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Rainbow Cottage - Lake District - 1127915 - thumbnail photo 1 A living room with furniture and a door at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A living room with a sofa and armchair at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A living room with a television and fireplace at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A living room with sofas and a table at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A hallway with windows and curtains at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A dining room with a table set for dinner at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A kitchen with a dining table and chairs at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A kitchen with appliances and a dining table at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A kitchen with a washing machine and sink at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A window with a fern plant on the sill at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A kitchen with cabinets and appliances at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A hallway with a staircase and window at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A window with a flower arrangement on the sill at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A bedroom with two beds and a window at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A bedroom with twin beds and a side table at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A bedroom with two beds and a wooden door at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A hallway with an armoire and light at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A bedroom with a bed and a bedside table at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A bedroom with a bed and desk at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A bedroom with a large bed and wooden furniture at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A flower in a vase on a stone ledge near stained glass at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A bathroom with a sink, toilet and shower at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A bathroom with a bath tub and toilet at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A bedroom with a bed and nightstands at Rainbow Cottage Kirkby Stephen A bedroom with a bed and lamps at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A bedroom with a bed and lamp at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A window view showing a field and table at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A bedroom with a bed, dresser, and wardrobe at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A bathroom with a shower and sink at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A garden with a table and chairs under a parasol at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A table and chairs with an umbrella in a garden at Rainbow Cottage Kirkby Stephen A pathway beside a stone wall at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A stone cottage with a bench and flower pots at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A garden with table and chairs beside a stone building at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen An outdoor area with a tree, table, chairs and a parasol at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A table and chairs under a parasol outside a barn at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A group of cattle in a field at Rainbow Cottage Kirkby Stephen A stone building with double doors and a gravel driveway at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A grassy field with scattered trees on a hill and a small pond under a blue sky at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A road sign for Soulby with warnings to drive slowly and caution for red squirrels by a mossy stone wall and bare trees A grassy field with a narrow river and houses in the background at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A small river flowing through grassy fields with houses and buildings in the background at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A river with grass on the banks and stone houses in the background at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A wooden bench in front of a circular stone structure in a grassy park area with trees and houses at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen An outdoor area with a black vertical structure surrounded by rocks and gravel with a stone bridge and houses in the background at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A stone bridge over a small river with grass fields and trees around at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen A grassy area with multiple road signs showing directions to nearby places and pottery at Rainbow Cottage in Kirkby Stephen

Rainbow Cottage

(Ref. 1127915)

Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria Show on map

Customer rating 4.8

How reviews work

A property's star rating is the average of the star ratings received from guests that wish for their review to be published

Sykes rating

  • 6 Guests

  • 3 Bedrooms

  • 2 Bathrooms

  • Pets: Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor accommodation
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Highchair available
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and maintenance
  • All reviews
  • cottage (19)
  • rainbow (12)
  • simon (11)
  • diane (10)
  • great (10)
  • lovely (9)

21 Customer Reviews

  • "A lovely well equipped cottage in a quiet & peaceful location, ideally situated for visiting the Lake district, Yorkshire dales & Durham."

    It was lovely to meet the owners, Simon & Diane, who met us on arrival. They were very friendly, helpful & accommodating. We enjoyed a great week at rainbow cottage, & would recommend it to our friends.

    Reviewed by Kim4.0★Sep 2026

  • "Had a lovely stay in Rainbow Cottage, great layout and ideal for one of us who has limited mobility."

    Diane and Simon were very friendly and helpful. The cottage has everything you need, very well equipped and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

    Reviewed by Catherine5.0★Aug 2026

  • "So happy we found rainbow cottage, it exceeded our expectations in all respects."

    The location being a 5 minute drive to the town was very quiet interrupted only by bird song. Our host while never intruding was there to ensure everything was fine. ( it was ). Would be happy to return any time and thoroughly recommend to any future guests.

    Reviewed by Derek5.0★May 2026

  • "Hosts Diane and Simon are great hosts."

    It was our second visit to Rainbow Cottage, and was every bit as good as our first trip last year.

    Reviewed by Ann5.0★Apr 2026

  • "Rainbow cottage was very spacious and comfortable."

    Reviewed by Philip4.0★Oct 2025

  • "We had a fabulous holiday at Rainbow cottage."

    The hosts, Diane and Simon, made us feel very welcome. The cottage is spacious and comfortable with wonderful views and we were able to take advantage of the sunny outdoor seating areas. The setting is beautifully quiet with dark skies and stars. Our hosts recommended great places to eat and visit - we had a thoroughly enjoyable week.

    Reviewed by Joanna5.0★May 2025

  • "A great cottage in a lovely setting."

