Nestled in the heart of Cumbria, Moss Bank Country Lodges offers the perfect base for discovering the Lake District’s breathtaking beauty and rich history — all just a short, scenic drive away. Whether you’re seeking grand castles, ancient landmarks, or peaceful lake walks, there’s something nearby for every kind of traveller. Here are some of our favourite local gems you can explore by car from Moss Bank.

1. Lowther Castle & Gardens – History Meets Adventure

Drive time: ~15 minutes
Postcode: CA10 2HH

A visit to Lowther Castle is a must. Once one of the grandest buildings in the North, its romantic ruins now stand proudly surrounded by beautiful, landscaped gardens. Wander through the Lost Castle Adventure Playground (a dream for families), explore the Exhibition Rooms that tell the story of the Lowther family, and enjoy a bite in the award-winning café overlooking the grounds. Every corner here feels like a step through time and imagination.

2. Arthur’s Pike – For Stunning Panoramic Views

Drive time: ~20 minutes to Askham or Pooley Bridge starting points

If you love the outdoors, Arthur’s Pike offers a fantastic moderate walk with unbeatable views of Ullswater Lake. Starting from the charming village of Askham or nearby Pooley Bridge, the route takes you across open fellside to a summit that rewards you with sweeping vistas of the lake and surrounding peaks. Perfect for a morning hike followed by a lakeside lunch.

3. Mayburgh Henge – Step Into Ancient History

Drive time: ~10 minutes
Postcode: CA10 2LE

Older than Stonehenge and equally fascinating, Mayburgh Henge is a prehistoric stone circle built from thousands of river stones carried from the nearby River Eamont. The site’s peaceful setting and mysterious atmosphere make it a wonderful stop for history enthusiasts or anyone looking to connect with the area’s ancient past.

4. Ullswater Lake – The Jewel of the North Lakes

Drive time: ~15 minutes
Best for: Boating, walking, and lakeside dining

Ullswater is the second largest lake in England and arguably one of the most beautiful. You can take a relaxing cruise on the Ullswater Steamers, paddleboard or kayak in calm waters, or simply stroll the Ullswater Way, a 20-mile walking route that circles the lake. Don’t miss the lakeside pubs and cafés — perfect for a post-adventure treat.

5. Aira Force – A Fairy-Tale Waterfall

Drive time: ~20 minutes
Postcode: CA11 0JS

A short drive along Ullswater’s edge brings you to the enchanting Aira Force Waterfall, one of the Lake District’s most photographed spots. The National Trust-managed site features woodland trails, stone bridges, and the thundering 65-foot waterfall itself — best enjoyed after a good rain! The combination of ferns, moss-covered rocks, and rushing water makes it a magical experience in any season.

6. Penrith Museum – Stories of the Past

Drive time: ~10 minutes
Location: Robinson’s School, Middlegate, Penrith

Round off your local explorations with a visit to Penrith Museum, housed in a historic 17th-century building. Discover artefacts from Roman times, local geology, and tales of the town’s fascinating past. It’s a compact but captivating stop — ideal for a rainy afternoon or a deeper dive into the region’s heritage.

Make Moss Bank Your Base for Adventure

After a day of exploring castles, lakes, and ancient sites, return to your peaceful lodge at Moss Bank Country Lodges — where comfort, countryside views, and a warm welcome await. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family escape, you’ll find endless opportunities for discovery right on your doorstep.

Book your stay today and start your Lake District adventure!

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Experience Luxury Lodges on the Edge of the Lake District

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a holiday home in one of England’s most stunning regions, Moss Bank Country Lodges in the heart of the Eden Valley is the perfect destination. Our exclusive, gated development offers a diverse selection of two and three-bedroom luxury lodges, designed to cater to every taste and lifestyle. Whether you prefer spacious interiors or modern, stylish living, each lodge comes with top-quality features, including high-quality composite decking and large allocated parking spaces.

A Peaceful Retreat Surrounded by Nature

Set across 7.5 acres of private grounds, our lodges are perfectly positioned on the edge of the North Lake District, offering uninterrupted views of the Eden Valley. Surrounded by picturesque countryside, our location combines tranquillity with accessibility to local attractions. Whether it’s a day of mountain climbing in Ullswater, fishing in the River Eden, or exploring charming local villages, you’ll find endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

Pet-Friendly Luxury for Year-Round Enjoyment

At Moss Bank Country Lodges, we understand that a holiday home is better shared with your furry friends. That’s why our development is fully dog-friendly, allowing you to explore our expansive grounds and the surrounding countryside together. Open 12 months a year, our lodges provide a comfortable retreat for every season, whether it’s a cosy winter escape or a summer getaway.

Why Choose Moss Bank Country Lodges?

• Exclusive, gated development for privacy and security

• Luxury two and three-bedroom lodges with modern design

• High-quality facilities including composite decking and ample parking

• Set on 7.5 acres of private, scenic grounds

• Year-round access and pet-friendly environment

• Close to outdoor activities, local attractions, and Lake District adventures

Owning a holiday home at Moss Bank Country Lodges is more than just a retreat—it’s an opportunity to embrace the beauty of Cumbria and create lasting memories in a serene and exclusive setting.

Discover Your Dream Lodge Today

If you’re looking for pet-friendly luxury lodges for sale in the Lake District, Moss Bank Country Lodges offers the perfect combination of comfort, style, and natural beauty. Contact our team in Cumbria today to find out more and arrange a visit to explore our stunning development.

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Deciding to buy your own luxury lodge can be an exciting step to take. Finding the right layout, style and location are all equally important. A popular solution with many is to buy a lodge as they offer a comfortable escape from day to day life.

