Enjoy a family break in the artistic surroundings of Nelson Barn

There’s plenty to do in Cumbria’s Eden Valley, but you’ll have to drag yourself away from Nelson Barn first. The Grade II listed building caters for nine and is notable for its quirky décor.

In the Carriage Room, you’ll find handmade bunk beds, while the Children’s Room is decorated with original artwork. All rooms have posturepedic mattresses, but don’t expect to do much lying around - there’s too much to do: outside the kids can get mucky in an enormous sandpit, let loose on the playhouse or climb some logs.

For more grown-up pursuits, there’s a footpath at the bottom of the garden, where the keen-eyed can spot hawks, owls, hares and deer, as well as the famous Kirkby Stephen parrots.