Please take a look at feedback below from Hayloft guests over the past few years.
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Thank you so much. The barn was a lot bigger than we thought and so warm and cosy. We have enjoyed days in Carlisle, Brampton and spent most of our walking round Talkin Tarn. Son Taylor is doing GCSE photography so the tarn was just what he needed. We spent time playing tennis which was a good laugh. Would highly recommend your beautiful barn. We go back home feeling much better after a difficult year.
— Carol, Taylor Belshaw, and Floyd the border collie, 27 Oct 2024
Thank you so much for your great hospitality and gorgeous brownies (what a treat).
Accommodation has been perfect, we have had a wonderful stay. I am sure we will be back, your home is beautiful. Thanks again.
— Pat, Nicola and Mark Spillett, 28 Sep 2024
Another wonderful week spent in splendid comfort and environs. Kit, Andrew, thank you so much for your home made brownies, bread and ginger bics! Fab! You provide such a relaxing time in the Hayloft - and this week's weather! Wall to wall sunshine, a full harvest super moon with a partial eclipse - so special. Such a beautiful part of the world. Thank you both and your family so much.
— Geraldine and Geoff Green, Ulverston, 20 Sep 2024
I am so relaxed I don't know my days! We've had such a lovely time resting in the Hayloft and it was just what we needed, We've enjoyed the beautiful surroundings, the fire and having quiet time. Emma has loved running round the walled garden and also enjoyed Walby Farm. The scones and gingerbread were delicious and your warm welcome made such a difference. Thank you!
— Adam, Rachel and Emma, York, 24 Aug 2024
We've had a lovely stay. Such a beautiful and comfortable holiday home. The Hayloft ticks all the boxes. Kit, Andrew and Juno are all wonderful hosts. Many thanks.
— Elinor and Derek Gibson, 19 Aug 2024
We spent a lovely week at the Hayloft. Kirsty and Andrew were great hosts and made us very welcome. The property had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Lola, our dog, loved the walled garden and meeting the owners own dog Juno. The kids had a great time on the tennis court. We would love to return one day.
— Doug & Helen Chalmers, 09 Aug 2024
We had a lovely time staying at your beautiful hayloft home! We arrived to some delicious lakeland gingers and lovely roses. Andrew and Kirsty were super welcoming and so pleasant to talk to. We have had a cosy stay, the log burner was a hit when the rainy british weather appeared! The enclosed walled garden was perfect for the dogs, they loved running around in there being free. We had some great days out during our stay, walking and exploring the surrounding area. Many thanks for your hospitality.
— Farnham family and 2 dogs, 12 Jul 2024
We have enjoyed a really good holiday whilst staying in the Hayloft. The property is extremely clean, comfortable and well equipped in a superb setting. The weather was kind to us albeit cooler than usual - ideal for walking. We recommend the Duke of Cumberland in Castle Carrock for good meals. Many thanks to Andrew and Kirsty - a pleasure to have met you.
— Clegg family, N Yorks, 14 Jun 2024
What can we say?! A lovely home that was much bigger than we anticipated. So clean and comfy. This was a great base for us. We have travelled to Scotland
and Lake Windermere. We also enjoyed getting lost over the hill, spotting deer, hares and pheasants. And getting stuck in the boggy marsh! The pup has loved the walled garden, watching the cows in the fields and laying out in front of the log burner. A wonderful stay, thank you for sharing this experience with us.
— Hedley family, 31 Mar 2024
Wonderful log burner on when we arrived! The Hayloft exceeded our expectations. We've thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Many thanks.
— Zoe and Richard, Sulgrave near Banbury, 27 Mar 2024
Christmas!
Thank you for providing such a beautiful place for us to spend this very special family Christmas. It was a pleasure to meet you all, you have been fantastic hosts and we couldn't have asked for more. We hope to see you again. All the best.
