Bluecaster Side is a rural delight. The period country cottage is only 10 minutes from Sedbergh in a peaceful location with far-reaching views towards the Howgill Falls and Cautley Spout. There is space for up to eight guests to sleep in four well-appointed bedrooms, and the layout is ideal for families and friends sharing a self-catering cottage holiday in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Even the drive to get groceries is a treat at Bluecaster Side. The road between the cottage and Sedbergh passes through the breathtaking Lune Valley and showcases the beauty of the Howgills. Sedbergh is no slouch in the beauty arena either, with its lovely stone shops and cafes - most of which are independently owned and run by locals who are justifiably proud of their community. Sedbergh is England's only book town with many shops and cafes carrying a range of books covering every topic, a free book exchange site in an old bus shelter, and a former theatre converted into an enormous bookshop with around 70,000 titles to browse.

One of the greatest pleasures of staying at Bluecaster Side is seen not in the day, but once the sun sets when the lack of light pollution reveals the night sky in all of its glory. The views during the day are impressive whether you explore on foot, in the car or on a bicycle. Even the lowest mood lifts with a walk up Winder or through Akay Woods. The long-distances Dales Way footpath passes close by on its way between Ilkey and Bowness-on-Windermere, while the Dales High Way goes from Saltaire and Appleby, passing through Sedbergh, Settle and Skipton. A shorter trail goes from Sedbergh to Dent Station - England's highest mainline train station - via Aye Gill Pike.

Mountain bikers know Sedbergh as the home of the challenging Bowerdale loop and the Pennine Bridleway, while road cyclists can access miles of winding Tarmac heaven. Golfing and fishing are two more fun activities to enjoy during a stay at Bluecaster Side, and it's possible to canoe and sail on nearby Killington Lake.

Day trips can include exploring Dent and the beautiful Dentdale Valley, pottering around Kirkby Stephen and Kirky Lonsdale, or even a visit the Kendal and the southern area of the Lake District National Park which starts only a few miles from the cottage. Local attractions include Sizergh Castle, Wensleydale Cheese factory and the Settle to Carlisle Railway. There is a wealth of friendly villages and historic towns with tea shops, local markets and independent shops, so it doesn't matter what direction you choose to head towards, your day will be full of fantastic views, fun activities and good food.