Holly Lodge holiday cottage is a great place for a holiday or short weekend break away from it all, exploring the Eden Valley, the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Teesdale and the Lake District National Park. Explore Alston, England's highest market town, then on to the splendour of Hadrian's Wall, before returning via the delightful Teesdale and High Force waterfall (the highest waterfall in England) - or Cow Green Reservoir with stunning views over the North Pennines and Cross Fell.

The historic market town of Appleby is just on your doorstep with its castle and former status of capital of the ancient county of Westmorland. If you wish to sit back and relax and watch the scenery drift by, then hop on board the picturesque Carlisle - Settle Railway, which stops at Appleby. Steam trains occasionally go along this line too which wind through the Yorkshire Dales and Eden Valley. Appleby Golf Course is just down the road with stunning views to the Lake District and over to the Yorkshire Dales.

We're surrounded by wonderful open countryside with stunning views, in an unspoiled, peaceful part of the North of England. Few places can match the beauty of the Eden Valley. It's great for walkers. High Cup Nick is well known classic with breathtaking views in all directions. Cross Fell, the highest fell of the Pennines, dominates the local skyline. The Pennine Way runs through the area locally at Dufton, just a couple of miles up the road. This pretty village hosts a great local pub, the Stag Inn, listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and well known locally for the quality of their food.

The Eden Valley is the perfect location to try many outdoor activities including pony trekking and cycling. Cyclists are now discovering Eden with its quiet country lanes and the increasingly popular C2C cycle route.

There are many ruined castles and ancient monuments in the Eden Valley area. Visit historic sites that include Neolithic stone circles, Bronze Age settlements, Roman forts, magnificent castles (such as Brougham Castle & Brough Castle), ancient churches, historic houses and beautiful gardens.

Appleby is famous for its annual Appleby Horse Fair - the largest of its kind in the World and has been held here since 1685 under the protection of a charter granted by James II.

The great border city of Carlisle with its Castle, Cathedral and Tullie House Museum is within easy driving distance.

And should the weather turn wet, why not investigate such local visitor attractions as Rheged, Wetheriggs Pottery or Greystoke Castle. Please visit the Cumbria Tourist Board website for more information.