— Shellie, Charlotte, Lorraine, Ray and Machi the dog, 29 Dec 2023
A wonderful place to stay for a week that didn't go quite to plan. Andrew and Kit were wonderful hosts and helped us find the emergency vet on the Sunday and provided beautiful scones too. In between vet visits we managed to visit Ullswater and Birdoswald with a tasty lunch at the Duke of Cumberland. We would love to return, apart from anything, Charlie would love to reach the top of the fell behind the house. Next time hopefully Dot won't eat something that blocks her stomach! Thank you again.
— Duncan, Julia, Sophie, Charlie and dogs Tilly and Dot, 20 Oct 2023
Loved the barn!
Very cosy with the fire. Despite the weather we have managed to walk 43 miles of the Wall. Many thanks for the chard and apples.
— Colin, Jane and Olly, Oxford, 06 Oct 2023
Fabulous stay, wonderful accommodation, and our hosts were so hospitable. Thank you Andrew and Kit and the ginger cake was delicious. Sorry to be going home but we will be back.
— Karen and Ian, W Sussex, 22 Sep 2023
We have so enjoyed our Hayloft stay - super spacious, well equipped, stunning views - a delight!
Thank you Kirsty and Andrew for the chard, the carrots and the chocolate brownies - delicious!
On our fell walks we spotted several butterflies, holly blue, peacock, wall brown, dark green fritillary, speckled wood and green veined white.
Visiting Vindolanda was awe-inspiring - to find such a large excavation site and award winning museum gave us so much to see!
A lovely first visit to this part of Cumbria - we hope to be back!
— Malcolm, Mary and Alastair. Yetminster, Dorset, 24 Aug 2023
We hit the jackpot with the weather!
Hot, sunny days in this glorious place; thank you for your lovely hospitality.
— Tayleur, London, 16 Jun 2023
We have so enjoyed staying at the Hayloft. The peace and calm have been so welcome and the setting breathtaking. Thank you Andrew and Kirsty for the warm welcome and teatime feast. Having the run of the grounds has been fantastic and despite the summer virus that has plagued me all week, we all loved playing abysmal, happy tennis on the court. Arthur (8 going on 9) loved making friends with Juno and Pele and Barney (from a distance). Although we didn't walk as much as planned, it's a perfect spot to read and unwind. Lovely House, Lovely Holiday.
— Braithwaite family, Manchester, 09 Jun 2023
Had a wonderful week of glorious weather. We did 3 days of long walks and covered Hadrian's Wall (Lanercost - Chollerton). Blobbed inbetween in the gorgeous hayloft. Thank you for cake and scones Kit - and Andrew, we followed you up on your recommendation to eat at the Kirkstyle Inn. Superb! Sorry to be leaving, but hope to be back. I'm a cat junkie so I absolutely adored Pele.
— Jenny McKay, Cheshire, 02 Jun 2023
We have had such a lovely holiday here at The Hayloft - thank you Kirsty and Andrew for making us feel so welcomed. On Monday we were so grateful for the beautiful and tranquil setting in which we mourned the loss of our great QE II. God save the Queen. Long live the King.
— Phil and Steph Hilditch and fox-red Ted, 23 Sep 2022
What a fabulous week we had in this delightful loft. So comfortable and relaxing. We have been so lucky with the weather. Bright and sunny, warm and breezy. Ideal for long walks and high climbs. Thank you Kirsty and Andrew for making us feel so welcome. Although we filled every day of our stay there is still so much more to see and do. We look forward to returning soon.
— The Yates family, 20 Sep 2022
Thank you Andrew and Kirsty for your lovely hospitality! We so very much loved our stay in the beautiful Hayloft. Everything is thought of. The garden is amazingly beautiful and the children loved playing tennis on your lovely court. This will be a memorable vacation and we will love to come back. Juno and Pele are such loveable pets!
— The Sajiv family, Israel, 19 Aug 2022
What a wonderful place! We love it here: the beautiful garden, delicious lettuce, chard and gooseberries, great views of the Pennines, the tennis court and your lovely dog Juno, big friend of Masha. Thank you so much for your hospitality.
