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Bitt Cottage

Santon, near Eskdale, Cumbria
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 3
4 star
Parking on site / nearby
Highchair available
Travel Cot available
Towels included
Family friendly
Internet access
Open fire / wood burner
Enclosed garden / patio
Decorated for Christmas
Pub nearby
Beach within easy reach
Country houses
12 more

At a glance

  • Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, is with easy reach of the cottage
  • Set within spellbinding countryside of the beautiful Wasdale Valley
  • Relax in front of the roaring open fire in this charming converted Wesleyan Chapel after a busy day exploring the local area
Property code: OC-SZ077

A very warm welcome to this delightful cottage, a converted Wesleyan chapel, which makes a wonderfully welcoming holiday home for four people. Set in Santon Bridge in the western Lake District at the mouth of the majestic Wasdale valley, it offers thoughtfully refurbished and deceptively spacious accommodation with the added bonus of a lovely garden and a much-loved pub just a short stroll away. It boasts glorious views across open countryside to inspire you to get out and about, and fresh modern decor with comfortable furnishings inside should you rather enjoy your time indoors.

The cottage is perfectly placed for some of the best fell walking opportunities in the Lake District, whether you would like to tackle mighty Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, or some gentler family-friendly fells such as Irton Pike. Santon Bridge is a small hamlet situated in the Wasdale Valley. The crystal-clear River Irt (which flows from England's deepest lake, Wastwater, to the Irish Sea at Ravenglass) runs through the village offering paddling opportunities aplenty. The hamlet also boasts a well renowned pub, which is home to the annual competition for The World's Biggest Liar just down the road from the cottage and a gorgeous cafe with a craft shop less than a mile away. You are also handily placed for the beautiful valley of Eskdale. A special little place with a fantastic choice of pubs and a wonderful narrow-gauge steam railway locally known as the La'al Ratty which chuffs gently through the valley out to the coast at Ravenglass.

Rather than heading inland to the fells, why not head out and explore this lovely coastline? There's Ravenglass less than 5 miles away, a beautiful little village with a rich history and a gentle atmosphere all of its own. On the edge of Ravenglass is the historic gem of Muncaster Castle, a great day out for all ages with stunning grounds and a 700-year-old castle with legends to pique your interest time after time. You can take the coastal path from Ravenglass to Drigg or Seascale which takes you through a wonderful 11km dune system which plays host to a fantastic array of flora and fauna and makes a great place for a picnic or watching a sunset. Alternatively hop on your bike and explore this wonderful area on two wheels; there's the coastal Hadrian's Way for a gentle ride, bridleways galore for mountain bikers and some of the most challenging mountain passes in the country to test the road cyclists among you. This cottage is perfectly placed to make the most of all that this gentle unspoiled area has to offer.

Guests enter via the front door of the property into a large light porch with a utility cupboard and bags of space for coats and muddy boots. From here you enter the gorgeous living room; it's a roomy and elegant space with two windows taking in the far-reaching views across rolling fields to Muncaster Fell. There are two large comfortable sofas arranged around the open fire and a TV with DVD player and Freeview +. Beyond the living room guests will find the well-equipped and thoughtfully refurbished kitchen diner. It's a light and open dual-aspect room, making the most of all the daylight on offer. It boasts light, modern units, a built-in fan oven, ceramic hob, microwave, a slimline dishwasher and fridge/freezer along with a washing machine and tumble dryer. There's a dining table and comfortable chairs for four, which makes a perfect place to take in the lovely views. The bright fresh decor continues through to the two lovely bedrooms. The master bedroom has a double bed and fitted wardrobe; it looks out onto the garden at the back of the house and it's the perfect place to enjoy a morning cuppa in bed while watching the comings and goings of the visiting birdlife. The twin room is situated off the living room and is a delightful warm space with fitted wardrobes. The family bathroom has an over-bath electric shower and there is also a handy extra WC by the back porch. Guests reach the large garden via the back porch, which has plenty more space for muddy boots. The garden is surrounded by mature trees and hedges and has a lawn area to the rear and large lawn to the side with dining furniture for making the most of sunny evening dining opportunities. It is securely fenced so you four-legged friends can run free without you having to worry about their safety. Benefiting from the afternoon and evening light, the garden makes a great place to enjoy a glass of wine while discussing your Lakeland adventures.

The parking area to the side of the garden is very spacious, and will accommodate several cars.

  • 2 bedrooms – 1 double, 1 twin
  • 1 bathroom with shower over bath and WC, 1 additional WC
  • Fan oven with ceramic hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, and washing machine
  • Open fire (initial supply of logs provided)
  • New heating system (Nov 2025)
  • TV, DVD player
  • Enclosed large garden with outdoor furniture and 1.2m high fence enclosing the garden
  • There is a parking area for up to two cars on the west side of the garden, this is enclosed by a 6ft high fence for additional security. Care should be taken when reversing out onto the road as it is a blind bend
  • Pub 0.5 miles, Wast Water 4 miles
  • This property will be decorated for Christmas
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 3 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Kieron Anderson

This property is personally managed by Kieron.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 21 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 starsOverall cleanliness 4.7 stars4.7
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.7 starsOverall equipment 4.7 starsOverall equipment 4.7 starsOverall equipment 4.7 starsOverall equipment 4.7 stars4.7
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.4 starsOverall comfort 4.4 starsOverall comfort 4.4 starsOverall comfort 4.4 starsOverall comfort 4.4 stars4.4
Overall location
Overall location 4.6 starsOverall location 4.6 starsOverall location 4.6 starsOverall location 4.6 starsOverall location 4.6 stars4.6

