Your holiday begins with the breathtaking drive to historic Bridge End Farm Cottages. Coming over Birker Moor, one of the finest panoramas in Britain unfolds before you – Scafell, Scafell Pike and Great Gable tower majestically above these beautiful fells. Lakeland authors, John Ruskin and Alfred Wainwright, were captivated by Eskdale’s beauty describing the valley as “the gateway to paradise” and “a perfect arcadia in the hills – the finest of all valleys”. Continue your journey along leafy lanes, over packhorse bridges, around Herdwick sheep and alongside crystal clear streams to arrive at your destination, Bridge End Farm Cottages. Grade II listed and over 400 years old, the complex is steeped in history, with each of the seven cottages bursting with charm and character. Bridge End Farmhouse (ref 31162) is an extremely attractive Elizabethan farmhouse, a very special cottage with a host of interesting historical features. These include a marvellous Jacobean court cupboard given as a wedding present to William and Agnes Nicholson in 1703, oak panelling, oak beams and original flag stone flooring. Scafell Cottage (ref 31163) is a stunning barn conversion with an impressive entrance lobby and features a full height glazed former barn door. It also has a plethora of exposed feature stonework and oak beams. Wastwater Cottage (ref 31164) is a splendid cottage with an enormous and stylish 30ft open-plan living room with a baby grand piano, high ceiling and exposed trusses. The beautiful pink Eskdale granite showcases the gorgeous stonework within the cottage. Stanley Ghyll Cottage (ref 31166) is a detached stone cottage just for two, and it enjoys superb fell and valley views. It is romantic, cosy and bursts with charm and character, featuring oak beams and exposed pink Eskdale granite stonework. The doors lead to a patio with garden furniture, barbecue and the archway outside leads to a ’secret’ garden. Wrynose Cottage (ref 31168) is a cosy and charming cottage with oak beams, includes exposed Eskdale feature stonework and an arch glazed double door entrance. Hardknott Cottage (ref 31165) is cosy and charming, with oak beams and exposed Eskdale granite feature stonework. The kitchen door leads to the patio and garden with garden furniture, barbecue and glorious fell views. Whillan Beck Cottage (ref 31167) is a gorgeous little cottage situated beside Whillan Beck and the quaint 17th century packhorse bridge and offers lovely fell and waterfall views. For history lovers, England’s oldest twin wheel is just across the packhorse bridge. Located in the heart of the National Park, guests are 2 minutes’ walk away from the fells. Gentle strolls or challenging walks are plentiful. Ten minutes takes you to the River Esk, where families adore hopping across the stepping stones by St Catherine’s Church and bathing and splashing in the clear, shallow watermill streams. For the energetic, there are endless peaks to explore. The cottage gardens are perfect for relaxing with your holiday reads and not to forget the amazing stars! Shop 2 miles, pub ¼ mile and restaurant 200 yards.