Netherby Hall, near Carlisle, has been named a finalist in the self-catering accommodation category in this year’s Cumbria Tourism Awards.

The Grade II* listed mansion at Longtown is home to nine luxury self-catering apartments and cottages located in the gardens and grounds of the 36-acre private estate. It runs a range of initiatives, such as producing its own gin and offering experience breaks that include horse-drawn carriage rides to the nearby Michelin-starred Pentonbridge Inn.

Experience breaks include carriage rides through its grounds.

Kim Capstick, who is the Operations Director at Netherby Hall, said, “We are absolutely delighted to be named a finalist for this award.

“Our guests really love the fact that Netherby Hall is such a unique place which offers a real retreat from everyday life. Providing a brilliant experience for our guests is our top priority, and we are always looking for ways in which we can enhance their stay with us, such as the experience breaks, which have proved really popular.

“Our ultimate aim is to make sure that our guests have a truly memorable time with us.”

Following a successful launch in 2023, the team are running the experience break packages for a second year on selected dates this summer. The create-your-own-break initiative includes private tours of the historic house and gardens, gardening masterclasses, and horse-drawn carriage rides around the grounds and to Pentonbridge Inn.

Inside one of the self-catering apartments.

Since buying Netherby Hall in 2014, owners Gerald and Margo Smith have overseen a multi-million-pound renovation project, sensitively restoring the house and its walled garden, as well as transforming Hall’s former outbuildings into luxury self-catering accommodation.

The couple also own and operate Pentonbridge Inn, for which the walled garden at Netherby Hall supplies seasonal fruit and vegetables. Botanicals from the garden are also used in Netherby Hall’s own gin, which is distilled on-site.

The Cumbria Tourism Awards celebrate and recognise exceptional quality across the county’s tourism businesses. The 16 categories reflect the industry’s diverse nature, from accommodation to experiences, food and drink to products, and ethical, responsible, and sustainable tourism.

The winners will be announced at a black-tie event on Tuesday, July 2, at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal. Eligible winners in many of the categories will automatically be entered into the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025.

The restored stableyard at Netherby Hall is home to luxury self-catering cottages and apartments.