Private holiday villas and vacation rentals in North West England Cumbria and the Lake District can be found in the North West of England, bordered by Scotland (to the North), with Edinburgh just over an hour away by train from Carlisle; the Northumberland Coast (to the East) with its wonderful sandy beaches, moorland and castles; and by the Irish Sea (to the west). It's a spectacular part of England encompassing wild landscapes, The Lake District and the Pennine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, rich in wildlife and heritage with small market towns, historic houses, good pubs, fast flowing streams and mellow valleys. The Eden Valley is a destination in itself and is one of England's least populated and most un-spoilt landscapes. It has wonderful opportunities for walking on peaceful, scenic footpaths, cycling quiet lanes, visiting historic houses, enjoying the wildlife and even stargazing. It is within easy reach of Hadrian's Wall, a great family attraction, as well as the spectacular Lake District with all it has to offer and the wild walking of the Pennines. There is plenty to do even around the village and local areal - look out for red squirrels, barn owls, badgers, deer and many other animals and birds, or venture further afield into the rolling countryside of the Eden Valley with its many footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways. A local guide can be obtained at www.visiteden.co.uk Take a trip to the nearby Lake District and have a day hiking, or visit Keswick and see a production at The Theatre by The Lake. www.theatrebythelake.com or even enjoy a tour around the Lakes Distillery near Bassenthwaite ! You could climb Cross Fell, the highest peak of the Pennines, then Hadrian's Wall is an easy drive away with its mile-castles and forts. Vindalanda is well worth visiting, http://www.vindalanda.com then come back via picturesque Alston, the highest market town in England, on the panoramic A686 over Hartside. Enjoy a relaxing stroll around some of the fine local houses including the gardens at Acorn Bank, Hutton in the Forest, Dalemain and Lowther Castle. For railway enthusiasts, why not take a ride on the spectacular Settle-Carlisle railway, or for fishing fans, trout and salmon fishing on the River Eden can also be arranged. Take the steamer or hire a boat on Ullswater. www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk and combine it with a meal in one of the many good restaurants and pubs you can find around the area.