Cumbria is one the biggest tourist areas in the UK.

Filled with stunning settings, historic hotels and rural farms, there are many unconventional places to stay for visitors.

We took a look at five of the quirkiest places to stay in Cumbria. 

Augill Castle - Kirkby Stephen

The Mail: Augill Castle

Located in between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, the beautiful and tranquil Augill Castle is both a hotel and a restaurant. 

Surrounded by the dramatic backdrop of the north Pennines, it is nestled between ten acres of private grounds, where the owners raise sheep and cattle, and offer 12 individually-styled letting bedrooms, alongside a five bedroom owners’ cottage.

The Victorian gentleman's residence is no ordinary stay with huge bathrooms, beautiful beds, top quality linen and big fluffy towels. 

Ravenglass Eskdale Railway Pullman Coaches - Ravenglass

The Mail:

Built in 1917 as part of a World War One Ambulance Train, guests can stay in a restored luxury Pullman railway coach. Elmira and Maid of Kent are the UK’s oldest railway camping coaches still in their original location.

The coaches sleep four to six guests in one double room and one zip linked twin room. A 'bed in a box' is available in the lounge area and there is also room for travel cot in the master bedroom.

Troutbeck Bathay - Windermere

Troutbeck Bathay is the ultimate in back-to-basics. The self-catering Lake District Bothy sleeps four adults in an amazing landscape with no light pollution.

Inside is an inviting log burning stove set in the centre of the single room accommodation. As there is no mains electricity, light is mainly by candle light which just enhances the ambiance of the building.

There is a small solar panel which can provide enough power to charge a mobile phone or i-pad and some interior lighting. Water is sourced from water butts and cooking is by Gaz camping stoves, which are also used to heat water for washing. 

Remember to bring sleeping bags as there is no bedding. Troutbeck Bathay is basically camping without canvas.

Safari Tents at Hill of Oaks, Windermere

The Mail: RATED: The farm shop and bistro at Hill Of Oaks Caravan Park

If you fancy a more luxurious stay, these pods alongside the shores of lake Windermere or nestled away in ancient woodland. Glamping here offers a range of facilities plus dog friendly options and fantastic views.

On-site facilities include a shop and cafe, children's play area, dog park, and laundry. Wi-Fi is available through the park.

Thornthwaite Farm - Broughton-In-Furness

This traditional Lakeland family run farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley - which is known as one of the “Three Jewels of Lakeland” immortalised by Wordsworth.

Established in 1968, there are four self-catering holiday cottages that sleep between two and six people, including the four star Gold Award barn conversion and two hand crafted Log Cabins all with stunning views.