— Paul, Kirsten and Masha - The Hague, 06 Aug 2022
It was wonderful to return to the Eden Valley this year and to stay here in the Hayloft. We were made very welcome and found all that we needed for a relaxing and comfortable stay. We cycled or walked every day exploring the beautiful countryside both locally and in the lakes. Thank you for sharing your home grown produce. We look forward to a return visit.
— Nicola and Oliver Hunt, Dorset, 15 Jul 2022
Thank you for a lovely stay. We enjoyed the beautiful garden and the company of Juno and Pele.we thoroughly enjoyed playing tennis on your tennis court, and Katie our dog did too. It was nice to have a log fire in the evenings. We picked this property out of 40 others due to the history of the building, the tennis court and beautiful garden. We had a great holiday.
— Southon family, Milton Keynes, 08 Jul 2022
We have really enjoyed our stay. The area is stunning. We loved waking up to hear the birds. The barn is comfortable and very homely. We loved the walled garden. The Eden Valley is a beautiful part of the world.
— Bassits and Raybones, 10 Jun 2022
The most varied stay we’ve had - from curlew talks to visiting Glasgow, a fabulous pub in the Dales, picnic lunch by Old Water (Geltsdale), Steel Rigg, walks by the river (2 old favourites)
... it has been a joy. Thank you. See you in the autumn.
— Reads, Maidstone, Kent, 22 Apr 2022
Thanks for a lovely stay in the Hayloft. A beautiful space and a great setting for walks in the hills and the Eden Valley. High Cup Nick was a highlight, as was the gorge through Gelt Woods. Very much enjoyed a visit to Bookends in Carlisle (could have spent many hours in there!).
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— Paul and Lizzie Roberts, Birmingham, 01 Apr 2022
We all enjoyed staying in the Hayloft. Lovely and warm when stormy outside. Andrew and Kirsty very friendly and accommodating. Comfy beds. Thank you!
— Youds and Jessons , 25 Feb 2022
Our second visit to the Hayloft and it was great to be here again.very cosy with the log fire on an evening. We did lots of walking and Long Meg and her daughters is worth a visit. Eating out at the Duke and the Grove both very nice. We will be back next year.
— Johnstones, Yorkshire , 14 Jan 2022
We had a lovely stay with lots of beautiful walks and plenty of long sleeps and down time. It’s our first time in this part of the country but it won’t be our last.
— Noel, Jean and Lilly, 28 Dec 2021
We, the Barclays, joined the Reads for four heavenly days. Cumbria’s autumnal colours were beyond words - who needs Vermont? And the weather was utterly glorious, unexpectedly providing views which were far-reaching and stunningly clear. Staying in the Hayloft was an utter treat, further enhanced by warm welcomes in 2 pubs and one adorable cafe.
— Barclays and Reads, 12 Nov 2021
A very wet week did not make a damp squib. Despite the weather we had a lovely week with visits to Talkin Tarn (highly recommended) and Hadrians Wall - all lovely. The Hayloft is a lovely bolt hole to come back to and so warm and welcoming. Kirsty, Andrew and Juno very welcoming. Thank you for the scones.
— The Long family , 22 Oct 2021
A beautiful peaceful place for a family reunion. Great for cycling and tennis!
Hayton has a very good play-park for little ones and Lower Gelt is lovely for the river and walking in the woods.
— The Hunt family, 03 Sep 2021
Lovely stay in the beautiful Hayloft. Lots of walks, runs and mountains. Even the dog was tired.
Lovely meal at the Duke of Cumberland. The first year our daughter could act as driver and dogsit for us! Thanks for a great stay.
— Thomas family , 06 Aug 2021
Super stay in a lovely property!
We loved our relaxing times here, playing tennis walking locally even to the cairn on the hill behind the house for sunset.
The children loved swimming in the Eden river down at Armathwaite as well as some places further upstream.
All in all, leaving rested and relaxed!
— Crooks family, 23 Jul 2021
Thank you so much for a wonderful relaxing birthday weekend. Weather was great which allowed for plenty of tennis, lovely walks and paddle boarding. Some unexpected additions included swarm management and a hive inspection. Cath has taken away some garden inspiration for her new home from your beautiful walled garden.