    Diane and Simon are wonderful hosts and ensure you have a very comfortable stay, nothing is too much trouble. I would highly recommend Rainbow cottage, great walks for the dog and nice villages to visit in the area. All on one level which is just what we need to accommodate all the family - we will be back!

    Reviewed by Kate5.0★Apr 2025

  • "Spacious, well equipped cottage."

    Ideal for a relaxing break.

    Reviewed by Michael4.0★Oct 2024

  • "We enjoyed a lovely week at Rainbow cottage, location was perfect for us, just a short walk into the village but was peaceful and felt remote, the views across the fields were great."

    Simon and Diane were great hosts, nothing was too much trouble and they were happy to help with suggestions for good local pubs and places to visit. We loved our stay, just wish it had been longer.

    Many thanks for your kind comments. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Emma5.0★Aug 2024

  • "Cottage is very well designed, very spacious, everything there, dog friendly Location is excellent if you want peace and quiet in a rural location."

    Near enough to Kirkby Stephen for all amenities. Good location/base for walks in the area

    Reviewed by Robert5.0★Jul 2024

  • "Property owners very friendly & accommodating."

    Nothing too much trouble & always ready to chat. Very nice people. Property very spacious, well equipped, clean & comfortable.

    Reviewed by Carole5.0★Jun 2024

  • "We had a great week."

    The property was very good, comfortable and clean, and the owner, Simon, was very friendly and welcoming.

    Reviewed by Stephen4.0★May 2024

  • "We had a lovely stay here."

    Everything we could possibly need for a comfortable stay was included. The space in the cottage was amazing...set out with 2 wings so that you can have your own space. Plenty of outdoor seating areas with lovely views. The owners of this property are really lovely kind and welcoming. They make sure you are comfortable and have a wealth of local knowledge. We can't wait to return. Go there...you won't be disappointed!

    Reviewed by Joyce5.0★Apr 2024

  • "Little gem set between Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Pennines, so plenty to do and see."

    We particularly recommend looking for red squirrels playing above the accessible railway path to the Podgill viaduct, or taking the train and having a look at the Ribblehead viaduct followed by tea at the station cafe. The cottage itself is wonderful both inside and out, perfect for our group of 4 people, including one with limited mobility.

    Reviewed by Simon5.0★Mar 2024

  • "Second time staying at Rainbow cottage."

    Lovely peaceful place to go and relax. Plenty of space for everyone. Owners were friendly and helpful. Couple of small issues which were dealt with quickly so can’t fault anything. Will definitely be going back.

    Reviewed by Joanne5.0★Mar 2024

  • "Second time at rainbow cottage this year."

    Absolutely love it. So quiet & peaceful. Simon & Diane are really lovely people. So friendly & welcoming

    So pleased you all enjoyed your stay again. What a bonus to see one of our red squirrels. Very best wishes for the new year. Diane & Simon Property Owner

    Reviewed by Linda5.0★Dec 2023

  • "We had a really lovely time at Rainbow Cottage."

    It is brilliant for accessibility, everything on one level and a walk in shower. It was very comfortable, very clean and has everything you need. It is quiet and relaxing, the perfect get a way if you want to switch off, but just a short drive away from great pubs and lovely walks. There is a great accessible walk from Smardale Gill that takes you to the Viaducts. We had a brilliant time and will be back.

    Reviewed by Susan5.0★Sep 2023

  • "Amazing! The cottage itself is absolutely stunning, very large and felt like home, very well equipped with everything there that you need."

    It was the perfect base for exploring the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. Diane was great before hand keeping in touch to let us know arrival times and directions etc. and when we were there Simon was a fantastic host making sure our stay went perfectly well. An absolutely amazing time had in an amazing place and we will certainly return!

    Reviewed by Mary5.0★Aug 2023

  • "We had a lovely few days at Rainbow cottage."

    The surroundings were beautiful with a choice of 3 seating areas. Inside the cottage was clean, tidy and cosy with all we needed for a comfortable stay. Disabled access was brilliant for people with limited mobility. Close by Kirby Stephen has a variety of shops and restaurants to choose from. Diane and Simon are great people who are happy to help with anything you may need. I would highly recommend this cottage if you are looking for a relaxing break. We are looking forward to coming back for a little longer next time!

    We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us. It was a pleasure to meet you all & look forward to you returning to us. Thank you so much for leaving the cottage so clean & tidy. That was very much appreciated. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Abby5.0★Jun 2023

  • "Excellent cottage in a wonderful location."

    The place was clean, tidy and comfortable. Everything was there and in good order, so you could just enjoy the place and its setting and use it as a base for wider travels across Cumbria and the Lakes - or even into Northumberland. The owners were friendly, easy going people, who were happy to help in any way. It was good to see their small herd of Herefords in the adjoining paddock and to feel part of the farming community.

    Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are pleased that you had an enjoyable stay. We hope to see you again. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Roz5.0★Jun 2023

  • "What a wonderful place this is."

    Diane & Simon were fantastic The cottage was spotless & is stunning. Can't wait to go back for Christmas

    Thank you so much for those kind comments. We look forward to seeing you again at Xmas. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Linda5.0★Feb 2023

Show more Hide all

Summary

  • Single-storey, large property
  • Three bedrooms: 1 super-king, 1 x 2 single beds, 1 king-size with en-suite walk-in shower, basin and WC
  • Bathroom with disabled access, bath, walk-in shower, basin and WC
  • Note: There is ramp access available, wheelchair friendly, suitable for those with limited mobility
  • Kitchen/diner
  • Sitting room with electric fire
  • Geothermal underfloor heating
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher
  • WiFi
  • TV with FreeSat, DVD, CD/radio, library of books and games
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Travel cot and highchair available on request
  • Off-road parking for 4 cars
  • Front lawned garden, plus side terrace with furniture, and rear patio/courtyard with furniture and barbecue
  • One well-behaved dog welcome
  • Please note, as this is a working farm, dogs must be accompanied at all times
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop 1.8 miles, pub 2.4 miles
  • The cottage is 5 miles from Eden Barn Wedding venue
  • Please note: WiFi may be intermittent at times.

The property

Kirkby Stephen 2.4 miles.

Rainbow Cottage is a delightful conversion of the main cow byre of Sykeside Farm in Soulby, resting in the glorious Eden Valley of Cumbria.

A fully working farm boasting far-reaching views across the valley to the Pennines and the Howgill Fells, this substantial cottage offers spacious accommodation for smaller or extended families and groups of up to six people.

Original beams and stained-glass features add character to this charming, well-equipped cottage, whilst its ground-floor level, ramp access and a range of internal features offer ease for those with limited mobility.

The large, fitted kitchen is well-equipped with a host of appliances, whilst dining is also easy around the six-seater table; continue through to the sitting room for a relaxing evening, home to plush seating and an electric fire.

There are three bedrooms at this lovely holiday home offering flexible sleeping arrangements for any family staying, Single-storey.

Three bedrooms: 1 super-king, 1 x 2 single beds, 1 king-size with en-suite walk-in shower, basin and WC.

Bathroom with disabled access, bath, walk-in shower, basin and WC The bedrooms are serviced by a spacious bathroom, with both a bath and a shower.

Outside Rainbow Cottage there are several places to relax and bask in the sunshine, selecting between the front lawn, a side terrace, and a rear courtyard with furniture and a barbecue.

Surrounded by open countryside and boasting views of the river, the cottage is an excellent base for those who enjoy walking, cycling and horse riding, along with scenic vistas across the county.

Just a short journey away is the market town of Kirkby Stephen, which offers shops, restaurants, and pubs, while the Settle-Carlisle Railway, the Howgill Fells, Pennines, and the ruins of Brough and Pendragon castles are all within easy reach.

Also, the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the Durham Dales, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are all within a short drive.

A superb abode, choose Rainbow Cottage.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £350.

Where you’ll be staying

View on map

KIRKBY STEPHEN

Appleby-in-Westmorland 12 miles; Sedbergh 13 miles; Barnard Castle 21 miles; Penrith 22 miles; Reeth 22 miles; Kendal 23 miles; Middleton-in-Teesdale 27 miles; Ullswater Lake 35 miles.

The old market town of Kirkby Stephen lies at the foot of the Howgill Fells in the upper Eden Valley, between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. The traditional market town hosts a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs for every taste and budget. A delightful rural town with a thriving local community and many traditional old dwellings, Kirkby Stephen boasts cobbled old yards, quaint corners and a pretty picnic area where “Frank’s Bridge” crosses the River Eden, while just a mile from the town, the old railway station connects to the magnificent Settle-Carlisle Railway line, a must-do travel experience for everyone. Enjoy many excellent walks and cycle routes nearby, particularly the route of the old Darlington to Tebay train line over two magnificent viaducts, and visit the gothic gorge where the River Eden flows through wooded Stenkrith park. Explore the wonderful Howgill Fells or visit the majestic Pendragon Castle and Brough Castle. A superb location with the whole of the mystical Lake District National Park, the stunning Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines AONB at your fingertips.

View more holiday cottages in Kirkby Stephen

Please note: WiFi may be intermittent at times.

Flexible cancellation terms

If you cancel before midnight , get all of your money back:

  • Rent
  • Extras
  • Fees

excluding the Flexible Cancellation fee and any insurance premium.

There are a small number of circumstances where you can’t use Flexible Cancellation. See the Flexible Cancellation Terms that apply.

How we calculate the "Was" price

Our 'Was' price shows the average price for this property over the last 90 days, so you can see how today's price compares.