city
Humans will love
- The amazing outdoor bath, with a roll top indoors for the less naturist inclined
- The clean, simple elegance of the space
- Produce from the garden and the chickens, in season
The place
This is definitely a place to come and relax, rather than pack in a lot of adventure. Exploring the area will be more about long walks where you don’t see a soul all day than dropping in to pubs and market towns. It’s a bit of a hike to the nearest... anything, so stock up on food, biscuits and books, then get ready to disappear into the woods for a few days. Once you’re settled, you’ll have nothing more pressing to do than choose between the indoor roll top bath and the outdoor one, in the woods behind the cottage. There’s a garden where dogs can be let out in the morning and evening, but you’ll need to keep an eye on them if they’ve got plenty of energy. It’s far better to take them out to Hadrian’s Wall or along the many paths through the estate, to get them good and tired for another lazy evening in.
In the neighbourhood
- Walk from the door: There are walks in almost every direction from the door here, so just grab the map and let your dog lead the way!
- The Crown & Thistle, 17-minute drive. Head down the road to this dog-friendly for some traditional pub fare, and a roaring fire.
- Kershope Forest, 40-minute drive. Down the road from Kielder Forest, Kershope’s got everything you’d hope for a nice, wooded walk, and far fewer people.
- Hidden River Café, 15-minute drive. For great locally-sourced food, and a lovely dog-friendly atmosphere head on over to Hidden River Café for a bite to eat.