Here at Moss Bank Country Lodges our blog this month takes a look at lodges and gives you a guide of things to do when buying your own.

About Lodges

Living or staying in lodges has been popular in the UK for hundreds of years. However, in more recent years, they have become a popular way of enjoying a holiday. There are several different names, makes and models around which make the whole process of choosing a lodge difficult. Each site will have its own stock and every lodge will have its own fittings, fixtures and sizes.

Lodges are built to BS 3632 (British Standard) or BS EN 1647 to ensure safety and security at all times. The former refers to a full residential specification and allows you to use the dwelling for 12 months as a second or holiday home. The latter is typically seen in lodges with less insulation, making them more ideal for the summer.

A modern lodge is made typically in two parts which are then fixed together when on site. Manufacturers fit furniture within their models. However, this can easily be changed by yourself if you don’t like the style used.

Consider Your Budget

Once you’re sure that you want a lodge, there are a few things that you need to consider. Setting your budget should be the first one, as there is no point looking at something you can’t afford. Manufacturers and models vary in price as do sites, so it pays to shop around. Sit down and think about what your needs are and where you can spend your money.

The initial price of the dwelling are not the only costs to remember. Annual site fees will need to be paid along with any maintenance, running costs (electric, gas, council tax etc), as well as insurance and equipment.

Location, Location, Location

A key reason why people invest in luxury lodges is to spend time in an area they love. As they are often used as holiday homes and weekend getaways, surroundings are just as important as the inside. Consider how far you are willing to travel and where in the country you enjoy being the most.

If you have a limited budget but love a popular location, it can be worth exploring surrounding areas to see if any other sites interest you. At Moss Bank Country Lodges we are situated within the picturesque Eden Valley and are a short drive away from the Lake District, Scottish Borders and Yorkshire Dales.

Space and Facilities

As there are several models available, there are plenty of options to choose from. Most lodges have between 2 and 3 bedrooms and all the necessities you need. You should think about what you need and what matters to you the most.

Some sites will have offers running, giving you the chance to add something extra to your home. While this shouldn’t sway your decision, it’s definitely something to think about.

What Questions Should I Ask?

Once you’ve found a location and lodge that meet your needs, you may still need some guidance. To help you with the decision, there are a few questions that you can ask. These include:

• Whether there are any restrictions in place
• Memberships of professional bodies (including
• Charges including Council Tax, maintenance etc
• Opening and closing times of the site
• If there are facilities on the park
• Ground rent or other costs
• The length of a lease if one is given
• Whether pets/children are welcome

Find Out More

Here at Moss Bank we have several plots available for sale at our peaceful site in Eden Valley. For more details, please feel free to get in contact with our team.

We are also holding an open day weekend on the 6^th and 7^th of July. Find out more here.

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Our blog at Moss Bank Country Lodges looks into the best places to visit around Penrith and the Eden Valley.

About the Eden Valley

Covering an area from Sedbergh to Penrith, the Valley is full of picturesque walks and historic buildings to explore. People have been calling this area home since at least the Viking period and it remains a popular place to relax today.

One of the main features of the Eden Valley is the River Eden. Flowing for over 90 miles into the Solway Firth, it was once called ‘Itouna’ by the Romans. Since then it has gone on to define the boundary between North Yorkshire and Cumbria, creating a natural divider.

Over the years the area has been featured on several TV programmes, including ‘Best Walks with a View with Julia Bradbury’ as well as ‘Coast to Coast with Tony Robinson’.

Villages To Explore

One of the best things about this area are the number of historical villages to visit. Some of those to consider going to include:

• Ainstable
• Armathwaite
• Croglin
• Gamblesby
• High Hesket
• Kirkoswald
• Langwathby
• Lazonby
• Little Salkeld
• Low Hesket
• Melmerby
• Plumpton
• Renwick

You can find out more about these places on the Visit Eden website.

Appleby-in-Westmorland

With a small population of around 3,000, the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland is well known for it’s annual Horse Fair. This has been taking place since 1775 on the outskirts of the town. The town is also home to a Norman Castle and Lady Anne Clifford lived here during the 17^th Century.

If you do decide to visit, then there are plenty of places to explore. These include The Courtyard Gallery, St Lawrence’s Church, and St Anne’s Hospital.

Penrith

As the closest town to our Eden Valley lodges, Penrith is full of history and home to 15,000 people. It is the central meeting point for those living in the surrounding countryside and can be traced back into the Roman period.

There are plenty of places worth visiting, including the Castle as well as the Penrith and Eden Museum. Penrith also holds regular events and activities, providing you with more options.

Kirkby Stephen

With a population of around 2,000, the small town of Kirkby Stephen is a quiet and peaceful place to visit. Here you can find quaint cobbled streets as well as historical buildings, perfect for a day out. As it is in a remote location it is the ideal place to relax and unwind.

There are plenty of places to visit, including Winton Park, Franks Bridge, Podgill Viaduct, and the Stainmore Railway Company.

Travelling In and Around

When it comes to travelling around the Eden Valley you can either drive or take public transport. The largest roads which run through the area include the M6, A6 and A66, all of which link to small local roads.

The main train line which runs through the Valley is the Settle to Carlisle Railway. This stops at a number of locations including:

• Settle
• Horton-in-Ribblesdale
• Ribblehead
• Dent
• Garsdale
• Kirkby Stephen
• Appleby
• Langwathby
• Lazonby
• Armathwaite
• Carlisle 

Alongside this, buses do also operate. Although, it is worth checking on the main County Council website for more guidance on which routes and times are available for where you need to go.

Find Out More

If you are interested in Eden Valley lodges, please do not hesitate to call our team today. We have 26 luxury, modern lodges available for sale, offering you the perfect place to rest and unwind.

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