— Lawsons and Lawson-Chous , 21 Jun 2021
What a great find, first time here but hope it won’t be our last. Fabulous log burner, wonderful hosts and a friendly resident cat - perfect.
— Deb and Doug Chalmers, Gubblecote, 17 May 2021
We’ve had a wonderfully relaxing week and made the most of the sunshine with visits to some of the local historical sites. Lanercost Priory and Brougham Castle particular highlights. It has also been lovely to hear (and occasionally see) the curlews on the fells.
— Warner family, 23 Apr 2021
A lovely week in this delightful atmospheric and quirky house. Kirsty and Andrew were so welcoming, as were their dogs. It rained at night and the days were sunny. We will be back!
— Ann and David Hood, Aberdeen , 03 Oct 2020
Thank you so much for a truly wonderful week in the Hayloft. The company, walks, swim, walled garden wonders, warmth and joy in the bees. And of course, the fruit and veg! It has been a welcome break in the peace and quiet of the Eden Valley.
— Green, Ulverston, 24 Sep 2020
Three weeks passed like three days! Our 11th (?) time here and loved it as much as all the others.
— Read family, Maidstone, 21 Aug 2020
Superb ŵarm, well-equipped barn with fantastic host hospitality. Highly recommended Cumbrian destination for both activity and relaxation. Thanks you!
— Thomas family, London , 31 Jul 2020
It was such a pleasure to be able to return once again to the Hayloft with the family, and celebrate a special birthday at the same time. Superb setting with fab views, beautiful accommodation and excellent hosts. Fun was had by all and the tennis court provided an entertaining doubles match to end the holiday.
— Janet and Rob Clague and family, Morecambe, 10 Jul 2019
We are just back from the Hayloft. Kirsty and Andrew were very welcoming and helpful. We all loved our weekend away in this lovely property.
— Hendersons, Carluke, 15 Jan 2019
Excellent venue for New Year. Hosts were extremely friendly and helpful.
— Howley family, Wakefield, 09 Jan 2019
If you are looking for a relaxing, quiet, home-away-from-home, then this is it. Beautiful place to stay. Wonderful hospitality. We will definitely be returning.
— Karena and family, Cambridge, 27 Dec 2018
We had a lovely stay at the Hayloft. Andrew and Kit were so welcoming and the Hayloft is beautiful.
— Louise and family, Halifax, 03 Nov 2018
Superb accommodation set in a lovely rural location. Perfect base for long walks, information to be found in the Hayloft. Owners Kit and Andrew very attentive if required. Tennis court in great condition made this a highlight of our short break. Will definitely return.
— Anderson family, Perth, 13 Oct 2018
A very beautiful, restful place in a beautiful quiet area. One of the best holidays we have ever been on and we often go to the Lake District to holiday but from now on we will be revisiting the Hayloft time and time again.
Al lovely friendly family at Cumrew House when will look forward to meeting again next year.
Julie, Marty, Amelia, Cameron and Heidi the dog
— Martin Salmon and family, Tyneside, 07 Sep 2018
We had an amazing week at the Hayloft, thanks to Andrew and Kirsty. What a fun filled holiday! The boys enjoyed playing tennis, and we all enjoyed the boat rides on Ullswater, shopping in Carlisle and Brampton and Hadrians Wall, amongst other things.
The major highlight of our stay was the Hayloft itself, the facilities, and above all the hospitality.
Thanks Guys for the warm welcome and kindness.
Memory, Dumisani and family
— Taruvinga family, Brighton, 31 Aug 2018
We’ve had a wonderful few days exploring a part of the county that we don’t get to very often. Such a lovely place to stay - thank you for your kind and generous hospitality - and delicious scones!
The boys loved the tennis too.
Paul, Becky, James, Tom and George the springer
— Johnson family, Kendal, 12 Jul 2018
Thank you for a lovely stay. Alex and Poppy loved playing with Pele and Juno and watching Magnus sunbathe!
We really enjoyed a day at Lowther Castle, seeing Hadrians Wall and visiting th poppy exhibition at Carlisle Castle...thank you for the recommendation.