Reviewed by David 6th June 2026

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Bitt cottage provided a very comfortable , homely base for exploring the immediate and wider areas of the west Lakes. The garden being extremely dog safe was a real bonus for us. The complemetary drink at The Bridge Inn was much appreciated. This is an area we know well so it was nice to revisit after several years since our last cottage stay in thRead moree area. Hide

Reviewed by Richard 17th March 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A fantastic cottage homely cosy clean and comfy

Reviewed by Stephanie 31st December 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Beautiful cottage in a lovely setting. Wanted for nothing. The Christmas decorations was a definite hit, made it feel very homely. Our three rescue dogs loved the garden and all the toys, treats left for themq

Reviewed by Suzy 31st October 2025

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

The cottage is in a lovely area and warm and cosy. However the bathroom leaves much to be desired and the t.v. is not fit for purpose. Leaving the parking area safely is guesswork even though you can turn. Mirrors should be installed.

Reviewed by Gillian 24th October 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

What can I say! What a beautiful cottage in a beautiful location, I have never stayed in a cottage that was so well equipped from everything you could possibly think of in the kitchen to torches and bird food for the garden! The lounge and bedrooms are incredibly cosy and comfortable, and the open fire is a real cosy bonus for dark, wet nights (we Read morevisited at the end of October!) the cottage is well placed for all local attractions, too many to name! We will definitely be back! Thank you Hide

Reviewed by Olivia 10th October 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Cathy 26th September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A lovely cottage

Reviewed by Sheran 15th August 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

We had a wonderful holiday in a comfortable, well equipped cottage, in a stunning location. The garden is fantastic for dogs and there is lots to explore. The local beach is glorious, Wastwater is stunning and the local pub friendly and welcoming.

Reviewed by Ian 8th August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

We loved our stay at Bitt cottage. Our first stay in the Western lakes and much quieter than a lot of other areas. The cottage is well equipped and has a lovely large enclosed garden. We loved the big kitchen and the relaxing lounge. The bigger driveway has loads of space to turn around in to make it safer joining the lane, though even at the peak Read moreof the holiday season it is still a pretty quiet lane. Hide

Reviewed by Ed 18th July 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

I am a previous owner of Bitt Cottage (1996 - 2017) and I was impressed with the improvements that have been made since then; good to see the house and garden so well looked after. Just two aspects to comment on:- your gardeners have been brutal with the grapevine, please tell them to train it back up up the wall, where it will bear fruit. Also, noRead moret very keen on the plastic flowers, but I do realise that it is difficult to maintain anything more natural. Best wishes for the future - Ed. Hide

Reviewed by Marilyn 18th April 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Excellent location, perfect for exploring south west Cumbria, lakes, mountains and coast. This lovely former chapel has absolutely everything anyone would want to have a great break. Very well appointed inside and the garden is delightful, our two 4 legged girls loved it. Wasdale and Eskdale are stunning, with walks for all levels. Whitehaven harboRead moreur, St Bees, Drigg Dunes,Seascale and Ravenglass miniature railway to Eskdale all worth a look. Do not miss the wonderful bakery at Gosforth! Hide

Reviewed by Sandra 4th April 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely peaceful cottage in a great location. Kitchen well equipped . The garden was great for our dog and he loved being outside which was great as we had a lovely sunny week. Wast water well worth a visit and not too far away and drigg beach great for dogs.

Reviewed by Eileen 17th January 2025

Guest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 stars

We have rented many cottages over the years. We dont look for luxury but we do like a comfortable, welcoming cottage. We did not find this to be the case at Bitt Cottage which was a shock given previous reviews. Very basic mattresses and towels. Uncomfortable settees. Poor shower. We just did not find this a homely welcoming space. There were 5 logRead mores provided which burnt through within a couple of hours max. Luckily we brought some. The porch was under repair and damp - no warning given. Hide

Reviewed by David 22nd December 2024

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Overall a spotlessly clean and well appointed cottage, with comfortable beds and lots of equipment, and a great garden (for the dogs) as well as secure off road parking. Some updating of sofas and the bathroom would add a lot to the experience.

Reviewed by Derek 25th October 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Lovely home from home. Beautiful surroundings and views. Nice pub just down the road. What more do you need.

Reviewed by Philip 20th September 2024

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Reviewed by Natalie 30th August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Comfortable stay at Bitt Cottage. Fantastic location. The fully enclosed garden was a dream for the dogs and to sit in and enjoy the nice weather. Close to Wastwater and Drigg Beach. Can highly recommend Woodlands Coffee Shop and Gift shop which are only a short drive away. Would stay again

Reviewed by Angela 9th August 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Lovely cottage and comfortable with everything you needed to make your stay easy. We did a lot of travelling so expect hour to hour and a half journeys to towns and lakes. The scenery though on our travels were stunning. Our visit to Coniston, Windermere and Ambleside was lovely especially our wild swimming adventures. Lovely local pub nearby, and Read morecafe/gift shop. Everyone you meet is so friendly too. Hide

Reviewed by Lynne 2nd August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Stayed here twice before and the cottage has always been lovely. The improvements to the drive are brilliant and much better being able to turn around on the drive. The garden is safe and large for our dogs to enjoy which means I have no worries about leaving the door open for them to wander in and out. Location is central to both Drigg beach and WRead moreastwater lake, both highly recommended. We will be back! Hide

Reviewed by Julie 12th July 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Martin 5th July 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Lovely spacious country cottage well appointed internally and with large super dog friendly enclosed garden. Location great for proximity to both a quiet beach and to Wastwater. Generally quiet location with only exiting to the road needing extra care. Recently extended parking area allows cars to turn round.

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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Canine Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.