We loved the Hayloft, beautiful surroundings, and the tennis court was great for games.
Thank you.
Ps. Poppy, age 3, has just asked if we can stay 100 years and Alex, aged nearly 6, has added
‘When can we come back again?’
Says it all!
— Hazel, Phil, Alex and Poppy Sidebottom, 08 Jun 2018
Had the most amazing weekend here. Beautiful, authentic accommodation and terrific hosts.
The area, views are incredible and we have laughted and laughed...and eaten!
Will be back!
— Stella Hancock and hen party guests, JA, Nel and Pauline....The Wirrel, 28 May 2018
Thank you so much for letting us stay at your beautiful Hayloft. We have loved it! The perfect place to explore the Lakes, Hadrian’s Wall and so much more. Loved the house, fire and everything. We will be back! The kids have made us promise!
— Lazenby family, Watford, 06 Apr 2018
Thank you so much for a wonderful stay here. Everything was perfect, and there is no doubt we will be back. It was great to get to know the area. Thanks also for the delicious scones!
— Dawsons, Bath, 19 Jan 2018
We greatly enjoyed our Christmas Week at the Hayloft. A most comfortable and welcoming place to stay for the festive season. Some lovely walks and even some tennis was possible! With grateful thanks to the Hollings family from the Williamson family.
— Williamson family, 29 Dec 2017
We had a lovely Halloween holiday in the Hayloft. Lots to do and see. Children loved the Gruffalo trail at Whinlatter. Thank you Kit and Andrew. We hope to come back again. Great half-way meeting place between Sheffield and N Ireland. Great walks, great pubs, very dog friendly area. What’s not to like?! Many thanks.
— Snook family, N Ireland, 03 Nov 2017
Thank you for the stay in your lovely hayloft. Special thanks for the rides with the super-energetic Kirsty to Brampton and Carlisle and the recommendation to visit the Tullie Museum.
— Anna-Mai Kingelin-Weitz, Finland, 15 Sep 2017
Thank you for a very comfortable stay, which gave us a chance to explore the beauties of the Cumbrian fells, the villages and towns. The tennis court was a real bonus, as was the lovely walled garden and of course we were bewitched by the charms of Pele, Juno and Magnus. We will be very sorry to leave it all behind and return to the more crowded south. The memory of the holiday with the family will however stay with us.
— Lucas family, 29 Jul 2017
Wonderful short stay at the Hayloft with family gathering to celebrate a 40th birthday. The tennis court was a real hit with the children and Magnus and Juno kept us entertained. Superb, cosy, welcoming accommodation. A week was far too short.
— Royall family, 17 Jul 2017
Our all too brief stay at the Hayloft is over. Beautifully thought out accommodation, very comfortable and totally relaxing! Thank you!
— Jack and Sally Knight, 26 Jun 2017
We have had a wonderful week long stay here, enjoying the tennis court to the full, with a championship at the end of the week. We thoroughly enjoyed Hutton in the Forest and our day exploring Ullswater. Many thanks for such a wonderful week.
— Manson and Adair families, from Beverley and Lincoln, 03 Jun 2017
Had a lovely stay once again – thank you Hollings for everything! This year we enjoyed, trip to Manchester via train, Little Salkeld Café (as always), Coombe Crags walk with Kit and Alice and hounds, Hadrian’s Wall walk from Steel Rigg to Halsteads, a pub quiz at Canonbie (and pie and chips) at the Cross Keys Pub.
It all went far too quickly – here’s to the next time.
— Read family, Kent, 14 Apr 2017
Lovely quirky accommodation and well equipped for a holiday in the country.
Very welcome hosts.
— Maureen Henderson, 30 Dec 2016
4 adults, 2 children, 1 dog.
All agreed superb Christmas in great place. Would definitely recommend to friends. Thanks so much for sharing your home and the great hospitality you showed us all.
— The Drane family, 28 Dec 2015
There really is nothing finer than waking up beneath a puzzle of open beams, piping hot water, cosy living spaces, family time with wonderful friends, castle chasing, abbey wanderings, fresh eggs, fire pits, toasting marshmallow, Roman stories, Tullie House Museum, Waterloo Regiments, heathery hills, bats!, tall ships, Hadrians Wall, countryside, cows, chickens, torrential rain, misty mornings, Lanercost Priory, Sweetheart Abbey, Caerlaverock, distant hills, thunderstorms, bees!, puppies, Juno, Magnus, Pele, owls, bacon sandwiches, lots of SPACE.....everything! We have had an utterly brilliant time at the Hayloft...Thank you to all the Hollings'!
— The Hopwell and the Doyles, 06 Sep 2015
The Hayloft has been the perfect location to escape our hectic lives and spend quality time with family.
We have enjoyed some fantastic walks with stunning scenery and Alfie, the dog, particularly enjoyed the walk to Lacey's Caves where he could swim in the river. Jay and Adam thoroughly enjoyed tennis with Andrew and George, although George appears to be at an advantage with youth on his side! Thank you all for your warm and friendly welcome, we will highly recommend the Hayloft and would love to visit again in the future.
— The Wilkinson family, 30 May 2015
Just returned home from a 3 week break at The Hayloft. Unfortunately, the weather was not to kind to us, it rained most of the first 2 weeks and we didn't expect to be lighting the log fire in August! However, we have enjoyed a very relaxing break in a lovely area. Didn't explore further afield as much as we should have but enjoyed lovely walks and days out close by. The Hayloft is lovely, very well equipped and comfortable hence us spending lots of time chilling indoors. Thank you Andrew and Kit for welcoming us into your beautiful home. Joseph enjoyed looking after the chickens for the week and the poached eggs were amazing!!!
The Wood Family x
— Diane Wood, 31 Aug 2014
A magical week spent with the family at The Hayloft, in stunning surroundings and superb accommodation. Perfect in every way, from fresh eggs in the morning, the most entertaining lovable cat Pele, to the fun and laughter of playing tennis with the family. Fabulous and never to be forgotten.
The Clagues, Lancashire. July 2014
— Janet Clague, 29 Jul 2014
“What can we say – the Hayloft was perfect for our family Xmas and we cannot thank you enough for your kindness and hospitality. The cottage was just amazing, even with the stormy weather outside, the log fire kept us cosy and warm inside. Hope to be back in 2014!”
— Backhouse family, Guernsey, 28 Dec 2013
“5th visit and just as lovely as the first. Walks that never fail to please. Beautiful place, perfect hosts. Thank you, Kit and Andrew. Another relaxing break – just what the Reads needed! A bientot.”
— The Reads, Kent, 04 Apr 2013
“The Hayloft is the most beautiful and comfortable cottage we have ever stayed in. We felt very much welcome; when we first arrived the fire was lit and the eggs for the next morning’s breakfast were on the table!”
— Liesbeth and Wim, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 03 Jul 2012
“What a glorious place to stay. We loved the warmth and comfort of the Hayloft, so beautifully converted. We managed a lovely walk above Geltsdale – bluebells, violets and primroses, and a cuckoo. The wonderful wood burner kept my 92 year old mother very warm and comfortable and she loved the fresh eggs. We hope to come back.”
— The Pikes, London, 10 May 2011
“This is a true holiday….having breakfast with fresh laid eggs; to climb a mountain in your backyard (it was adventurous); to smell the roses and enjoy the beautiful flowers in your garden; playing tennis with stunning views; to have nice trips to the Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall and to come back to your wonderful, cosy and well-equipped holiday cottage.”
— Merel and Ruben, Delft, Netherlands, 16 Aug 2008
Thank you so much for everything. We enjoyed our stay here more than any other place in the UK. I really appreciated being allowed to use the golf clubs and guitar, and Sam really enjoyed playing with George.”
— Norrell family, USA, , 20 Jun 2008
We had a great holiday in the Hayloft. It is beautiful and a lovely place to stay and Andrew and Kirsty are really lovely. If you want a holiday out in the sticks - it doesn’t g t better than this. We loved it.
— Collinson family, Bristol
